#Wraith: Welcome to Christmasland

[blogthefiresidechats]

If you read this, then you should read this......

If you’ve read the Harry Potter series and/or the Twilight series then you should try……. The “Crave” series by Tracy Wolff = If the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series got together and had a baby, it would be this series. I’ve heard this series has been picked up by Universal Studios who now owns the movies rights for this series. I haven’t heard anything else about the movies and how…

[wraith-of-christmas-future]

You know -- it kind of bothers me that they made Vic screw Craig in show. Nothing against Craig as a character , but creating this " must be pure " scenario that wasn't exactly an issue among book is a tad too much in left field. When her book version really had no interest in doing the horizontal tango, not seriously anyways. That the only reason she had condoms in the closet was because she ended up playing a joke in class by using one as a balloon whilst her mother was the one to accuse her whoring around. Though Charlie does have an old fashioned way of thinking when considering relationship status, he isn’t as strict as they tried to make him out to be. This is where a lot of people tend to mislabel him too. I do however see where they were trying to take it, vampiric cliche on virgin blood and all -- it just wasn’t executed in that direction enough and eventually became misleading.

There is also a part in the Wraith graphic novel that it mentions he can turn adults if they weren’t tainted. Or upheld the spirit of childlike qualities -- in other words; innocence. Which could then perhaps interpret that sexual endeavors eradicate that innocence. ( Which would also shine a little more light on Charlie’s own childhood traumas and how he notes to mention his innocence was stolen. ) Again having his own scars dictate the outcome of the present/future.  A lot of people weren’t taking those hints because they had become too subtle and far spread. However, it wasn’t elaborated on if that was the only way either. Only that it had been his speculation of the power given to him.

It also kind of fucks up the plot on Wayne being Lou's. I'm debating on heavily leaning more toward book with increments of show during that showdown of theirs at Gunbarrel in particular anyways. I won't exile Craig out of the picture completely, but things would have played out a bit differently in my AU blend.

All the flaws and contradictions are more apparent since I'm re-watching and re-reading back to back with one another. I'm sure I've made mention of them before, or at least partially.

Still rubbing me the wrong way, I guess. Especially now that they're fresh on my mind again. So here I am, bringing up that sore topic.

I try to blend the book(s) and show seamlessly, but it doesn't always end up clean. I can't believe I also missed a lot of AU opportunities that I could have brought into the fold already.

Am I angry with myself ? A lil.. Allowed some things to muddle and need to eventually straighten it up within plots already ongoing. I'll write out my headcanon AU book/show blend later on to better conjoin them all for future installments.

[allyvampirelass29]

Oh What Fun!!!!

Father Christmas in his ebony sleigh, I love you even more than your favourite holiday!!!! Dreaming of a white Christmas, and a black Rolls Royce WRAITH!!!! Don't come down my chimney, Darling, I'm running to meet you in my driveway!!! The engine hums, and the keys jingle, roaring down the St. Nick Parkway, flying through your snow white inscape, and I could sing!!! Hello Christmasland!!!! Welcome home your King and Queen!!!!

[lexie-squirrel]

[fakeosphere]

[vespertine-visions]

[welcometochristmasland]

Christmasland! Robin, Millie, and Lorrie, Charlie and The Wraith By C.P. Wilson III

[entertainment]

Entertainment Spotlight: Mattea Conforti, NOS4A2

Millie is the daughter of vampire Charlie Manx—can you tell us a bit about her? What made the role fun to play?

Millie Manx is a very interesting character to play.  She is definitely strong and unafraid of a lot of things.  She can be mean and even deadly, and she takes a lot of cues from her father, Charlie Manx.  She is very devoted to her father, and she will do anything to please him.  However, there is also a side of Millie, and it especially emerges this season, where she begins to question all that she knows.  She starts to develop real fears of losing her father, and she also starts to emerge as a true leader.  This role is both really fun and challenging to play.  Playing a demon child is like nothing I’ve ever done before, and getting into all the special effects makeup, my demon wig and fang-like teeth is really fun.  In Season 2, I am able to develop Millie’s character far beyond her scary, gory presence in Season 1.  Millie is much more than a scary horror character.  She is loving, thoughtful, scared, brave, independent and vulnerable, all at the same time.  I really enjoy the challenge of showing this unexpected side of Millie Manx.       

You began your career on the stage, how do you find the work differs between stage and screen, and do you prefer one over the other?

Working on the stage is completely different than working on a tv or movie set.  In theatre, you get one chance each night to connect with your audience, to make bold acting choices, to express your character the way that you want.  But, with TV and movies, you are given multiple opportunities to explore your character’s range.  You can take a note from a director and then a few minutes later apply it to the scene you are shooting again.  In theatre, everything is big – your movements, your expressions, your vocals; because you need to reach the people in the back and the people in the balcony.  But, on the screen, I’ve learned to make my acting more subtle, because the camera is usually right there with you, and you don’t need to exaggerate your actions.  I don’t really have a preference between stage and screen, I’m just so grateful to have had the opportunity to work in both.  Both are unique in their own way, and I would welcome the opportunity to work in either genre in the future.  

Do you have any fun facts about the making of the show that fans would be surprised to find out?

Well, I have found it interesting that in making this type of horror/fantasy show, it is not scary at all to do my job.  Actually, this show has so much gore and scary scenes that when we are filming, we have a lot of fun joking around and being silly, in between takes, amongst all the gore and special effects.  There are some really cool and scary scenes coming up in Season 2 that I got to be a part of, and I would like the fans to know just how much fun it was to shoot them!  

Do you think you’d make a good vampire? What would that look like?

I’m not sure that I would make a good vampire.  I’m kind of afraid of the dark, so I probably wouldn’t be very good at it.  Also, I really do like people, and I’m not a big fan of playing deadly games like, “Scissors for The Drifter.”

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue from the show (yours or someone else’s)?

My favorite line from the show is definitely with Zachary says in Episode 202, “Who wants to go to Christmasland?!?” when we are in the wraith.  This line makes me smile because we shot that scene so many times, and each time Zachary said that line a different way.  I loved it because I never really knew how he was going to deliver it, and I challenged myself to match his energy with my response every single time.

If NOS4A2 were a musical, what would Millie’s big number be?

Great question!  Millie’s big number would have to be, “Who Wants To Go To Christmasland?” and it would come right before intermission, to hook the audience.  I think the first act of the musical would build to Charlie and Millie Manx’s first arrival in Christmasland.  They would fly through the theatre in the wraith, and the song would end with them stepping out of the wraith and seeing Christmasland for the very first time.  

Which, if any, fandoms are you in?

I’m actually not in any fandoms.  I have so many varying interests in the entertainment industry that I prefer to support as many different genres as I can.

You’ve worked on two iterations in the Frozen universe, playing both young Elsa and young Anna in different projects. Which of the sisters do you prefer to bring to life? 

I still can’t believe that I’ve played both princesses! My experience bringing Young Anna to life for Frozen the Broadway Musical, and my experience playing Young Elsa in Frozen II were so unique, and as different as the two sisters really are.  I started originating the role of Young Anna for Broadway when I was 9, so I could very much relate to the younger princess at the time. I was definitely a spunky, carefree, and funny, just like Young Anna!  I started recording for Frozen II as Young Elsa when I was around 12, so I was a bit older, and I think more mature and cautious, like Elsa.  I could never pick which sister/experience I prefer because they were both such incredible opportunities that I will never forget.  

If you could play any character, historical or fictional, who would it be, and why?

That’s a really tough question to answer, and I don’t think I could pick just one character.  I think the most important thing in selecting a role is to make sure that I am being challenged to tell a very important story.  I love characters with a lot of depth to them, where I can show my acting range and make bold choices. 

What does your ideal day off look like?

My ideal day off is definitely a summer day.  I would spend my day on the beach with my family and friends, swim in the ocean, and go for long walks to find shells and sea glass.  It would also include some really good food and of course, ice cream for dessert!

Thanks for taking the time, Mattea! Catch NOS4A2 Sundays on AMC.

Headshot: Emily Assiran

[rosevanhelsing]

Wendigo

Chapter. 17

On his part, James had been making his own inquiries, looking here and there he ended up discovering another person who linked Vic and Manx: Bing Partridge. Without much thought, he went to see him at the prison. James told her that he was a distant relative of Victoria and that he had recently found out that they were related to her.

- But why are you telling me that? I no longer have a relationship with Vic McQueen. The last thing she did was write me a letter where she said that she forgave me for what I had done to her, but that we were not going to be friends.- he said sadly.

- Oh, wow. I guess that was after you told him where to find Manx ...

"How did you find out about that?" Bing said suspiciously. Time in prison had made him more cautious and suspicious

-Well, a friend made me the genealogical tree, and searching found that he had living relatives, and Vic is one of them. After a season of looking for her, I was able to contact her, I showed her everything etc… total that we have a good relationship with cousins ​​now. And she ended up telling me everything about Manx and especially about his last battle against him, how she rescued her son but unfortunately she couldn't kill Manx.

- Isn't Manx dead?

-No, and I would like to find him and make it clear that nobody messes with a McQueen and comes out unscathed. Why don't the hiding places tell me that he had that bastard?

-Will he kill it?

- That i would like.

-Well, then she must destroy Manx's car as well. The Rolls Royce Wraith, registration N0s4a2. I don't know how, but it seems that Charlie's life is linked to that of that thing.

- Wow!

- Give me a map, I'll show you the ones I remember ...

When James left, Bing was thoughtful and asked to phone. He only let him contact Tabitha Hutter. Bing commented on her visit and said that he had only told her that his name was James. Tabitha became uneasy and told Bing to describe his visitor, while she did so, Tabitha looked at the portrait Vic had made. The portrait matched the Wendigo in everything.

- What have you talked about? - Tabitha asked

- He told me that Vic couldn't kill Charlie Manx and that he's still out there. He asked me to tell him the hiding places of that vermin to kill him, I told him and also his weak point.

- For God's sake, Mr. Patridge, you didn't give him Vic's address, did you?"

-No, he didn't ask me. And I don't think he would have given it to her, that guy just didn't give me a good feeling.

- Better, because he's a fucking serial killer,-  she said and hung up the phone.

Bing almost had a heart attack, but he was glad that at least he didn't miss any information about Vic. Although he did not regret giving information about that at least no information Charlie, if Manx was hunted by another monster he did not care, rather Manx would receive his deserved. Tabitha called Vic and told her everything, Vic thanked her and said that she would stay alert just in case. When she hung up the phone, she left the house and told Charlie that at that moment he was getting ready to leave.

- Charlie, Tabitha Hutter just called.

- The police who were chasing me and Bing?

- Yes, the same one. She told me that the Wendigo found out that there was a person related to the two, besides Henry.

- Bing Partridge? Well, what did that idiot of me say to the Wendigo?

-Apparently he showed him all your  hiding places  ...

Charlie laughed out loud

- Very predictable. That's why I went ahead. There's nothing left of me, no clues in the nooks that Bing knew about.

-… he also told him about your connection with the Wraith

Charlie's smile faded from his face, and he frowned, crossed his arms, and said:

- Wow, so the loudmouth that missed that detail. I should have finished off Bing, but at the time I thought prison would be a better punishment for him than the flames of hell. However now I know that the Wendigo may try to go after me, I will take that into account.

- Charlie, we have to think of some way to attract the Wendigo to us.

- First, Vic, we must know what he is ...

- Maggie told me. He is an undeveloped creative soul. Perhaps he never found his knife, and he hates us because we have a power that he craves. Maggie told me that we should lure him to my Shortcut or Christmasland and let the static swallow him like Maggie and I try to do with you ...

- ... what if my children take care of him in Christmasland? That very tempting option for me- said Charlie with a sadistic smile.- My children could play with the Wendigo to scissors for the drifter ...

Vic couldn't suppress a shudder when she remembered what a bad time she'd had at Christmasland.

- Anyway, Vic dear, we must plan how to attract our relative and what to do with him ... but let me spend a few days in Christmasland, and you must spend Wayne's birthday with him and without worrying about anything else. Let Wayne enjoy his furry new friend that he is going to receive as a gift.

Suddenly a thing came to Vic's memory and she said, smiling:

-You're right, and now that you talk about gifts, I just remembered one thing ... please wait here.

Charlie frowned, what the hell was Vic up to? After two minutes she returned with a gift bag containing a book.

- Here,Vic said, handing the bag to Manx, it's a book of photographs of the world. There are many landscapes and monuments, although it is a bit dated. I wanted to send it to Maggie to incorporate it into a library but I think I know someone who will like it.

- Vic, what do I want that book for?

- Don't be silly, Charlie, it's not for you, it's for Millie. She wanted to see the world, that book will allow her to see it without leaving Christmasland.

Charlie's features and gaze softened and she smiled warmly. Vic seemed to catch a momentary glimpse of the sweet, quiet, good man that Charlie had been, before her gift took his soul away.

- Oh, it's a detail on your part… Thank you. I'll tell him it's a gift from you.

Charlie got in the car and drove straight to Christmasland. On the way he was thinking about how they could attract the Wendigo, until the car contacted him.

-If Vic uses my powers more times to heal himself, perhaps I will end up absorbing her soul, and she may transform into someone like you and your daughter. An immortal. It's what you want, right?

Charlie slowed down and laughed out loud. Oh, that was too good. Too ironic. He just had to wait for Vic to get hurt when they faced the Wendigo and let the Wraith do his job. The car would erase any bad memories Vic had of him…. and sooner or later, Vic would end up being for him ...

Charlie smiled satisfied and accelerated again, he had to make a plan. On the way, he stopped for a while to rest. A prostitute approached him and was run over by the Wraith. After a few hours he arrived at Christmasland and the children welcomed him warmly to receive their food. Manx threw the prostitute's body at them. When the kids finished dinner, they scattered and only Millie was left. Charlie said:

- Millie, my sugar plum, I have an exclusive gift for you, from Vic McQueen. It  is in the car.

 Millie was very surprised, and she ran to the car, took out the bag and the book, leafed through it and said:

- Oh, Dad. Is beautiful!!! Can I call Vic, to thank you?

Charlie hadn't seen Millie so excited about a gift in many years. Maybe it was because it was a different gift? Why had Vic given it to him? Manx did not know, but it was necessary for his daughter to maintain good manners and said:

-Of course, my girl, you must call her and thank her for it. You have to be grateful

Millie ran into Charlie's office and called, though only Vic heard the phone. Taking advantage of the fact that Lou was arranging to collect the puppy, Vic went to answer.

- Vic, Vic McQueen?

- Millie?

- Yes, it's me. I called you because I wanted to thank you for your gift. I loved it.

- I'm glad- Vic smiled- I owed you something, for helping me get my son back.

-You also helped me to make my Dad focus only on us and not on his revenge against you. And in the end, you also spared his life ... are you going to forgive Daddy for everything he did to you?

Vic was speechless with surprise, thought a little and said with all the sincerity that she could:

- Maybe in time, Millie. He hurt me a lot.

[bunnylouisegrimes]

Her Savior, Her Nosferatu (NOS4A2 Fanfiction)

Her Savior, Her Nosferatu

A NOS4A2 Fanfiction

By: Bunny Louise Grimes

A/N: This (very long) fanfic contains some disturbing things, so be ready. It involves a certain creepy character doing some very disgusting things, but I assure you, he will get his in the end, and near the end there will also be fluff. Avoid if that’s not your thing because this is a pretty dark fic with a hopeful ending, yes, but it is very dark. Some Trigger Warnings: Rape (both mentioned and part of the plot), gore, and mentions of Charlie’s child abuse and domestic violence (read Wraith Welcome to Christmasland comic to understand his backstory if you haven’t to get the full picture).

This is also a Charlie X Vic fic, but their relationship is extremely platonic and there is little to no romance at all.

Note that there are quite a few AU-ish elements in this story too.

It is set (generally speaking) roughly after episode 8 in the first season, although it is isn’t entirely canon-based.

Please, enjoy.

The blistering heat of a summer in July would’ve normally bothered Charles Talent Manx The Third, but with the windows down in his sleek and sable 1938 Rolls Royce Wraith antique, the breeze made him comfortable enough. Automobile air conditioning was not a luxury yet in the years this car was made, so having the windows rolled down was your only way of not baking in the humidity.

The ancient FM radio was cranked up. Instead of Christmas music, for once, Charlie was listening to a channel playing old music he enjoyed. Most of the music playing from this channel was from the 1970’s, but a few 1980’s songs came on, such as this one. Currently, Tears For Fears were singing joyfully about what a Mad World they were living in. The old vampire clacked his long nails against the steering wheel, humming along and gazing at the bright blue sky. The sun irritated his eyes, so he was forced to look away once it came out from behind some fluffy white clouds.

Currently, he was in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He was on his way to The House of Sleep, as he called Bing’s house. He called it that due to dead bodies of bad parents “sleeping” for all of eternity before being disposed of. Or, that is what Charlie thought...

He slowed his car down and halted outside the rickety house. The vocals to Tears For Fears died down just as Charlie released his keys and placed them in his coat pocket, leaving an awkward and almost unsettling silence. He was on his way to talk to Bing about a new child to save from a perverted uncle who was harming her, and she was in desperate need to be given a pure and happy life as a healthy and strong vampire such as himself and his other children.

He stepped outside the car and closed the door behind him. A collection of pinwheels blew in the wind, making a rapid noise that accompanied the trees rustling. He made sure the car was locked using his powers. The moment Charlie used his powers to lock his car, he froze.

His psychic senses were tingling at the moment of being activated. Something was wrong. He could taste something heinous on the tip of his tongue. His brain felt as though it was vibrating behind his eyes and within his skull. His heart rate picked up and his hands started to tremble. Yes, something was wrong, and he needed to figure out what exactly was the matter.

His instincts screamed at him, telling him to peak into one of the basement windows once his eyes happened to meet them. He slowly and carefully approached the house. His hands continued to quiver and his heart continued to thud as he walked over to the windows and got on his knees. He leaned into them to look carefully.

The dusty basement with colorful Christmas lights had some kind of noises coming from it. He squinted his sharp eyes and made sure to tilt his one ear to make sure his bat-like hearing could actually listen in. A young female voice in distress, crying out in pain.... a deep man’s voice chuckling and clearly being overjoyed... a rhythmic rocking sound was the beat behind their moans and whispers.

The vampire turned his head to the right, the direction the sounds were coming from. At first, he didn’t believe what he was seeing and thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. Perhaps his mind dirtied an innocent action due to the dust-coated windows making things hard to see and interpret, even to eyes as keen as his. But when it dawned on him that this was no optical illusion, and his initial thoughts were indeed correct, horror swelled in his heart. His stomach sank, and one of his hands went to his mouth in pure instinct. He gasped, his mouth left hanging agape. His eyes widened in pure terror. A scream begged to be let out of his vocal cords, but the stone in his throat died before ever leaving it. He jumped back, dumbfounded and overcome with panic and shock. His heartbeat now raced in his ears, and his body shook to its very core. His eyes never left what disgusting act lie just beneath his feet.

Bing Partridge, that gargantuan lump of a man, was on top of thin and average statured Victoria McQueen. He could recognize her soft, pale face, now with tears streaming down her cheeks. Her dark eyes looked to be even darker thanks to her dilated pupils. Drool was pooling out of her mouth, and pain filled sobs croaked out of her. There was no doubt she was drugged up. Was she drugged... with the gas? Something inside Charlie told him that fat bastard used his gingerbread gas, only to be used to knock bad parents out before killing them, to make her weaker and unable to fight back. Her white, long sleeved shirt and blue jeans were thrown to the side, and she was left in her black bra, unhooked and near her thin stomach, and matching panties around her legs. The hairy and large monster was still within his regular clothes, the only exception being his pants also pulled down, exposing his bare ass facing Charlie from where he was looking.

The vampire could tell this was no consensual act. Not only due to her being drugged up, and not only due to her looking and sounding to be in distress, but he could feel her fear in his bones and head. He could smell the dreadful sweat pouring from every crevice on her body, and the petrified tears streaming from her foggy eyes. Something stirred inside of him at this sight, something that had been dormant for years. He remembered, more vividly than he had in an extremely long time, when something very similar happened to him.

He was a young boy, barely 13 years old, when one of his mother’s clients was thrown out after abusing her in bed. He wasn’t fully satisfied with her actions for him, he had said, and he was bitter. His mother accused him of being a homosexual, perhaps, and a woman didn’t do the trick. Oh, if only she knew how right she was, and that young boys were this man’s type. The man had followed young Charlie as the boy went to play with his sled, as was typical when his mother got done yelling at him, slapping him, or ignoring him to engage in her sexual acts with great glee. The pain Charlie felt throughout his body and mind that day was unfathomable, and no matter how much he cried out for help, no one came to his rescue. Men like his attacker had a very special place in Hell, Charlie was sure of it. It wasn’t like his mother, Fanny Manx, cared if such a thing happened to her son. In fact, she would’ve probably said, had Charlie not stood up for himself in an incredible way he barely remembered, that he deserved to be used, and it gave him a purpose in this world, something he lacked. Looking back at his abusive whore of a mother, it was quite the surprise to Charlie that his mother never tricked him out to get extra money, when she very easily could’ve and would’ve if she thought of it.

He had managed to escape after all was done and the man was satisfied with using the young boy’s body. He slid down a hill, not noticing a tree, and once his head hit the tree, something unlocked inside of him. The world around him had changed slightly, and he gained a newfound strength to murder his attacker with one of the sharp blades of his now broken sled. He stormed back into town and did the same to his mother and one of the men who owned the inn and mortuary he lived in with his mother. He had little to no memory of this event, and it seemed to him a horrible nightmare almost entirely lost to time.

But the emotions and events of Charlie’s assault became fresh and open in his mind. The despair and suffering he felt during that moment of his life came flooding back to his heart, tugging at the faucets behind his eyes to release water. Wounds healed after an adolescence filled with nightmares, panic attacks, internal confusion and trauma with no guidance, and shame from so long ago were opened once more, with deep red blood seeping out of the near non-existant stitches. His shock and horror melted into equally crimson fury as that blood dripped from his wounds.

They had begun to heal once he was in his 20’s thanks to time and maturity, and meeting his first wife and starting a family with her during the prosperous Roaring 20’s certainly made him feel happy. Of course, once she began to abuse him during the Depression when they lost everything, this brought back similar feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, an inner conflict that made him come crawling back to his abuser because a part of him still loved her. Becoming a vampire and starting a happy family of children similar to his case had certainly rehealed his wounds for a very long time. He hadn’t meant to become a vampire with his daughters thanks to his powers unlocking after his second mental snap that was even larger than the first, but he had to make due with what was given to him in life, and he had. There was a part of him that didn’t like that he was a vampire and that his babies were vampires, but he knew that there were benefits, and he simply had to focus on the positives, as they most likely outweighed the negatives, no matter what anyone else said.

But no amount of comforting childhood innocence and Christmas joy could stop his wounds from reopening while seeing this revolting act play out in front of him. The agony of this poor teenage girl full of purity... and that small part of innocence left inside of her (despite a scrappy home life) being ripped away...yes, that home life allowed her to discover her psychic talent of finding lost objects, and led her to him, but it had caused her lots of pain that he understood. She was gothy and rebellious, and very modern, but none of that mattered. Charlie had fell for her, he cared about her, even if she didn’t see it. It was more than just the fact she was a Creative like him, although that was part of it. He understood her and wanted to be with her. He wanted her to be with him and to give her happiness, to give his children happiness in having a mother, and to give him happiness in having a wife once again.

He would need her virginity to help her transform into a vampire like him one day. He would be the one to take it through sex, and then fuse it back inside of her by biting her neck and focusing his energy on her. But now, none of that could happen. Not only because her purity was destroyed, but because she would have scars just as he did all those years ago that would make it extremely hard for her to trust or want to be with any man, to even get through life. It was somewhat hard for him at first to have sex with Cassie for the first time, but it was easier than expected, most likely because she was a harmless woman, and his trauma was not as fresh. For Vic, any man would bring back these feelings until her trauma would heal, if she was lucky to have it heal enough or at all. And even then, what if she wanted children with a man? Would she be too old to have them by then? Her life, much like Charlie’s life, was destroyed by a sexual impulse from a disgusting waste of a man.

But Charlie’s hopeful romantic plans with Victoria being ruined were not the larger reason why he was so disgusted, although they were a part of why, and he acknowledged there was a strong possibility she wouldn’t have wanted to be with him no matter what in the end. It was the fact that someone else, and especially someone else that reminded him of himself, was going through the horrific event that he exactly went through. He hated it when adults would harm children and especially sexually. When it was an adult doing it to another adult, regardless of virginity being involved or not, it was still filthy. Some men, unfortunately, never understood the importance of defending the honor of a woman, and this insult to a pig violating and destroying this girl’s honor, chastity, and identity sickened Charlie. Even if he hadn’t loved her, his rage would still be just as fire hot.

The vampire got up off the ground, his claw-like nails almost digging into his palms as he held his hands in sweaty fists. His dark brown eyes could burn holes into anything. He shook even more violently now. He was going to kill Bing Partridge. He didn’t know how just yet, but he knew it was going to be long and torturous, and it would be quite the spectacle to anyone who enjoyed a good gore session.

Charlie walked back to his car to grab a weapon from the trunk, his hostile resent clearly evident from the way he stormed over to his antique. He unlocked his trunk and pulled it out: his autopsy mallet he stole from the morgue during an event where he had to play dead in his crippled, old form due to one of his previous assistants being a fool and allowing them to be caught by the police. He wasn’t believed by a soul and locked in the looney bin, but Charlie had managed to escape. This event seemed to be forgotten by all police involved, and the general consensus was a necrophiliac of sorts stole his corpse.

The silver metal of the mallet shimmered and reflected the sunlight in an almost beautiful way. He tapped it in his palms, his thick eyebrows furrowed and lips tightly together in a frown. His mind was swimming in fire and ways to rip apart the man who ripped apart this poor girl, both physically and mentally. He quietly closed his trunk and walked back over to the house. He knew he had to sneak down to the basement to avoid being caught and noticed, as surprise was his ally in this moment. To take the monsters of this world by surprise and revel in their pain while justice was served was a euphoria Charlie could only describe as heavenly.

He thought about how he was going to break in. He tried the door, just to be sure, and it was locked. Charlie thought back to when he first came to this house if there was any kind of simple lock he could pull or turn with his telekineses. He remembered there was a key from the inside still within the keyhole you had to turn, and a top lock you had to pull. He focused his mind on these two things. When the key turned and the top lock pulled back on the other side, Charlie tried the door again and it opened. As quiet as he could, the old vampire walked on the floor as though it were made of the most fragile glass. Using his telekinesis, he closed the door behind him with equal gentleness and locked it once again so that if the fat bastard did manage to get away, it would slow him down.

He tiptoed down the hallway, the sounds of Vic’s crying, Bing’s grunts and laughter, and the rocking even louder than behind the muffled glass. His grip tightened on his mallet, as his anger was getting stronger every moment. He winced at every small creak his black Oxford dress shoes made across the wooden floor, but the monster seemed far too invested in destroying the poor teenage girl’s life to notice little noises. The sweat beaded Charlie’s forehead, and he was sure he looked red due to the resentful, lava-like blood flooding his cheeks. Interestingly, the vampire’s body temperature, with the exception of his face usually, would drop significantly when he was very upset, angry, and so on. His hands had gone cold as they clutched the metal of the mallet. If he so wanted, he could’ve froze it using his abilities, but that was not on his mind at the moment.

He managed to reach the basement door. It was wide open, and the despicable act was right in front of his face. He couldn’t move for a few moments, paralyzed from shock and rage, but he managed to creep down the steps with little to no noise. As he got closer, he could finally hear Bing’s terrible words.

“Mr. Manx will be so proud when I’m done with you... yes, he will be... God, you’re so soft! You remind me of my mommy... so delicate and fresh... with such big tits too!”

Vic continued to choke out cries and screams, her head lopped back on the chair. Her messy black hair looked greasy and as though it was pulled on. Helpless and frightened, she couldn’t do anything as this bear-like man continued to ruin her. Her glassy eyes just so happened to roll over and see Charlie creeping down the steps. She noticed he had some kind of weapon in his hands, looking as though he was about to attack... her assailant? Oh, Dear Lord, please kill this... thing. Her vision was blurry, and her conscious was in and out, but it was quite obvious he was angry and upset. The monster was too oblivious and too lost in his own sexual ecstasy to notice where Vic’s eyes were or what was just behind him.

Charlie’s eyes met Vic’s for a few seconds, and they glimmered with pity and empathy. When his gaze shifted back to the evil monster, fire filled them once again. He bared his sharp teeth and growled lowly, sounding like an animal. A group of fangs came jutting out behind his teeth, turning his low growl into a vampiric hiss. His nails grew longer, and a stream of dragon smoke came out of his nose and mouth. His primal vampire instincts were kicking in, and this included his body temperature becoming ice cold to the point it burned, as well as the ability for him to see his breath. It was almost as if his lungs froze over from within, and steam-like air was the only thing that could come out. He looked more akin to a beast-like bat or wolf than a man. His pale skin looked like ice, and his dark eyes turned pitch black and shiny, with hints of blood red around the enlarged, onyx irises. He finally reached the bottom of the steps, edging closer to the large creature...

Bing grabbed Vic by her chin and forced her to look at him. He smiled and chuckled, saying, “Why can’t you look me in the eyes just like mommy did for me?”

Vic finally managed to let out a blood curdling scream as clear as the day outside. A sharp WHACK interrupted her scream. The gluttonous cretin fell to the ground, yelling out in pain. The sickening popping of the bone and brain matter within Bing’s skull was Charlie’s definition of satisfaction. Vic could now see the vampire clearly. Tall and thin, he already looked a bit frighting when he held his normal appearance, but in this form, he looked like a walking corpse, frozen in time, but also in some kind of rotting stage which made aspects of him look like a feral animal with rabies.

Bing continued to roll on the ground in pain, groaning, but was interrupted by Charlie hissing and grabbing him by his shirt collar. His sharp nails tore at the fabric as he slammed the autopsy mallet across his skull. Blood went flying in multiple different directions. The large creep yelled out as his skull and brain were being bashed in and apart by the mallet. Nauseating and cringe worthy pops and snaps filled the basement, elevating Charlie’s euphoria. Vic sat in the chair, trying to process everything happening at that moment and everything that had happened to her in the past hours. She couldn’t give a time or even an estimate to how long she had been down there. All she had known was the amount of fear and pain she felt.

The mallet was soaked in blood by the time Charlie grew tired of hitting this monster with it. Bing’s face was caked in crimson. Parts of his skull and brain were mushy and exposed. And yet... by some chance, he was alive. While all of his cognitive function was most likely destroyed, he certainly could still react to pain. Good, makes him easier prey...

Charlie, in his adrenaline and satisfaction, gave a deep chuckle.

“Now you’re going to know what it’s like to be helpless and torn apart, with the only knowledge going through your mind being your pain.”

An idea came to Charlie when he saw the curved edge of his mallet. He forced the sharp end through Bing’s right eye and popped it out like a cork. He continued to cry out as Charlie did the same to his other eye. The vampire grabbed the eyeballs and chewed on them like they were gumballs.

Despite now being blind, and with skull and brain outside of his head, Bing managed to attempt to push Charlie off of his large stomach. The vampire tossed aside his ruby red mallet, growled, and slammed him down with his hands wrapped around his neck, his nails digging into his flesh, causing streaks of blood to come dripping out of his throat.

“Still have some fight?! How in the hell are you still alive?! Why can’t you just die?!” His angry roars suddenly molded into dark snickers. “No matter; that just means for fun for me. Not to mention, you’ll know what it’s like to fight back and perish for having the strength and audacity to dare defy the one hurting you.”

He let out a hiss sounding like a snake’s before grabbing Bing’s hands. With his teeth, he managed to tear out all five fingers on his right hand, followed by his left hand. Gobbling them down with incredible greed, the sick imbecile continued to scream out. While his mouth was wide open, Charlie reached into Bing’s mouth and tore out his tongue using his sharp nails. He shoved his own tongue back into his mouth for him to swallow and choke on.

While the dumpy half-wit gagged down his own tounge, Charlie decided the best should’ve been saved for last. He stood up and grabbed his mallet again, the blood dripping down it like red wine. He threw it down with great force onto Bing’s penis multiple times, making the rotund monster yell and squirm in agony. Charlie flipped the mallet around and, using the sharp curved end, peeled the flesh off of his penis like a banana. Piss and blood came flooding out of it, but the vampire could care less. After the penis was peeled entirely, Charlie ripped it off using the curved end of the mallet, and did the same to his balls. He grabbed the elephantine man’s penis and shoved it up his nose, which had blood pouring out of it. His balls went into his ears, which also had blood pouring out of them.

After his castration, the Falstaffian rapist sharing the same name as a search engine was barely alive. His breathing was labored and rattling in his chest.

“Still alive, are we, Mr. Partridge?” Charlie asked with a tone dripping with venom, yet smothered with innocence. “Well, I’m here to tell you that your services are no longer required. You have let me down and failed me. Perhaps you’ll have a better job with Satan in Hell, when you awake in his arms to be his personal torture toy. Maybe your mommy will be there to join in on the fun, just as you had your fun with her! There is just one unfortunate thing, I’m afraid...”

He leaned into his face. “The fires of Hell are not hot enough for the lowest common denominators of shit like you.”

The vampire brought his fangs back out and bit into Bing’s jugular. Frost bite broke the skin around his neck and rotted it. Blood squirted into Charlie’s mouth as he guzzled it down like fruit punch. He consumed the last of Bing’s energy to gain some lost strength from the amount he had to put towards torturing him. When he had his fill of energy and blood, he clawed the literal motherfucker’s hairy face with his nails and tore away at the flesh with his teeth to have a snack.

All the while, Vic was staring in horror at Charlie’s transformation from the polite gentleman she first met at the bus station, offering for her to become his children’s mother... to a primal, animalistic vampire, a true Nosferatu. She didn’t know how to react in the first few moments of watching, but near the end, she was relieved that her rapist was finally dead. She didn’t want to admit it, but part of her was enjoying Charlie torturing him and making a grisly spectacle of him. She was humiliated and degraded by him, and now he was being humiliated and degraded by being a vampire’s play thing and meal. Her mind’s focus would dip back and forth between what was going on around her and her own pain. She pressed her knees to her body and held herself to feel safer.

When Charlie was done, he lifted himself off of the creature’s corpse. Blood dribbled down his chin. It was also splattered on his face and clothes. His hands and nails were soaked, and his teeth and fangs matched. He grabbed his handkerchief and wiped his face and hands off. When they were clean, he looked at the handkerchief and pressed it to one of his fangs. He drained the blood from it and sighed when it was all clean. He placed it back in his front vest pocket and drained any blood splatter on his clothes with his fangs. He lastly licked his teeth and fangs with his tongue, the faint yellow color returning to them. He retracted his fangs and his nails (though, his nails could only retract until a certain point), turning to Vic. She looked up at him with large eyes and a pale face. His gaze softened as he approached her.

“Victoria,” he hushed. “What happened? How did he find you? Why did he do this to you?”

She was silent for a few moments before saying, in a very shaky voice, “He... he must’ve followed me home, found out where I live. He must’ve broke into my house because I noticed my box of condoms and weed was sitting on my bed when I had them in my closet. My mom and I went to a party, and she came home before I did, so she found them. He knew I had them, he told me when I woke up down here, so it had to have been him to place them there and break into my house. My mom got mad at me, but I tried to tell her I was being safe and careful. We got into a fight, and I went off to where my bridge was. I thought I could just get away for a bit and cool off in the woods, but he must’ve followed me then too. He knocked me out and kidnapped me. I woke up here and...” Her voice broke, and tears flooded her eyes.

Charlie nodded, knowing what she meant to say next. Normally, it would’ve bothered him that a younger person, especially a young girl, would be interested in drugs, but he understood weed was a weaker drug, and as long as she was careful and not careless, he supposed he could make do with such behavior. Had this disgusting event not happened, but he still knew she had such belongings somehow, he would’ve been concerned that she had condoms, as that meant she might’ve been interested in losing her virginity to someone else without giving him a chance and therefore couldn’t be with him forever, but he would’ve been fine with it, at the very least, if she had given him a chance and still wasn’t interested in him (as long as she didn’t want to destroy everything he had built), and especially because it meant she truly cared about her life and safety to the point she didn’t want to get knocked up while so young or get a disease. None of that mattered now, of course. In fact, all he cared about was her safety and helping her.

Charlie rested a hand on her shoulder. “When did this happen?”

“I... I can’t remember,” she choked out. “I want to say last night, but I lost track of time.”

He hushed her softly and leaned down to caress her cheek. “Did he ever give a reason why he did this to you?”

“He said it was to make you happy... if that’s true, why would you save me?”

While most of the angry flames in Charlie’s heart had died down after blazing so intensely, this comment made them spark back to a low flicker.

“I would’ve never wanted this. Victoria, I love you. I know you don’t love me, but that doesn’t matter. Even if I hated you, I would never wish or want this upon you. I had an experience very similar to this when I was a young boy, barely a teenager. Why would I want such pain to happen to you or anyone else? Even if I never had that experience, I still wouldn’t want it to happen to you or anyone else.”

“He told me he did it to Hailey’s mom, Sharon,” she whimpered.

Charlie’s eyebrow went up. “Did... this to her?”

Vic nodded. “Is that what you wanted him to do?”

Charlie shook his head firmly. “No! I never asked him to do that. His job was very clear and strict: kill the parents and dispose of them. I never asked him to... for God’s sakes, why would he...” He stopped and rubbed his hand on his temple. “I would never trust a man like that around my children. I would never ask a man to do that... I trusted him, and he failed me. I’m...” He stopped and covered his eyes in shame. “This is all my fault. I’m the reason he did this to you. My God, Victoria, I’m so sorry... I never should’ve hired him. Using my abilities, I knew what he did to his mother, but I thought I could use him for my benefit and the children’s benefits based on his ability to seemingly get away with murdering his parents. I thought he wouldn’t do what he did to his mother again because I was very clear in my directions and I thought he wouldn’t ever want to go against my wishes, but as it turns out...” He paused again, choking on his regret. “I was going to have my babies eat him if he ever made it to Christmasland, anyways. I couldn’t trust him around my children, not after what he did to his own mother! But the fact he did this to you and Sharon, despite me telling him to just kill the parents and dispose of them, and despite me never telling him to lay a finger on you, I... good God, please understand me, Victoria. I don’t expect you to forgive me at all-“

“Charlie,” she interrupted. “This isn’t your fault. Please don’t feel guilty.”

He looked at her, almost confused. He couldn’t believe she was saying these things to him. He expected her to be furious with him, but instead she was... understanding his point of view.

“You were only doing what you think is right, and in some ways, what you’re doing is right. I can see that now more than ever. You didn’t force him to do any of this, I understand that now too. You couldn’t control him doing any of this.”

“If I hadn’t come into your lives, he wouldn’t have-“

Her voice continued to tremble and tears ran down her cheeks. “Charlie, I trusted him before we met you, but I’ll be honest: now that I’ve seen what a monster he was, he was a ticking time bomb. He could’ve turned on me even if you hadn’t shown up in our lives. I could’ve been ‘too nice’ to him, and he could’ve interpreted that as a signal and done things to me. Maybe... it was just some fucked up thing meant to be...” A few sobs squeaked out of her, but she managed to regain some strength to finish what she needed to say. “All I can say is... do not blame yourself, and thank you for saving me. I’m sorry I didn’t understand you before.”

“You don’t feel sorry for anything,” the vampire told her, rubbing her back. “I don’t blame people for being afraid of what I do. In addition, vampires are misunderstood beings. We look frightening, aspects of us are frightening, and we can’t help it. People only look at our covers and don’t read the words in between. It’s an easy thing to do.” He stopped and looked down at his feet. “I still feel guilty and believe it to be my fault this happened to you, and I can’t even express how sorry I am it did...” He changed the topic. “...And I’m glad we’ve made up in a way, but now we need to get going. We need to get you out of here and to a hospital.”

He gingerly lifted Vic up off the chair. Blood dripped down her legs and she began to cry again. Charlie gently hushed her and held her close to him.

“Do you need my help to put back on your bra and panties?”

She shook her head and pulled everything back on, trying to fight her tears. She grabbed her other articles of clothing and slipped them back on as well. Her biker jacket was tossed near the staircase. She grabbed it, but pain from within her body caused her to cry out and hesitate. He came to her aid and grabbed her jacket for her. She thanked him and pulled it close around her body.

“Do you have everything?” He asked her.

Vic checked her pockets and nodded.

“Good.” The vampire grabbed his mallet, lapped at the blood on it like a popsicle, flipped it, and stuck the sharp, curved end through Bing’s forehead.

“I’m taking this to Christmasland. I promised my children a delicious dinner full of fat, and I’m not letting them down. Plus, without a body, it will make things harder for police to trace things back to me or you. There’s no need for a case, as justice has been served. We will tell the hospital and any police that it was a large man, neither of us could get any physical details, I found you in the woods near your bridge because I heard screaming while I was driving, and I saved you because I scared him and he ran away. Is that okay?”

Vic nodded again. “What if my school or Bing’s other job notices he’s missing?”

Charlie pointed towards the gas, huddled in a corner of the basement.

“We’ll burn this place down, and make it seem as though he lost his house and he’s now gone homeless. Either that, or his remains were destroyed entirely. Nobody will know.”

“Okay, that’s perfect.” She grunted at another pain near her stomach. “These feel like period cramps, but so much worse...”

“I know, dear, I know...” Charlie held her close to his body with one arm and dragged Bing’s corpse with his other as they walked back upstairs. “You’re safe now. You’re going to sit in my front seat, we’re going to take you to a hospital, they’ll treat your injuries, give you Plan B, give you some anti-viral drugs to prevent HIV, any antibiotics as well, you can call your parents, and you’ll return home with them. You’re going to be alright. I know it doesn’t seem like it, believe me, I know very well. But I will be by your side and I will help you as much as I can.”

She clung to him, the two of them going down the narrow hallway. Using his telekinesis, Charlie unlocked the door and threw it open. They walked all the way back to the car. The passenger door creaked open. Charlie led Vic to it. She crawled into the car and sat down on the cushiony leather seat.

“Wait here,” he told her. “I’ll be right back.”

He closed the door and dragged Bing’s bludgeoned carcass to his trunk. He opened it up, raised the body (with the extra help of the mallet), and half threw it into the back of his car. After pulling the end of the mallet out of his head and setting it to the side of his body, he closed the trunk with great force. He walked over to the driver’s side of the car and opened his door. Vic was a bit startled at this, as she had been lost in time for a moment.

“Don’t fret, darling,” he hushed. “I’m just grabbing my lighter.”

He popped open the compartment near her knees and rustled through his candy canes, pine tree air fresheners, and map of The United Inscapes of America until he found his red lighter.

“I’ve got a few more at home, I can easily replace it.” He turned his keys and the Wraith purred to life. He smiled at Vic warmly and said, “I’m starting the car for an easy and safe getaway. There is going to be a big explosion, and I want you to enjoy that beast’s den going out with a big bang.”

He closed the door behind him and trotted back to the house. He went back down to the basement, organizing the sevoflurane canisters in a particular order he felt fit. He turned them all on. He went into Bing’s garage and gathered up a bunch of gas cans. He emptied all of the oil out all throughout the house. This not only ensured the house would burn, but it would throw authorities off and they would struggle to figure out which was the exact cause for the fire, if they could even find one or the other. Making things as confusing as possible for the police was key, because the more confusing, the colder the case.

When Charlie was done with the oil, he walked downstairs for the last time. He opened his lighter, flicked it on, and threw it at the containers. The second it hit them, he took off running out of the house. Heat picked up behind him as he jumped out of the doorway and fell onto the ground. The Wraith in front of him lurched backwards on its own from his control. It screeched to a halt when it was far back enough.

The initial explosion of gingerbread smoke in the basement caused the whole bottom half of the house to blow to smithereens. The fire spread from the basement to the rest of the house thanks to the oil and the fact the house was wooden in a matter of seconds. Fireballs exploded the windows just as Charlie threw himself down, causing glass to rain all over him. Heat as warm as the sun made his face drip with sweat instantly. The light was blindingly bright, strong enough to make one want to cover their eyes.

That is what Vic did the moment the house burst into flames. She gasped at the intensity and hid her eyes from the light comparable to that of a nuclear blast. When things seemed to die down, she looked up like a timid child from their blankets.

Charlie stood up and brushed himself off. He was completely unscathed, just had some dirt and dust on his clothing. He brushed his hands off as he approached his car. The door opened for him and he slid into the driver’s seat. Before he pulled the door shut again, he sniffed, and Vic got a whiff of what he was smelling.

“Gingerbread, oil, and burning wood,” he observed outloud. He closed his door and turned to Vic. “Certainly an interesting scent. Perhaps they should make a candle out of it. They can call it, ‘Dead Rapist’s Burning House.’ They could make a cause out of it: buy a candle, and you’ll be putting money towards torching a just-murdered rapist’s house down. Think of all the money that company would make, and think of all the sinister creatures of this world they’d be dealing with. Quite frankly, they should really make that a business. I know I’d donate.”

“I’d donate too,” she said softly. “Kill them all and burn all their houses to the ground.”

Charlie backed up his car, and as they were about to leave the burning house, Vic said one thing:

“It doesn’t matter that we didn’t leave his body in the house, because he’s already experiencing the heat and scent of his own poisonous gingerbread in Hell as we speak.”

Charlie nodded. “Yes he is, Victoria. Yes he is.”

Father Christmas took off on his sleek and black horse, the Brat by his side. His car served as a hearse as the dead monster in the back rolled around limply at every bump in the road.

They arrived at the local hospital. Vic was silent for the rest of the ride. She was too lost in her muddy thoughts, and Charlie didn’t force her into conversation. He didn’t expect her to speak, he understood that very well. Plus, there wasn’t much else to say at the time. They had made up loosely (for the time being), misunderstandings were clarified, their plans for the police were clear, and they had dealt with the creature behind it all.

Vic’s mind wandered throughout her torment in various directions. Charlie’s mind wandered throughout his guilt. A part of his mind told him that he was not at fault. He was clear in his instruction to Bing, it was that creature’s doing and fault. But a part of him felt it was his fault. Had he not entered either of their lives...

No, stop, his brain said. It could’ve happened anyways. You didn’t know the full story behind his end of his relationship with Vic. Maybe he was to do things to her regardless. If you had known him to desire to do this to her or anyone else earlier, you would’ve killed him then and there, but you didn’t because you didn’t know. But if you approached things differently... no, again, you would’ve had to know. You knew what he did to his mother, but you also knew he hated to disappoint and loved to please a fatherly figure. He was perfect for following orders. He went completely against them by hurting Vic and Sharon the way he did, that’s his doing, not yours.

But it doesn’t matter, it’s still my fault, isn’t it? It wasn’t intentional, but it’s still my fault.

Charlie pushed his mental conflict to the back of his mind for a moment as he pulled into a spot in the parking garage. He helped Vic into the hospital. They talked to a few nurses, who took her in. They gave her Plan B to prevent a pregnancy, collected evidence through a rape kit, and catered to her injuries. Police entered her room a few minutes later. She told them everything that Charlie and her agreed to say, and the vampire corroborated the story. They wrote everything down and said they’d do the best they could to catch the assailant. Once everyone left the room, Charlie and Vic looked at each other, their eyes knowing that the assailant was already dealt with.

He looked down, feeling disappointed in himself and painfully sorry for Vic. “Sorry doesn’t change anything,” said he, “but I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that I am. I will never forgive myself for this.” He covered his face. “What kind of man am I?”

“Charlie, please don’t,” She croaked. “I told you it was him, not you. If what you’re saying is true and you never told him to do these things...”

“Yes, I never told him to do these things.”

She sighed through her nose, looking down at her wringing hands. “You only do what you think is right, and in some ways, what you do is right. He went above and beyond all of what is questionably good and did a lot worse. He disobeyed you. He’s the monster, not you. You’re not perfect, and your actions aren’t entirely saintly, but I think I understand you more. Watching you murder him like that... I understand you have a moral code. He didn’t. I also now know you don’t harm the children, based on your protectiveness of them. Yes, they’re all vampires like you, but they’re safe from harm and can hurt those who would want to harm them, people like him. Plus, you’re preventing them from having dark futures, ones that you and I had coming for us when we were kids. Again, you’re not perfect, but you’re certainly not that sack of shit in your trunk. You’re better than him. This isn’t your fault. Don’t live in guilt for something you never did.”

“I’m psychic, I should’ve known-“

“Psychics aren’t perfect or know to use their powers to read everything in the future. That’s exhausting and unrealistic.”

“I had the power in my hands-“

“People have the power to do a lot of things. Does that mean things go perfect and they’re fully able to do or stop something or see something? Of course not. Charlie, please stop putting the blame on yourself.”

Their wounded eyes met each other.

“You really think all of this?”

“Of course. Why else am I saying it?”

He rested a hand on her shoulder. “Thank you, Victoria. I’m just... relieved he’s dead and dealt with.”

“I am too, and I have you to thank for that. Nothing can change what happened to me, but... who could know or control a rapist’s actions...” She wiped tears from her eyes and pointed towards her jacket set on the chair next to Charlie. “Could you give me my phone so I can call my parents? I told the cops I’d let them know what’s happening so that they wouldn’t have to, and I’m sure they don’t want to wait around any longer.”

Charlie nodded and gave her the phone. She opened it up and saw a bunch of texts from both parents. She called her mother first and foremost.

On the first ring, her mother picked up. She was clearly worried sick and her father’s voice was heard too, just as worried. Vic explained to them both what happened to her in a shaky voice. She told them the hospital she was at, and they agreed to come to her. The entire time, Charlie felt a sick pain in his heart.

Within twenty minutes, her parents came through the door. They hugged her and held her tightly as she wept in their arms. After a few minutes of talking to her, her father turned to Charlie.

“This must be the man that saved you,” he said. He hugged Charlie tightly, which made him awkwardly hug him back.

“Thank you for saving my little Brat,” he whispered. “You’re a life saver.”

Shame and guilt still swelling his heart, Charlie whispered back, “There is no need to thank me, sir.”

“No need?” Her mother asked. “You saved our Vicki from that man. I hope to God justice is served and he gets what he deserves.”

“I’m sure he will, mom,” Vic hushed. “Even if they don’t find him, he’s gonna get what he deserves. Who knows, he might be getting it already as we speak.”

“I’d like to think that...” She walked over to Charlie and hugged him. “Thank you so much, Mr...”

“Charles, madam, you may call me Charles,” Charlie told her, hugging her back. It was still awkward, and guilt still clawed at his heart, but he continued, out of courtesy and comfort. They ended their hug and he gave a glance at Vic, who looked up at him with equal sadness in her eyes.

“Alas, I must be going. I shall leave you all amongst yourselves to heal during this time. If you need me for whatever reason there may be, here is my number. I will be more than willing to help in anyway I can.”

He pulled out his wallet from one of the inside pockets of his coat, took out a small piece of paper from it, and wrote down a set of numbers. When he was done, he gave it to Vic, who nodded.

“Thank you again,” her father said. “We can’t thank you enough.”

“You are most certainly welcome,” Charlie replied, shaking hands with him. He shook hands with her mother and replied similarly upon her thanking him. He gave one last eye-to-eye exchange with Vic. They both had relief in their eyes, but there was also a deep, empathetic sadness.

“Farewell, Victoria. If you need me, please do not hesitate to call me. I will help you to the best of my ability.”

“Goodbye, Charlie. I will. Thank you for everything.”

He half smiled and nodded at her. “No need to thank me, my dear.”

He closed the door behind him, remorse still egging at him. He left the hospital and stepped inside his car, off to go back to Colorado and to Christmasland to provide his children with dinner.

He drove with his emotions still drowning his mind and heart. His car, almost seeming to know his feelings, turned on the radio by itself to play music fitting his mood. The Animals serenaded about the House Of The Rising Sun as he left Haverhill, all the shame and pity clinging to him.

When he reached Christmasland and provided warmth and smiles to his children, joy came back to him for a while as he watched them enjoy their fat meal. But that night, after tucking the children to bed and retiring for the night, the shame and pity came back to him through his sleepy thoughts.

Before slipping into a very bad and vivid dream about the day’s events, a few tears shed from his eyes, and he mumbled, “Victoria... I’m so sorry...”

Months had passed. Within that time, Charlie had found a better assistant, one that had no intent on doing disturbing things to the parents, only ending them intelligently and saving the children. He was a former hitman, and he quickly became friends with Charlie. The girl being harmed by her uncle was the first to be saved, and the hitman proved his worth from the beginning. The girl was brought to Christmasland completely safe and fine, now a strong and forever young vampire, and the uncle was dealt with in a proper manner. The hitman, named Crosby, was definitely a keeper, and he would be on his way to spending an eternity in Christmasland, only leaving to save more children. The kids would know he was a good man based on their father knowing he was a good man, so he was to not end up like the previous assistant.

Vic had not contacted Charlie at all, and he had not contacted her. He thought about her often, and hoped she was recovering and healing. He decided to visit her one day. He bid his children good bye and told them he’d be back later that evening. He arrived in Haverhill a few hours later and searched the local neighborhoods, trying to sense Vic. When he sensed her at one house in particular, he knew it was her mother’s house. She was not home at the time, and Vic was by herself in her room.

The vampire parked in her small drive way, stepped out of his car, and knocked on her door. She answered, a bit surprised to see him.

“Hello, Victoria. I do hate to be rude and arrive unannounced, but I had to check on you. It’s been so long, and I admit, I’ve been concerned about you.”

“Oh, hey... yeah, I’ve been doing better. I’m still... rough, as you can imagine, but at least things are starting to look a bit better.”

“That’s splendid,” he said warmly.

“You, uh... wanna come in?”

“Certainly.”

He came inside and she led him to her bedroom. Various gothy, horror memorabilia was scattered throughout it. A pack of Little Debby cookies sat on her bed, next to her sketchbook opened up to a detailed drawing of the woods. She was in the middle of playing a game on her Xbox, as her Mortal Kombat fight was paused. Through the menu options, you could see Queen Sindel letting out a banshee scream, knocking over Emperor Shao Kahn. Her purple lava lamp and the sunlight from the windows were the only source of light for her, so she turned on her ceiling light.

“Sorry for it being so dark. My lava lamp is sort of... my nightlight. I’ve been having nightmares ever since... the incident. I keep the curtains open because it helps me to sleep when I look up at the moon and the stars. Although, I have to close it when I have one reoccurring nightmare. It’s where... he, comes back and breaks through my window to hurt me...” She paused to regain some strength. She turned to Charlie, who sat next to her on her bed. “Is that normal?”

“Of course,” he hushed. “Nightmares are a completely normal reaction to such a horrible event. I had lots of reoccurring nightmares throughout my teenage years after my incident. They stopped once I met my first wife, but I’d rather not talk about her. Let’s just say we had a great bond in the beginning, but she... changed into a venomous snake later on and made things worse for me and my daughters. Enough of me, please, let’s talk about you. I’d like to help you in anyway I can. I understand every ounce of your pain, and I am here for you.”

She looked up at him. “Thank you, Charlie. I really mean it. Have you been feeling any guilt, even after we talked about how you shouldn’t?”

“I admit it, I have. At least once every day.”

She shook her head. “Please don’t. That’s all I can tell you. I’ve told you why you shouldn’t, it’s just up to you now to not feel guilt.”

He nodded. “I brought you some gifts, one of which I bought on my way here.”

He fished through his one jacket pocket and pulled out a book. The book looked dusty, but well kept. It was a copy of “Little Women.”

“Forgive me if it isn’t your type of literature, as I am not familiar with all of your interests. I had this book among my vast collection and figured it would be a nice gift for a woman. Plus, one of the few things I know about you is that you like art, and it comes with very pretty illustrations here and there.”

Vic smiled when she flipped through it. “Charlie, this is very sweet of you. I’ll be sure to read it. I’ve already blown through all my comics, and I’ve never read this before, so this would be nice. Maggie gave me a few books to help me too, she’s been very supportive and helpful. She actually stopped by a few days ago to talk... I’m very glad I have her as a friend.”

Charlie nodded. He was weary of Margaret and her suspicions towards him, but at this point, he decided her safe, especially if she wasn’t after him now (well, at least to his knowledge). “I’m glad you two have each other. Friends are always good to have when times are tough. And I’m glad you like the book. There is another thing I have...”

He pulled out from the same jacket pocket a necklace. The necklace had a shimmering green Emerald in the middle of a silver lilly. Vic took it and analyzed it with sparkling eyes.

“Emerald is my birth stone,” she said. “And my birth flower is Lilly of the Valley... where did you get this?”

“It was one of my wife’s necklaces. She wasn’t even a May baby, she just liked it. You are far more deserving of it then she ever was. Do take good care of it, especially because it comes from... 19...24? 1925? I don’t remember. Either way, it comes from the 20’s, so it holds great value.”

“Charlie, that’s... beyond nice. Thank you.”

“You have one more. This is the one I got on my way here at a thrift store I saw.” He pulled out her final gift: a small My Little Pony figurine. The pony was pink with violet red, orange, and yellow in her mane, and greenish-blue and violet blue in her tail. Her eyes were aqua, and her cutie mark had an artist’s paint brush with a few squiggle lines. A tag around her neck read, “Toola Roola: My Little Pony 3rd Generation.” Vic took the toy horse and analyzed her.

“I thought of you when I saw her because of the connection to art she has. I don’t know how much you like them, if you even like them at all, but I thought she’d be a nice gift.”

Vic smiled even wider. “I’m not a fan of My Little Pony, but I certainly do like her. It’s perfectly fine, Charlie, you thought of me and got me something, and that means a lot to me.” She set the pony aside and gave Charlie a hug, which he happily gave back to her.

“Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me.”

He smiled even wider and said, “Of course. I know exactly what you’re going through. I know how hard it is. But you don’t have to fight this battle alone, even if I feel I’m the cause it had to begin-“

“No, Charlie, you’re not.” She patted his back. “Enough with that.” She separated from him, and that’s when he noticed a picture on her nightstand.

“Who is that boy, might I ask?”

“Oh, that’s Craig. He’s my boyfriend, and we’ve known each other since we were kids. He’s been helping me a lot too when he can. He’s a sweetheart.”

Had these horrible events not taken place, jealousy would’ve filled Charlie’s heart, and he knew he would’ve had to really show off to get Vic’s attention so that she could perhaps choose him over a mere boy. But the events had taken place, and Charlie was just happy that Vic had someone like a boyfriend to help her, especially when her trauma could’ve been to the point she wouldn’t have wanted a boyfriend at all. Part of him wanted to be her boyfriend... but he knew that he couldn’t be with her because he couldn’t be with her forever, just like his heart wanted. So, it was something to forget about and just hope for the best for the both of them.

“I wish the best for the both of you,” he smiled and said.

“Thanks.”

They were silent for a few moments before an idea occurred to the vampire.

“You know, I could help make your nightmares go away, and I can help ease your mind. I’m capable of hypnosis, and if you’re willing, I could hypnotize you to help you.”

“You’d do that for me?”

“Certainly.”

“Well, all right then. Do I look you in the eyes?”

“Yes. Just look me in the eyes and relax.”

Vic did just that as she laid back on her bed. Charlie’s eyes became rainbow filled, and he lulled her to sleep while singing Pure Imagination. Her own eyes mimicked his, and she fell into a deep and restful sleep, peaceful dreams coming to her at long last. Charlie gave her a few suggestions to help ease her pain, and when she was done agreeing to them in her trance-like state, he beamed proudly.

He decided he wanted to sleep too, so he laid back next to Vic. They didn’t snuggle or touch intimately, as they were simply lying next to each other as two tired friends. He closed his own eyes and fell into her dream with her, a dream about sugarplums dancing in their heads.

The Wraith and The Brat became unlikely good friends. They both helped each other through their pain, and ever since that cruel day, one good thing amongst all the horror came out of it: Father Christmas became her guardian vampire, her savior, and her Nosferatu, and that was how it was always going to be.

[maybe-im-dark]

Here is the entire Wraith comic, for everybody wanting to know about Charlies backstory! Come on in for a ride in the Wraith!

https://scans-daily.dreamwidth.org/6620651.html?style=site&thread=180437739

[wraith-of-christmas-future]

Sadly, my brain has been nothing but mush tonight.  A few friends who can definitely verify on that after having a discord call with them.  I may dabble in my drafts here and there but I doubt any of them will be past the rough draft phase by the time the night is over.  I apologize, I know - I know I promised replies tonight.  Some level of good news ! My reference Rolls - Royce had came in the mail.  She is pretty gorgeous, not gonna lie.  But she is no Wraith.  She is however the predecessor of the 1938/39 Wraith.  She will serve me well on correct placement for accents and similar body shape when building my own from what looks to now be considering wood instead of pvc or foam.  At least for the main body.

I’m still torn on having the stand for this piece  either be Christmasland’s gates in the back, or just the great tree with all the heads on it.  Regardless, I am definitely adding to this vision by making the lights function with LEDs and have a blue hazed under glow of the vehicle itself.  I’m tempted to make the engine bay a incense cone holder, so it would look like she is contrast with the chilling air of Christmasland.  So yeah - it has since evolved more than just a collector stand.  I’d like to get started on it officially by November, hopefully by then I’ll have progress pictures for you all. ;)

[allyvampirelass29]

Princess of Parnassus

A NOS4A2 Fanfiction By: Allyssa J. Watkins

The night was uncommonly warm, for a Christmasland Eve, Charlie thought, even as he looked at his own personified Summertime, in her fluttery blue sky dress with its white blooms, and those evergreen eyes that winter itself was loathe to kill. She smiled softly at him, catching him looking at her, noticing the opal specks on the glistening wings of her gold butterfly necklace. He'd picked it up at an antique shop in Hartford, after following her to the library one day. I caught you, My Butterfly, now didn't I?

She had just reached for the passenger side door of the Wraith, yanking him out of his reveries of watching her read alone in the park, laying in the grass as green and proliferous as her eyes, snapping up her hand just in time, smiling sheepishly. He had made a few small, shall we say, adjustments to The Wraith where her touch was concerned....... Women really shouldn't drive.

"Forgive me, My Dear, but you won't be going anywhere, not without these......" He chortled, slipping her long white silk gloves from inside his coat pocket, and she shivered, as she eyed them nervously.

She shook her curls, shaking loose her suspicions with them, and gracefully extended her long, pale arm out to him, forcing a smile. Don't ask if he intends to laud you as authoress tonight, don't draw attention to the pen, or else your grave is like to be where you stand.......

"My Charles, I would be so delighted to exchange those ghastly cuffs, for these far lovelier accessories. Would you, Sir, be so kind?"

Charlie smiled to himself, and then at her, grazing his fingertips down the soft part of her arm, noticing the bloom in her cheek, and the eye circles faded, leaving faintly a trace. Someone's rather excited to be going out, adorning her husband's arm. You, yourself, are the far lovelier accessory...... he thought with a sneaky grin, sliding one glove on and then the next, before kissing her covered fingertips.

"Together now," he whispered gently, moving swiftly to the driver's side, as her gloved hand hovered over the door handle. He tested the mirroring, raising his own gloved hand with flourish, and she gasped as hers followed suit, the puppeteer and his brunette marionette. They touched the doors on each side, in the same breath, at the same time, and both sprung open, much to Charlie's open mouthed relief. Had she attempted to so much as touch the car without him there, his own leather gloves, the second key, as it were, not unlike a deposit box, the results would have been much less stellar. I do not care to be a widower again, in fact..... I rather like being the doting husband. I know how to do it now....... keep a woman from leaving me.

She grinned at him graciously from across the shiny black hood of the Wraith, and moved to lower herself into the car, when he flew like a flash to her, taking her in his arms. "Charles! Whatever are you doing!?" She giggled, out of breath, as he held fast to her, his obsidian eyes glinting in the moonlight.

"I almost forgot......." He whispered softly, tipping her head gently back, resting his palm against her cheek, and he lowered his lips to hers, in a open-mouthed kiss, waiting for it.

Ally parted her lips too, as Charlie's eclipsed hers, letting his mouth intrude, excitedly aching for the warm taste, the flooding tenderness, and the heat to rise between them, but instead, she felt herself choke hard, struck to the center of her soul by a peculiar cold, and if darkness itself had a taste, it lingered in her mouth even now, bitter and full of smoke. She coughed and coughed, as he held her, stroking the back of her head to soothe her. "I know, I know....... that's it, poor thing, swallow, and you'll be just fine."

"Ch-Charles," She coughed, again and again, barely able to speak, and then swallowed her fear, feeling the cold sensation intensify, and then dissolve all at once. "What-What was that? What did you just do?"

"The Night Road, as it is called, requires a certain...... quality to access," He mused, and he knew she'd never forgive him if she knew what he'd done. No matter....... The effect would wear off in time, and she'd be no worse for it. "A quality, I possess, that you did not, that is, until I shared it between us."

"Wh-? What is this quality?" She breathed, and shivered, touching her throat, as he kissed her cheek.

"Believe me, My Dear....... I am doing you a kindness in keeping that secret."

She nodded, averting her eyes, gulping the frosty air. "Say no more, Charles, please......."

Smart Girl. He smirked, tucking his arm under hers, wrapping it around her back, and gingerly slid her into the car, shutting the door, before climbing in on his side, smoothly turning the key. The engine roared to life, making him grin wickedly, sitting tall in the driver's seat. He missed this....... being here, with her. Remembering how she'd delighted in the Wraith, calling it his ebony sleigh, slumbering peacefully in the back seat, wearing her tiara of sparkling snowflakes. The last time they rode together in his Wraith, things had been much less ideal. He wanted that back, that sublime magic. Her looking at him like he was a miracle, named Manx.......

The silence lingered between them, as they rolled slowly through the twin candy cane gates, the coloured lights reflecting off the window.

"Static," She mumbled, and he looked at her curiously, both hands on the wheel.

"What static, My Love, is something wrong?"

"Oh Charlie, I am afraid! What if it happens again? I was swallowed by The White once, the static, what if I cannot get back in?" Ally looked at him fearfully, even as he fought to hide his own cloying guilt. Tying her soul to his inscape, making her a living part of Christmasland, so that she could never leave it again, had inspired a few....... unfortunate side effects. True, last time he'd had to fight his way through the static, yank her with tremendous effort through an unyielding, snow-blinding, white noise forcefield, but he had prevailed, and if necessary, he would do so again. He had hoped however, that his newest failsafe would kick in, and they'd be spared that whole awful business.

"My Darling Girl, never you fret. Inscapes are tricky avenues of the mind, and can be prone to their own quirks and glitches. I am sorry if my own Lost Paradise was less than welcoming upon your last return......."

"It's not your fault, Charles," She whispered gently, and he smiled to himself, as she drew closer, nestling her curly head atop his shoulder, as he drove, tucking her legs underneath her. That's it, My Dove, come closer....... his mind ached, not wanting to think about how wrong it was, a perversion of the creative process, stealing away one's own reality. It's for your own good, Allyssa Jolene. I'm not just keeping you in, I'm keeping her out.......

"I am sorry....... Charles, for stealing your car, commandeering, and crashing your beloved Wraith," She whispered sadly into his shoulder, hiding her face in his woolen, royal blue chauffer's coat. He smiled fondly, brushing his cheek against her soft hair as he pulled out onto the St. Nick Parkway, not a snowflake in the evening sky, which was filled with even more diamond stars than usual.

He could feel the Wraith hum around them, listening in to her heartfelt apology. See...... I told you she didn't mean it, he insisted telepathically, and his smile widened, impressed, as the snowflakes fell in a dazzling array inside the car. Ally perked up immediately, looking up with wonder at the snowfall, reaching her hand to touch the sparkling flakes.

"There now, see for yourself........ No need to apologize, My Sweet, The Wraith, while it never forgets, does forgive...... and it's always had a soft spot for you."

Ally beamed, with a slight blush, snuggling Charles' shoulder. "And I, for it....... What a beautiful car, and its debonair driver, come to whisk me away to a place made of dreams." The glove compartment popped open, making Ally jump, and her heart melted as she picked up the gingerbread girl cookie, with green eyes, wearing a blue icing dress.

"Awwww, now isn't that sweet?" Charles simpered, his heart feeling light, as she held the cookie, adoringly, looking all around her, mystified. "Thank you! Thank you very much, it's so pretty, and looks delicious!"

"As do you," Charles whispered softly, rubbing her shoulder, as she took a bite, and then sighed happy. I know, I know...... She's a hard one not to love, isn't she? Believe me, I’ve tried. Now, aren't you glad you didn't kill her, you finicky automobile?

**********

They drove for a while, the night descending darker and darker, Ally fast asleep on his shoulder, her cookie eagerly eaten, as The Wraith's wheels found its way onto The Night Road. The snow inside the cab stopped, the air frigid, and biting, and she moved closer to Charlie, to keep warm. The purple neon ushered them into its eerie glow, catching in his wife's hair, glinting on the windshield, illuminating his dark irises, until they too glowed a fantastic purple. The old buildings came into view, along with the famed bar, and the neon formed the curved writing of the sign, glowing freeform in the night sky. Parnassus.

Ally stirred in the purple glow, as he pulled smoothly into the gravel parking lot, turning off the ignition. "What is this place...... ?" She marveled, sitting up slowly, and she could feel it so strong, both a draw to the intrigue of the purple iridescence, and the power of a darker creative force, warding her away.

"Welcome to Parnassus."

Charlie moved to open her door, but the Wraith was all too quick to accommodate her, springing open of its own accord, letting her out into the transcendent light. No one likes a show off, he remarked in his mind, frowning slightly, with a raise of his intense brow. He exited too, and the Wraith went dark, leaving only the glow of the sign, and she stopped in front of it, looking curiously at the purple neon diamond glowing in the glass window of the door, drawn to it, transfixed, by something she didn't understand.

Charlie reached his arm around her possessively, taking a deep breath, as he pulled open the door, and followed her inside. The bar room was mostly empty, and very dark, save for a few huddled patrons and some low hanging lights, not to mention the bar itself and its taps, awash in green neon. The blacklights and neon glow flickered with each step the Manxs’ took, and the rainbow jukebox, that had been spilling a slow rock ballad into the room, burst with the proud symphony of Once Upon a December.

Ally gasped, her fingers flying to her lips, looking curiously at the odd collection of Dark Creatives that had turned in their stools to see the new arrivals. A murderous looking clown with red paint dripping in trails from his eyes on his white face, clutching a red balloon looking back with a withering glare. A man with a scaly face, and arms, rolling a pair of red dice over and over always getting the same result. A tall, spindly black woman with wild white hair, and blank white eyes, drinking with another young woman with heavy eye make-up, leather clad and covered head to boot in tattoos. There was also a shadowy figure sprawled out in the corner booth, a sharp looking man in a devil red suit, with every strand of his jet black hair in place, and Ally shook her head, stunned as his shadow on the opposite wall revealed pointed horns.

Ally felt the eyes on her, lurking from every dark corner of the room, as she fluttered past, woefully out of place, like a butterfly that had wandered into a bat cave. She held fast to Charlie's arm, clutching it tight, as they made their way through the funny little pub, and she cast her eyes down, trying not to stare at the ominous collection.

"Damn it, Chuck, if I have to listen to this festive racket every time you come breezing through that door, I'm going to start charging you a cover!"

Ally stopped short, and so did the wild-eyed mechanic in his brown, grease-covered smock, staring back at her incredulous behind his magnified glasses.

"Hot damn."

"Come now, Abraham, we both know, you'd give the devil himself a floor show, audience be damned." Charlie taunted, with his slow poured drawl, his eyes dark and dancing, as he shot a glance to the horned figure in the corner booth.

"Don't give him any ideas," Abe shot back, with his accusing finger, his gaze drifting back to the beautiful young thing that had no business in a place like this.

"So the rumours are true," He smiled crooked, and Charlie shifted his feet uncomfortably, as Abe extended his arm, not so subtly searching the loose folds of Ally's dress with his roving eyes, despite its flowing fit.

"Mrs. Manx, I presume?" He whistled low, looking her over. "Wow, Honey, Charlie told me you were beautiful, but I'd be lying if I said I believed him this much. The bastard's nothing without his grandstanding."

"Allyssa Manx needs no embellishment, she is everything I promised, and more," Charlie cut in, shooting Abe a warning glance as the vulgarian took her snow white hand. "Darling, I'd like you to meet Honest Abe, the proprietor of this fine establishment, and sometimes my friend."

"A pleasure to meet you, Abraham," Ally smiled brightly, shrugging off the ill at ease way this peculiar, leering man made her feel. "A friend of Charlie's is surely a friend of mine, and I thank you for the compliment, though I am undeserving of it. Charlie's the pretty one in this marriage,"

She giggled shyly, making him laugh too, and Charlie rubbed his thin lips together, unnerved, as Abe kissed the back of her hand a little too long. She drew her foot behind her ankle in a quick curtsy as a thank you, holding her fluttering hem.

"Call me, Abe, Doll," He insisted, looking over the top of his bug-eyed frames, slowly letting go of her hand. "Pleasure's all mine, and you and your good for nothing husband are welcome here anytime."

Charlie cleared his throat, and stepped between them, wrapping his arm possessively around Ally's waist, arching his brow at Abe, with another imposing stare.

"Sugar Plum, why don't you go get us a table, and I'll be with you presently....... Abe and I have much to discuss."

"Of course, Charlie, I shall await your return, My Love," She smiled sweetly at him, swallowing her nerves, at being left alone in such....... colourful company. Charlie watched vigilant as she walked to a table and sat herself down, crossing her arms over her chest, rubbing her forearms, as she looked around, surveying the bar, and he reminded himself not to leave her unattended for too long.

He strolled to the bar, turning his back on Abe, tapping two of his sharp talons on the glowing green glass.

"Two Peppermint Twists, one virgin, hold the schnapps, and a whiskey for Abe, all on my tab."

The pale, looming insect of a bartender, narrowed his slits of eyes derisively at Charlie, clearly offended.

"I KNOW what a virgin is, you condescending-"

"Really?" Charles mused, feigning shock, with a snicker, as the bartender poured the drinks, resentfully. "You surprise me, Hob, I'd have thought you'd be utterly unfamiliar with the concept, due to the particular company you keep."

Hob slammed the drinks on the bar without another word, as Charlie smiled to himself, impressed with his own sharp wit.

"A virgin...... for your virgin, huh?"

Charlie shot Abe a glance over his shoulder, and slid the shot glass of whiskey over to him, with a half smirk, half snarl.

"She is, isn't she? Let me guess? Pure as the new-fallen snow, 'course that is your type. Guessing that means you didn't exactly make waves on the wedding night."

"I wouldn't say that......." Charlie smirked, stirring his Peppermint Twist with his candy cane. "Ironically these were the waves I made, that prevented those of the far more pleasurable nature. Though I sense even those beckon on the not too distant horizon."

"Cut the coy shit, Charlie, what the HELL is a beautiful, classy dame like that, doing with an old, crooked codger like you, and in a joint like this!? How the HELL did you even get her here, there's no way that- no..... wait....."

Abe shook his head, as he spun his glass around and around, his magnified eyes widening with the realization. "Damn. I knew it. I knew as soon as you sauntered in here, the smouldering draft wasn't coming off you quite as strong. You seemed...... lighter. Let me guess, Kiss of Death?"

Charlie nodded, impressed. "However did you guess? Yes, it does seem the most effective delivery method."

"Look at you...... parsing off a piece of your dark soul on her, just to have date night with your wife........ Or did you come here looking for a favour?"

"You know me too well, Abe," Charlie sighed, the two clinking their glasses together, before knocking back a drink."

"I heard you were stupid enough to get yourself hitched again, but part of me didn't want to believe it. Thanks for the invitation, Friend." Abe scoffed, taking another drink.

"Oh come, Abe, don't pout. It was a small, tasteful ceremony, an altogether intimate gathering. Just the bride, the groom, and an indentured priest. Not even the children attended."

"Course not, you think she'd ever say I do, with all those tiny biters around, chewing up the scenery? Usually when a man says to his prospective bride, I hope the little ones don't eat you up alive, he's just being comical. You crazy kids. I should buy the house a round to celebrate the occasion.

"Don't pretend to be happy for me, Abraham, I know you're not," Charlie snarled, taking another drink, motioning for Hob to bring Abe another shot of whiskey. "At least I know you can pretend to like her, although I don't know how anyone could resist it. She's most persistent in that pursuit.

"Are you kidding?" Abe chuckled, arching both of his coarse, twisted brows "Hell yeah, I like her. Third time's the charm for Charlie Manx!!! Seriously, how'd you pick up a hot piece like that, WHAT Hallmark Card did you snatch that one out of, huh? Mrs. Christmas even curtsied to me, and all Ice Queen Jolene ever did, was say hello with her right hook.

Charlie chuckled merrily, his eyes dancing, fond with the memory. "I remember....... She hated you. To be fair, Abe, you did rather wantonly place your hand on her posterior, so you see the assault wasn't entirely unprovoked."

Abe shrugged his shoulders, starting in on his second drink. "What can I say? Jo had a nice one...... But your new squeeze, damn, now that's a woman. Lucky Son of a Bitch, she's real easy on the eyes, sugar sweet, well-mannered, and my GOD that upstairs-"

Charlie's black eyes snapped furiously, cutting to Abe, angling his chin down, brow terse, as he raised his hand sharply to silence him. "Do spare me your lewd depictions, and perverse metaphors, Abe. Not with her, she's....... delicate. She requires a softer address, I must insist. And I'll have you know, I am well aware of what is........ upstairs."

Abe nodded with a suggestive grin. "You're a man, Charlie, yeah sure, maybe a fancy dandy of one, but your blood runs just as hot as mine."

Charlie cracked a smile in spite of himself, arching both brows. Touché Abe. "A touch hotter, I should think....... Especially when it comes to her. You would do well to...... govern your gaze, however. Touch her again, and you’ll WISH I’d left you to the Walking Backwards Man."

"Easy, Charlie, you don't have to go all slaying song on my ass, I meant no disrespect to your lady, just admiring what you got. And my, you sure got yourself something special........."

Abe leaned in secretively, his eyes steady, and unusually serious, making Charlie take pause and lean in as well.

"She's stronger than you, creatively speaking, you know that, right?

Charlie stared back hard, his smirk furtive and haughty, tilting his silky head sardonic. "You don't say?"

"I mean, the potential is there, Charlie Boy, yeah, sure she's still green, it's a raw energy, but I felt it all the same, the moment she walked in. This girl...... She may be damn near perfect for you, but she's trouble."

"My, my, whatever am I to do?" Charlie clicked his tongue, making a mockery of his distress. "If only there were a way to harness that delicious creative energy for myself, make sure it can never be used against me, reign her in, before the little thing realizes how just powerful she really is......."

Abe frowned, bewildered, and Charlie decided a demonstration was in order, tugging his leather gloves tighter on each wrist, and he eyed his young bride, brushing his fingers across his own cheek, and Abe watched, spellbound, stunned, as she did the same, her fingers on strings, without taking notice.

"You Clever Bastard..........." He breathed, and Charlie's smirk grew even more menacing, reaching into his coat, running his fingers along the seam of his waistcoat pocket, as hers mirrored his with the ruffles just below her neckline. "You have no idea...... just how CREATIVE I can be......" Charlie whispered, moving to withdraw her magic wand, before stopping cold....... deciding against such a covetous display. The power radiating off of that mighty pen would make it irresistible to every, how did she call them, ne'er do well, here. "I've been keeping this one close to the vest for decades, Abe," He whispered cleverly, running his gloved fingers though his shiny, raven coif, and watched satisfied as hers did too, trailing through her own curls, and this time she did notice, and flinched, startled.

He dropped the hold, and finished the rest of his Peppermint Twist, Abe turning back to look at him in quiet reverence. "It’s her, isn’t it........? She’s the long game you've been jawing on about all this time........"

Charlie nodded, his eyes like stoked embers. "I told you.......... I'm going to be the most Powerful Strong Creative of them all."

Abe looked back at him, his eyes somehow even bigger, struck speechless. "Jesus, Chuck...... That was what, twenty years ago......?"

"Twenty-three," Charles finished softly, gesturing to her with a gentle nod of his shiny head. "I felt her power come into the world when she was born, after finding out a hundred years previous, that she was going to be Mrs. Manx, The Second."

"Damn....... You caught this one right from the cradle, didn’t you?" Abe shook his head again in a daze, sneaking another look at her, as she lay her head demurely on the table. Twenty-three years Charlie had been chasing this skirt, and there she was........ Now THAT'S an endgame.

"Precisely......." Charles simpered back, with a clever purse of his lips. "How else do you suppose to keep them loyal?"

"Amen to that, Brother, Amen to that......" Abe straightened his glasses, with another conspiring smile. "Poor thing, never stood a chance against you and your holly jollies. I'll bet she thinks you're in love with her!"

Charlie's eyes lost their mischievous shine, and he smiled a little taken aback, pressing his lips together

"Damn it, Chuck, don't tell me......." Abe groaned, reading the worst emblazoned in Charlie's dark, romantic eyes. "No, no, oh you poor lovesick Son of a WHORE!!! You've got yourself a sweet scheme going here, don't wreck it to hell by putting your skin in the game, and falling for her!!!"

"An unforeseen complication, Abe, winning her affection, somehow garnered my own, but the scheme is just as sweet, as imagined, even sweeter, you might say........ I was so loathe to take a wife after Jolene's scathing rejection, and my multiple attempts on her life, but being married again, even if it began as a ruse, has been pure bliss. I fully intended on ruining this young woman's life, and now I am more than happy to let her ruin mine."

"Real poetic, Lover Boy. And yet........ Here you are, your dream girl in tow, sneaking a snatch of your black soul on her, just to ask me for a favour. Do I sense trouble in your sordid little paradise?"

Charlie frowned, his dark brow knit, wrinkling his nose. "The trouble isn't with my wife, strangely enough, but the other woman, attempting to come between us........"

Abe's face lit up like a Christmas tree, clapping his hands together, bringing his elbows up onto the bar. "Oh GOOD, I was wondering when we were going to get to her. Miss Shorter Way herself, the other special lady in your life. Do you want me to take care of it?

Charlie bit his lip in distaste, his ire rising, stirring with the candy cane in his empty cup, snapping it in half. "Yes....... I want her GONE. Vic McQueen has already turned my bride against me once, and I'd rather not see that happen again. It’s time Abe, the bill has come due, and I am here....... to collect.”

"Hold on...... Peaches and Cream over there, made a move AGAINST you, that little sweetheart who keeps looking over here like a lost puppy? And you DIDN’T kill her!? Damn, Charlie, now that's what I call progress. You never would have given Jo a second chance."

"Jo never would have asked," Charlie finished smoothly, gazing at the lovely creature that had fallen asleep, head down on the table. "Every marriage has its........ problems, I suppose. The little quirks that keep things interesting. My little minx befriended my whore nemesis, and then they tricked me, in league together, STOLE my car to escape, but in the end....... She chose me. I cannot kill her, let all that loveliness and enviable energy go to waste. I've been at this too long, invested so much of myself, watching....... Waiting. And yet........ I can't have her be tempted again, she's too trusting, too good, Vic will prey upon her pesky empathy, and that's a problem for me. I want you to get rid of her, Abe, use her own tricks against her, by pretending to help her."

"How many of these have you had tonight, Chuck? I'm cutting you off. Lay off the schnapps, and the CRAZY talk, go on! Be with your girl, cop a feel for me, and forget everything you just said."

"Abe........ I am deathly serious about this," Charles snarled, leaning in, palms down on the bar, his chest shuddering." I am not drunk, nor mad, this is how I'm going to end that conniving bitch, Vic McQueen. You told me once, I had to kill her, and you're going to help me do it, by rallying your riff raff, and making a play to side with her, against me."

Abe stood up abruptly, shoving his empty shot glasses away. "That's DAFT, Manx, I won't do it, they won't do it...... It's unthinkable, it's-"

"CREATIVE," Charlie hissed back, the corner of his lip curling up maliciously. "You see...... I need to keep my poor, confused wife away from the BAD influence of one, Victoria McQueen. I need a different battlefield, one where my inscape is not at risk. You lure her here....... Convince her of your shared insatiable hatred for me, offer to join her in authoring my demise, and then, just when she thinks she's not alone, that she has an army, we strike, we FINISH her. Ally need never know........"

"Damn it, Manx, that's some kooky kind of suicide play, not to mention risky......." Abe's shifty eyes darted all around him, motioning for Charlie to lean in closer. "I'm with you, you know I am, you fa la la la fop, but there are folks here..... your fellow dark creatives that would jump for a shot at killing Christmas, you get me? You get it going around that somebody's making a big move against Charlie Effing Manx, and I can't promise you some won't be throwing in their hat for real."

Charlie grinned, showing off all of his teeth, hardly phased, his voice a hushed rasp. "Then it's a good thing....... I have my secret weapon, and her very special flaming knife...... Once my hidden enemies reveal themselves, caught up in the tangled web of this deception, after I destroy Vic, I will raise her against them. My initial folly was in attacking Victoria head on, relying solely on blunt force, but no, I understand it now........ This crafty femme fatale requires a stealth approach. She'll never see me coming........ until I am driving my sword through her heart.

"I'll do it, Chuck, I'll get the word out, but how are you going to get the rebel spitfire here anyway?"

Charlie slowly stood up from the barstool, snapping up Ally's untouched drink with a shrug, and an especially smug smile. "She's a drunk, Abe...... She'll find her way here, we all did. And if not...... you'll just have to reach out with a more than generous invitation."

Charlie sauntered over to his sleeping beauty, running his nails across the back of her dress, feeling the tight lacing of her corset, and she drowsily raised her curly head, her long eyelashes, fluttering.

"I must apologize vehemently, My Sweetness, that bit of urgent business, and catching up with good old Honest Abe, took much longer than anticipated. He arched both eyebrows very sweetly, his dark eyes coaxing. Do you have it in your heart to forgive your neglectful husband? I come with a peace offering."

Ally grinned adoringly, hugging his neck, as he sank down into the chair beside her. "Always........ I'm so happy you had a nice chat with your friend!!! You needn't apologize, Darling, I've been perfectly fine with my uh people watching........ That horned fellow did ask me the oddest question, however, before he left. Goodness, what IS that? It smells delicious!"

"This, My Dear, is called a Peppermint Twist, and I believe you'll find its effects most........ invigorating."

Ally's gloved fingers curled gratefully around the ceramic mug, bringing it to her lips, the swirling peppermint and white chocolate flowing warm, and comforting over her tongue.

"Mmmm oh my, Charles, that has to be the most scrumptious drink I've ever had! Yes, its effect is most......." Ally breathed deep, her eyes glowing eerily green, and the lights in Parnassus flickered erratic, as she felt it, the energy pulsing through her veins, her mind razor sharp, her hands shaking. "Powerful........."

Charles watched satisfied, breathing it in with pleasurable leisure, stoking the wildfire inside her that was just aching to be released, and just as he'd planned, every dark creative eye in the place was now on her. The bats were afraid of the butterfly.

"Take another drink," He insisted firmly, his gaze intense as he invoked his hold, bringing an invisible cup to his lips, as she brought the real one to hers, drinking deeply.

She gasped as the coloured neon died all at once, plunging the bar into complete darkness, the juke box music falling dead silent, and Charlie propped up his boots up on the table, leaning back in his chair relaxed, as the bats swarmed in a panic all around them, swooping out the door.

That's it, my little butterfly, make them flee.

"Oh my God, I don't understand, did I-!?" Ally froze, fearfully setting down her cup, and the ceramic shuddered on the table. "Impossible........ Abe, oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, please forgive me, I-I don't know what’s just happened!!!"

Abe, who had sidled up next to their table, scratching the back of his head, now yanked off his glasses in bewildered awe.

"You're a knock-out, Doll........" Abe mouthed, utterly baffled, him and Charlie exchanging a knowing look. "You and your man here, you're gonna own The Night Road. Queen of Christmasland, and Princess of Parnassus.

[lexie-squirrel]

[fakeosphere]

[rosevanhelsing]

Wendigo

Chapter 15

Vic threw herself into Maggie's arms, sobbing.

- Oh, Maggie, how can you be alive? I will take you back with me

- No, Vic, I'm dead. The Night Road is an inscape but in the statics of the world of thought, some call it “the White”, there are ghosts. They are souls that have been "trapped" between two worlds, the real one and the Afterlife. Some of us may stay here temporarily, especially if we have something unfinished.

- Some of us. You mean creative souls?

- Exactly.

- But why did you decide to stay?

- For you, Brat. To protect you from the Wendigo. Now listen to me, do you remember when we fought Charlie together?

- Yes

- Well, that's the way to fight the Wendigo. You and Charlie must attract him to your terrain, be it the Shortcut or Christmasland, so that you can finish him off by collaborating together

- What exactly is the Wendigo?

- An undeveloped creative soul.

- Not developed?

-Perhaps he never found a suitable "knife" or his power was not awakened. He could only glimpse the landscape within him through dreams and visions but he never agreed. One day he decided that if he could not be a creative soul, the rest of the creative souls should not exist. Interestingly, he can perceive creative souls, so traveling here and there he located us and now he is killing us.

-But why does he eat the hearts of his victims?

- I do not know. Perhaps you believe that by eating his victims you will be able to acquire his power.

- Jesus…

- Vic, you and I together had the power to beat Charlie because we had a very strong bond. You have to achieve such a bond with Charlie for it to work and catch the Wendigo

 - Maggie, these days I've been looking for clues with Manx, even though I worked well with him and we saved each other's lives, I can't help but hate him. I can't forgive him for killing my father, for trying to kill us both, and for trying to take Wayne from me.

Maggie looked at her fondly

- I know it's difficult, Brat. But if you want to defeat the Wendigo, you will have to do it with Manx, because if not James will come for you and if Lou gets in the way to protect you he will kill him too.

- I don't think Charlie is very fond of me. He also hates me and despises me ...

- My tiles have said that you will make it, Brat, and remember that they are never wrong. You'll end up getting you and him to defeat the Wendigo.

-Do your tiles work here?

- Yes, but they don't take anything from me anymore. Vic, you must do something so that the use of the Shortcut does not affect you or you will end ...

Suddenly, Vic fainted into the world of thought and woke up at home. Her head hurt terribly and she had a very high fever. Vic didn't know exactly what was wrong with her  but she suspected that she had to do with her gift and with her remaining strength, she took the candy cane out of her pocket and grabbed it, hoping Charlie would find her and help her know that what happened to her. Lou came in to check if she was still sleeping and saw her curled up and shivering from the chills

- Holy God, Vic. What's wrong with you?,Please,  answer me!

Meanwhile, elsewhere:

Charlie was lounging in his car, snoring softly. In his dreams he was driving down the Night Road in the direction of Parnassus, he needed to talk to Abe. Along the way he stopped when he noticed a huge building that he had never been there before. Manx got out of the car and took the autopsy hammer with him. Manx stared at the place, only a solitary light was visible in one of the upper windows.

Charlie sniffed the air, and concentrated. He did not perceive the Wendigo but he did perceive a presence that was familiar to him and he frowned. Intrigued he entered the building, and like Vic watched his knife through the windows, until he reached the upper landing. He knocked on the door and it opened.

Charlie entered slowly, watching for someone stalking him to attack him, a light was turned on on a table and a voice said:

- You don't have to be on your guard, Mr Manx. Welcome to my Library.

- Miss Leigh?

- The same.

- I should have guessed it was you. I guess your soul must still want to protect Vic McQueen. I'm sure you loved her too. Wow, it must have been very frustrating that she felt nothing for you but friendship ... - Charlie said maliciously

-Look who went to speak, because I'm sure you love Vic too, I would bet until you jerk off several times thinking of her...

Charlie's eyes widened in surprise, he was ofended and furiously, he said:

-I have not had lustful thoughts with her!

-No one would say, considering the kiss you gave her. But now is not the time for us to discuss whether you or I have a crush on Vic or whether we were sexually fantasizing about her. Vic is in danger right now. She was with me a moment ago and she faded, I think her gift is starting to seriously affect her.

- Damn, so she has never known that there was a way to mitigate the effects of our power Didn't you explain it to her?

Suddenly Charlie mentally sensed Vic's call for help, by connecting the candy cane and said:

-Indeed, her gift has endangered her.  It’s consuming her, she's really sick and that idiot Lou Carmody doesn't know what the hell to do.

- Well then, you must solve it

Charlie ran off and once in the Wraith, he hit the gas to the max. Luckily, the place where he had chosen to rest was not far from Vic's new home. Lou had been trying to bring Vic's fever down to no avail. Suddenly the bell rang, when Lou opened it he almost fell on his ass in shock when he saw Charlie Manx at the door.

- I have come to save Vic.- Manx said