Dragon Freak- Book 1 of the Freaks Series (Complete)

Eight

Journal of Frankie DragonSpire

Dear Diary,

So, it is true; I spoke to my father early this rising. They do hate me; it is because I turned out a female and not the powerful male they had hoped for? Well, guess what, Poppa loves me just as I am, he accepts me. The parentals have no idea what Poppa wants; I think he is just happy to have a healthy grandchild. Oh, and by the way, I am already a powerful female, Poppa says so.

There is a connection between the six of us; I spoke to Poppa about it. I asked him what he thought; he is the most powerful of ancients. There is the possibility that he is the oldest of the ancients too. That would be cool. Poppa could not tell me anything, but I think I have piqued his curiosity. Casper and Kadina felt the same pain today that the rest of us have experienced, like Luc and Mag it happened at precisely the same time. Kadina’s hit in the middle of her Art class, and it happened to Casper in science. Magnus and I were coming down from business when we saw Mrs DesCor in the front Hall. Grandma took all six of us home in case it was contagious. We all fell asleep on the floor in my room, and it was as if mass fatigue hit us all at once. Things around here are getting weird. The question of the hour is; What in hell could fate want with us? And why now?

Frankie DS.

Grandma, I discovered later was quite the musician and owned an exquisite black grand piano when I told her about my music assignment.

“I may have to have Leon tune it for you, dear. It hasn’t had much use this century, I’m afraid.”  She informed me. I blinked this century. Okay, that was just creepy.

Poppa sat down in a single high- backed chair facing the beautiful instrument. He grinned around his now lit cigar.

“Give her a belt dearest, see how it goes.” He said, puffing away. I sat on the narrow bench, stretched out my fingers and began to play ‘Marriage of Figaro’. It sounded flat in places and toneless in others. I frowned at Grandma as I climbed back to my feet. Poppa grinned around his cigar.

“Sounds a lot like it hadn’t been played at all, in the century before that,” I stated sarcastically. Grandma blushed looking sheepish.

“The years do tend to get away from you after a while.” She replied her eyes were twinkling with mirth. Casper, who was feeling much better, was roaring with laughter. My mouth began to twitch at its corners before I started to chuckle too.

“That was awful. It’s a good thing Motzart is dead, cause that would have killed him for sure,” I laughed picturing Hipolostus face if he heard that. I looked up to see Leon standing to one side of a door on the far-right hand wall.

“Would you care to have it tuned Miss?” It was my turn to grin sheepishly.

“Yes, thanks. My music teacher has given me a composition to work on.” I replied, scrunching up my face. Leon bowed his head, a small smile playing across his mouth. The old human was laughing at me; I just knew it! I huffed excusing myself from the room I went upstairs to my bedroom. The phone beside my bed was ringing. I ran through the door snatching the phone out of its cradle. It was almost dawn.

“Frankie Dragon-Oof,” I said into the receiver. I landed stomach first on my bed; all the air rushed out of my mouth on landing.

“Hey, it’s Magnus. Frankie, when did you change your name to Dragon-Oof?” He laughed in my ear.

“It was recent. I figure Spire was so last century. I landed heavily on my bed, winded myself. Hey man, what’s up?” I asked with a laugh.

“You know Frankie; you are seriously accident prone maybe you should consider bubble wrap.” He teased.

“Oh, funny guy. As a matter of fact; I have considered it on more than one occasion but concluded, with my luck, I would accidentally suffocate, myself.” I replied with a chuckle.

“You have given this too much thought. Anyway, the reason I called. I wanted to tell you; my Dad said he is cool for me to stay at Montcastle Park this weekend. How’s it going with your Grandma, has she cracked yet?” I sighed loudly.

“She said she would think about it. Poppa is staying a while, and they are still having a great laugh at the prospect of the six of us hanging out together. They are enjoying this way too much.” I said.

“Yeah, my Dad was pretty shocked too. Though he didn’t laugh his backside off like your Pop’s.” I rolled my shoulders sitting up on my bed.

“Dad said our six families hadn’t been friends for over a thousand years. His father told him someone’s death caused the feud, and it originated with the DragonSpires and the Ravenstones.” Magnus told me, dryly.

“So, that was what Poppa wasn’t telling us tonight. I wonder why he is keeping it secret.”

“I don’t know; maybe he is worried the feud will renew again.” He said thoughtfully.

“Possibly, I will ask him about it. Chances are it was a fight between him and an ancestor of Z’s. So, this call is about our six families and not to coax info out of me about Casper, for Luc?” There was silence on the other end of the phone before I heard a snort of laughter.

“I told him you’d know straight up. All that don’t come near me make-up hides a brain like a honed steel trap. He was sure you wouldn’t guess.” I rolled my eyes. A shadow appeared in my doorway.

“Lucian has the joneses for Casper, huh, nice. I am not surprised; Luc is as transparent as glass.” I said peering across the room at my cousin who was leaning against the door jam, a bewildered look on her face.

“She’s standing right there, isn’t she? Jeez, Frankie, this was supposed to be on the sly.” Mag moaned sourly.

“Yup sure is. Anyway, I already guessed, so all pretence of secrecy is up the creek. Ha-ha, no paddle for you.” I replied, not bothering to lie, I looked out the window. The stars were shining brightly; it was always darkest before dawn, I thought.

“Awesome, I love your logic. Yeah, Luc did not shut up about Casper all the way home. Our parents all came in the one car; from a meeting or something. I thought they were going to stuff a sock in his mouth to shut him up. Seriously, it was touch and go there for a minute. In the end, his Dad said he would take him back to your Pop, and he shut up like a clam.” Mag chuckled.

“I see, so what did he have to say?” Casper crept closer as if Magnus could sense her from the other end of the line. My cousin was a serious twit! I rolled my eyes in her direction.

“He was going on about how gorgeous she looked today and how funny she is. God Frankie, it was pathetic, he wanted me to call you last rising and check out what Casper thought of him. Then the stuff happened at school; he was beside himself. I almost had a heart attack when I saw Mrs DesCor in the front Hall.”  I laughed. I heard the rustle of papers over the line.

“Um, what does she think about Luc? I do not know; Casper plays her ‘who she likes’ cards close to her chest. To tell you the truth, she and I do not know each other that well. We only ever saw each other once or twice at Christmas. She and her parents lived halfway across the country from me, and we were discouraged from associating socially. My parents barely let me out of my room. It was only when Poppa was around, I was treated with anything resembling respect.”  Casper nodded; she pat the back of my hand.

“The way you two are, it’s as if you’ve been close all your lives. Just to appease Lucian what else can you tell me?”

“She thinks he’s good looking, but don’t take my word for it, she says that about cartoon characters. The best bet for Lucian is to suss her out if Grandma gives the all good for this weekend. She would say yes to dating if he asked her out.” I told him casually. Casper was giving me the thumbs-up sign and giggling silently into one of my pillows, where she lay across the bed. Magnus sounded like he was writing. I laughed.

“Are you taking notes?”

“Yeah, have too. Luc said he wanted a detailed report about what you said, don’t mind me. I am the ultimate wingman. I think the boys nuts. Not that liking your cousin is bad, she’s a cutie but just not for me.” He replied hurriedly, just in case he offended. I choked back another laugh.

“I know what you mean; she is cute, huh.” Casper’s eyes grew round, and she mouthed WHAT! To me, I shook my head mouthing back LATER! She grinned hugging the pillow to her chest.

“I’ll get on to Grandma again next rising about the weekend, better not push though. Grandma and my relationship are still sparkling new.” I said. Magnus grunted his agreement.

“Cool stuff, man. What have you girls got tomorrow?”

“We have a triple of military studies. Then Kadina and I’ve got music, and Casper has math, last up you and I have business studies.” I said, glancing at Casper to find out what her class after lunch was.

“That’s all six for military studies, then Luc has math with Casper. I have English, and Zoric has Biology then they have music, and I’m with you and Mrs Vapour, our biggest fan.”

“Sounds good, I can’t wait to do military studies, it sounded so cool,” I replied absently rubbing my jaw. My teeth were pulsing.

“Frankie, you sound funny, what’s wrong?” His tone was severe suddenly. I shook off the thought that he could feel what I was feeling. It was way too un-nerving.

“Nah Mag I’m cool, my jaw hurts a bit. I think I jarred it when I went all titanic with Casper in the doorway tonight.” I told him wincing.

“Nope, it wasn’t the fall. My jaw and teeth are killing me too. Do you think we’re getting closer?”

“Damn it, yeah. I have a gut feeling. Tomorrow or possibly the day after. I cannot say for sure, but it is moving in at light speed.” I replied slowly.

“I think the same. Look, when it starts, we all must be together. There is something we must do. I don’t know what, I just feel it. Take it, easy man. I will see you tomorrow. We will meet, you gals out front in the evening and you can tell us how you went with your Grandma. If she says no, Dad said you could all come here. If the transition hits tomorrow, like we think it will then, we will talk then.”

“Sweet, we’ll see you tomorrow,” I replied.

“Before you go, did um Kadina happen to mention me at all?” Magnus asked hesitantly.

“I’ll only tell you if you tell me first if Zoric has said anything to you about me.” I grinned bingo! I heard Mag clear his throat.

“Z is a bit of an odd one. We asked him what he thought of you, and he said you were interesting.” I frowned. Casper eyed me curiously.

“Interesting, oh all right, that’s cool. Yeah about Kadina, the other day she said you were hot, and she is really into you. I think you should ask her out. She’s receptive.” I replied, honestly. Magnus sounded impressed as he said goodbye and hung up the phone.

“Casper, I need a phone book quick! I have to tell Kadina what I did before we get to school; she’s going to kill me.” I commanded my cousin as she shot off the bed. Luc thinks Casper is hot, and Mag reckons Kadina is amazing and Zoric thinks I am interesting. I was confused; I honestly thought Zoric was into me too. My phone rang again, scaring the collective wits out of both of us. I snatched it from the cradle.

“Frankie.” I managed to choke out, wanting to cry.

“Francesca, Mrs DesCor and her granddaughter are joining us for a late dinner. Would you and Casper dress appropriately and come down as they will be arriving shortly.” Dresdorian’s deep tones reverberated down the line sounding very proper.

“Sure Poppa. I just spoke to Magnus Venturi, and he told me the feud was over a death. That is was the DragonSpires and the Ravenstones who started it. Mag and I both believe we will transition tomorrow. We can feel it coming. When it does, we all must be together. There’s something we must do, although we have no clue yet what that is. I thought you should know before Mrs DesCor arrives.” I told him, there was silence on the line.

“Poppa are you still there?” I asked hesitantly. Casper was staring at me with wide eyes.

“I am here, just deep in thought dearest. Yes, there were not one but two deaths. The feud was between Jeremiah Ravenstone, your friend’s great grandfather and me. I do not have time to explain fully Francesca. Dress quickly and come down. We will speak later.” Poppa hung up, and I turned to place the receiver back in its cradle.

“No questions now Spook. The DesCor’s will be joining us for a late dinner, and we must dress accordingly.” I stated holding one hand over my heart as I tried to imitate my Grandfathers superior tone. Casper giggled sliding off my bed; her blue eyes haunted she rubbed her jaw and threw open the doors to my wardrobe. She made a disgusted noise in the back of her throat.

“Man, your cupboard is so bare. I have heaps of clothes if you need to borrow something.” Casper offered. The only dress I owned was a toxic green summer dress with no straps and little bright orange bows that stuck out at odd angles. I brought the offensive dress to drive Selene nuts when she came to stay at mum and Dad’s last Christmas. I reached for it to show my cousin.

“Ugh! What’s that, tell me you did not pay money for that?” Casper cried horrified. I had to agree. The dress was disgusting, and Poppa loved it. He said I looked stunning while hiding the wink he flashed me behind his glass of cherry port. Before he left, he gave me a card with two hundred dollars in it. The card said it was for the purchase of another dress like it, for next Christmas. I still had the money, wrapped up tightly inside one of my old jacket pockets.

“Selene hated it too; I brought and wore it purely for her benefit last Christmas. Poppa gave me money to purchase another one for this Christmas.” I replied with an evil smile hanging it back up. Casper laughed, grabbing my hand. She dragged me out of my room, across the Hall and into hers. It was a replica of mine but in black and green and a huge mess. There was stuff everywhere.

“How do you find anything in here?” I asked as Casper flung open her wardrobe; beautiful gowns, evening dresses, suits and school uniforms packed it to bursting point.

“I don’t; it takes me forever. Dad kind of just tossed everything into this room and walked away. It’s a work in progress. There is a pile of clothes, somewhere over to the right, I don’t wear anymore. When I find them, you can have a look and see if you want to keep them.” My cousin murmured. Casper pulled out a knee-length royal blue and silver baby doll dress and handed it to me.

“That'll fit, be quick. You can keep it too. I have that dress in like eight different colours.” She said, pulling down a similar dress in different shades of purple. The dress fit as Casper had predicted, its floaty material swayed gently against my legs. I stared at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. I pulled the band from my hair, brushing the long strands back with my fingers. Casper called out to me from the doorway. She led the way as we raced down the long hallway. I suddenly stopped, pulling Casper to a halt beside me.

“Hey, I forgot to tell you. I asked Poppa who Giovanni was. He was Grandma and Selene’s older brother. Giovanni was a powerful male, but he was sick during his transition and died. Grandma and Poppa had been the only ones with him. Poppa said he and Gio were close friends and Selene blames Grandma for him dying.” I whispered. Casper stared, her mouth wide, I nudged her back into movement.

“Poor Grandma, you know I hate Selene,” Casper growled under her breath. The doorbell rang as Casper, and I was descending the stairs. Leon showed Mrs DesCor and Kadina into the foyer.

“Tabitha my dear, looking as stunning as always. Kadina, you look much recovered since I met you earlier.” Poppa’s voice echoed against the thick walls. Mrs DesCor smiled warmly when Poppa came into view.

“Dresdorian you are a shameless flatterer, thank you. It is lovely to see you again.”

“Yes, thank you, sir, I am feeling much better.” Kadina shook the older man’s hand the male terrified her. Poppa laughed heartily at Kadina’s facial expression.

“Oh, damn. I forgot. Poppa, Mrs DesCor asked me to pass on a message to you. Not to be a stranger, sorry, Mrs DesCor.” I called, guilt colouring my tone.

“Perfectly alright, Francesca. You did warn me; you did not know when you would see him.” Kadina’s Grandmother replied with a smile. Poppa looked up the stairs, a light appearing in his eyes.

“Girls, well Francesca I must say, that dress has nothing on the one you wore at Christmas”.  I winced, which made the old devil laugh harder.

“Tabitha my dear, you should have seen this dress. It was toxic green with little orange bows all over it, strapless and puffy at the knee. Selene looked ready to fit. But she dared not say a word.  I told my dear Francesca; she looked stunning. The wonderful creature brought the dress with her Aunts reaction in mind. I have never been so proud. Benson and Holly almost choked on their tongues when she appeared in the sitting room. She whirled around and said, ‘isn’t it wonderful’.” Poppa explained with a bout of amused chortling. Mrs DesCor laughed as well patting Poppa on the arm.

“I would have paid to see it, only to be a fly on the wall.” She chuckled, highly amused.

“As would I, it must have been very amusing,” Grandma said from behind us at the top of the stairs. I quickly looked down at my feet.

“I hope the dress in question found its way to the very back of your wardrobe and will only emerge in your Aunts presence?” She chuckled softly in my ear, sliding an arm around my shoulders.

“I just saw the dress in question, and it is ugly! With a capital Ugh.” Casper muttered with a shudder.

“Yes ma’am, Poppa gave me money to buy another one for this Christmas.” I murmured guiltily sneaking a peek at a laughing Kadina.

“Well done, my dear. Any chance gained to get around Selene must be taken immediately, for future sport just like this”.  I grinned at Kadina’s Grandmother.

“Isn’t there anyone who likes Selene?” I asked following everyone into the sitting room for pre-dinner drinks.

“Oh, yes, dear! But they are rather unsavoury types, that your association, they will never enjoy.” Poppa answered motioning for all of us women to sit first.

“Speaking of associations. Magnus called me not long ago. Mr Venturi said if it was too inconvenient at such short notice for all of us to be here this weekend. He would be happy to have us at his estate.” I cut in slyly. Grandma fought to keep the grin from her face.

“Very well! I concede defeat. You may have your friends over. But!” I knew it! There was always a BUT! Was there a whole chapter in the parent handbook about using that word? I thought sourly.

“The boys sleep in the south wing near your Grandfather.” Yes! I almost jigged.

“Why?” Casper asked. I rolled my eyes.

“If they get any ideas about my three beautiful girls, they will be talked out of such a venture,” Poppa replied, adding Kadina to the family without hesitation. He closed his mouth with an audible snap; his fangs were extended and menacing. Casper and Kadina flinched.

“Dorian, you’re scaring the girls.” Grandma admonished shocked. I eyed him suspiciously.

“No, Monique! Let me make myself clear. A Ravenstone, a Venturi and a Mentalis will never in my eyes be good enough for our girls.” Poppa said solemnly. As I dropped my eyes, I saw the corner of a piece of blue cardboard sticking out of his jacket pocket.

“Poppa, that was lovely. How long did it take for you to perfect that little speech in front of the mirror?” I asked innocently.

“Francesca DragonSpire, of all the things to say to your Gr-. Dorian, Francesca was rude. Why, are you laughing?” Grandma gasped in shock. Mrs DesCor covered the smile on her face with an elegant hand, and Poppa roared with laughter.

“How did you know?” I rolled my eyes.

“Crafty old devil, you have a blue cue card sticking out of your jacket pocket.” I accused pointing to the right pocket of his black dinner jacket. He laughed harder.

“So, I do, the girl has eyes like a hawk. Stay on your toes Monique this one is proof talent skips a generation. As sharp as a freshly honed blade.” He chuckled, pulling them out and dropping them on the table beside him. I laughed so hard I cried, wiping a tear from the corner of one eye. You could tell just by looking at Grandma that she was torn between irritation at me and amusement with Poppa.

“We accept the terms; may we be excused for a moment, Grandma?” I asked. She nodded, and the three of us made a hasty retreat. The moment we closed the door, our Grandmothers cracked up laughing. Three loons in one room, I sure hoped it was not contagious.

Casper lead us across the foyer and into a Library. Jackpot, one of these days I was going to have to do some exploring. I thought. We sat on three of the eight ottomans facing each other.

“Magnus called to snoop for Lucian and himself. First, he asked about Casper and said that Lucian would not stop talking about how gorgeous you are and how funny you are too. He asked Magnus to call me and check out if you liked him. He had to take notes, and they were freaking out about what happened today. Now Magnus also rang to ask about what Kadina thought of him. I kind of told him you said he was hot, and you were really into him!” I said, facing my friend. Kadina turned bright red and let go of a giggle.

“Good! He is, and I am really into him,” she replied. We all giggled again.

“Sorry, it kind of slipped out.” I apologized sheepishly.

“If we tell Zoric you think he’s hot, will you get cranky?” Casper taunted. A picture of Zoric sprung to mind. He was so yummy.

“I’ll tell him myself. I asked Mag if Zoric said anything about me, he said I was interesting.” I replied hesitantly catching my bottom lip between my teeth.

“Well, Frankie, you are interesting. Maybe Zoric is playing it close to the chest. If you haven’t told Z by the weekend; we’re going to spill the beans.” Kadina threatened laughingly. Great. I thought they are leaving me all of two days to do it.

“Agreed,” I answered clasping both girls’ hands a minute later.

“Now tell her about the transition and the conversation with Dorian,” Casper whispered, looking around the empty room. Kadina sat up straighter.

“We also talked about the transition. Have you got a sore jaw Kadina? I know Magnus, Casper and I do?” Wide-eyed, Kadina nodded, touching her jaw with light fingers.

“Yes, I do. I have had the devil of a time trying to hide it from Grandma. Since the incident at school, she has been giving me the hairy eyeball.” She whispered, shocked.

“No more hiding it. We think the transition will start tomorrow. Magnus said he could feel it and I agree. He also said we should be together. There is something we must do. Mr Venturi told him the feud between the six families started because of a death. It sparked a fight between the Ravenstones and the DragonSpires. Poppa told me tonight, there were two deaths, and the fight was between him and Zorics great Grandad Jeremiah. Poppa said he would talk to me about it later.” My hands shook slightly. Kadina and Casper stared at me with horror.

“Could this be the connection you were talking about with Zoric? Could you and he be the souls of the two who died? I don’t know why I am thinking about this, but I feel I am on the right path.” Kadina murmured leaning in closer. There was a knock on the door, and it opened to reveal Leon.

“Dinner is served, ladies.” He called.

“God, I hope not. That would be a nightmare.” The three of us exchanged worried looks, standing up we followed him back across the foyer.