by P. S. Power
“All right. I need to get to that then. I’ll head to the shop, directly after school. I guess I can try to do my work there, if I have any time for it.” There was a moment when she nearly complained about it, the extra work and hardship, but then she allowed that to pass. Schooling was her choice, as was working and helping others.
No one expected anything of note from her, as far as she’d been told. The only being that seemed to think she had scales to balance with the world still was, naturally, herself. That probably meant she wasn’t doing too poorly at things, so far.
When she finished eating, she stood and gave Eve a hug, then dashed out, not wanting to be late to school. Her early classes were fine, with no one glaring at her, or acting as if she might be evil incarnate at all. In fact, Leslie waved to her after the first one, home room, before she ran off to the next.
“Avery! You’re sitting with me at lunch again today? We have that stuff for you…” She seemed sly about it, as if there was more going on than just the food. It flavored her words, but Avery didn’t get the meaning behind it. The only thing she could read clearly was that the slightly familiar girl wasn’t being mean about it. Just secretive.
“Yes. That sounds fun. I have something, if… Well, I can ask about it then?” She felt uncertain for a moment, since it could be that the others would have plans for the holiday already.
The blonde girl, who seemed peppy and cheerful smiled then.
“Oooh. I can’t wait. See you then!”
The time between assigned lessons wasn’t long enough for protracted conversations, so they both had to hurry away then.
Lunch was different, since they were missing a Greater Demon. Ann, in this case. Allison, the other one, was there. The Technician. Leslie, Debbie, Tommi, Link and Mark were present, sitting in different positions this time. Leslie made room for her, a large wicker basket set on the table in front of where she was supposed to sit. For a moment it left her feeling uneasy, since others were watching her, but then she just glanced around, smiling.
When she spoke, it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
“A lot of Shifters have to eat more than Human people. I’m one of those. Thanks everyone.” After that most of the others just went back to what they were doing or talking about, largely ignoring her. Almost as if they’d been curious, but once it was explained they didn’t care that much.
Leslie leaned into her, warmly. Enough that it was kind of clear she meant something by it. Mark looked at her and shook his head.
“Enough of that, Les. At least let her eat first. I didn’t spend three hours roasting whole chickens for you to spoil the effect.” He seemed to mean it.
In the basket, wrapped up nicely, there were two of the things, which seemed to have been cooked with a decent level of skill. Considering it was what the boy had done, that was impressive. There were also rolls, sandwiches and a dozen cookies. That, and a large container of something that turned out to be a thermos with tea in it. Hot and unsweetened. The way she liked it.
“This is wonderful. Thank you. All of you.”
They seemed pleased with her over the thanks they got, though after a few minutes of eating Leslie started to speak. Bored with staring at her, it seemed.
“Avery said she had something for us. Is it greedy of me to sit here and beg like a little kid?” She was about to start doing that, it was clear, if only as a joke.
Allison winked then, screwing half her face up to do it.
“Maybe a little. Is something up, Avery?” There was direct eye contact then, as if the Greater Demon who only looked like a teen girl was trying to read her mind. Her skin tickled a bit anyway, as that failed and ran off of her.
“Possibly, if you want. The rest of everyone, more than you, Technician.” She ate a little more, her fingers getting greasy from the chicken. “I was checking up on you and Ann last night, so I ended up going to Tyler Gartner’s house.”
That got several different reactions then. The first one came from Mark and Link, both boys scoffing at her for some reason.
“God, not that guy again. I suppose that you’re going to throw yourself at him too now, as if you’d stand a chance?” That came from Link, who frowned then, his golden skin wrinkling at the brow.
She just shook her head, as Allison looked interested, and Debbie leaned in to look at her carefully, as if a joke was in the offing.
“No. I was just checking up on things. Ann is his mother. Steve’s sister, Hally York was there and went to school with Darla, which is what Allison used to be called. They said the normal things. You know, that both of them were nice enough, Ann being insane for her kind and Allison still being a Greater Demon, so we shouldn’t actually trust either of them. Pretty much what everyone says. Then they invited me over for their party on Halloween?”
Allison drank something from a thermos, which seemed to be straight fat, pretending to be soup. Greater Demons needed to eat a lot as well. More than she did, as hard as that was to imagine.
“That sounds fun. You said that I was being snubbed, but that you had news for the others?”
“Right. Well, it isn’t pure shunning for you, as much as that it’s known that you’ll be attending your father’s party. These others however, were all invited. That and my other friends from school here. Vince, Alan and Terra. The goth kids?” Not that Vince really was, but that grouping seemed to be a known thing, since Mark nodded.
“That’s cool. They have to be good at Halloween. I didn’t know you had a dad though, Allison. Or a mother, come to that. So, um, is he, your father, a Demon too?” There was a lot of uncertainty in the words, but the slightly round faced girl across the table beamed at him.
“He is, Mark. The Greater Demon known as The Mind Taker. His parties can be a bit intense, so we tend not to take our Human friends all that often. Halloween is the big event of the year, so that part is right. I can’t get away. I doubt Ann will be able to either. Well, if you have Tyler and Avery there, along with the others, I’m sure you’ll all be fine. That can be the first node travel trip you contract with Avery. Very good. How are the others paying you? Your Gothic friends.”
That was a bit pointed, and she nearly just said that no one had to pay for it, but it seemed important to the Demon, from the way she was staring at her then. Nothing came to mind, however.
“I don’t know. Probably with information. Vince got a job with the Mage embassy and Alan has one with the Alede. Stocking shelves and sweeping up, things like that, I think. Terra is trying for something at the Fun Zone, with the Tricksters. I didn’t get to stay last night to see how that one went. I’m going to be taking over for Zack, for the next few days, doing line travel. Troy, from the Vampires, is going to take the mornings for me.”
It was a lot to put out into the world, but she was really just trying to let them all know why she wouldn’t be spending much time with them over the weekend. Otherwise it made sense to do that kind of thing. She might not know about how to be a good friend, but Avery was nearly certain it required you to go out of your way to be around other people.
Debbie seemed skeptical, and frowned at Avery then.
“Is this real or… I know that Ann and Allison joke with us sometimes, claiming these outlandish things. You’re really a Shifter though, so… I don’t know.”
“It’s real. What we’ve been saying. You can come and visit me at the book store over the next few days if you want. That way I’ll at least see some friendly faces. I’m not certain why Zack wanted me for it, instead of Kaitlyn. She’s been doing this kind of thing longer.”
Allison drank deeply of the vegetable oil in the thermos, as if it were water, then let her head move side to side for a few moments, to indicate she was thinking.
“That could be a lot of things. The most likely being that Kait will be busy doing something else, even if she doesn’t know about it yet. The other is that a threat is possible and he wants people that can handle that kind of thing in place. Hence
you and Troy working it. Kaitlyn is a dear girl, but she’s an Alede, which defines her capabilities if a fight takes place. That he didn’t warn you, personally, of danger, means he doesn’t think it’s a large issue, if that’s the case. He did tell me that he was planning to go and kick a hornets’ nest or two.” The girl managed to look very fierce for a moment. “They killed his Maddy. Unknowing that she was his, perhaps, but it was done with purpose. There can only be an answer in blood for that, or the others will think him weak.”
Everyone else was being ignored, except for Avery then. She was being looked at directly by the Greater Demon.
“That’s a thing to keep in mind, Miss Rome. You aren’t a Demon, and the idea that you’re tainted or evil is ridiculous. Trust me, I know both of those things first hand and they do not apply to you. Still, you hold great power. Enough that even one of my people must take you seriously. That means you need to be prepared to meet with even the oldest of us as an equal. We should talk about that. Soon. Perhaps even find you a mentor. Allow me to think about that one…”
Then she got up and left, not even explaining why she was leaving.
Leslie leaned against her, not even bothering to be covert about it.
“That’s strange. She normally at least tells us what the plan for the day is.”
That sounded about right, but she didn't know it either, as far as that went.
“Thanks for the food. You can all get away for Halloween? I think it starts at seven and will go all night.”
Debbie, who was thin, attractive and had dyed black hair and expressive makeup that was similar to what Terra wore, smiled.
“Heck yeah. Even if it’s just to hang out with you people. It’s that or pass out candy at home and most of the kids will be done by then, anyway.”
There was a bell then, so she couldn’t ask about the words, though later, in art class she managed it, drawing a book very carefully, after having borrowed the use of some paper from Alan. Vince, across from them, smiled. The others all did as well.
She did it back, but it felt like there was more to what they were doing than she knew about. Finally, Terra looked her way.
“I got the job! It seems easy, too. Light cleaning, making change for the machines and passing out prizes for tickets. Occasionally I have to save the world… but I get overtime for that, so it can’t be that bad, right?” She seemed to be playing, though that last part sounded like it might be important. All of it did, really.
“That’s good. Hey, can you all get off work for Halloween? My friend Tyler is having a party, and you’re all invited. Costume party. My friend Eve said that I should dress as something slutty. Possibly as an Alede. That sounds embarrassing, but I think I’m required to.” She wasn’t certain, but there had seemed to be some kind of lesson intended in it. Pushing her out of the comfort zone she hid inside all the time, or something like that.
Avery knew that she tended to think like a young person still, for all that she was hundreds of years old. Keeping to traditions that didn’t suit her new place in the world wouldn’t work for too much longer. It was time for her to accept change. Helpfully, other people were less than subtly pushing her toward that kind of thing. Probably because it was important for some reason.
Vince nodded almost instantly.
“That sounds cool. I don’t normally get invited to much. Should I bring something? Food or… I can’t really get alcohol or anything. None of the cool drugs that famous people like to take at that kind of thing.”
They all waited, as if she knew about that type of thing.
“I’ll ask? I don’t know if there will be drinking. The, there will be a lot of different people there. It’s in Nevada, so I’ll handle the transportation on it, there and back. I think we’re just supposed to go, but I can call and ask. Um… I don’t know… Have you ever heard of Living Proof?” She nearly explained that they were a band, when all of them nodded.
Terra even smiled.
“They’re good. Scotty and Rebekah are the only two Vampires that don’t give me nightmares. Don’t tell your friend Eve that though. She was nice. I still kind of had a bad dream with her in it last night. Chasing me through a graveyard. What about them?”
“Tyler, my friend, he’s in the band. Rebekah and Scotty, as well as Steve, they all live there, so you know, we’ll have familiar people around? Also some Hollywood types, I think. I just wanted to warn you first.”
She didn't know why, but it had been clear that Rebekah had done that for her the day before. Alan just drew for a bit, then looked up at her. His face was a bit blank seeming.
“That works then. I can make it. Not that I have any idea what to go as. I suppose I could see if Valerie will help with that? Then I can go as a rent boy.”
That got laughter from Terra and Vince, though Avery didn't know what that was. Probably a hired workman.
Which got her to remember the last thing she’d totally not understood.
“Candy. Is there some kind of thing where we’re supposed to pass that out to children? I’ve never done that before. I just know that there’s something about dressing up for the Humans where they have traffic with the vilest of things, and fornicate under the light of the moon. Which always struck me as being very chilly, given the time of year.”
The black haired boy, with his very pale skin, let out a single laugh.
“That sounds way more fun. It’s just little kids dressing up and going door to door saying trick or treat. You give them a candy or two. Or, if you’re really cool, pass out full sized candy bars. There are decorations, skeletons and black cats, it’s a thing. I should come over to your house and help you with that.”
Terra rolled her eyes, then spoke out loud.
“Inviting yourself over to try and get with her… Well, that’s one way to make it work. I thought that she said she didn’t have a sex drive. That’s going around the school pretty hard. Avery Rome, turns into a Dragon, killed people in self-defense, doesn’t care about sex. Guess which part people think is scandalous?”
Avery didn’t know, really.
“The killing parts?”
Putting her own charcoal stylus down the busty girl went wide eyed.
“Yep. A bunch of people have looked it up on line, even. It really was pretty straight forward. Everyone was thinking that you were hiding things about that, but it all fits. Don’t worry, by this time next month you’ll be the school prude, without a doubt. Not that you’re the only girl here that doesn’t like sex. Just the only one to publicly admit it.”
Alan held up a single finger, his right index, and shook it a little.
“Ah, see, I was thinking about that. She said she didn't have the biological drive to do that kind of thing. Nowhere in her speech did she say she wouldn’t be willing to. I mean, I don’t want to wash the dishes every evening, but guess who gets to put on the rubber gloves and do it? Right, me. That’s just so I can eat off the plates and not catch a disease. I just have to work out what Avery needs to interest her that way. What would make doing things with me worth the time and effort?”
It seemed to be an actual question. One aimed at her, personally.
“I don’t know. I guess we could get married, or date, or something? That should work. It’s normal, if nothing else. Well, dating. Eve mentioned that most guys my age won’t actually be looking to get married in the real world. Which I have to admit, is still strange. People not getting married at fifteen.”
Terra nodded, then reached across the table to slap Alan on the arm.
“There you go. Just date her. Except then all the sucubusses coming onto you will have to be tossed back. I’m willing to bet that one will be hard for you. Succubi? What’s the plural for that one?”
Vincent held up his pencil then.
“Succubi. Plus, I’m nearly certain we’re all dating Valerie now. Not that she’d care about us getting a little bit on the side now and then. That kind doesn’t. Though, really, if Avery doesn’t mind if
you see other people and the other way around, then it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Alan, joking obviously enough that Avery could tell she was being teased, spread his hands.
“There you go! Great plan then. Well, for real, no strings attached, I promise.”
She felt torn for a moment. On the one hand he was a fine enough boy to date, but the others had indicated that they’d already been doing so with Val. Which indicated the woman having had sex with them, the day before. Since that was literally how the Alede ate, at least took in energy, that made sense for her to have tried. Once her mind was set to it, getting it done probably hadn’t been too difficult for the woman.
Boys and men enjoyed sex a lot, or so she’d been told. Regular women did, too. It was only her that seemed to be broken that way. At least to the level she was. Except that it was just part of her nature, not a thing that was out of balance or wrong.
She focused for a while in order to finish her drawing of the book on time. Before the bell rang. Then she got to her last class, trying her hardest to fit in. It wasn’t easy, since even loading the weight machines to their heaviest settings Avery could barely even feel the mass being lifted. She tried to make up for it by doing it a lot of times, so managed to get some exercise done that way, she thought.
After that she went home first, to change, then got off to work.
Doing line transfers for anyone that had the money for it.
Nearly.
Chapter four
Half an hour after getting into the fairly calm and coffee scented book store, a fight broke out. At first Avery couldn’t really believe it was happening at all. The combatants were an elderly man, who seemed to be Human, who had a nice suit of tan clothing on with well-polished black shoes, and a larger fellow, who seemed fat at first, but who was holding a lot of muscle under that. He was, most likely, something other than strictly regular, she thought. Close enough to being Human to pass, but his movements and power were beyond what could be expected as normal.
The dispute wasn’t even over who got to have relations with one of the Alede or anything along those lines, but rather the chunky fellow’s belief that he alone should be allowed to wait in line to purchase reading material. Not just to go first, taking pride of place, but that it was, by some measure, his rightful spot to be the only person doing that kind of thing. Even though the old man was there first. Patiently waiting for Felicia to ring him up.
