~*Fern's Hide out*~


Dean arrives at the new hideout and kneels down so Chris could get off. “That was fun, wouldn't you say, Chris,” Dean said to Chris as the others showed up.

"Wahoo! That was awesome!" Chris stated jumping down.

"Glad to see you two getting along so well," Fern remarked as she stepped down from the front car and promptly turned to reprimand the werecat who was the passanger. "I told you not to touch that!" She swatted his hand away from the mangled cage behind him. "No one is to touch it until Mark gets here! He's the only one I trust to carry it."

It wasn't to long before the last car came. "Hope you weren't waiting long." Mark said as he got out.

“So am I, he's i don't know like a son to me,” Dean said shifting to his human form and stood beside Chris. “I see a lot of myself in him.”

Fern raised an eyebrow at Dean, not sure if she liked this new development.

"Not long at all, your ringleader's just throwing another hissy-fit~" Aspen giggled to Mark, tweaking his ear playfully. "Something about that old scrap heap in the backseat."

"It isn't a scrap heap." Mark whispered to Aspen.

"Don't tell me you're going to treat that thing like it's an idol, too!" Aspen's rasp raised in pitch. "I've seen her talk to that thing!" At the sound of Fern's growl, the ghost turned to address her. "Seriously, what's with that? It's not like that hunk of metal's gonna talk back."

“Aspen enough. I still have that job I need you to do remember,” Dean said as his eyes narrowed, looking right at Aspen.

"Why should I?" Aspen pouted.

"Because," Fern began, having regained her composure, "you are on loan, are you not? Why else would you still be here and perfectly visible?" Her eyes flashed. "I might not be able to touch you, but I wonder how her immaculateness would react to knowing that her little errand girl disobeyed orders?"

The ghost went from a translucent grey, to pale white. "Fine." She was gone in an instant.

A few vans & cars drove up. "Looks like Luki's here." Mark said carrying the cage.

"Perfect~" Fern cooed, obviously in a better mood now that a certain specter was gone. "Just put that in the front hall, Mark. I'll decide where I want it later. I haven't even chosen my room, yet!" Fern called back to her brother as she approached Luki's car.

Luki stepped out with the grace he put into everything. "Not bad,quite big." He stated looking over the building.

"Which makes it perfect for our purposes." Fern chimed in.

Dean forms a dagger out of black flames and starts to spin it between his fingers. “Chris this is the perfect time to practice that move I demonstrated.” Dean said.

"Please dont blow the place up." Luki asked.

"I wont." Chris stated making a flame at the end of his finger.

Dean smirks and walks out into a open area in front of the hideout. “It's easy to hit a non-moving target, Chris, but can you hit a moving target,” Dean said as he removed his jacket. “I want you to try to knock me off my feet before I make over there to you.”

"Wah? What if I hit you?!" Chris said the flame at the end of his fingure started moving quicker.

“I`ll be ok, Chris. I`ve taken a full-powered hit from my brother`s flame gun before and only had scratches on my arms,” Dean said as he started running towards Chris.

Chris was trying but missing quit alot Dean easly got to him.

Dean reaches Chris as he was hit and pushed back a little. “That was good, Chris. You need to aim a little in front of your target and lead them into the blast,” Dean said to Chris as a tiny bit of smoke rises from his arm.

"Uh okay." Chris replied still a bit scared.

"You did marvelous for a first time, Chris." Fern came up from behind and draped her arms over the shorter teen's shoulders in a loose embrace. "Why don't you go ahead and pick out a room? Dean and I will catch up with you in a bit."

"Okay" Chris said heading away.

"Something about that kid..." Luki murmured before turning to them. "Good show."

"Putting on a show is what I do best." Fern smirked at Luki. "So, about the housing arrangements... The place is more than big enough, but I have mixed species, ages and genders with me. Some may be more comfortable with seperate hallways."

"The same goes for mine." Luki with a smile. "We should give this place a better look before planning anything out though."

"Agreed." Fern signaled to her people to put off unpacking for now.

“I agree too. Where should we start looking at,” Dean said as he put his jacket back on.

"The ground floor? From what I understand it has a library, meeting room, and bar." Fern grimaced a little. "Of course, once Aspen mentioned that last part, I had to make Graham pull over and switch to the passanger seat since he probably would have run you over just to get here..."

"Hehe sounds like a interesting guy. I'll go to the second floor. I think there might be a third floor though." Luki said looking up the stairs.

Fern raised an eyebrow at Luki's plan. Did it not make more sense to go together? He probably had a reason...

Luki stood for a bit before turning around with his usual smile. "Quite right, I suppose it would also give us a chance to learn about each other."

“Guess I`ll start off then. I was born a werewolf along with my twin brother and sister. I got my family killed except for my brother and sister,” Dean said before making a fist. “Now what I`m about to tell the 2 of you happened back in 2005, when I was 14.”

"2005? Of the old calander?" Fern glanced at Dean. "That was a long time ago..."

Luki looked Dean over curiously. "Hmmm all ears on you." He said still looking him over.

“I, along with my brother, was taken by the government of that time to a place called the Ward. It was at that time the foolish humans there injected me with vampire blood and turned me into a hybrid. I spent 7 years in that place getting tested on,” Dean said to Fern and Luki. “My brother went through the same thing and escaped when we turned 24 in 2012. I escaped a few days afterwards when I gained the ability to shift to the nine-tailed fox and hunted my brother down for 4 months.”

"Naturally." Fern remarked. "He abandoned you, after all."

"Hmm I see." Luki replied nodding.

“So I finally find him living in the underworld and we have at it, giving each other everything we had,” Dean said with a frown. “Until we both shot the same attack and opened a vortex to limbo, and the rest you already know.”

"Hmmm. It's odd that a goody-goody would leave you behind..." Luki began. "Then again a lot of them are actually cowards."

“And that's why I plan on takeing him and the human government out, with your help of course,” Dean said with a smirk.

"Of course." Fern replied with a gentle smile before her lips set in a tight line and her face went red. "GRAHAM! How many times do I have to tell you to stay out of my suitcase?!" Then her face went white. "PUT THAT BACK!!!" Before Fern's companions could even register it, one bright yellow kitten heel went from on her foot, to in her hand, to colliding with a certain werecat's forehead.

"Sorry Ma'am...I've never seen you wear these frilly things before." He said beginning to reach for something.

With a snarl, Fern let loose the other shoe, this time clocking him right in the mouth.

"Now, now, it is very dishonorable to go through a Lady's suitcase." Luki said putting his foot up so the the suitcase wouldn't fall open. I do wander what those "frilly things" are though...maybe my foot should slip, he thought.

“Yo, Kitten. I`d stop if you wanted to live,” Dean said holding a black fireball and smiling evilly.

Graham spit out the heel and walk over to Dean. "Wow now that is a nifty trick." He replied looking over the flame.

Fern chose this moment to go and reseal her luggage, picking up her shoes and putting them back on while she was at it. It was obvious she had already calmed down and did not take Graham's curiosity to be as dangerous or offensive as Aspen's.

“Trust me, I`ve got good aim when throwing fireballs. So don`t let me catch you going through anyone things again,” Dean said as the fireball dissappeared. “Or you`ll have some singed fur, got it.”

"That won't mean anything, you know." Fern remarked as she put on her second kitten heel. "I once shaved that stupid cat. Privacy remains a foreign concept to him." She shrugged. "But he's been with me for ten years, now. Aside from Mark, he's my most trusted. With secrets, that is. Anything material, not so much."

"My lady your going to hurt my feelings." Graham replied.

"Hehe quite a interesting group you have." Luki stated.

"The government has a plethora of skills, strengths and weaknesses at their disposal." Fern replied. "A well-rounded army is an effective one." She turned to Graham. "Why don't you go tend to your own luggage for once?"

"I already did ma'am.....and your luggage simply was calling to me."

“He`ll learn one day, one way or another,” Dean said to Fern. “Just keep him away from my sword and I won`t haveva problem with him.”

Fern gave Graham a tired look before whispering to Dean. "Try not to say such things in front of him. He might take it as a challenge."

“I`ll remember that,” Dean said to Fern.

"We should get back to looking around." Luki stated heading for a door.

"Nova has a taste for the dramatic, perhaps there is a hidden passage or two..." Fern said as she followed Luki before turning to Graham. "If so, then perhaps we can put your curiosity to good use."

"Sounds fun I'll be looking Ma'am." Graham replied with a big smile.

Dean nods and follows Fern, Luki and Graham.

"We're going to explore a little, make sure nothing blows up." Fern informs Mark as they pass him in the hall.

Dean walks up to a door and opens it before looking at the others. “Ya`ll comming or not,” Dean said as he walked into a library.

---

Dean steps outside and looks at the open field. "So are the both of you up for a little armed combat training." Dean asked as he removed his jacket.

"I like the sword better..." Haniko replied.

"I'm up for it!" Chris answered.


"Alright swords it is then," Dean said as he drew his katana and made another one out of fire in his other hand. "Chris go ahead and form your sword like I showed you."

Chris as he made his blade.

Haniko shifted her legs and feet as her eyes narrowed a bit. "Ready when you are!"

"Let's begin then," Dean said as he started to move around and watching Haniko's and Chris's movements.

Haniko stood her ground as she watched Dean.

Chris smiled as he moved so either he or Haniko would be behind Dean.

Dean smiled as he moved fast enough to leave a slight afterimage and appeared beside Haniko. "I'm over here." Dean said as he brought his sword down for a strike.

Haniko brought her body down and as she moved to his side, then brought her sword up towards Dean's stomach. "Hehe."

"That's good Haniko. You read my moves perfectly," Dean said as he jumped back a bit. "The only other person to do that is my twin brother Will."

Haniko smiled a bit as Chris's voice came from behind Dean. "Woo I thought she might of had ya there!"

"I'll just have to be more careful then," Dean said as he turned so that Chris and Haniko was on either side of him.

Chris was coming for side slice just as Haniko was going for a back slice.

Dean quickly moves creating a afterimage as the attacks barely misses him. "That was good nice teamwork," Dean said as he caught his breath. "But your going to have to be quicker to catch me off guard."

"Okay," they both replied as Haniko charged him moving at the last second so Chris could strike instead.

"My, my, you are rather effective in battle~" Drake smiled from the sidelines.

Chris instently fall on his face as the sward dissapeared when he hard Drake.

"HAHAHA!! Nice wipeout!" Haniko laughed.

"Poor little mouse~ Are you injured?" Drake cocked his head in a manner that would have been "cute" had it not been for his permanent bone-chilling aura and general appearance.

Chris jumped to his feet. "I'm fine." He quickly replied as his nose started bleeding. "Ack! Umm I'll be okay..just a nose bleed."

Dean shot Drake a bone chilling glare as black flames started to rise from around him. "Chris are you ok?" Dean asked Chris as he continued to look at Drake.

"Doesn't look broken from here..." Drake remarked, unfazed by Dean's glare, but mindfull of his "request".

"Yeah I'm okay." Chris replied.

"You look cool." Haniko said to Drake as she started walking towards him.

Drake glanced at Haniko. "You look small."

"That's good to hear," Dean said as he put his sword away and quickly formed a flame gun and fired at a rock on the far side of the field.

Chris started making his flame gun so he could practice too.

"I am small....Your tongue is odd." Haniko replied.

Drake just smiled in response...then stuck his tongue out and made the two halves move individual to create a strange flickering motion.

Haniko giggled and started clapping. While Chris looked over almost horrified.

Dean took a deep breath as he angled his flame gun and fired several blasts into the air and watched them rain down on the other side of the field.

Drake grinned at Haniko's response. "Small thing like yourself, carrying a sword like that~ You're stronger than you look, aren't you?"

"I suppose...but I am a vampire so it really isn't that supprising....I was told that humans were boring...but you're rather interesting." Haniko replied.

Dean keeps firing his flame gun until the last of the black flames that was around him had vanished and he drops to one knee breathing heavily.

"I'm glad you think so~" Drake smiled at Haniko before turning towards Dean. "Everything ok, over there?"

"I'm fine," Dean said as he tried to stand only to collapse and pass out.

"Yeah...perfactly fine."Chris as he picked up Dean."I'll take care of em."

He over did it.....but why..was he mad? What is he mad about? Hmm people are....so odd. Haniko thought as she was Dean get carried away. "I should go with them..It was nice talking to you though."

"Of course." Drake gave the girl a slight bow.

---

Dean stayed asleep for a few hours before being awoken by an old memory/dream. Deciding not to wake Karin, Dean made his way outside to practice with his sword.

"How long have I been out here practicing," Dean said as he noticed Chris, Haniko, Darryl, and Karin watching him. "Any one heard from Aspen yet?"

"I'm not sure." Karin said.

"You've been practicing for hours and No we haven't yet." Haniko replied.

"My, my. Somebody's impatient~" Came a familiar rasp.

"If you say so Aspen. So did he accept my offer or not," Dean said as he put away his sword.

"He wanted to..." Aspen's disembodied voice rasped. "But like all good little mutts, he followed Master's Orders instead."

"That sounds like something he would do. Do you know where he is now?" Dean asked Aspen.

"Meh. He's in the underworld looking for some brat's parents with him and some stowaway." Aspen's voice sounded bored.

"Thank you Aspen for the info." Dean said to Aspen before turning to the rest of his group. "Chris, Haniko, get what ever you will need for a trip to the underworld together now. Darryl, I need you to go ahead and open a gate to the underworld and make it as close to the urban area as possible." Dean sighs before looking at Karin. "Are you ready to meet Will, Karin?" Dean asked Karin.

Chris and Haniko nodded and took off.

"Yes, I'm ready." Karin said with a nod.

"Ok let's do this then. I feel like Will could use the help for some reason." Dean said as Chris and Haniko showed back up. "Alright, let's head through the gate and I'll tell every one the plan on the other side, Darryl is the gate ready?"

"Yep!... But aren't we going there to fight your brother?" Darryl asked as began to go into the gate.

"I'll more than likely end up fighting him but I feel the need to help him for some reason and he needs to meet Karin." Dean said as he stepped through the gate.

Karin followed Dean and Darryl into the gate.

---

"Haniko, Darryl you two can show them around a bit. I need to talk to miss, Fern." Blaine said (which didn't seem to make Darryl happy) as he headed into the building that they just popped up in front of.

"Who's Miss Fern?" Seth asked.

"She runs the place with Luki, and Lady Nova." Haniko explained as she lead the way.

"So is she your boss then?" Seth asked as he followed Haniko while still holding Loshya's hand.

"But of course... I asked her to be." Haniko replied. "Over through those doors, is the kitchen."

Seth nodded as he looked at the doors Haniko gestured to, "Why'd you ask her to?"

Haniko looked down for a bit. "Well... By joining her. I'm closer to my goal then I've ever been before."

"What goal is that?" Seth asked.

"Get my little brother back from the government and kill the people who took him there." Haniko replied. "Over there is the infirmary."

"Those are some pretty heavy goals for a child." Loshya said looking at Haniko.

"Why'd they take your little brother?" Seth asked curiously.

"They take anything that's powerful... And it didn't help that my dumb brother ran away." Haniko replied.

"Why'd he run away?" Seth asked.

"He and my father never got along..." Haniko said.

"Oh, I can relate to that." Seth said.

"What did you do about it?" Haniko asked looking up at Seth.

"I killed my father... And my mother." Seth said.

Loshya nodged Seth as if to say "Dont tell a child that!"

"Hahaha Yuki's too much of a coward to do that!" Haniko laughed.

"Sorry, but she asked." Seth said.

Loshya sighed and went back to holding his hand.

"Are you two a couple?" Haniko asked noticing them holding hands.

Seth blushed slightly, "Wh-Why do you ask?"

"You're holding hands... Your behavior, and instead of saying no you just asked "Why do you ask", But I could be wrong." Haniko replied then pointed at the bag with Loshya carried. "And the book that sticking out."

Seth blushed as he grabbed the bag from Loshya and pushed the book back in, "I-It's nothing."

"Prahahahaha! You two are funny!" Haniko said for the first time she actually sounded her age.

"Wh-Why are we funny?" Seth asked.

"Because... You say and do funny things... Oh there's Miss Fern!" Haniko said looking up the stairs at a well dressed blonde woman.

Fern walked down the stairs with Blaine and smiled at Seth and Loshya. "Well, it seems we have some new faces~"

"Uh... Yeah." Seth said still a bit embarrassed by what Haniko had said.

"Yes, I'm Loshya and the man with me is Seth." Loshya replied kindly. 'This is probably just pretend kindness...'

"My name is Fern." Fern smiled at the couple. "Might I ask how you two came to meet my associates?"

"Loshya wanted to show me the opera house, your 'associates' were in there arguing." Seth said.

"They were?" Fern turned to Blaine and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh... Did I say something I shouldn't have?" Seth asked.

Blaine shot Darryl a quick "idiot" look before replying. "It was being very childish and foolish... I was simply scolding him."

"I was not! I'll tell my side of the story at a more appropriate time." Darryl said crossing it's arms.

"We will definitely be discussing this, later." Fern agreed, shooting a glare at Darryl, then turning it to Blaine. "But for now," she turned to Seth and Loshya, "have you two chosen your rooms, yet? If you wish to stay, of course..."

Seth gave Loshya a 'what do you think' look.

Loshya thought for a bit. "I've got nothing to lose... But I don't see much to gain either."

"Then take some time and think it over~" Fern smiled warmly at them. "You're welcome to stay as long as you like."

Seth opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it immediately after thinking about what he was going to say.

Loshya gave a slight bow. "Thank you very much, for your hospitality."

Haniko was trying to hide her excitment as she looked between Seth, Loshya and Fern.

"Something you wish to say?" Fern asked Haniko.

Seth hissed when Elden nudged his leg, "What?"

Elden whined slightly as he nudged Seth's leg again and put his paws on his leg.

Haniko noticed Elden and started petting him. "I just hope Mr. Seth and Miss Loshya stay... That is all."

"Of course you do, Haniko, dear." Fern replied. "But it's their choice. All we can do at this point is be hospitable. Now, would you mind showing them where the unclaimed rooms are and finishing the tour?"

Elden licked Haniko's hand and wagged his tail.

Seth sighed and rolled his eyes at Elden.

"Of course miss Fern." Haniko replied happily as she stood up.

Darryl walked up the stairs to meet up with Fern and Blaine.

Seth watched them go, he looked at Elden as he began to whine again and decided to pick him up as soon as he did Elden fell asleep in his arms.

Once Haniko and the new recruits were gone, Fern turned to the two Grecos with a glare ten times as cold as Darryl's ice. "Explain."

"Well I noticed Darryl's portal so I went in to find him fighting Dean, Karin, Chris and some other kid, and there where two more people coming--" Blaine started when Darryl interrupted.

"You don't have to go back that far! And besides I could have dealt with it."

"If this is what started the argument, it is relative." Fern said to Darryl in a blank tone before turning to Blaine. "And then?"

"He made his ice dome and I took as the perfect momment to get him, Haniko and myself out of there. I closed the gate as soon as we where on earth, and that's when Darryl tried to open another gate so he could go back to fighting a useless battle. Which I then started to lecture him on." Blaine stated.

Fern turned to Darryl and raised an eyebrow at the water Greco. "You tried to go back and fight a battle that you were at a considerable disadvantage in without consulting me first?"

Darryl looked down. "Bu...But with Blaine and Haniko....It would have been pretty easy.."

"Blaine said that two more were coming. Did you even know if there were more? Did it even cross your mind? I already told Graham this morning, but it looks like I'll be repeating myself." Fern hissed. "You and your brothers are no good to me dead. And charging headfirst into a battle where you don't know how many people you're fighting or what they're capable of will get you killed, Darryl."

"I...I'm sorry, Fern." Darryl said keeping his head down.

Fern turned back to Blaine. "And that's when they saw you?"

"Yes....*sigh* Darryl just needs more training...Please forgive our..Foolishness." Blaine replied trying to defend Darryl.

"Foolishness is the word for it. But it seems like you and Haniko had the least of it, today. Had I known that Darryl was who Dean selected to guide him, or where they ended up going, I would have stopped his little fieldtrip right away." Fern turned back to Darryl. "And Chris is with him?"

"Yes." Darryl replied.

Fern exhaled slowly. "Next time, double-check with me before going anywhere--especially somewhere that requires a portal to get to. Aside from that, good job with the ice dome. At least you two aren't injured and we still have Haniko." She addressed Blaine. "If more training is needed, then make sure Darryl gets it."

Blaine nodded. "Of course. Do you need anything else?"

A rather frightening gleam entered Fern's eyes. "Just a little chat with Graham."

Blaine looked a bit uneasy and was about to respond when his face turned to a mix of fear and worry. "Gr...Graham..what are you doing?"

"Cleaning...but didn't you call?" Graham replied his hair was tied in a short ponytail and he was wearing a apron over a butler outfit.

Fern faced Graham with a less than amused expression. "The outfit is new. Lose a bet?"

"Kinda...it was this or a maid outfit." Graham replied with a smile.

"...Like we need a cross-dressing werecat." Fern said with a blank tone. "Correct me if I'm wrong, kitty, but I believe I sent Dean to you to consult on who to bring along as a guide on his little trip to District Twelve."

"Yes, and I recommended one of the Grecos." Graham replied.

"Which one?" Fern hissed.

"Well I first recommended Blaine...But after learning he was injured...and seeing how Blaze was drunk and Desmond was looking into secret passages still..I said Darryl." Graham stated.

"You do realize that we have more people that--" Fern's eyes widened and she turned to Blaine. "Injured?"

"Oh it's nothing big.." Blaine replied.

"Nothing big! You had icicles sticking out of your arm." Graham stated.

"What?! When did this happen?" Fern asked.

"Yesterday.." Blaine replied.

Fern turned to Graham. "Does nobody tell me anything anymore? Or is this not a new thing?"

"Blaine asked me not to mention it.." Graham replied his ears fall.

"Why would you not mention it?" Fern hissed. "I need to know these things!" She turned to Blaine. "And why would you not want me to know?!"

"It was my fualt!....He..was just trying to..make sure I didn't get in trouble." Darryl admitted.

Fern's eyes softened at Darryl's admission and she turned to Graham. "I need to know when these things happen. No more keeping secrets from me."

"Yes Ma'am." Graham replied his ears raised and gave his happy flick.

"And that goes for you and your brothers, too." Fern said to the present Grecos.

"Understood." The two Grecos replied.

"What's going on?" Desmond asked as he came down the stairs.

"I'm learning just how little I know about what's going on with my own people." Fern said.

Desmond's smile faded and he glanced at his brothers. "What did they do?"

"Nothing." Fern smiled tiredly to herself as she started moving past him to go back up the stairs. "I guess I just haven't been attentive enough, lately..."

---

"Here you are." Edgar said letting go of both of them before vanishing.

"OH JEEZ!" Todd said as he stumbled slightly.

Celest placed a hand behind him just incase he did fall. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just a little off balance." Todd said standing up straight.

"GRAHAM GET BACK HERE WITH MY FISH!!" A cook yelled running out of the kitchen and quickly looking up at the second floor railing where a white cat sat eating a huge fish.

Todd blinked, "Does this happen a lot?" He asked looking from Graham to Celest.

"That Cat is rather clever and always getting into a jam =___=" Celest replied.

"Oh don't be like that miss Witch!" Graham pouted shifting to his human form as he jumped down in front of Todd. "I don't believe I've met you?"

"You haven't, I went into an opera house to get out of the rain and ended up being 'Miss witch's' body guard." Todd said looking at Graham as his tail flicked slightly.

"I see, well as you've probably guessed I'm Graham! Or kitty!" Graham said with a wink and smile as his tail swooshed happily.

"I'm Todd." Todd said with a nod and an attempt at a smile.

"Hmm... Your smile isn't true..." Graham said as his ears lowered, right before shooting back up. "I know! Follow me please!"

"Follow you? Where are you going?" Todd asked curiously.

"To my haven!" Graham replied as he stopped on the bottom step.

"To your haven?" Todd repeated as he looked over at Celest as if to ask permission to go with Graham.

Celest nodded before speaking to Graham. "Don't even think about getting him drunk kitten."

"Awww~ you know me so well! hehe I'll give him a drink or two then... But no more then that. ;)" Graham said before looking to Todd to see if he was alright with that.

"That's fine with me." Todd said with a nod.

"YAY!" Graham quickly took his hand and lead the way to the bar.

Todd tensed up a bit when Graham grabbed his hand, but he followed him to the bar anyways.

---

Rhett:

---

"Rhett! Nice of you to join the party." Lilly said coming down the stairs.

"Wouldn't be a party without me." Rhett responded.

"I dont know we seemed to have been doing a pretty good job..haha so that's Mark over there." Lilly motioned with her eyes over to guy who was lectering to a vampire about cutting down on his booze. "He's the other boss's brother."

"Ah~ Family business?" Rhett asked, inspecting the werewolf out of the corner of his eye.

Marks eyes meet with Rhetts for a momment before they went back to the other vampire. "Yes...he has the muscle...Oh and the Kid that just ran into the kitchen is Chris." Lilly replied.

Rhett raised an eyebrow at Lilly. "Is he important?"

"Not really..but he is being trained by a hybrid." Lilly replied.

"Hybrid?" Rhett echoed. "How so?"

"Wherewolf, vampire, & fox-demon I think that makes it a pretty nice hybrid." Lilly replied with a smirk.

"Sounds powerful." A crooked grin stretched across Rhett's face.

"Hmm yes." Lilly replied Rhett could tell she was annoyed that the someone beside her was being thought of as "powerful".

"Not to worry, Lil." Rhett's grin shrinked down to an equally crooked smirk as he gave her a minute bow. "If worst comes to worst, I'll slice him open, myself."

"Heehe you're to kind...I beleive master is busy catching up on his sleep so you'll have to wait to say hello." Lilly replied.

Rhett shrugged. "Not surprised."

"Sure let's go and introduce ourselves," Dean said as they walked out into the front hall. "Did someone metion a hybrid by any chance?"

Rhett gave Dean a crooked grin. "I take that's you?"

"Wait...Haniko?" Lilly said not bothering to greet Dean.

"That would be me. The name is Dean Blackfire," Dean said introducing himself.

"Rhett." Rhett nodded to Dean before raising an eyebrow at Lilly.

"Oh..um...nope dont know you." Haniko said. "I'm Emily Blansin."

"Hmm....who are your parents..Emily?" Lilly asked.

Dean looks at Haniko then at Lilly. "I take it that you know her." Dean said to Lilly.

"Yes...but she ran away a few years ago..I think it was about four years ago." Lilly replied as Haniko's eyes narrowed a bit.

"Easy Haniko, I'm not going to let anything happen to you ok," Dean said as he put a hand on Haniko's shoulder.

"Ah~ Then you must be the missing princess I've heard so much about." Rhett gave Haniko a crooked smirk.

"Umm, I was looking for the lost prince...And I would be quite greatful if my father dosen't find out about me being here yet." Haniko replied.

Rhett shrugged. "Not my place to report it if he doesn't ask. Can't say much for Lil, though."

"*Sigh* Since your working for Fern...Or our other boss...I won't say anything unless he asks." Lilly replied but she cearly wasn't going to go out of her way to hide Haniko either.

Dean sees Chris running out of the kitchen. "Yo Chris who are you running from," Dean asked as he walked up to him.

Once Chris heard Dean he made a bee-line to hide behind him. "D..D..Drake..he is th..the healer O.O."

Rhett raised an eyebrow. "A healer made you run like that? What, is he one of those types that wants to amputate a stubbed toe?"

"I guess I need to have a talk with him then," Dean said to Chris. "Haniko can you take Chris and wait for me outside please? I need to speak to the Drake guy."

Chris grabbed Dean's sleeve. "DON'T HE IS A CREEP!! And he..he'll..touch you too." Chris shrank after saying that.

"e_o Touch you?" Rhett echoed. "What do you mean by that?"

"He rubbed...my leg.." Chris replied.

"I'll be ok Chris besides if he tries anything I'll just clock him one good time," Dean said as he started for the kitchen. "If I'm not back in five minutes then you can worry."

"If you not back in five minutes I'll get you out of there." Haniko replied.

"The healer rubbed your leg?" Rhett blinked, obviously confused. "Why? Was there an ointment or something?"

"No. My ANKLE was injured....but he said I had a healthy leg an..and started ru..rubbing it." Chris replied and twitched as if he could feel it all over again.

"...That's a little creepy." Rhett replied.

Dean shifts back to his human form as he walks back to Chris and Haniko. "Chris you won't have to worry about Drake bothering you again unless you have a injury that I can't take care of myself, ok?" Dean said to Chris.

"What did you do to him?" Haniko asked.

"I just had a friendly chat with him that's all." Dean said to Haniko. "Besides if he knows what's good for him he'll leave us alone."

"Hmmm did he touch you too?" Haniko asked.

"Didn't give him a chance to otherwise you would've seen him coming out of the kitchen on his back." Dean said with a smirk.

"Please dont do that....he is good at his job." Mark said coming up.

"Is it normal for your healer to be rubbing people?" Rhett asked.

"*sigh* Who got their leg rubbed?" Mark asked clearly not wanting to deal with this.

"If he touches me I can't promise I won't hit him, and it was Chris who got his leg rubbed," Dean said to Mark.

"If I remember correctly, the healer's a masochist." Giggled a familiar rasp. "Hitting will only encourage him~"

"Yes he is." Mark replied. "*sigh* I guess I have to go talk to him."

"You can if you want to." Dean said as he started to walk to the front door. "Haniko, Chris are you coming along?"

Once the others had left, Rhett turned back to Lilly. "Well, it seems like this should be an interesting little adventure... Why is this 'other boss' so important again?"

"Does the Blood Games ring any bells?" Lilly replied with a slight smile(which are rare for her).

Rhett pursed his lips in concentration. "...Only faint ones. Something about a big blow-up about three years ago?"

"Most people know of the blow-up, and very few know the amount of time it went on before the Blow-up....It's hard enough to gather people to fight one another, without anyone noticing...but to do it for several years takes alot of skill." Lilly said.

Rhett gave a thoughtful hum. "So the new boss had a part in that, I assume?"

"Heha She ran it." Lilly answered.

Rhett's eye widened. "You're joking. I thought for sure whoever did that would be underground, I mean, that was a big deal when it was broken down..."

"That's what I would have figured too....but no their good." Lilly replied.

"...I'm not sure if that's admirable or stupid for them to be active so soon." Rhett joked with a crooked grin.

"Well with Nova back you up...you can do stuff like this." Lilly replied.

"Ah, yes. The aristocrat." Rhett breathed. "She seems to have a hand in most successful enterprises..."

"Hmmm I wonder how she did...where she came from." Lilly replied looking around the place.

Rhett shrugged. "Wouldn't know. Never even heard of the woman 'til I joined up with you and your boss." He gave Lilly his crooked smirk again.

"What do you mean 'your boss' he's your boss too." Lilly snickered.

"But he was your boss first~" Rhett chimed playfully.

"True..but he's your boss too..even if I usually speak for him..*Sigh* I really wish he'd talk more." Lilly said.

"Yeah, well that's his business." Rhett said. "Speaking of which, what's on the agenda for me?"

"Sorry boss want more people to get here before he sends anyone out...so the misson is, to get used to this place." Lilly seemed bored with her own answer.

"Sounds fun." Rhett said in a flat voice.

"*Hmph* yeah tons of fun." Lilly replied.

"BAR IS NOW OPEN!!" Someone called from up stairs.

"Ah~" Rhett grinned. "Now this may be an improvement..."

"I could go for a sun-rise." Lilly agreed as she started heading up the stairs.

"I think I'd like a mudslide, myself." Rhett said as he followed Lilly.

---

A fourteen year boy with numerous cuts and bruises leans against a wall crying and clutching a sword. "I can't believe they're gone and I couldn't do anything about it," the boy cried as the sword fell from his hand onto the ground.

Curious, Drake poked his head around the corner to see the boy. "Poor little mouse~ What are you doing out here?"

"I don't know where here is. The last thing I remember if watching my family die and trying to fight a bunch of hunters off," The boy said in-between sobs. "I thought I could at least save my sister but I failed at that."

"You did all you could, I'm sure..." Drake soothed. "Can you walk?"

"I think so, I just need to pick up the sword I dropped," Will said as he picked up his dropped sword and put it away. "I guess I should tell you my name right?"

"If you'd like~" Drake smiled.

"It's Will Blackfire. Can I ask what your name is?" Will asked the man as he walked up beside him.

"Drake Grayson~ I'm a healer, so when we reach my infirmary, I'd like to get a better look at your wounds."

"It's nice to meet you Drake and I would like for these cuts to be seen to," Will said as they walked. "I never knew that hunters could put up a fight when they get in large groups."

Drake hummed. "Most anything can be dangerous, at least in large numbers~"

"Drake, have you heard my last name before?" Will asked Drake as he walked. "I'm just asking because you seemed to recognize it after I had said it."

Drake sighed. "Forgive me for asking so soon after such a tragedy, but do you know anyone named Karin or Dean?"

"No I don't. I only had one sister and her name was Raven," Will said to Drake.

"Ah~ I suppose it was just a coincidence, then~" Drake smiled.

"It could be," Will said thinking. "Did one of them mention someone by my name or something like that?"

"It seems they share your surname, and since 'Blackfire' doesn't sound very common, I was curious~"

"Maybe there could be another me around here somewhere," Will said to Drake. "That could explain those other two having my last name and maybe... never mind."

Drake hissingly snickered. "Sssahahah~ What an imagination, little mouse~ I get the feeling Miss Fern would like you, and if not, definately the kitten would!"

"Who is Miss Fern and what is she like," Will asked. "Cause I'm a werewolf myself."

"Hm...I think she's a werewolf too...I know her brother is." Drake had a thoughtful look cross her face. "I've never seen her shift, though... Or do anything wolf-like~ As for what she's like, well that depends on what she thinks of you~" He smiled at Will.

"I hope she does like me," Will said to Drake. "Can we be friends?"

Drake nearly tripped over his own feet in surprise before turning to Will. "You mean...you...and me? You want us to be friends?"

"Yeah I know that you're a human and the hunters that killed my family was humans," Will said looking at Drake. "But you're different from those humans and you're a healer. So yeah I want to be friends with you."

"I'd be honored to be your friend~" Drake grinned stupidly as they approached the infirmary.

---

Library

---

"Not bad...I know where I will be spending most my time." Luki said looking around with a true smile.

"Clever, clever." Fern breathed before addressing Graham with a smile. "What do you think?"

“I`m impress at the amount of books here,”Dean said with a smirk.“Now I can find out what happened after I was pulled into limbo.”

"Secert.....passage..." Graham stated.

"Perfect." Fern smiled as she began to walk through the room and traced a finger on a globe.

She could feel something odd on the side of the globe.

Fern's hand flinched away from the globe and she gave the area a suspicious look, bending down a little to examine it better.

There is a row of six squares that have strange symbols on them it seemed you might be able to flip the squares.

"Well, who knew?" Fern said with a smirk before speaking up so the others in the room could hear her. "It seems Nova made things a little more elaborate than we thought." She flipped one of the tiles experimentally. "Does anyone recognize these symbols?"

Dean notices a book that was slightly pulled out of a bookcase. “I wonder...,” Dean muttered to himself as he pulled out the book and opened a secret passage in the wall next to him. 

"Hmmm knowing Nova...the one you just opened will, most likely lead to trouble." Luki said looking at the opening then he looked at the globe. "I believe those are Runes."

"As in ancient letters? From what I've heard, they each represent a sound, much like the modern alphabet, but more phonetic." Fern traced the markings lightly. "Clever, clever... Perhaps they're meant to spell something?"

“Maybe. I`m going to check out this passage and see where it leads,” Dean said walking over to the passage opening. “Graham you want to come with me?”

Graham began to follow.
"I see you like the new house...and have found some of it's secrets." Nova said walking into the room.

Fern suddenly stood up straight and bowed at the waist. "Nova! I was unaware you were near."

"It is nice to see you Madam."Luki said also bowing.

"I told Mark not tell you I had come. So what have you found." Nova replied.

"My newest ally has uncovered a passage behind a bookcase and there appears to be a runic puzzle lock on this globe." Fern gestured to the passage and globe in turn.

"Hmm good, good. So have you had any luck figuring it out and finding out where the passage leads?"

"Since Dean found the passage, he's exploring it with Graham. They can take care of themselves." Fern replied.

"Hmm very good. I'll just be over here you can go back to what you were doing." Nova said heading over to a chair.

"Thank you, Nova." Fern bent back down to examine the runes again. "I don't know the exact runes and what sounds they make, but there must be a book on them here, somewhere. Aside from that, the question is what word is needed."

"Here is a book...It probably has something to do with a location...or at least it should." Luki said handing over a book.

Fern flashed Luki a smile as she took the book. "Thank you. It does seem sensible..." She began searching for the runes on the tiles.

She found them but none of them seem like they'd make english words.

Fern scowled a little. "Is there a book on norse terms? Or perhaps old english?"

"Here you are." Luki smiled as he passed two books over then another.

"Thank you. Again." Fern smiled at Luki and brushed the loose bangs out of her face before searching the books for a six-rune term relating to earth, landmasses, or countries.

"Wait...could it be french?" Luki asked looking at one of the book she held.

"...Possibly. More modern english words come from french than old english." Fern hummed thoughtfully. "The countries are only a canal away from eachother, after all."

"If it is I think I might have it." Luki smiled.

Fern looked away from the book to Luki. "Clever, clever~ What's your idea?"

Luki smiled."D***ed Country." he pointed out the runes. "looks like we turn some more then once."

Fern quickly began turning the tiles, her fingers moving about as fast as she can shoot--in other words, the tiles were a blur to most people for a couple seconds, there--until the right runes were settled into place. "Perfect fit!" She turned to Luki again. "Clever, clever on your part, Maestro~"

"Thank you." Luki replied.

Dean walks back into the library and over to Fern and Luki. “The passage way leads to the kitchen,” Dean said to Fern. “Any luck with the globe?”

The floor under the globe moved revealing a staircase.

Fern hummed in approval and turned to Dean while gesturing to the staircase. "That's a yes." She then turned to the dark-haired woman in the chair. "Nova, this is Dean; Dean, Nova. Shall we?" She turned to the staircase again.

“It's an honor to meet you madam,” Dean said with a bow as he heard giggles from a familiar ghost. “Ah, Aspen, what news do you have for us concerning my brother.”

"It seems a group of five have just joined the government, one of which is identical to the mutt." Aspen rasped. "But that's only part of what I came here for." She materialized in front of Nova. "Milady, it appears that Julian Thorn sired yet another litter. A teen who was recently recruited by the ringleader's older brother bears the same genetics. In fact..." Aspen glanced at the blonde, "it seems he even bears enough genetic similarities to grow into quite the super-soldier. Just like Jace and Mark~" Aspen then addressed Nova once more. "And I saw a familiar face in the group of five as well, your divineness. An old gift you found snooping around your lands and sent in payment for a certain private show..."

'Raven you played your part perfectly,' thought Dean with a smirk. “I expected as much from my brother and sister, thank you for the info, Aspen,” Dean said to the ghost.

Luki looked down then snickered for a bit. "..So he was able to keep himself alive...good for him." He whispered to himself.

Nova glanced at Luki and Fern then to dean. "Pleasure." She said to Dean then turned to Aspen. "Good work...now are we going to see what is down there or not?"

Fern nodded and started down the stairs as Aspen vanished to keep an eye on everything at once.

Dean nods as he shifts to his average sized fox form and follows Fern down the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sure it is a good idea to have your newest recruit down there?" Nova asked stepping out of the tunnel.

"Unsupervised? Of course not. But my subordinates aren't nearly as incompetent as they like to pretend." Fern smiled at Nova. "If nothing else, they will report any...developments."

"Alright. I wonder how Aspen is doing with the misson you gave her." Nova said as she walked toward the front of the house.

"There happens to be another Thorn in the group that arrived with the mutt's twin, and he seems to have adopted the brat~" A rasp answered.

"Hmm interesting. Good work Aspen." Nova replied.

"Where to next, Nova?" Fern asked.

"You should probably meet Luki's men." Nova said.

Fern had a thoughtful expression. "He said my group was 'interesting'... I wonder what that means about his."

"If you haven't noticed he isn't much of a people person....He describes alot of things as interesting." Nova replied then smiled. "I think I see them now."

"I'm curious~" Fern said as soon as she got within earshot of Luki. "Do you have a primary team, or is your army set in equal fractions?"

Luki turned to her with a smile. "My army is quite like yours, many diffrent teams but can come to gather to form a very deadly army." He replied then turned to a female next to him. "Fern this is Lilly my second lieutenant. Lilly, Fern."

Lilly smiled. "Pleasure to meet you ma'am"

"And a pleasure to meet you, as well." Fern smiled in return before turning back to Luki. "I usually have Graham and Mark to consult and bounce ideas off of. I doubt that the meeting room will be large enough to hold everyone, so I was hoping to meet your own choice escorts."

"I'm afraid she hasn't returned yet." Luki replied before adding. "Lilly is the highest ranking here at the momment."

"Umm sir." Lilly cut in to hand Luki message and something else, Luki's eyes narrowed at the message and item. "I see. I'm sorry Lilly is actually my First lieutenant."

Fern raised an eyebrow. "Was there a fatality?"

""Saddly yes...but that's what happens when you blow up one of the government's facilities." Lilly replied she did seem sad.

"A facility?" Fern blinked. "If you don't mind my asking, which facility was it?"

"The the main one to the east." Lilly replied.

"Ah." Fern nodded. "I'm sorry for your loss."

"It's alright...she know the risks." Luki replied.

"Of course. Should we continue, or do you have business to take care of first?" Fern asked Luki.

"I've taken care of everything Lilly can take care of any loose ends." Luki replied with a smile.

"Then where to next?" Fern asked.

"Up stairs."Luki said heading for them.

Hide out 2nd floor

---

Dean walks along the passage way and comes to a dead end. “I can`t see a thing in this darkness,” Dean said feeling for a switch. “Graham, can you see a switch anyplace?”

"Here, on the floor." Graham replied bending down near the floor.There was a click and the wall infront of Dean and beside him opened.

---

Graham darted up to the front of the the group. "Ma'am I think you'll like this very much let me find the light."

Fern raised an eyebrow at the eager werecat. "Go ahead."

“Any idea where this staircase is taking us,” Dean asked as they walked.

Go to:Hide out basement

---

Dean reaches the top of the stairs and hears people talking. "I wonder who they are talking about," Dean said as he walks to the door leading to the front hall.

"Want to find out?" Haniko asked.

---

---

Dining Room

---

Drake wandered into the dining room and smiled eerily at the long rows of tables and seats. "Well, looks like I'll be having plenty of patients~"

---

"Ahh..ahchooo!...When I asked for spicey..I meant for it to have a bite to it...not to destroy my nose." Haniko complained.

"Hehehe your fu...What the H***...did Dean came crawling back?" Darryl muttered to himself as his eyes narrowed.

Will blinks and tilts his head to the side when he hears the name Dean. "Who is this Dean person and why do people think I know him?" Will asked confused.

"Huh?.....You..you smell like him..Dean Blackfire is a.." Darryl was cut off by Haniko.

"..Man who made a foolish mistake...One that will probably get him killed." Haniko said

"Ok I've got two questions for the both of you: #1 how do you know my last name and #2 how do I smell like someone I don't even know?" Will asked as his hand rested on the handle of his sword.

"What's going on? Seth asked curiously standing behind Will.

Loshya put a hand on Will's shoulder and whisper. "Don't draw your sword."

"Your last name? Hehe dont tell people your last names...You see there was someone working with us with the surname of Blackfire, he foolishly betrayed us....he is probably dead because of it." Haniko stated. Darryl wanted to say something but she shot him a glare.

"My name is Will Blackfire and this Dean person may or may not be related to me somehow." Will said as he moved his hand from his sword to his necklace. "I lost my family earlier today and I want to know if he and I are related."

"Your scent is very close...so my guess would be you are related." Darryl stated which seemed to make Haniko angry.

"BUT...That shouldn't mean much of anything...we don't know where he is and you're in safe hands here." Haniko added.

"I wish my sister Raven was still alive." Will said with a sigh. "She was better at figuring stuff like this out than I am and I'm only fourteen."

For some reason unknown to him Seth actually felt sorry for Will and wanted to hug him, but didn't act on his feelings. "Why don't you know where this Dean guy is?"

"*sigh* He has a brother whom he fought with and claimed to hate... But He decided to choose him over us any way." Haniko stated try to hide her anger.

"We lost him in the under world..." Darryl said.

"The underworld?" Seth repeated slightly puzzled.

"Do you know what his brother's name was?" Will asked.

Loshya listen on interested.

Haniko glared down at her meat and stabbed it before looking up with a smile. "Will Blackfire his two sisters where Raven, and Karin."

"That can't be, and Raven can't be alive because I watched her die before I appeared here." Will said as he took a few steps backward. "I can't have a brother it's impossible."

"Calm down, maybe this other Will just shares the same first name as you, and he has a brother and two sisters... There can be two or more people in the same family with the same first name." Seth said.

"Or... Gates from the past or different dimensions are now opening up too." Haniko said before turning to Will. "Think of an alias."

"I can't think of one right now." Will said as he took a calming breath and let it out. "I need to go and find the other Blackfires. They might be different from me but they're the only family I've got right now I guess."

"What do you mean by different dimensions?" Seth asked looking confused as he glanced sideways at Loshya.

Loshya returned the glance and stepped up a bit so she was slightly in front of Will.

"Hahaha you act as if I'm going to hurt him... But I don't see a reason to when the other Blackfires will when they come across him.... Now to answer your question... In this dimension Dean's parents died a while back... So I doubt they have a fourteen year old running around seeing them die... Again, but Dean and Will were fourteen when there parents died Dean probably saved Will... So if The Will next to you is from a dimension where Dean doesn't exist it explains why Raven died and Dean is unfamiliar to him." Haniko replied before adding. "But that's just a guess."

"If that's true why would the Blackfire family from this dimension hurt him?" Seth asked curiously.

"Hahaha Dean is quite ill tempered... I doubt they'd believe the kid about another dimension... But he wouldn't hurt him... Will might though... or Sam." Haniko said before smiling. "Oh I'm Haniko and the person next to me is Darryl. It's interesting to meet you Will... What is your middle name?"

"Well if this Will looks like the other one when he was fourteen don't you think he'd recognize him?" Seth asked.

"......It is easy enough to fake your scent... But if you want to leave... Go ahead, but don't claim you're going to work with Fern or Luki before deciding to leave." Haniko said getting up.

"I'm not going to work for any one until I can figure some things out." Will said as he started to walk out of the dinning hall. "It was nice meeting you Haniko, and I hope we can meet again soon."

"Aren't you going to eat something?" Seth asked.

"Missing meals isn't good for you." Loshya added taking Seth's hand again.

"I'll be alright and I still have some deer jerky that my dad made yesterday with me." Will said to Loshya and Seth as he stopped at the door. "Take care of each other Seth and Loshya, and I'll see you all if things don't work with the other Blackfires."

"Do you want us to go with you?" Seth asked without really thinking about it before offering.

"He'll be fine... Or he wont, let him fail or succeed on his own." Haniko said leaving out a different door.

"Wait princess where are you going?" Darryl asked getting up.

"Since Dean left I have to practice extra hard... This sword isn't just for show." Haniko replied.

"You can if you want to." Will said with a smile. "I just want to get this over with as soon as I can."

Seth looked at Loshya, "Do you want to go with him?"

Loshya smiled. "We cant just leave you alone... You just got here, you probably don't know what's going on."

"What do you mean, what's going on?" Will said to Loshya.

"Well... There are Zombies, demons, aliens and the such running around... *sigh* And some of the Zombies are acting rather strange." Loshya said.

"Yeah, very strange." Seth said with a nod remembering the encounter they had with them.

"I've known about Demons since I was seven because I had to kill one for attacking my sister." Will said. "But I'm sure if anything tries to get the three of us we should be able to handle it, it's too bad I didn't get to show my dad a new sword fighting style I came up with."

Haniko's head popped back in."New sword fighting style?" She echoed.

"It's the reason why I carry two swords instead of one, you see my dad taught me how to use a sword as well as how to make them." Will said to Haniko. "I started to work on using a sword in each hand to try and improve my defense when sword fighting but that kinda gets shot if there is a large group of humans with guns. I believe though this style could be useful against zombies and maybe demons."

"It might if the zombies didn't move so much faster than normal or could heal themselves now." Seth said.

"It might... Come on... You're going to use the style on me." Haniko said grabbing his hand.

"Alright, but I haven't got the speed part of it down yet." Will said as he followed Haniko. "It's probably why I was loosing to the hunters that killed my family."

"Then you really need to practice it... Don't think I'm doing this just to help you out though!" Haniko said.

"Yeah I guess your right. Is there anything else I should know about Dean or the other me?" Will asked Haniko. 'I wonder if I hold one of my swords in a reversed grip would it increase the speed in which I could attack and defend.'

"Dean doesn't always think things through, he also is easy to anger... But I doubt he'd hurt a kid." Haniko replied.

"I guess that's good to know." Will said to Haniko as they walked. "How long have you been using a sword?"

Seth watched them leave. 'Even though she says she's not doing it to help him out, I think she's lying.' He thought.

"Should we follow them?" Loshya asked.

"If you want to." Seth said looking at Loshya.

"Let's go then... I don't think kids should play with swords without an adult present." Loshya said.

"Alright." Seth said with a nod as he went the way Haniko and Will had.

---

Kitchen

---

Dean walks through and into the kitchen. “Looks like we found the kitchen,” Dean said with a smile.

"The other way was a dead drop off." Graham snickered as he said it.

“So where to now, Graham,” Dean said as he looked around the kitchen. “You never know, we might find another secret passage.”

"I dont think there is one in this kitchen but maybe somewhere else." Graham said smiling.

“Let's head back and tell Fern what we found,” Dean said as he started back down the passage leading back to the library.

"Right." He followed.

---

Drake:

---

Drake snooped around the pantry. "Interesting spices, but not much that are usefull..."

Drake could hear one of the doors creak then stop.

"'Nibble, nibble, little mouse...'" Drake recited under his breath as he turned to the sound.

Chris foze he was to scared to move. CRAP!! This guy is everywhere...AND HE KEEPS GETTING CREEPIER!!

"Ah~ There's my newest little patient." Drake began circling Chris slowly with his usual cheery smile. "How's the ankle?"

Chris backed up a bit. "Oh..uh it's..it's just fine." He replied.

"Fantastic~" Drake's smile stretched further across his face as he stood between Chris and the doorway. "You'd let me know if anything ails you, yes?"

"I...Okay." Chris replied seeming to shrink when he realized his escape was blocked.

"Glad to hear it~" Drake said.

"I think Dean called me...sorry gotta go!" Chris said as he took off through a door to the main hall.

Drake blinked in the direction Chris went. "... *sigh* And there goes my little mouse, again~"

Dean enters the kitchen and sees Drake. "You must be the one Chris was running from." Dean said as he walked around Drake, sizing him up.

"My shy little mousie was running from me?" Drake blinked innocently at Dean. "I thought he just had something to do~"

Dean sniffed the air and noticed that Drake is a human. "I think that Chris just doesn't like you," Dean said as he stopped walking, "and neither do I for that matter. So just stay away from Chris if you know what's good for you."

"But he was injured~ That's why Miss Fern sent me to him in the first place~" Drake smiled at Dean. "Not to worry, though. He can walk now and that ankle should scar beautifully~"

"Unless Chris has a life threating injury stay away from him. I'll take care of any minor to moderate injuries he may get from now on," Dean said as he walks to the door leading to the main hall and stops. "And try to stay out of my way if you can."

Drake pouted as he watched Dean leave. "...My poor little mouse~"

The door opened as Mark came in. "Drake...*Sigh* I need to talk to you."

"Hm?" Drake looked up from where he was inspecting the canisters. "Your shoulder acting up, again? I'd gladly help~"

"No my shoulder's fine...apparently you creeped out the new kid...because you rubbed his leg or something, right?" Mark asked.

"I creeped him out?" Drake's smile faltered a little. "But he's such a healthy little mouse. I couldn't resist~"

"Yes, well I would be very glad if you would wait a bit before freaking people out." Mark said clearly not wanting to go through a whole speech.

"If you say so." Drake smiled calmly at Mark. "If you need anything, you know how to find me~"

"Of course." Mark got a slight smile. "There is some training going on outside...Someone is most likely going to get hurt."

"Ooh~ Sounds like fun." Drake said as he brushed past Mark towards the door. "Would they mind the audience?"

"They already have one." Mark smiled. This is for annoying me.

"Fantastic~" Drake said as he headed out the door.

---

"Are you really hungry, Mark?" Fern asked before shooting Graham a mild glare.

Mark nodded.

"Hehehe Mark is sooo cute! At least he's not opening his mouth and pointing into it like he used to!" Graham teased.

"Sh-shut up kitty." Mark said half heartedly.

Fern giggled. "It's because he didn't want to talk in front of you~ For the first year he refused to say a word to you, remember?" She opened the door and grabbed out a couple of pears and apples.

"Hahaha He still hardly talks to me." Graham laughed but was trying to stay quite for Todd.

"You're loud..." Mark said, when he gets hungry he doesn't really want to fight much.

Fern smiled to herself as she started making dough. "Do you want to cut the fruit, Mark?"

Mark smiled as his eyes lit up, as he ran over to chop the fruit.

Graham chuckled lightly. "I would offer to help... But well, I don't want my tail yanked off."

"I can't really imagine that being too comfortable..." Fern smirked as she got some oil boiling then started rolling out the dough.

"Maybe Graham is like a lizard and it'll grow back." Mark smirked as he chopped an apple in half.

"He'd have scales instead of fur, I think..." Fern mused as she took out a bowl. "Honey or maple syrup? Or do you want me to make vanilla syrup?"

"Vanilla!" Mark & Graham both said happily.

"I suppose I'd better get started, then..." Fern said as she put away the bowl, turned down the oil, and took out a saucepan.

"Vanilla smells good..." Todd said in his sleep as he sniffled.

"Agreed. I'm sorry but I didn't picture you as a cook." Luki mused as he stepped in.

Todd hissed angrily in his sleep and his tail flicked defensively as he clung to Graham tighter, "D-Danger!" (Talking about Luki.)

"Most people don't." Fern admitted. "But I enjoy making things. I even make my own perfumes."

"How interesting." Luki smiled before turning towards Graham and Todd. "Seems your cat is angry..."

"Not a cat, Todd. Perhaps a nightmare." Graham replied patting Todd's head.

Fern took out some more fruit and handed them to Mark. "Would you mind?"

Mark didn't reply he simply took the fruit and started chopping.

"You wouldn't happen to know where Lilly is would you?" Luki asked.

"Try the bar. Her and that vampire with the eye patch were trying to give me a make-over." Fern shuddered as she stirred the syrup.

Todd nuzzled Graham's hand, "I don't like..." He said in his sleep.

Luki chuckled lightly. "Please forgive them if they offended you, I'm sure they where just trying to bond with you... In their own way."

"I'm sure they didn't mean to offend, it's just.... Something I don't do." Fern replied as she started putting some fruit and syrup in a square of dough.

"Good to hear. I should go find them then. Good day." Luki said as he headed for the door.

Todd sneezed loudly which woke him up and he fell to the floor, he sat up clutching his head, "Ow! My 'ead is killing me! I uh... I mean my head is killing me." He said looking at the floor to hide his slightly pink face.

"O.o You okay?..... OH KITTY GOT A CUTE ACCENT?!!"

"Huh? Whatda you mean... I meant What do you mean..." Todd said groaning. "Why can't I talk right? I thought I got rid of that stupid accent..."

Graham helped Todd up. "Oww! please don't your accent's sooo adorable!"

"Graham's being a creep." Mark said in his "Please punish him big sis" tone.

Todd blinked as his face flushed pink, "Wha... Y-You think so? Well... Uh... Thank ya... Thank you..."

"He's not doing anything to bother you." Fern chided softly as she placed the home-fried fruit pies on a plate and drizzled the excess syrup over then. "Now, who's hungry?"

Todd looked over at Fern, "Fruit pies?"

"Yummy..." Mark murmured as he took a pie.

"No one can make a fruit pie as well as Fern can!" Graham chimed.

"I've seen fruit pies before, but I ain't ever had any." Todd said deciding to stop correcting himself.

"Go ahead and try one." Fern told Todd.

"Oh, uh... Thank ya." Todd said as he grabbed on and popped it in his mouth. "Yummy." He said as his tail flicked happily.

"Told you they where yummy!" Graham chuckled.

Todd smiled slightly at Graham, "Guess you were right."

"The kitten usually is~" Drake remarked from the door.

"What do you want?" Fern asked blankly.

"Don't mind me, I'm just looking for some tea bags to deal with a toothache."

"Oh here you are." Graham hummed handing him the tea before looking to Fern. "Can angel have a pie too?!"

"I'm afraid I'm in a bit of a rush, kitten." Drake apologized. "The only reason why I'm using the teabags is that my equipment isn't quite ready for a dental procedure, yet, and I'd rather not leave a patient in pain. Thank you, though~"

"I understand." Graham pouted a bit. "Is it Darryl? It's been a sugar muncher recently."

"Actually, it appears that Desmond has developed pulpitis." Drake explained.

"What?" Fern asked.

"He got punched and it irritated the nerves in his gum tissue."

"Brahahahaha! Probably by some female!!" Graham laughed so hard he nearly fell out of his chair.

"Not this time..." Drake smirked slightly as he left the room with the teabags.

Fern frowned slightly. "I wonder what that smirk was for... I thought he didn't like his patients being in pain?"

"It depends if it teaches the patient a lesson or not." Mark sighed.

"Now I can't help but wonder who taught the lesson..." Fern said before turning to Todd. "Have you chosen a room and settled in, yet?"

"No, as soon as I got here Kitty dragged me to that bar." Todd said not really caring about calling Graham Kitty.

"Not surprising." Fern gave Graham an amused look.

"He works for Celest so I figured she'd show him around when she's ready to get him." Graham stated with a sly smile as he bite into his pie.

Todd glanced at Graham and stole his pie from his hand popping it in his mouth with a smirk.

"Second hand kiss." Mark said as he bit his bun.

"Ack!... Where'd you learn that term?!" Graham's head went from Todd to Mark.

"I'm not a kid..." Mark replied.

"Like I really care." Todd said as he just shrugged.

"Ahh?! Yo-you can't just brush it off like that!" Graham complained.

Todd smirked as his still slightly intoxicated mind got an idea and he promptly planted a kiss on Graham's lips.

Graham's eyes widen as he tried to take a step back (forgetting he was on a stool) and promptly fell to the floor with Todd now in shock even more.

Todd chuckled and smirked at the reaction he got as he landed on top of Graham.

"*snicker* Oh dear~" Fern stifled a giggle. "This one's quite forward..."

"Guess that's what he gets for always talking about... Love." Mark muttered.

Graham's mouth went into a pout. "You should ask someone before kissing them, kitten."

"True, but your reaction was kind of cute, and hilarious." Todd said chuckling as he got up and offered Graham his hand.

Graham's ears were still down as he took the hand. "*sigh* I've only kissed people on the cheek before naughty, naughty kitten."

"Sorry Kitty." Todd said as he helped Graham up off of the floor still looking amused.

"Poor, poor Graham." Mark chuckled.

"Aww! You do care Markie warkie!"

"=___= Don't call me that!" Mark growled.

Todd snickered, "Markie Warkie?"

"Ark, actually." Fern giggled. "He couldn't say his name right until he turned six. Everyone would say it sounded like he was barking~"

Todd grinned, "Ark, Ark Markie!"

"Fern! Why'd you say that?!... It-it's not true!" Mark stated as his face grew redder.

"Someone's lying." Todd said with a smirk at Mark's red face.

"No I'm not! Fern!" Mark looked ticked. "I'm going to those crappy ruins nearby...be back later!!"

"Be careful, Mark." Fern said. "Those ruins are unstable! I don't want you getting caught under something."

"*sigh* My lady..if anything is going to fall down over there, it would be his doing." Graham sighed as Mark grunted and slammed the door.

"That's why I warned him. :/ He could knock something down and get his foot caught under a pile of bricks or something..." Fern glanced worriedly at the door.

"True it's never happened before but still...want me to go after him? ^-^" Graham asked.

Fern looked unsure. "It seems like he needs to blow off some steam about something..."

"Did I upset him?" Todd asked as he looked at the door.

"No, no... I agree something else is bothering him." Graham nodded.

"It isn't like him to take a tease so personally..." Fern agreed.

"Oh, wonder what's got him all hot n' bothered then." Todd said as his tail flicked.

"Hmmm maybe he-" Graham stopped and started looking around as his ear twitched.

"Wow what a grumpy lil boy." A male voice echoed.

"Hmm? Who's there?" Todd asked looking around curiously.

"Hmm Me... Hehe soo~ Miss Fern~... Are you lookin forward to your lil fight coming up?"

"What about it?" Fern narrowed her eyes.

"Ohhh~ Don't look like that... I just wondered. Oh and make it painful for Red and Doggy... Of course a tie would be interesting." The voice chuckled before a green haired man appeared.

"I intend to make it painful." Fern kept her face blank. "And a tie is not an option."

"Hahaha I'm sure they feel the same way. Of course we all know how it ended last time~" The ghost snickered.

"We weren't as well off back then." Graham nearly hissed.

"Who are you?" Fern asked blankly.

"Oh! Never seen a green haired dead man before..." Todd said poking the ghost in the arm.

"No one special..... Hey ask before ya touch." The ghost moved away. "I know I'm awesome but seeesh."

"Oh, sorry... I'ma still a bit... Uh... Tipsy I think people say." Todd said backing away and putting an arm around Graham.

"AW! I ain't gonna hurt ya!" The ghost chuckled, but Graham moved protectively in front of Todd and beside Fern.

"Why are you here?" Fern asked.

"Just wanted ta look around the place... See how everyone's grown up." The ghost chuckled at the last part.

"'Grown up'?" Fern echoed with a raised eyebrow.

"Okay it's only been a few years but still." The ghost snickered.

"So do ya know him Miss Fernie?" Todd asked curiously with a chuckle.

"I don't recognize the face..." Fern said.

"Neither do I." Graham added.

"Awww~! How sad... Hehe" The ghost chuckled.

"Oh? Maybe ghostie had a face transplant." Todd suggested.

"Oh no! My face it is to pretty. Course if it's an equally pretty face...." The ghost mused.

Todd blinked, "What do ya mean... I'm kind of confused..."

"I wouldn't get a face change unless it was equal to my naturally amazing face." The ghost smirked.

"e___e Amazing?" Graham repeated skeptically.

Todd looked at the ghost's face closely, "Hmm... No offence, but I prefer Kitty's face."

"Awww~! You're hurting my feelings..and you Fern, who do you like?" The ghost asked as Graham looked shocked.

"YOU CAN'T ASK PEOPLE THAT?! Besides she knows me best." Graham stated as his ears lowered.

"I honestly couldn't care less what you look like." Fern's eyes narrowed at the ghost. "I've already got one floating pest to deal with, and you're upsetting my people."

"Aww princess, the only reason you're upset is cause ya don't know me...Plus I do have some information." The ghost chuckled as Graham's eye twitched at him calling Fern "princess".

"Then what is it?" Fern crossed her arms.

Todd looked at Graham, "What's wrong Kitty, is the ghost upsettin you?"

"Perhaps... Depends what it has to say." Graham replied.

"Well there's a small group coming this way... And lil princie is part of it, along with Anna's cousin, two angels, an Ex assassin and two humans." The ghost chuckled. "Oh and Anna doesn't know cause she, Jace and your other brothers are in district twelve."

"Haniko is headed in their direction." Fern blinked.

"Yep.... And I'm pretty sure angels can tell if someones lyin... Hehehe looks like she's not comin back." The ghost chuckled.

"Ma'am, I could still go get her... She couldn't have gotten too far." Graham stated.

"I'd appreciate it. Take someone with you, just in case." Fern said.

"I could go with Kitty if you want." Todd said looking at Fern while his tail flicked.

"What are your combat skills?" Fern asked.

"I'm a hand to hand fighter." Todd said with a smile.

The ghost chuckled. "Go, go, go! You don't want them to get hurt, now do ya?!"

"Graham moves fast, anyways." Fern said. "So if you think you can protect yourself, go ahead."

"YAY! I'm going out with Kitty!" Todd cheered smiling.

"We should get going Todd! =3" Graham headed towards the door but gave the ghost one final glance before heading out.

"OK!" Todd said rushing off after Graham happily.

---

Todd smiled as he came into the kitchen, "What are we going to have Kitty?"

"Hmmm seafood bake?" Graham asked.

"Sounds yummy." Todd said smiling happily.

"It is~! Especially with my family recipe~" Graham hummed.

"Need me to help?" Todd asked curiously.

---

Meeting room

---

"I understand this meeting is sudden, but I'd like to know how difficult this place is to find and what our defensive options are." Fern said to Luki from her seat.


"We do have the woods and a lake nearby..then there is also the secret chambers which, if you dont know the way, can easily lead to your demise." Luki said.

Fern folded her hands on her lap and crossed her legs at the ankle. "The chambers sound promising. The lake, too. I have a water demon who can probably utilize it to trap or track peoples motions... But I think the forest could use some improvements~"

Luki grinned. "When I had some bugs placed in the West Facility they mentioned a training curse....I believe it was called 'The Trap Circle'. Perhapes we can make something similar."

"If we're going to borrow one of their ideas, we'll have to add a few more surprises..." Fern mused.

"Of course." Luki replied as he pulled out a blue-print. "I was planning on showing you this...I've had a few of my ma\en working on these blue-prints sence I heard of the "Trap Circle"...not quite finished as you can see."

Fern eyed the blueprints as she whistled for Mark.

Mark came in and stopped beside her chair. "Yes?"

"Make sure Graham sees these." Fern ordered before remarking to Luki: "If anyone knows how to get past an obstacle, it's him. With his help, your men should be able to design and build an impenetrable forest of traps."

Mark nodded.

"You have alot of belief in his talents." Luki mused.

"Fern wouldn't make him her right hand man if she didn't." Mark replied as he got the blue-prints.

"I've known him long enough to know his capabilities~" Fern added.

"Hehe You make it hard to be skeptical." Luki stated.

"I'll take that as a compliment~" Fern replied. "While we're face-to-face, is there anything you'd wish to address?"

"Well actually I did notice that gate the other day..what exactly was that about?" Luki asked.

Fern's eyes narrowed momentarily. "Last minute change of plans that I wasn't informed of until after the fact. It seems that there was a defection. My men minimalized the damage, of course, and they have been reminded that I am to confirm and approve of all plans. Anything else?"

Luki smirked. "As a werewolf I'm sure you've noticed a relative of mine working for you. Please explain why I wasn't told?"

"Whether you learned about it through your sources or your own powers of observation, they certaintly don't disappoint~" Fern remarked. "She requested some time. I try to stay out of such family affairs, so I decided to give her that much, but made sure she was supervised constantly."

Luki's eyes narrowed for a moment before he smiled. "Thank you for looking after her...I'll let her play her little game for now."

Fern noticed Luki's eyes narrowing, but smiled sweetly. "I'd appreciate that. She is my employee now, after all. I like to keep my people in whatever environments make them the most productive~ Some people are less comfortable working with family than others are, I'm afraid."

_{"Hmm...perhaps I underestimated him.."} Luki muttered to himself before adressing Fern again. "Is there anything you'd like to ask?"

"I am curious about how you know Nova. If the matter is too personal, of course, you don't have to answer." Fern smoothly replied.

"Oh well..Nova was in a town I was controlling, became interested in my skills and gave me an offer..she was also interested in learning spirit bending." Luki explained.

"'Spirit bending'?" Fern echoed.

"It is a harder form of spirit binding only you dont always have to have the spirit's bones or have of their soul to do it...You use spirit bending when you want the spirit to kill, possess someone against their will." Luki stated as his smile got bigger and bigger.

"An advanced form of soul binding, than?" Fern asked in an interested tone.

"Hmm yes now she uses that ability and the old version...It doesn't just work on ghosts, you know." Luki added the last part with a grin as Mark gave Fern a glance that almost looked like worry.

Fern did not outwardly acknowledge Mark's expression. "And you two have been associates for a while because of this, I take it? Might I ask how long?"

"About eight years." Luki replied.

"Then it would appear you have seniority in this partnership." Fern remarked with a sweet smile.

"Hmm May I ask why you joined Nova?" Luki asked.

"Simple, really." Fern replied with a dismissive wave of the hand. "She needed an entertainer, I needed connections. Not nearly as personal as yours. I'm afraid her interest in my endevours is purely business~"

"You must be a marvelous entertainer." Luki mused.

"You flatter me~"

"hehe Only speaking my mind." Luki got up. "Oh...If you ever find your act not going so well..make it a game. Nova loves games."

"Noted." Fern replied with a grateful smile as she stood up.

Luki bowed before turnning to leave.

Fern watched Luki leave, then turned to Mark. "Where is Haniko right now?"

"With Blaine in the basement." Mark replied.

"Show me." Fern ordered. "I need to speak to her."

"Right this way."Mark replied leading the way.

---

Infirmary

---

Dean slowly wakes up with a headache as he feels someone looking at his arms. "Where am I and why is there a familiar scent in here?" Dean asked as he slowly opened his eyes and sniffed the air.

"Hello, hello~" Drake reached out to stroke Dean's bicep. "It's fantastic to see you're awake. Why didn't you tell me you have such lovely scars?"

Dean quickly makes a flame sword and glares at Drake. "I got them fighting my brother and if you want to keep your hand I suggest backing off," Dean hissed as he slowly got up.

Drake pouted. "Unfortunately, I need my hand. Part of the job and all, you understand."

"Yeah I understand," Dean said as he let the flame sword dissipate and smelled his family' s scent again coming from the corner of the room. "Any idea who the girl is over there?"

"No clue. Female, werewolf. That's usually more than I ever need to know~ Doctor-patient confidentiality on her condition, I'm afraid..." Drake shrugged. "I'll tell you this much, though. She has the most fantastic scars on her upper back and shoulder~ Simply divine~~"

The woman in the bed in the corner groaned as she began to wake up, 'Where the hell am I, and what is that familiar smell?'

"Hey are you ok?" Dean asked the girl as he got to his feet.

The woman slowly opened her eyes as she slowly tried to sit up, but winced slightly in pain. "Just in a little pain." She said lying back down.

"Your scent is familiar almost like Raven's but she is with Will right now." Dean said with a confused look on his face. "And the last time I saw mom and dad was when I was 14."

"Raven?! Raven Blackfire?" The woman said looking over at Dean curiously.

"Yeah she's my sister why?" Dean asked looking at the girl. "Do you know her?"

"A-Are you Dean or Will?" The woman asked looking Dean over unsure of herself.

"Could you please not aggravate my darling patient?" Drake asked with a slight pout. "This is an infirmary, after all. If you hadn't drunken yourself to oblivion, you wouldn't even be here.... Not that I'm complaining~"

"I'm Dean." Dean said to the girl ignoring Drake. "And who are you?"

"I'm your sister... My name is Karin Blackfire." Karin said also ignoring Drake.

"Then that means he somehow brought mom and dad back, but that doesn't matter now." Dean said as he walked over to Karin. "I've got one question though. Do you share my feelings over our brother?"

"He left you behind... I hate him." Karin said simply. "And Raven let you two get in a fight which is why you ended up in limbo."

"This may sound strange Karin but this was the place that Will and I was held at for ten years." Dean said as he sat down beside Karin. "And I might as well tell you that I plan to fight Will again hopefully in three days."

"I want to fight too." Karin said taking Dean's hand.

"You do know that me and Will are different right, and our nephew is the same way." Dean said looking at Karin. "But if you want to fight along side me it's fine by me."

"I know, and I want to help you." Karin said.

"Alright then the only thing left is for you to meet the boss, Fern." Dean said as he stood up.

"Who's Fern? And what do you mean boss?" Karin asked grabbing his wrist gently.

"She is the person who runs this place and I joined up with her to help overthrow the human government and to get my revenge on Will," Dean said as he helped Karin up. "Don't worry, I'm not going to let nothing happen to you."

"Ah~ Miss Fern~" Drake cooed from where he was straightening out the sheets on the bed Dean was in. "She has the most fascinating scars on her left leg. Pity that she makes an effort to conceal them, and the rest of her isn't nearly so interesting..."

"What's with him?" Karin whispered to Dean gesturing at Drake as she got up with Dean's help.

"I don't know. He is weird for a human though,"Dean whispered back.

The door opened as Blaine came in with ice shards in his right arm. "Hey, Drake...A little help please."

"I don't know. He is weird for a human though." Dean whispered back.

"I'll say." Karin said.

"Hey Blaine, what happened?" Dean asked looking at Blaine's arm.

Blaine's face went from calm to ticked."Oh I'm just going to have one less sibling! Darryl is dead!"

"Don't worry about Darryl, Blaine. Karin and I will handle him." Dean said with a slight smirk. "Oh, Karin this is Blaine, Blaine this is my sister, Karin."

"Hello Blaine." Karin said.

"Wha?! I thought your sister ran off with the goody-goody-two-shoes." Blaine said.

"I'm his other sister." Karin said glaring at Blaine.

"We just met a few minutes ago." Dean said to Blaine before looking at Karin. "Almost everyone here knows about Raven, Karin. I was the first person she came to when she got here."

"Oh?" Karin said looking at Dean.

"I used her to get Will and Sam to join the government so when the time comes for Fern to strike, we can use that to take Will out and maybe Sam." Dean said to Karin.

"That's a good plan." Karin said smiling.

Blaine scuffed."No it's not! The government is strong enough without two hybrid helping them." he waited a bit before speaking again."Sorry...I shouldn't have said that."

"Come on we should go find Darryl." Dean said as he walked to the door.

"Alright." Karin said with a nod as she followed Dean.

"Careful! Your scars will be tender for a while~ Let me know if you need anything~" Drake called out to them as they left. He turned to Blaine. "What exactly prompted this?" He gestured to the ice shards.

"He wanted to go with Dean on that little trip his going to take....and I told him he couldn't go...I guess I'm the one who always tells him no *sigh* and this is how he responds to it." Blaine stated.

"Well, luckily you're a demon. Any lesser creature would be losing that arm~" Drake said with a smile as he set up a tray of supplies.

"I hope my beautiful arm doesn't scar...." Blaine pouted before looking back over to the door. "*Sigh* I need to learn to keep my mouth shut."

"Aw~ But the scars would be so wonderful." Drake smiled wryly when a thought crossed his mind... "...I could probably make them match Miss Fern's~"

Blaine blushed and seemed to think about. "I...No, not this time, sorry." He replied seeming like he was a little unsure.

"'Not this time'. Tsk." Drake started removing the icicles and placing them in a shallow metal bowl. "You seem to be under the impression this will happen again. You are of a hardy species, after all~"

"With that hot tempered brat...anything is possible." Blaine replied.

"Perhaps~" Drake consented as he began stitching up a rather large gash. "I expect you to check with me every other day until the stitches are removed."

"Okay...Thanks..*yawn* It's pretty early..mind if I sleep here..I'll pick a room out tomorrow." Blaine asked.

"Feel free~ I need to take inventory, anyways." Drake replied.

"Thanks." Blaine replied as he layed down.

"Hm..." Drake mused thoughtfully. "Perhaps it is best you wait for a proper scar..."

"I don't think so." Blaine replied opening a eye slightly.

"I'm only saying that a scar to the arm doesn't seem to suit you~ After all, scars are the mark of a warrior, and Miss Fern doesn't seem to type to settle for such a defensive wound." Drake gave Blaine a once-over. "Hmm... Pectorals are a classic to denote masculinity... but with your particular build, the latissimus dorsi would be more appropriate."

Blaine blinked a bit. "I'm umm...I'm sorry I dont really understand." he replied a little embarrassed from his lack of knowledge.

Drake grabbed the wrist of Blaine's uninjured arm and moved it so that his forearm was "protecting" his face. "When attacked people tend to block with their arm, yes? While it shows good reflexes, it doesn't make nearly as impressive a scar as one that could prove fatal for my kind. Abdominal wounds in women, for instance," He dropped Blaine's arm and leaned in so their noses were mere inches from eachother, "...or chest wounds on a male. Usually here," he put a hand over Blaine's heart, "but that wouldn't properly showcase your strong points, I'm afraid. Such a scar tends to draw attention to the shoulders and yours aren't quite that broad..."

"I see~...I can use earth to protect myself though." Blaine replied moving slightly so they weren't as close.

"Yes, I'm aware." Drake pouted slightly. "Shame, really. As I said, a scar to the side would look marvelous~"

"If more people like scars as much you...hehe things would be..interesting." Blaine said.

"I've always wondered why more people don't." Drake said as he rearranged bottles and bandages.

"Most people find scars ugly..." Blaine stated.

Drake scoffed. "Same narrow-minded fools that think life should be painless. Pain lets you know you're alive~"

"Life..painless? That isn't even possible." Blaine replied.

"It happens~" Drake said. "It's rare and leads to serious medical problems, though. People like that can't feel pleasure either. Or temperature. They require constant monitering and don't tend to live long~"

"You mean those people that could have a metal rod sticking out of their arm and not even realize it?" Blaine asked.

"Precisely~" Drake smiled at Blaine.

"*yawn* The idea of not feeling pain kinda freaks me out..since that's your body's why of saying you're in danger." Blaine said with a shiver.

Drake hummed in approval. "I knew there was a reason I like you~ Right from the moment I first saw you and your siblings... And Fern seems to think that gray-eyed one's the smart one." He muttered the last part disapprovingly under his breath.

"Blaze? Hehe Blaze is a know-it-all...*sigh* It gets annoying sometimes." Blaine replied. No, Fern wouldn't have a thing for Blaze....right?

"Hm~ All of your siblings do. No offense~" Drake patted Blaine's shoulder. "I wouldn't worry about it, though. At least he doesn't seem to vie for her favor the way that red-eyed one does." He blanched. "N-not that he would fare any better, either! Even Miss Fern would tire of a kiss-up, eventually! _{...I think...}"

Blaine's eye twitched once he brought up Desmond. "Agh Prince Desmond...I dont know which is worst...him or Darryl, Blaze is quiet enough that I dont mind him too much..but those two...."

Drake snickered. "'Prince', eh? He does seem rather popular~ Not sure why, though..."

"He's good looking and high ranking...Isn't really much else." Blaine sighed.

Drake raised a pierced eyebrow at Blaine. "No more so than the rest of you."

"Hehehe If you haven't noticed he doesn't mind showing off most his body." Blaine chuckled.

"I noticed." Drake said blankly. "It's nothing special."

"Wish more people thought that...Hmm so what do you think about..us teaming up with Luki and his army?" Blaine asked seeming uneasy.

"The little girl I met today seems charming~" Drake said with a fond smile. "As for the rest of them: I could care less what their goals are, but Miss Fern is always jumping through hoops to please her audience." He gave Blaine a grave look. "We can only wait and see if they're willing to return the favor."

Blaine was quiet as the smirk faded. "I'm...getting tired of this F ****** Game." He said looking down.

"Miss Fern is clever enough to survive without it." Drake agreed. "Just too stubborn to try, I'm afraid."

"Sigh...that stubbornness...honestly it's going to be the death of her." Blaine said.

"Hopefully not literally..." Drake paused, then snickered. "Her brother wouldn't allow it."

"Hahaha Mark is a funny one!" Blaine said laughing.

".....I'm funny?" Mark asked as he closed the door.

"On occasion~" Drake replied.

"Oh I didn't notice you were here." Blaine said with one eye open.

"Blaze told me you where injured, so I wanted to see how bad it was." Mark explained.

"All wrapped up, already~ But here's the culprit if you want to see~" Drake teased as he handed Mark the bowl of still-frozen icicles.

Marks's eyes narrowed. "Darryl...All right. I'll see you later." He replied as he turned and left.

"Hm. I think I might have just caused a bit of trouble for your....sibling?" Drake said to Blaine.

"Nah..He's only getting what coming to him...he needs to be punished once in a while." Blaine said matter-of-factly.

Drake shrugged, then looked into the bowl. "What on earth am I going to do with these? They would've melted by now if they were normal ice..."

"Make them into weapons maybe?" Blaine offered.

Drake gave him a look that seemed practically offended at the thought. "I'm a healer. Weapons aren't of any use to me." He gave the icicles a curious look. "Maybe scalpels? Ice does have a numbing effect..."

"Hehehe Everyone needs something to defend themself with. But scalpels work too." Blaine replied.

"Defend myself?" Drake smiled wryly at Blaine. "Big, strong earth demon like you would probably laugh at the sight of a human coming at you with an icicle."

"Hahaha true...but there are more then just Demons out there." Blaine laughed.

"Fair enough~ But the only non-human I've ever met that couldn't out-run me is Miss Fern, and she'd shoot me before I could get a head-start." Drake teased.

"Hahaha she probably would...good thing your on our side." Blaine replied.

"Where else would I be~?" Drake smiled. "The people here are so fascinating... And here I am blathering on, you need your sleep."

"Alright..night."Blaine replied as he closed his eyes.

---

"Cool," Will said as he went and sat down on one of the beds. "I wonder if I will have any scars from the cuts I got fighting those hunters."

"If you'll permit, I can guarantee it~ :D" Drake cooed. "It would be as painless as healing without scars, I assure you!"

"I think I'll take the scars. My dad once told me that it's the scars that define most people as fighters," Will said to Drake. "And I want to be able to look back at the scars to remind myself of what I survived."

"A fantastic choice~" Drake started cleaning Will's wounds. "Sounds like your father was a wise man..."

"He was and he was a expert swordsmith," Will said with a sad smile. "He was teaching me what he knew about swordmaking and the two swords I carry now, me and him made together."

"I'm sorry for your loss, little mouse. But at least you have the memories~" Drake smiled.

"You wouldn't happen to have a map would ya?" Will asked. "I have a strange feeling that I'm close to my village for some reason."

"I'm afraid my job is knowing the points on a body, not a map~ You'd have to ask one of the Grecos." Drake grinned at Will. "But it you're right, you must have amazing intuitive abilities~"

"I used to spend what time I had when I wasn't with my dad exploring the woods surrounding my village," Will said with a smile. "I think I might even know where a cave is somewhere around here."

"Miss Fern will definately want to hear about that~" Drake said before standing straight with a grin. "There! They may be sore for a while, but they'll scar beautifully~ Aside from that, you seem to be a very healthy little mouse."

"Thanks. You know I always wanted to meet a ghost," Will said as he stood up. "I wonder if there are any around here."

A rasping giggle echoed through the room.

Drake frowned. "Well, there's your answer, I suppose..."

"I guess so," Will said as he put a hand up to the wolf's head necklace of his mother's that he was wearing. 'Don't worry mom I'm actually ok for once,' Will thought with a sad smile.

"Where'd you find this one, two-tongue?" Aspen giggled.

"Leave the little mouse alone. He's had a bad day."

"I was having a good day until those hunters came killed my family," Will mumbled with his eyes closed. "Of all the times they chose to attack my home it had to be on my birthday."

"Well, then. Happy Birthday~" Aspen taunted.

"That's enough you pest." Drake muttered. "Go haunt a sewer or something."

"Thank you," Will said in a low voice as a few tears slid down his cheeks. "I'm so sorry Raven that I didn't make it to you in time. If only I had been faster things would have been different."

"How so? You're here, she's not." Aspen said. "I fail to see how your life would have changed any. You don't even know how you got here~"

"Do you?" Drake asked Aspen.

"My parents had told me if something ever happened to them, I was to take care and watch over Raven," Will said opening his eyes. "But now I can't keep that promise cause she is dead and I'm the only Blackfire left. As to how I got here, I remember fighting and loosing to some hunters when a weird light surrounded me and I was here after it faded."

"Yep~ Sure looks like you broke your promise!" Aspen rasped cheerfully before leaving.

"Ignore her. She's ornery today." Drake said. "There was nothing you could do, I'm sure."

"There was one thing I could've done but it's what caused my family to be killed in the first place," Will said with a sigh.

"Ah~ So you recognize what you did wrong. Good!" Drake smiled. "A mistake one refuses to learn from is a wasted choice. Take your time to grieve and mourn, but the fact is, you're alive. Best not to waste the choices you have left~"

"You're right and I plan to get stronger than I am right now so I can avenge my parents and sister," Will said getting up. "I may be the last of my family but I'm not going to down that easy."

"What a determined little mouse~ Keep holding yourself to such standards, and you'll go far~" Drake said.

"I plan to," Will said with a smile as he walked to the door. "I guess I should look around some so I don't end up getting lost, but where to start?"

"Hm, let's see..." Drake looked up towards the ceiling and crossed his arms. "...Third floor is bedrooms, and aside form the spa, most of the basement is closed to the general public~ There's a recreation room on the second floor, but the bar and Miss Fern's private office is there too... I guess staying on this floor is the safest place to start."

"Yeah I think I'll just stay on this floor too," Will said as he stopped at the door. "Last thing I need is to get into more trouble today."

"A wise decision~" Drake said. "Most people should be just starting to wake up."

Will yawns before looking at Drake. "On second thought do you mind if I use one of the beds so I can get some sleep," Will said as he yawned again.

"Go right ahead~" Drake smiled.

"Thanks," Will said as he went over to one the beds and laid down going to sleep.

"Welcome~ Sleep well, little mouse."

---

Loshya peeked her head in. "Hmm this isn't the kitchen either..."

"Looks like an infirmary to me." Seth said as he peeked inside as well.

Will rolls over and opens his eyes. "Who are you?" He asked as he slowly sat up.

"Oh...Umm I'm Loshya." Loshya said with a slight wave as she stepped inside a bit.

"I'm Seth... And that's Elden." Seth said as Elden ran into the room after Loshya wagging his tail.

Drake walked out of the supply closet with extra linens in his arms when he noticed the new arrivals. "Hello~ Do you need anything?"

"Hi Loshya and Seth, I'm Will." Will said as he slowly stood up.

"Hello Will." Seth said before turning to Drake. "Um... Actually we're new and kind of lost... We're looking for the kitchen."

Loshya nodded with a smile to Will before noticing Drake. She took a half step behind Seth.

Elden sniffed the air and yipped as he hid behind Loshya and Seth.

Seth blinked and raised a brow at Loshya and Elden's actions.

"Don't be scared of Drake, Loshya, he was the one who found and healed me after I got here." Will said after he noticed Loshya step behind Seth.

Loshya stepped back out slightly. "I... I'm not... Scared."

Drake smiled in a manner most would find eerie. "There's a juncture with three doors just north of here~ The kitchen's the last door on the left." He turned to Will. "Do you want to go with them and get yourself something to eat, little mouse?"

Seth looked at Loshya a little disbelieving before turning to Drake, "Thanks for the information."

"I think I will Drake, I'll see ya later." Will said as he walked over to Seth and Loshya.

"Let me know if you need anything~" Drake cooed.

Loshya nodded as she pet Elden.

Elden yipped and wagged his tail.

"Alright, come on Loshya... Let's go." Seth said glancing at Drake suspiciously.

"So how long have you two know each other?" Will asked Seth.

"We just met yesterday." Seth said as they walked out.

"NOT TRUE! It's been two days now." Loshya said as she grabbed Seth's hand.

"Well... I guess so..." Seth said holding Loshya's hand.

"That's nice and it's good that someone has your back incase something happens." Will said with a sigh and a sad smile as he walked beside Seth and put a hand up to the necklace he was wearing.

"... If you don't mind my asking... Where is your family?" Loshya asked.

"They died earlier today over something I did a couple of months ago." Will said to Loshya. "I probably would have joined them if I hadn't shown up here like I did."

Seth stopped to look at Will, "S-Sorry..."

Loshya stopped and gave Will a gentle hug. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thank you for the hug, I showed up here knowing that I was the last of my family." Will said as Loshya hugged him. "But now I'm not so sure, Drake mentioned that there were two others here at one time that had my last name."

"Really? So maybe you're not the last of your family..." Seth said not really knowing how to deal with these kind of situations.

"Perhaps you'll be able to meet them!" Loshya said releasing him from the hug.

"Maybe, but I don't know where to even look for them at." Will said with a worried look in his eyes. "And what if they're not like me?"

"Maybe someone here knows where they are, why don't you ask?" Seth asked looking at Will trying to be helpful.

"You won't know until we met them." Loshya replied patting his shoulder.

"Thank you for wanting to help me Loshya, even though I'm a werewolf." Will said smiling. "It really means a lot to me."

"It's no problem... And I really don't care what you are so long as your not human." Loshya replied with a slight chuckle.

"I just ask that you don't hurt Drake though, he is the only human that I can call a friend." Will said as his eyes narrowed slightly. "But there is one human that I want to kill myself and I want him to suffer for killing my family."

"And who would that be?" Seth asked with a mischievous glint in his eye.

"His name's Alex and I should have killed him two months ago when I went into a blind rage while in my wolf form." Will said as he made a fist at his side. "He took my parents and my sister Raven away from me and I'm not going to stop until he is dead."

"Hmmm well I'll try to help you the best I can." Loshya said.

"I'll help out too... If you want." Seth said.

"Thank you, and I accept the help." Will said to Seth and Loshya.

---

"*Sigh*...Yo Drake you in here?" Blaine asked peeking in with a very goofy grin.

"Right here~" Drake responded from where he was changing the sheets on the bed Will was in. "You sound a little too cheery to have something imbedded in your arm, again..."

"Or I've became a masochist since then." Blaine snickered before asking. "Speaking of..has Desmond showed up here?"

"No." Drake paused. "And as little as I care to know about the man's personal life, I'm fairly certain he's not masochistic. Why?"

"D***! Oh I mean I have no clue why he'd be here." Blaine said innocently before laughing. "I..punched him earlier...Man, today's been the best day!"

"Hm...One of your brothers angered you to the point of physical violence today, yet it's been a fantastic day to you...." Drake grinned at Blaine. "Seems contradictory, but I'm listening~"

"The B*****d was trying to take advantage of Fern being drunk...I had to." Blaine said acting innocent.

"Sssahaha~ Of course you did~" Drake laughed. "I was actually asking what happened to cause such a good mood, but now I infer that an intoxicated Miss Fern had something to do with it, yes?"

"Well~ Sh-she pinched me first...all I did was hug her and play with her soft hair. >///>" Blaine replied his smile getting bigger.

"Pinched you?" Drake blinked. "Like on the cheek?"

"Yes...but I doubt it's the cheek you're thinking of..." Blaine his face nearly glowing.

Drake blinked, then stifled a sudden snort of laughter. "That seems a little out of character~ Of course, this is my first time hearing of her getting drunk..."

"This is her second time....*Sigh* That's the downside to today...it doesn't mean anything..she'll never remember it either." Blaine sighed.

"Hm...Well, I understand what you mean about her not remembering, but what makes you think it was meaningless? Alcohol doesn't alter personalities; it lowers inhibitions. People do things they would have never done sober, not because they never considered it, but because they were afraid to." Drake explained. "In fact, in my experience, people generally tend to be more honest when inebriated than when sober."

"Fern...is more honest when she's drunk...but...I find it hard to beleive she'd actually want to..well pinch me." Blaine said thinking it over.

Drake raised an eyebrow. "You mean she said nothing to address it? Miss Fern doesn't strike me as one to remain silent when intoxicated..."

Blaine started twiddling his thumbs. "Well~...she said she'd been wanting to do that for years...>/////>"

Drake snickered a little before clearing his throat. "And you don't believe her?"

"I..er..well..*sigh* You had to put it like that? I do trust her...I'm just rather confused." Blaine replied.

Drake cocked his head to the side curiously. "What's confusing you?"

"*sigh* Clearly I've fallen for her...but..With what just happened...I want to say that means she likes me to..but it could also mean she just finds me attractive...and even if she lo-loves me too...I doubt she'd tell me...after all she has a show to run." Blaine sighed and gave the floor a slight glare.

"Hm..." Drake crossed his arms and looked towards the ceiling. "...I don't claim to be an expert on any woman, let alone Miss Fern, but from what I've heard of her, it seems that while the words 'love' and 'family' draw her ire, she doesn't appear all that spiteful towards the ideas themselves, yes?"

"That's true..." Blaine replied.

"So she would be unlikely to recognize any romantic emotions within herself, yes?" Drake smiled. "And we know she's far from promiscuious, so I doubt she'd act on pure physical attraction, sober or not."

"*sigh* You're right...but business won't let her...even if she did realize."

"I don't understand why." Drake shrugged. "Plenty of businesspeople have families~ The business is a means to support them."

"Haha...yeah..But a circus is no place to have a family...at least if you want to keep them safe it isn't." Blaine replied before looking up. "Like I said before, I wish this game would end...but if Fern is still wanting to play..I'll stick around."

"And if she ever tires of it, as well?" Drake raised an eyebrow.

"I doubt she will...but if she did...then I might be able to tell her how I feel..hehe Darn it..You're giving me bad ideas!" Blaine laughed.

"Ssssahahaha~" Drake laughed along.

"Haha Darn they're so tempting...*sigh*" Blaine went from laughing to being dead serious now. "But..if Fern ever does get bored of this game...it's too late..we're already digging our graves."

"So?" Drake continued snickering. "I might not have been around for long, but you all seem quite capable of digging yourselves out~"

"*sigh* We'd have Nova, Celest, Luki, and the government after us..I don't care how much skill we might have...They are people you don't want to have against you all at the same time." Blaine replied.

Drake sighed. "Still, it's nice to dream~"

"Seems like that's all we can do to stay sane..or rather as sane as possible." Blaine said with a bittersweet smile.

"Personally, I'm more concerned about keeping the world pleasant than my own sanity..." Drake confessed with a grin. "Being crazy doesn't really sound that unpleasant to me actually.... I doubt it'd ever get boring~"

"That's sooo true! Plus you don't really have to worry about much. Everything would be peachy!" Blaine laughed.

"Sssssahahaha~" Drake laughed. "...Speaking of insanity, what was all that noise going on last night on the third floor? Sounded almost like it was coming from Miss Fern's brother's room..."

"Mark's room?" Blaine asked thinking for a moment. "GRRR...*Sigh* Miss Fern..is too forgiving...We were trying to punish Graham for seeing Fern naked..."

"Her precious little kitten was peeping?" Drake blinked. "Seems like something most women wouldn't forgive... But given how she reacted to that luggage incident--Did you and your brothers arrive yet?"

"No..but we heard. >.> Graham...really doesn't know when to stop." Blaine snickered.

"Miss Fern doesn't seem to mind much~" Drake remarked. "So long as it's kept private, that is... It seemed discussing whatever those 'frilly things' were in public was a line he crossed... But not too severely~"

"'Frilly things' O//////O....You had to mention that?" Blaine tried covering his face with his hand.

Drake blinked. "Did you not know that part?"

Blaine shook his head.

"Well, the kitten mentioned that he had never seen her wear them before, so I assume he wasn't meant to see them at all. e____e" Drake explained. "If I recall correctly, it was only when he said it that Miss Fern threw a shoe and aimed it. The first shoe missed, and we all know she's too good a shot for that~"

"I see~....Pffft Hahaha...I'm getting flustered over something I didn't even see! Oh, I'm awful." Blaine snickered.

"No~ You're smitten~" Drake grinned.

"Hahaha How do you know so much?" Blaine asked.

"Mostly from observing my first few little mice~" Drake hummed. "Humanoids are much easier to read than rodents, though..."

"You actually watched mice?" Blaine asked.

"Of course~ They were in so much pain, I couldn't stand not to help...They were my first patients~" Drake smiled sadly. "They taught me so many things~ But my most important lesson, I think, was that scared little mice have a tendency to bite." He showed Blaine his hands, covered with tiny scars from rodent teeth.

"Animals really are like humans." Blaine mused looking over Drake's hand.

"And non-humans~" Drake snickered in reply. "But we're all animals, really~ Monsters are created by their actions and intentions, not their genetics. Like that selfish old cat..." He pouted. "That one went batty, I think. She clawed her mate's eyes, ate her only litter, and would hunt mice only to leave them strewn about, gasping for air..."

"My goodness...I've never really cared much for cats..." Blaine said before thinking a bit. "...I'm still not completely sure about Graham to be honest."

"You only tolerate the kitten for his mistress's sake, then?" Drake asked.

"I...Don't know if I can trust him...there is little about his past that is known, he always seems to know more then he lets on, and sometimes he goes from acting like a fool to knowing exactly what needs to be said or done." Blaine explained.

"...I suppose that could be interpreted as suspicious... But aside from the first point, those qualities seem to be why he's so useful to Miss Fern." Drake reasoned.

"At least someone trusts me...trust is very important, Blaine." A certain cat said from the rafters as its tail swooshed lazily.

Drake looked up at Graham. "I don't see how whether or not I trust you would ever be an issue, kitten~ The fact is that not only do you get more leeway from Miss Fern than most anyone ever could, you've been proven willing to take a bullet for her. If not, I wouldn't even be here~"

"That's right! You're my lil angel!" Graham mused jumping down from the rafters.

"This is the first time I've seen you in cat form." Blaine snickered. "I suppose I was just getting too suspicious of people."

"That isn't always a bad thing..keep it up..just be a bit more careful where you look!" Graham said as he started batting around Blaine's shoelace.

"Hm...You seem to have a grasp on how Miss Fern thinks to rival even her brother's, yes, kitten?" Drake asked before gripping Blaine's shoulder and grinning down at Graham. "Perhaps you have some words of advice or consolation for our poor Romeo, over here~"

Graham gave a smile straight from the cheshire cat itself. "Hmm soon Lil kitty...but not yet...*sigh* She still doesn't understand, yet."

Drake frowned. "Why do so many people have to understand things before they're willing to accept them? *sigh* If she paid more attention to intuition and instinct..."

"I beleive in Miss Fern's case it's because she has been fooled by her instincts before...so to prevent it from happening again she simply thinks everything through...and if something has little logic to it..she throws it out." Graham said.

Drake nodded in understanding, still frowning slightly. "So how fares Blaine's chances in the long run?"

"He compliments Miss Fern well...And he doesn't look half bad...I'm sure he'll do fine." Graham replied causing Blaine to blush and smile.

"Ah~ And put in logical terms too~" Drake grinned. "Bonus points~ The more logical the connection, the more likely she'll accept it~"

"You guys are giving me bad ideas again~!" Blaine sang.

"Now, now little kitten you just have to wait a bit." Graham snickered.

"I don't think I've ever been so proud to be called a bad influence~" Drake snickered to Graham. "Now I know how you feel..."

"It is truly a wonderful feeling isn't it!~" Graham replied not arguing with being called a bad influence.

"Indeed~" Drake grinned. "So how have things been going among the masses? I'm only ever given an update if it's for medical purposes. :/ For some reason, people never really stop by to chat..."

"Well...those Blackfires turned out to be turncoats...We gained two new members..and Nova has a guest staying here, besides that...not much has happened." Graham replied.

"Ah, so the angry one has left..." Drake murmered. "The new recruits wouldn't happen to be a couple, the male having red hair and mismatched eyes, would they? And had a small fox with them?"

"Yes they have a fox...and the male is a red head but I didn't get a good look at the eyes." Graham replied.

"Feh. Shame on you! It was a fantastic imperfection~" Drake had a dazed look for a while before continueing. "But they didn't know where the dining room or kitchen was, so I gave them directions~ My newest little mouse was hungry, so he went with them... Actually, I believe he said his name was Blackfire, as well.."

"*sigh* Let's hope Darryl doesn't find out..." Blaine said.

"Hmmmm....A new lil mousie...Mark should find him soon enough." Graham hummed. "But perhaps I should find him first.."

"Which reminds me: You only ever use that cat form when you're in hiding. What have you been up to, kitten?" Drake smirked.

Graham made a motion with his paw as if to brush hair out of his eyes before answering. "I got Miss Fern drunk so Mark is chasing me."

Drake frowned. "Is it so wise to search for the little mouse with him hunting for you?"

"Hehehaha That is exactly why I go find the mousie!...He wouldn't hurt me in front of a guest." Graham replied.

"*Sigh* And this is...it one reason I question you." Blaine joked.

"Oh~" Drake smirked at Blaine. "And what would you do if Miss Fern's brother were out for your blood?"

"Right..carry on with your escape." Blaine said, remembering how close he came earlier.

"See you two later then." Graham hummed as he left the room.

"Good luck, kitten~" Drake cooed."

---

"I can't help but wonder," Drake started as he walked into his infirmatory, "if you realize your error." He smiled at Desmond before he started to steep the teabag.

"You mean I can't have a little fun at Blaine's expense." Desmond sighed.

"No, no. That's perfectly normal among siblings~" Drake shook his head as he squeezed the liquid from the teabag. "My point is who you seem to have your eyes on~ I'd be thankful to your brother if I were you." He handed Desmond the teabag. "Place this between your cheek and the ache."

Desmond chuckled has he took the teabag. "I've done it before, she never remembers so it's fine." He said placing the bag.

Drake frowned. "But the people around her remember. How do you suppose your reputation looks when it appears that you're seducing your boss at every chance. I can't image Miss Fern or her brother taking such news well, and if she were to sober up in your presence..."

"*sigh* I only do it when Blaine's around...not in front of strangers, plus I make sure she's still buzzed."

"Ah~ Then your only intention is to get a reaction from your brother! Well, you've certainly accomplished that~" Drake started sanitizing, assembling, and arranging his tools.

"If he cares that much...He should try making a move. -___-" Desmond stated blankly.

"He's more concerned with how receptive Fern would be than competition, I believe." Drake commented. "Although, he did seem to enjoy taking his frustrations out on you..."

"No suprise. We've never really gotten along." Desmond replied getting up.

"Sit back down, little mouse~" Drake held up one of his dentristry tools--a particularly menacing-looking one--and grinned. "We still have that pinched nerve to take care of~"

Desmond eyed the tool before slowly sitting back down.

"Hey is prince charmin still here?" Blaine asked peeking in."Aww~! He is! I got ya something." He quickly pulled out some flowers from behind his back. "Forgive me?"

"Not cute. =____=" Desmond growled.

"Just toss that teabag in the trash when it gets too cool. I'm almost done setting up~" Drake told Desmond before turning to Blaine. "Ah~ Visiting my patients? How kind of you~"

"Kay," Desmond replied.

"Yeah I am being pretty nice...but I do feel a little bad for making him end up here." Blaine replied.

"I thought you might. We were actually discussing what led to this visit, just now~" Drake mused.

"Simple..it's called, Me teaching Desmond why he should act like a dog." Blaine shrugged.

"Maybe you just need to learn how to play the game." Desmond smirked throwing away the teabag.

"Sit down and open wide~" Drake instructed as he picked up a syringe of numbing agent.

Desmond opened his mouth but seemed uneasy.

"There's no game to learn how to play...You just need to learn how to respect your boss." Blaine said annoyed at Desmond's comment.

"He's just trying to make you react." Drake said as he injected the numbing agent into Desmond's gums. "Simple sibling stuff~"

"Hmph it's annoying." Blaine stated before sighing. "Well since Desmond doesn't want the flowers do you want me to put them in here?"

"Certainly~ The room could use a pop of color~" Drake started prepping the side of Desmond's gums.

Blaine smiled as he set up the flowers.

Drake continued with the procedure. "So~ Are you just here for moral support?"

"That and I want to see his face became the size of a balloon!" Blaine laughed.

"Hm~ Only the jaw area where he got hit."

"Awww~" Blaine looked slightly saddened which earned him a glare.

"Almost done~" Drake smiled. "Just give me a moment, and we can clean you up~"

Desmond gave a thumbs up.

"And....done!" Drake rinsed the area, sewed in some stitches, and stuffed some cotton balls in Desmond's cheek. "Keep it clean, rinse it often with warm water and dissolved salt, if it hurts, don't do the teabag trick, that's too much of a risk of the tea coming out and getting your gums infected. Just come to me for pain relievers. And you should be due back here in a week for me to check how it's healing and maybe to take the stitches out~"

Desmond nodded before heading out.

"He seems grumpy." Blaine chuckled.

"Well, he does have stitches in his mouth, and talking will be difficult until the swelling goes down..."

"Now your making me feel bad."

"Well, that's only natural, I suppose~" Drake sterilized and put away his tools and washed his hands.

"Hmm not really...I usaully don't care much when I hurt him." Blaine replied.

"Then what's different this time?"

"Hmm probably the stitches in his mouth...that just sounds uncomfortable to me." Blaine replied with a shudder.

"Aside from a slight soreness and some agitation if something gets stuck in them, the stitches shouldn't cause too much discomfort."

"Oh, then I won't worry about it." Blaine chuckled.

Drake smiled.

"Hmm...it's odd. Graham must not be at the bar, cause it's awfully quiet."Blaine chuckled.

"He's in the kitchen with Miss Fern, her brother, and a new werecat~" Drake said. "Miss Fern made fried pies~"

"Aww! Fern made pies!" Blaine looked excited. "It's been a long time."

"Then what are you hanging around here for? Go have some pies!"

"What about you? Don't you want pie?"

"I'm more a fan of spicy foods~" Drake said (which was more of an excuse than anything).

"Suit yourself!" Blaine shrugged. "But you're missing out~"

"I'm sure I am~"

Blaine chuckled as he walked out.

---

"Angel! I've got a girl in need of your skills~" Graham stated coming in with Todd behind him, he then set Amber on a bed.

"A little mouse?" Drake asked as he popped his head out from the supply closet.

"The puppy's sister~" Graham replied.

"Ah~" Drake immediately started checking Amber's vital signs. "Was she like this when you found her?"

"Yes." Graham replied slightly worried. "How long before she's fixed up?"

"To start with, she'll need plenty of rest and an IV drip. I'm not even sure when she'll wake up..." Drake admitted.

"So there's a chance she might not wake up at all?" Todd asked curiously as he looked down at Amber, he was feeling a bit nervous around Drake.

"It is possible." Drake frowned. "I'll do anything I can to prevent that, though."

"Hmm... I'm sure if anyone can help her, it will be you, Angel." Graham smiled keeping his eyes fixed on Amber.

"Is he really that good?" Todd asked curiously, maybe it wasn't Drake making him nervous, but the room he was in.

"Oh yeah! He saved my life, anyone else woulda said I was a goner, but he saved me!! =3"

"Really?" Todd said looking a bit happy, but still nervous.

"We're just all lucky that my little kitten has such a strong heart~" Drake cooed.

Todd glanced at Drake then at Graham as he started feeling a strange new feeling he'd never felt before, "Little kitten?"

"Sweet little kitten~" Drake hummed as he inserted an IV drip into Amber's arm.

Todd looked at Graham curiously.

Graham's cheeks got slightly pink as he snickered. "Well I couldn't very well, die. There is way to much to be done yet, and far to many people I had to met, hehehe...and I couldn't leave Fern & Mark."

"Graham, what is he talking about? Did you almost die?" Todd asked curiously.

"Yep! That's how I met Angel actually, I got shot in the chest by some B***ard. If Drake hadn't found me, I would've been food for some Zombies or wild animals~ ^-^" Graham replied happily as his hand went over the area he was shot.

"Don't be so pessimistic, kitten! You healed perfectly~" Drake smiled. "And you scarred marvelously~~"

Todd felt the weird feeling again and tried to ignore it, "Who shot you?"

Graham smiled at the complement "Hmmm I remember what he looks like but I never caught his name. All I really know is he's cheap B***ard. ^-^"

"Who's dead meat if we ever met him again." Mark growled as he came in.

Todd looked over at Mark, "Well if I meet him I'd kill him for hurting Kitty."

"You wouldn't be the only one." Drake told Todd.

Will opens the door to the infirmary and slowly stepped inside."H-How is my sister doing?" Will asked as he looked at Amber and then at Drake. "Will she be ok?"

"I'm doing what I can, little mouse." Drake said solemnly.

"Don't worry, Angel's the best medic you can find~" Graham told Will with a reassuring smile.

"I-I'm sure it's just a matter of rest." Haniko said trying to distract Will from, Drake uncertainty.

"I just hope that's all it is." Will said to Haniko as he looked back at Amber.

"Perhaps, but even with the best doctor we don't know the extent of the damage." Todd said looking at Amber curiously.

Will sighs as he goes and sits in a chair beside Amber's bed.

"Hmmm...Well Yuki and I have to go~ I want him to met Miss Fern! Oh but first...Drake this is...Yuki get out from behind me." Haniko was nearly glaring at her side as Yuki come out from behind her. "My brother."

"Well, hello, little mouse~" Drake grinned eerily.

"H-H-Hi...." Yuki replied his eyes big and wide.

"Oh! Drake show him your tongue please!" Haniko giggled.

Drake obliged, sticking out his tongue and wiggling the two sections.

Yuki's eyes were nearly popping out. "What happened to your tongue?!!!"

"I surgically altered it~" Drake smiled. "The pain was fantastic~"

"Umm Haniko, can I go with you and Yuki to meet Miss Fern?"Will asked as he glanced at Haniko from where he was siting.

"H-How can pain be fantastic?! I've had pain and pain is not fun! >.<"

Haniko smiled as she turned to Will. "Of course!"

"I'm...different. =^_^= I enjoy pain~ Or at least feeling it, myself. My patients are another matter, entirely."

Will gave a small smile as he got up and walked over to where Haniko was standing at.

"Oh.... I don't know how... But I guess that might help you... With fixing people." Yuki said.

"Only if pain makes them particularly violent~" Drake smiled.

Yuki nodded slightly before Haniko took Yuki's hand.

"We'll be seeing you." Haniko hummed as she headed towards the door.

"Hopefully only in social visits~" Drake waved.

"I'll be by later to check on my sister." Will said to Drake with a small wave as he followed Haniko and Yuki out the door.

Todd watched them leave, "Hey Kitty, it's kind of creepy in here."

Graham was looking over all the rubbing alcohol happily as he replied. "Oh really?.... Do you want to head into they kitchen instead?"

"Yes." Todd said with a nod still feeling uneasy.

Graham smiled as he turned towards the kitchen. "Would you like to come with us, Angel?"

"I would, but I'm going to have to monitor the new mouse for the next few hours. I don't know what she might react to as far as the IV goes." Drake said.

"Good, point. I'll bring you back something then."

"Yeah, let's do that." Todd said leaving the infirmary quickly as if it were on fire.

---

"Hey Drake." Will said as he walked into the infirmary. "Any change with my sister's condition."

"Not yet..." Drake sighed.

"I hope she wakes up soon cause I have some good news to share with her." Will said as he walked over to where Amber was laying at.

"Try to rest. It's been a long day, and I'll wake you up if there's any change." Drake smiled kindly.

"I will thanks"Willsaid with a smile as he got in the next bed and went to sleep.

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