Chapter 13: Drunken Leads

With the sound of rushing water, Ray scrubbed a cup intensely. Her shoulders were high, and her head was down, showing her mood easily. As soon as she was done with the cup, she placed it on the drying rack and picked up another, trying to keep her head down so that no one would see her twitching eyebrows. A chance glance at the giant Russian man, who was pouring drinks at breakneck speed and practically tossing them out the window towards his sister, who was minding the bar.

ray, its just a job. She told herself, in her mined, as she ground her teeth against each other.

Sweeping the floor, cornelius, looked up at the newbie of the gang. Stifling a laugh, he said, “hay don't worry about it, I remember my first time as well.”

At the sound of his voice, Ray was startled, but quickly regained what little nerve she had. “Uhh sorry, it's just, she looked around the room.

"Mack isn't as bad as you think," Cornelius said. "He's just trying to make ends meet so he can train for the big tournament coming up."

Ray turned to him. "Uh, right... right... that's what got me uh," she stuttered, knowing full well that wasn't the reason why she was a nervous wreck. As she thought about it, she could already see Eddie's stupid face mocking her for being so scared. "It was bad enough," she said to herself, thinking about being in a bar when she was tenaciously underaged. But knowing that this was the place for the gang in theory, responsible for the mutations, left Ray on edge that entire night.

Cornelius shrugged at her response and continued sweeping. "Well, at least you'll finally get a chance to see the boss," he said, glancing between the floor and her.

Ray, swallowed whatever she had in her throat, and continued to quickly clean.

Cornelius, couldnt hold back his laughter. “So thats whats got you so nervous newbie… don't worry about him, he mostly doesn't care for newcomers any way.”

Cornelius's attempts at calming her down were not helping, as the memory of her telling the team months ago that she had this and that it would be fine played in her mind. Truth be told, at the time, she really didn't think about the consequences of her actions. She was always the tough tomboy of the group, but even she had fears she couldn't let go of. The memory of that night played in her mind.

…

It was just after a full day of college work. She was mentally questioning why she was even going to college in the first place. "I mean, sure, sure, a degree is nice, but I think I should have just gone into the air force," she groaned. "She grumbled bitterly.

"I don't know, I kinda like the fact that I decided to go to college instead," Sky said from behind her. "Besides, you know your way around tools, but isn't it nice to learn how things actually work."

Ray looked back at Sky with an annoyed expression. But it wasn't Sky she was glaring at; it was her companion.

"I actually agree with her for once," snorted Eddie. "I hate all this school, school, school. If it weren't for my dad, I'd go straight to NASA already."

"NASA isn't going to let you in without a degree, stupid," Ray grumbled, turning her head back to where she was going.

“Ray!” I'm sorry about her eddie”

“Don't be, I get it, " replied Eddie as a cold brush of wind began to blow.

Sky, who had no jacket on at the time, wrapped her arms around herself. “I didn't think it would be so cold this quickly, I should have worn a jacket.”

"Yeah, this town being so close to the river gets cold pretty fast," he said, taking off his jacket and then his hoodie from underneath and giving it to her.

"Oh, thanks but—" "Don't worry, I'll get it back; besides, I live here; I'm used to it," he said, putting his jacket back on once she took his hoodie.

Seeing the two, Ray rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, you want me to walk you... NO!" Ray said firmly, catching their attention.

"Sorry, Eddie, but I actually have things to do," replied Sky as kindly as she could. "Thanks for the jacket; I'll get it back to you tomorrow," she told him with a small wave before running up to meet with Ray.

Eddie shrugged and turned around as the two women headed off their own way.

"I really need to get a car," groaned Ray, only for Sky to deadpan at her.

"What?" she asked in a defensive tone.

"You know Eddie's actually kinda nice if you gave him a chance," Sky said, setting her hands on her hips.

"Oh no, no don't do that; don't go all mama on me."

"Well maybe you need someone to do that," Sky said, raising her voice slightly.

Ray spun on her heel to her, a look of rage in her eyes.

"I'm older than you," Sky smirked.

"Oh yeah, and which one of us can drive?" smirked Ray.

Sky shook her head with a snort. "Alright, I'll give you that—AAAAAAAGH!"

"Sky!" shouted Ray as she tried to catch her friend, who quickly fell to the ground. "Sky!" she shouted. But Sky was already unconscious. Ray noticed a dart sticking out of her back and plucked it off. Inside was a strange purple ooze. Surprised by it, she laid her friend down on the concrete and quickly pulled out her phone.

911? What's your emergency?" said the voice on the other line.

"I'm at the crossroads of Plankton Street and Crabs Avenue; my friend was just shot with a dart!"

Alright ma'am, stay calm; is she still breathing?" asked the operator.

"Seems to be."

"Alright well send an ambulance then; please stay on the line."

Ray did so, but eyed the strange goo in the dart, minutes felt like hours, as she felt her adrenaline rushing, being so worried for her friend. But when a small moan came from next to her, she looked down.

“Sky, don't move, you're gonna be alright. Ray sputtered quickly, only for sky’s eyes to shoot open. But they weren't her normal sky blue eyes. Instead they burned green, with slit purples.Two large fangs sprouted from her mouth, and she hissed in pain, fighting Ray, who jumped back.

Sky thrashed and turned until she was in the bushes next to the road. And then silence.

Ray, shaking, at first, sat hering, the ady on the other end ask, what what's happening. But ray was entranced by the scene before her. Shaking she crawled closer to the bushes, the dart full of ooze still in her hand.

Ray, shaking, at first, sat hearing, the operator on the other end ask, "What's happening?" But Ray was entranced by the scene before her. Shaking, she crawled closer to the bushes, the dart full of ooze still in her hand.

No sound came as she approached. “Sk, Sky?” she stuttered, only for a creature with large black wings to fly out of the bushes out of her. She stared wide-eyed full of fear, as she watched Sky fly off.

"What's happening?" Hello? Hello?" said the lady on the other end. But Ray shook her head, forgetting all about the phone and ran off after her friend.

…

It wouldn't be long after that, that she couldn't keep up with her, and to do so, she plunged whatever else was in that dart, into her arm, in hopes it would make her fast enough to keep up with her. At the time, it seemed like the only option, but it was later clear that it was beyond stupid of her to do so. Now whoever shot Sky, mistaking her for Eddie, was in the same building as she was.

For months since then, Ray had wanted nothing more than to find him. Then tear him limb from limb for what he'd done to her and her friends. But never did she suspect how scared she actually was. Either that or she ignored her fears, blinded by her rage, until now.

RUN! She heard her own conscience telling her to run and escape. But she couldn't do that... her friends trusted her to do what she needed to do. Especially her best friend. Especially Sky.

"Hey," Cornelius said, making her jump and scream a bit. "What?" She replied a bit angrily, but mostly stressed.

"Looks like you could use a drink, you seem stressed out," he chuckled.

"I'm not stressed," she yelled, proving his point. She sighed, "Alright, maybe I am, but I'm not old enough to drink."

"I didn't mean alcohol, lass," he handed her a soda. "What's got you so worked up anyway? The only person I know who's more stressed than you would be the Reaper."

"The what?"

"Oh, nothing. What's up?"

"Oh, well it's just... I got college and that's going here and there, at the same time I'm trying to help my friends out with something that's... well... is stressing me out." She said and dried her hands before popping open the soda. She couldn't believe she was spilling her guts out. "Wow, I really am a mess," she thought to herself.

"Yeah, I hear ya, it can be hard to figure out what to do in a situation like that. Here's some advice: be honest," Cornelius told her.

With a few blinks, Ray stood staring at the man.

Sensing her gaze, he chuckled.

"I was in similar situations a few years back. One that got me into a lot of trouble until I was just honest with myself and those involved," he smiled as if reminiscing. "If I didn't, the likelihood of me standing before you today probably would never have even happened."

"Really? What's your story?" She asked, intrigued.

"Well, he said, setting his broom aside, when I was a kid, my grandfather had a coffee shop. He smiled. Actually, my coffee shop. But you see, a gangster owned it and he paid rent. However, one day when he came to collect the cash my grandfather owed him, it didn't go well. And then some kid showed up and knocked some sense into the mob boss. Only we lost the shop after that," Cornelius told her quietly, with a shake of his head at the last part.

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With a deep breath, he straightened his back. "I spent years trying to get the shop back, my girlfriend at the time nearly dumped me because it was all I could think about..."

He had so many memories there, he snorted. Only for his smile to fade. "I had so many memories... and finally I thought I had enough money to buy the shop back, but when I went to do so, the building was already bought. Frustrated, I gave up and ended up spending half of my money

for it at this bar. I was so drunk I gave my entire story to the bartender.. He smirked, yet his eyes, said anything but happiness. Lifting his gaze to her, “luckily for me the bartender actully was the guy who bought the place, and offered me a job.

"The boss?" stuttered Ray, with a shake of her head in both confusion and surprise.

Cornelius smiled. "All you have to do is be honest and tell whatever problem you're having with someone. You never know where things might just lead and help you with," Cornelius said.

"Now I need you to do me a favor," he said, grabbing a tray of drinks...

"Oh, I'm not a waitress..."

"Neither am I," he said with a smirk. "Now need you to take these in there. We're really short tonight," he said handing her the tray.

The tables they go to is written on the note pad," he said.

Ray grabbed the notepad that was on the tray with a shrug and decided just to do the job. As she walked out into the bar, she found it packed with people, despite it being understaffed.

Two beer mugs at table five, a whisky at table eight, and a drink at table nine, she read before heading their way.

She didn't think much of those at table five. Just two shady guys in trench coats. "Thanks" smiled one of them who took the drink and returned to his conversation.

"Anyway, it may be expensive but it won't take long... When has my boss ever disappointed you?" He said with a cocky smile.

"I suppose so... I just don't like it. The deal was I'd get it and he'd pay for it."

"Yeah, but you only had it shipped. Well, pay you don't worry Carol... I got you," The man smiled as Ray finished setting the other drink down.

"Alright, Jaime... you got yourself a deal," was the last thing Ray heard as she headed off for table eight which just had a group of random bikers.

But as she approached table nine she got the shock of her life. Alright here's that Martiny... Sorry the place is..." she paused when she saw the lady drop her newspaper from her face.

Dressed in somewhat of a fancy but not over-the-top dress was none other than Miss Thomas, her college teacher. "Uh-uh Miss Thomas what... what are you doing here?"

She chuckled, "I could ask you the same thing... I didn't know you worked here."

"Oh uh volunteering... yeah it's to make some extra credit for school," she REPLIED WITH A TWITCH OF HER LIP.

"Really? Have you worked here long then?" She asked as she turned her gaze on the two at table five.

"No not really... and don't worry I'm not drinking... I'm just serving," she chuckled nervously as she thought to herself, “shut up.”

"Hmm yes well if you want some extra credit I have a few things in mind. But there on my laptop in my car... you'll have to follow me out. You don't mind, do you?" The teacher smiled.

"Oh sure... actually yeah that could help a lot," she nervously laughed before the teacher drank her drink in one gulp.

The two headed out, Ray was so flustered over everything she didn't even notice she walked right past Sky who entered alongside her brother and his date who was carrying a birthday cake.

…

“Woo hoo, time to party,” her brother yelled out, but Sky rolled her eyes and moaned.

Look, we’re allowed to eat cake and have a few drinks, but don’t get too wild or you’ll get us kicked out by the owner.

“I thought you said you knew the owner?” He replied back with a smirk, more for his girlfriend than his sister.

“Tell me, sis, being at a bar instead of school, you’re up to no good here, right? Don’t worry I won’t tell Mom,” he chuckled.

“No, I just sing here from time to time, to make a little extra money!” She said a bit flustered, turning slightly red.

“Happy birthday, Skylor!” Shouted a Russian accent from over the crowd.

Ashly? Hey, Sky greeted her. This is my brother, and his girlfriend Tia.

Where’s the rest of your friends, Ashly asked.

“Oh, they’re much too young to drink, so we had a little party earlier before I came.”

with another tray full of drinks. “Here’s your first round on me.”

“What are you doing here?” She asked.

“We’re low on staff tonight so I’m here to help, and then I heard about your birthday,” smiled Cornileus. Hey, Jaime, he shouted and headed over to him sitting in the back corner.

Sky was surprised not only to see him but also with Carol. In his hand, he had a book, as he often did whenever she saw him, despite this he waved the book hello at her.

“Well, I say, let’s have a good time,” her brother cracked a beer open.

Sky smiled her usual small smile as she asked her waiter Cornileus if she could get some water.

She really wasn’t too much of a drinker unless she had to sing on stage.

It wasn’t very long for her brother to suggest it either.

“Hey sis, why don’t instead of losing to music we do some karaoke?”

“Oh no,” his girlfriend shook her head.

What, I can serenade you, ya know what I will hold on.” He said and hopped on stage, turning off the record that was already playing.

“This is to my little sister!” He shouted and started singing Happy Birthday to you.

Problem was he couldn’t hold a tune to save his life and those at the bar booed him off the stage. One of them actually yelled for him to get down and turn on the real tones.

Sky shared a laugh with his girlfriend glad he didn’t sing very long.

Cornelius finally came back with some water for her, and she asked, “Do you know where the reaper is.”

Oh he’s probably in his office, actually he’s not very happy since I invited Carol for a drink but we got to keep him in business or we won’t get that box for the museum cornileus shrugged.“Why do you ask?”

“I invited him,but”Sky shrugged.

“What you invited,” cornielus spat with a gasp. “oh I’ll get him to come here hold this I’ll be right back with him.”

“What but I thought you just said”

“Oh he's always in a good mood, don't worry,” he chuckled and took off.

…

Meanwhile, Ray followed Miss Thompson over to her car, who opened the back door and started shuffling through the back. She also tossed out a few books on the floor; her car was a van, which was very messy.

"Uh, hey, I have to get back to work, so you could just give me the paper on Monday," she shrugged.

"Oh, no, sorry, it's just that I had to make some room for you and make a caution for your fall since I don't want you dead," she said.

"Wait, what?" Before she could even finish the sentence, Miss Thompson jumped in the air and did a full kick to Ray's head. She landed hard on the ground, but there was no blood; she was only knocked out cold.

Miss Thompson smirked as she struggled to get her into the car. After a few moments, someone walked by and saw her.

She chuckled and said, "Way too many drinks. You mind helping me get my daughter in the car?"

The man just shrugged and helped her before walking away, leaving Miss Thompson to deal with the body of Ray.

…

As the clock ticked, Sky and her brother hit the dance floor, for a little fun, when a thought occurred to her. How much fun it would be to get Mr. Wolfric to dance with her again, like at the Christmas party. However, as the minutes passed, she began to wonder what was taking Cornelius and Mr. Wolfric so long. "Umm, I'll be right back; you two, continue dancing," she told her brother.

"Where are you going?" he asked, about to fall down.

To the restroom, that was her excuse as she headed to Mr. Wolfric's office. As she approached it, she heard Carol's voice arguing with Mr. Wolfric.

"I can't believe you paid him," I told you he wouldn't get a dime till I saw it in person. "You wouldn't get it in person if we didn't pay him," Cornelius argued back.

"I'm right here; you know, and don't worry, I'll have it in a few minutes; now I'm out of here," Carol said and opened the door, revealing Sky. Carol only scuffed and walked right past her, clearly tired of their previous conversation.

“What's going on?” she asked witha tilt of her head, and a berlily audible voice.

“Nothing,” barked wolfric, as he set a hand to his temple. “Just a rousing headache.”

“Hey, I only did what was told,” Jaime said as he turned the page of his book.

“You don't work for Cornelius, you work for me! And you," he turned back to Cornelius, "I will not work with him again; you're lucky I'm still considering you my partner."

"Oh please,” Cornielus said, dragging his words. “ we have it; don't we? It won't take long; now there is a PARTY DOWNSTAIRS! Why don't you have a drink and relax my friend?" Cornelius said and placed a hand on his shoulder only for the Reaper to toss it off.

"You, Jaime, have another job to do tonight. I want it done; Cornelius can deal with the cabinet," Mr. Wolfric ordered.

"Sure thing boss," smirked Jaime, who set his book in his jacket pocket.

"I'm not leaving till I get a piece of cake," chuckled Cornelius.

"Cake," you weren't even invited; I was," The Reaper grumbled.

"I know," Cornelius replied with a sly grin, speaking of which.

Mr. Wolfric looked tired and worn out, yet greeted her with a simple, "Sorry business has taken up my time. Is the party over then?" He smiled his best, despite obviously being tired, and annoyed.

"Oh, no we were just dancing, and we haven't served the cake yet," she replied looked around the room, trying to sound casual, and avoid eye contact. “Come on sky hes your friend! She argued in her mind, despite her own nerves. But when something caught her eye in the corner of the room, her expression fell as she recognized a small wrapped package. Just on the edge of the table was a bright blue ribbon sticking out just behind a few random bottles. Her eyes widened at the sight of it.

"Hmm, what?" He asked as he turned to see what she was looking at.

The Christmas present.' 'You never open it." she mumbled, barely audible.

Hmm, what? He turned around. “Oh, I forgot that was there,” he said. “Yes, it's probably just some expired gift card for underwear or something. I actually got that last year.” He groaned. “I need to toss it. Thanks for reminding me.”

“Toss it, really? When I got you a nice gift and you never opened it,” she argued, in a frustrating tone.

“Oh, this is rich,” Cornelius joked, as Jaime grabbed the present. It was snowflake wrapping paper with a bright blue bow. “Well, boss, it’s never too late to open it,” he said. He handed the gift to him.

He wasted no time unwrapping it and opened the box, revealing a nice casual watch. Nothing like the pocket watch he wore, but it was a nice simple design for a watch, and definitely more expensive than the two-hundred-dollar limit that was on the Secret Santa list.

“I understand if you want to sell it, but you should have at least opened it by now. I can’t believe you,” she argued.

Despite her tone, he smiled and put it on. “Thank you. It is a nice gift.”

With her arms crossed, she replied, “You’re welcome.” And walked out the office door.

“Well, come on let’s join the party then,” Cornelius smiled. “Come on, Jaime, grab some cake.”

Jaime looked over at his boss, expecting him to argue, but despite a pair of crossed arms, he didn’t seem to argue anymore as he headed out. Jaime could only chuckle a bit, knowing his boss actually had a soft side, and it seemed that getting that watch finally brought it out.

As they returned to the party, however, they heard the crowd booing at the drunken idiot who was kayaking terribly on stage.

“Who’s the moron?” asked the Reaper.

“That would be my brother,” Sky replied deadpanned.

“Oh sorry,” Cornelius said.

“Don’t be. This is the third time tonight he’s gotten kicked off stage,” he said.

He smiled at that. Seeing this, Cornelius instantly got an idea. “I know why don’t we get you up there?” He shouted, getting the room’s attention.

“Yeah,” they all cheered and whistled.

Mr. Wolfric groaned but had a smile on his face anyway.

“And who are... you?” Sky’s brother said mid-burp.

“Dan, this is Mr. Wolfric, the owner of the Reaper’s bar,” Cornelius said. “Now get off stage before he kicks us out.” Sky told him before she pulled him off.

“Hey come on; I want to hear you sing,” her brother said completely drunk.

She groaned as she asked for help from Tina, who grabbed his arm and sat him down.

“Hey why not a duet?” shouted Jaime in the crowd.

“I second that; Sky and the Reaper!”

“What? No no no,” was her response.

“Ah come on,” shouted her brother.

Mr. Wolfric didn’t argue as he only jumped up on stage and sat at the keypad.

Seeing this, and knowing she was defeated, Sky finally gave in and grabbed a large bear from her brother, making sure to take a drink to calm her stage fright.

“Any request?” asked Mr. Wolfric, but the crowd fell silent not knowing what to play.

Anything other than Happy Birthday shouted Tia; sorry Skylor but your brother ruined it. The crowd chuckled at that and Sky had to agree.

"Alright, well," Sky asked with a smile on her face. "What should we sing then?"

"Oh, haha, I think I have an idea," Mr. Wolfric smirked. "If you know this song, just play along," he winked, and started playing a very familiar tune.

It took a second to figure out what he was playing, but as soon as he began singing, it was obvious. And it was the bartender who began playing the guitar, joining in.

"We're no strangers to love

You know the rules and so do

A full commitment is what I'm thinking of

You wouldn't get this from any other guy"

Releasing what song it was, Sky laughed so hard she almost vomited the alcohol in her system before she joined in, singing.

"I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling

Gotta make you understand

We've known each other for so long

Your heart's been aching, but you're too shy to say it"

In response to her singing, the Reaper only replied with the next lyrics:

"Inside, we both know what's been going on

We know the game and we're gonna play it"

He gestured for the bar to join in, and soon the crowd all called out:

"Never gonna give you up

Never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around and desert you

Never gonna make you cry

Never gonna say goodbye

Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you"

Sky couldn't help but take another drink and laugh at the fact that they were singing the Rickroll of all songs.

Meanwhile, as the crowd kept singing their song, Miss Thompson finally got to her destination, pulling up into an underground parking lot. "Are you sure she'll know anything?" asked Mr. Colson, who stepped into the light.

“Yes sir, she was working at the bar.” Miss Tompson replied as the two stared at the unconscious Ray.