Warehouse Fairytales - Beauty and the Beast Part 1
Summery: I wanted to write some fluff after watching the Season 3 finale, so I took some classic fairytales and rewrote them Warehouse 13 style! First up: Myka and H.G. - Beauty and the Beast.
Rating: PG, I guess just to be safe.
Spoilers: Up to Season 3, just because of H.G.’s backstory that was revealed in Season 2 and the inclusion of Steve.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Beauty and the Beast (whether it’s the original story, Disney, etc.) or Warehouse 13. And yes, I did use quotes from the Disney movie, so don’t sue me for that Disney.
Part 1
A long time ago, in kingdom far away, there lived a woman named Helena Wells. In her earlier years she was brilliant, unselfish and kind, beloved by all who met her. She worked in a magical warehouse, ruled by citizens called The Regents. She lived a wonderful life and rejoiced in it. Until one day her daughter was killed. Driven by anger and pain, the woman worked to find a way to bring her daughter back, pushing away thoughts of anyone else. Eventually her carelessness caused the death of a Warehouse agent. Although Helena had shown that there was no love in her heart after the death of her daughter, The Regents decided to give her a second chance. But they were unable to figure out how to reach her. After debating, the Regents delivered to her an artifact - a beautiful rose - as her punishment. Helena sneered at the rose, and wondered what it could do to her. But the moment she took the rose she transformed into a hideous beast - the version of herself that showed all of the hatred and anger she had in her heart.
The Regents explained that the rose was truly an enchanted rose. If Helena could learn to love someone and earn their love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, she would be doomed to remain a beast for all time.
Repulsed by her haggard appearance, Helena shut herself away in the quarters the Regents provided for her - a magical castle, filled with Warehouse artifacts and agents to help her compete her task. Her only link to the outside world was another artifact - a magic mirror.
But as the years passed, Helena fell into despair. For who could ever learn to love a beast?
*
Myka Bering sighed and put down the book she was reading, getting up to go into her boss’ office. Smoke was currently pouring out of it and she could hear muffled swearing.
“Artie.” She said, raising one eyebrow. He was currently working on an artifact, trying to make it work again. And paying her no attention as she shouted her name. “Artie. Artie!”
“What?” Artie looked up from his work to see his only agent staring down at him. “Oh. Hi.”
“Don’t you think you should take a break? You’ve been working on this for ages.”
“Can’t.” Artie rooted through his tools. “Can you hand me the...ah? What’s it’s name? Oh, there it is.” Myka shook her head at her boss. She was fond of him, even though he was rather odd and scatterbrained. She knew that was what all the people in Univille said about him. And about her too, for that matter. That they were too odd. Too weird. Too strange. Well, that was to be expected. They were agents of Warehouse 13, after all. They were there to save the world, they weren’t there to be liked. After watching numerous agents come and go, only Myka and Artie were left in the Warehouse, at least for the moment.
“So what exactly is this artifact going to do if you can fix it?” Myka asked.
“Not if. When.” Artie said, not looking up from his work. “What it’s going to do is take our security system to new heights, and keep MacPherson out.”
Myka shuddered at the mention of James MacPherson’s name. He was partly responsible for all the numerous agents leaving and dying, and he was still at large. Artie was determined to keep the Warehouse safe, and to give him no weaknesses to penetrate. She was snapped out of her thoughts when Artie spoke up again.
“I’m leaving in a few hours to show this artifact to the Regents.” Myka shook her head. It would be like her boss to not even give her a day’s warning that he would be leaving.
“How long are you going to be gone this time?” Myka asked.
“Not long, just a day or two.” Artie banged the artifact, frustrated, with his tools. “I need to show the Regents that this thing works.”
“Good luck.” Myka said, smiling at her boss and going back to her book.
She didn’t know at the time that when she and her boss would be meeting again, it would be under extremely different circumstances.
*
“Myka.” Myka stirred, not wanting to wake up. She knew it was Artie, calling for her to get to work. “Myka.”
“In a minute...” She said, waving a hand at him.
“Myka!” Myka realized that the voice yelling at her wasn’t her boss, but was Irene Frederic, her boss’ boss.
“Mrs. F?” Myka said, finally opening her eyes.
“I’m glad to see you’re awake Agent Bering.” Mrs. F said, giving Myka a minute to sit up and rub her eyes. She realized that she had fallen asleep in the Warehouse’s library. “We have a problem.”
“What is it?”
“Agent Neilson didn’t report to his appointed meeting with the Regents. We think something may have happened to him.”
“Do you think it’s MacPherson?” Myka asked fearfully.
“Possibly.” Mrs. F said and handed Myka a piece of paper. “We tracked his Farnsworth to this address. Go investigate immediately. If I nor the Regents hear back from you or Arthur in 24 hours, we will have to assume you have been captured or killed.”
Myka nodded, still trying to process how she had gone from being in a state of sound sleep to being assigned to launch a one woman rescue mission in 5 minutes.
“Good luck Agent Bering.” Mrs. F said, walking out of the Warehouse.
*
Myka shook her head, trying to control her nervousness as she looked up at the building where Artie was being held. It was a humongous castle; it looked exactly like the castles she had seen in the fairytale books her father had read to her when she was younger.
She drew her Tesla and was about to blast open the gates when they opened on their own. Myka took a deep breath and walked through them, trying to resist the urge to turn around and run away. This was probably a trap, but she had no other choice - Artie was counting on her. She let that thought run through her mind as she made her way to the large wooden doors of the castle, which also opened for her.
Definitely a trap.
She walked through a large hall, looking around in amazement. The walls were covered with beautiful paintings and tapestry, while the floor had thick, warm rugs on them. Myka was so busy looking around that she nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard voices.
“Another one? Seriously? We wait for decades and no one, and all of a sudden two humans -” But suddenly the voice was cut off. Myka swung her Tesla around, trying to find the source of the voice, but she couldn't see anyone else.
‘Oh screw it.’ She thought. ‘They already know I’m here. That’s why they’re talking.’
“Hello?” She called out. “Hello? I’m with the Secret Service. I’m currently in an investigation - I’m looking for another agent. Can anyone help me?”
“I can.”
Myka turned around, expecting to see another person, but she saw no one. “Um...hello?”
“Hello!” Myka screamed as a candle holder - a lumiere - on a small table next to her spoke. The lumiere looked startled. “Did I say something wrong? Do you not speak English? Hola, Bonjour, Konichiwa -”
Myka was staring at the talking lumiere, openmouthed. She had seen some weird things in her time, but this took the cake. Finally, she spoke.
“How...can...you...talk?”
“With a mouth.” The lumiere replied merrily. It smiled. “My name is Pete. I am at your service.” Pete said with a bow.
“I’m...I’m looking for someone. A friend. Do you know an Arthur Neilson?” Myka asked.
“Old, grouchy, has a beard, eats a few too many cookies?”
Myka silently nodded.
“Yeah, I know him. C’mon, I’ll show you where he is.” He started to hop along, but then stopped and turned around. “I think I should warn you, I don’t think you’ll like it.”
“Why?” Myka asked as they continued along.
“Well, he lost his way, said he was going to some meeting but took a shortcut. He came in here to ask for directions and the master found him.”
“The master?”
“The owner of this castle is...possessive of her belongings. She threw him in the dungeon.”
“The dungeon?”
“Well, to be fair, she didn’t know he was only looking for directions. She saw him sitting in her good seat which I kind of pushed him into, and then Leena started giving him tea and cookies...”
Myka wanted to ask what that had to do with fairness when she heard Artie’s voice.
“Myka!”
“Artie!” Myka rushed over to his cell. “Artie, hold on, I’m going to get you out of here.”
“And I’m going to help.” Pete announced. Suddenly, he heard a loud roar. “No, I’m not.” He hopped away as fast as he could. Myka watched him in shock until something more urgent entered the picture.
A tall creature, covered with black hair and fierce eyes walked up to Myka. Claws decorated her feet and hands, her teeth were fangs and when she spoke, her voice came out in growls.
“What are you doing in my castle?” Myka froze until she heard Artie’s voice behind her.
“Myka - run!” He yelled frantically. “Go, get out of here, forget me!”
The creature stalked even closer to Myka, blocking her exit. “What are you doing here?”
“I - I just came for my friend.” Myka said, backing up against Artie’s cell. The creature snarled.
“He broke into my home. He deservers this.”
“He only wanted directions.” Myka cried out. The creature narrowed her eyes at Myka, making her shrink back.
“He stays here.” The creature snarled.
Myka thought of the Tesla, but she knew that if it knocked out the creature, the blast wouldn’t wear off in enough time for Myka to get Artie out of here. He didn’t look like he would be up to it, anyway. The few hours he had been in the creature’s castle hadn’t been good to him. He looked tired, and judging by how cold the dungeon was, Myka was sure he was chilled to the bone. Myka thought for a minute and then came up with only one conclusion. She hated it, but it needed to be done.
“What if I stayed here in his place?” She whispered. Artie immediately began shouting her down, while the creature just looked startled.
“You would do that?” It whispered.
Myka nodded, looking down at the floor. “He’s like a father to me.” She whispered. She thought she saw the creature’s eyes soften for a second, but the next second she thought she must have imagined it. The creature stalked over to Artie’s cell and grabbed him, dragging him out. It ignored Artie struggling to get back to Myka, yelling the whole time.
“Myka I’m old! I’ve lived my life! Please, don’t do this! NO!” He yelled as he was forced out of the dungeon. As she heard his voice fade, Myka began to sob. She fell to the floor of the dungeon, not knowing what else to do. She had lost everything, and she couldn’t even fight it - she had to stay here for Artie.
A few minutes later, the creature came back. “He’s being taken to his home as we speak.”
Myka looked up at her, her face contorted in anger and sorrow. She wanted to yell, scream, curse at the creature, but all she could say was: “You didn’t even let me say goodbye.”
Again, she thought she saw the creature’s eyes soften, but the creature blinked and then turned away from her, walking out of the dungeon. At the door, she looked back to Myka, sitting on the floor of her cell. “What are you waiting for? Don’t you want to go to your room?”
“I - isn’t this where I’m supposed to stay?” Myka asked.
“Do you want to stay here?” The creature growled.
“No.” Myka answered.
“Then come on!” The creature swept out of the dungeon.
*
Myka walked through the castle with the creature, her curiosity apparent even at a time like this. She tried to memorize the route they were talking, but there were so many turns, staircases and hallways, she knew that even with her memory, she wouldn’t be able to memorize the way to her room. Finally after several minutes the creature stopped at a door and opened it. Inside, Myka could see a beautiful room, large and comfortable. She tentatively walked through it, amazed by the difference between Artie’s living quarters and her own.
“You can go anywhere you want in the castle and grounds - except for the West Wing. That’s for me only. And I want you to get yourself together, you’ll meet me for dinner in an hour.” The creature said, standing at the door of Myka’s room before shutting it.
Myka looked at the door for a minute, her feelings warring between anger and sorrow. Then she thought of the look on Artie’s face as he had been dragged away and sorrow won out. She sat down on her bed and began to cry.
“Tough day, huh?” Myka looked up. She saw something tiny hopping across the floor towards her. Myka got down on the floor and put out her hand. The tiny figure hopped into it. Myka settled herself on the bed before putting down the tiny figure on the bedspread. It hopped towards her.
“Are you okay?” Myka looked down at the tiny little tea cup with a chip on its side that was looking up at her.
“This has to be a dream.” She said, shaking her head in shock. “I must have gotten hit with an artifact.”
“Nope. It’s all true.” The tea cup said. “You got a name?”
“Myka.”
“Cool.” The tea cup hopped forward into Myka’s hand and Myka raised her to eye level. “My name’s Claudia.”
“Nice to meet you.” Myka said, dazed.
“So how’d you like the master?” Claudia asked. “Well, I guess she’ll ask you to call her Helena, since you don’t have to wait on her or give her tea.” Claudia said good naturedly.
“Claudia!” A male voice called out.
“Hide me!” The tea cup said, hopping frantically. Myka quickly hid her on the inside of her jacket. Just a few seconds later a pendulum clock walked through the door.
“Sorry to disturb you, but have you see a tea cup anywhere?”
“Umm...no.” Myka said, trying to look innocent and just believe that she was playing hide and seek with a clock and a tea cup. Unfortunately, at that moment the tea cup shifted in her jacket, revealing Myka’s guilt.
The clock simply shook his head and walked through the door. He jumped up on the bed and stared at Myka’s coat. “C’mon Claud, we have work to do.”
“Stevvvvvve.” The tea cup whined, coming out of Myka’s coat.
“No buts. We need to get ready for dinner.” He smiled kindly at Myka. “I hope you’re hungry.”
Myka simply shook her head. The shock of the day had robbed her of her appetite, and she wouldn’t eat at the table with the creature that had robbed her of her life even if she was starving. “I’m not going to dinner.”
“Yay!” Claudia said, jumping back into Myka’s hand and all the way up her arm, coming to rest on her shoulder.
“Claud.” The clock said patiently, but wearily. Then he turned to Myka. “The master isn’t going to be happy if you skip dinner.” He said it as kindly, trying to warn her, and Myka smiled slightly in appreciation.
“Thanks for the warning, but just because I’m here doesn't mean I’m going to do everything “the master” wants me to.”
The clock looked at her and shrugged. “Okay.” He sighed and began to walk out the door before turning around. “Claud.”
“But there’s no dinner!” Claudia protested. “Steve...”
“C’mon Claud.”
“Okaaaay.” Myka gently took the tea cup in her hand and lowered her to the floor. It hopped over to Steve and they left together.
*
A few minutes later, a cart zoomed through Myka’s doors. It carried a tea pot, and several cups including Claudia, who immediately hopped over to her. The tea pot followed. “I thought you could use some tea before the master found out that you aren’t coming down to dinner.” She poured some tea into Claudia. “No splashing this time, Claud.” The tea pot said.
“Leena that was an accident!” The cup said.
Leena chuckled and turned to Myka. “I know this all must see awfully confusing to you, but don’t be afraid. We don’t bite. Even the master isn’t as bad as she seems.”
“I doubt that.” Myka muttered.
Leena shook her head. “She used to be one of the most wonderful people you’d ever meet.”
“Then how’d she end up like this?” Myka asked.
Leena opened her mouth to reply, but then shut it and shook her head. “That’s her story. It’s not my place to tell.” Suddenly a loud pounding was heard on the door.
“Come down to dinner right now!” Myka heard the creature yell.
Myka almost yelled back “Make me” but then thought better. “I’m not hungry!” She yelled back.
A loud roar was heard on the other side of the door. “This is your final bloody warning!”
“I’m not coming down!” Myka yelled. She braced herself, expecting the creature to run in and attack her, but nothing happened.
Finally, she heard the creature roar again and then yell to her servants. “If she doesn’t eat with me, then she doesn’t eat at all.” In a quieter voice but still one that Myka could hear, the creature muttered, “Starve for all I care.”
Myka felt herself trembling in fear at her confrontation with the creature. She looked down at Leena. “Yes, I’m sure she used to be wonderful.” She said sarcastically.
*
“We’re screwed.” Pete said, a few hours later. He and the rest of the castle (except Myka and the master, who had gone to bed) were gathered in the dining hall, holding a meeting. “They hate each other already.”
“Of course Myka isn’t going to like her right away.” Leena pointed out. “If she had come down to dinner it wouldn’t be because she wanted to get to know the master, it would have been because she was too afraid to say no.”
“She seems nice.” Steve chimed in.
“And she didn’t swat at me like that other human - Artie - did.” Claudia pointed out. “He chipped me!”
“In his defense, he was in shock.” Steve said.
“But guys, the rose is wilting. We’ve only got a short amount of time to make them fall in love or we’ll stay this way forever. I know you don’t want that.” Pete pointed out.
“The ticking is annoying.” Steve said, gesturing to the clock hands that were currently on his face. “I can barely get to sleep at night.”
“And I’m getting really sick of the hopping.” Claudia added.
“See! We just have to get Myka to see that the master isn’t that bad.” Pete pointed out.
“Good luck on that one.” Claudia shot back. They all knew that Helena truly wasn’t evil, but she had a short temper, and as long as she acted on that temper, there would be very little chance of both Myka and Helena falling in love.
“Hello?” All their heads swiveled when they heard a voice call out. Myka walked into the dining room shyly. “Hi. Listen, I was wondering... Is there any chance you could show me where the kitchen is? I’m pretty hungry.”
“I don’t know... If Helena finds out you eat without her she’ll be really angry -” Steve pointed out before Pete shoved him aside.
“Steve, have a heart! The poor girl’s hungry. I think we can fix a little something up.” Pete said to Myka.
“I wouldn’t object if it was a “little something”” Steve muttered, “but with you it’s never “a little something” - it’s always a big party.”
“Ignore him.” Pete said happily to Myka. “Sit down. And be...our...guest.”
“Please don’t start singing, please don’t start singing, please don’t start singing.” Claudia chanted.
Rating: PG, I guess just to be safe.
Spoilers: Up to Season 3, just because of H.G.’s backstory that was revealed in Season 2 and the inclusion of Steve.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Beauty and the Beast (whether it’s the original story, Disney, etc.) or Warehouse 13. And yes, I did use quotes from the Disney movie, so don’t sue me for that Disney.
Part 1
A long time ago, in kingdom far away, there lived a woman named Helena Wells. In her earlier years she was brilliant, unselfish and kind, beloved by all who met her. She worked in a magical warehouse, ruled by citizens called The Regents. She lived a wonderful life and rejoiced in it. Until one day her daughter was killed. Driven by anger and pain, the woman worked to find a way to bring her daughter back, pushing away thoughts of anyone else. Eventually her carelessness caused the death of a Warehouse agent. Although Helena had shown that there was no love in her heart after the death of her daughter, The Regents decided to give her a second chance. But they were unable to figure out how to reach her. After debating, the Regents delivered to her an artifact - a beautiful rose - as her punishment. Helena sneered at the rose, and wondered what it could do to her. But the moment she took the rose she transformed into a hideous beast - the version of herself that showed all of the hatred and anger she had in her heart.
The Regents explained that the rose was truly an enchanted rose. If Helena could learn to love someone and earn their love in return by the time the last petal fell, then the spell would be broken. If not, she would be doomed to remain a beast for all time.
Repulsed by her haggard appearance, Helena shut herself away in the quarters the Regents provided for her - a magical castle, filled with Warehouse artifacts and agents to help her compete her task. Her only link to the outside world was another artifact - a magic mirror.
But as the years passed, Helena fell into despair. For who could ever learn to love a beast?
*
Myka Bering sighed and put down the book she was reading, getting up to go into her boss’ office. Smoke was currently pouring out of it and she could hear muffled swearing.
“Artie.” She said, raising one eyebrow. He was currently working on an artifact, trying to make it work again. And paying her no attention as she shouted her name. “Artie. Artie!”
“What?” Artie looked up from his work to see his only agent staring down at him. “Oh. Hi.”
“Don’t you think you should take a break? You’ve been working on this for ages.”
“Can’t.” Artie rooted through his tools. “Can you hand me the...ah? What’s it’s name? Oh, there it is.” Myka shook her head at her boss. She was fond of him, even though he was rather odd and scatterbrained. She knew that was what all the people in Univille said about him. And about her too, for that matter. That they were too odd. Too weird. Too strange. Well, that was to be expected. They were agents of Warehouse 13, after all. They were there to save the world, they weren’t there to be liked. After watching numerous agents come and go, only Myka and Artie were left in the Warehouse, at least for the moment.
“So what exactly is this artifact going to do if you can fix it?” Myka asked.
“Not if. When.” Artie said, not looking up from his work. “What it’s going to do is take our security system to new heights, and keep MacPherson out.”
Myka shuddered at the mention of James MacPherson’s name. He was partly responsible for all the numerous agents leaving and dying, and he was still at large. Artie was determined to keep the Warehouse safe, and to give him no weaknesses to penetrate. She was snapped out of her thoughts when Artie spoke up again.
“I’m leaving in a few hours to show this artifact to the Regents.” Myka shook her head. It would be like her boss to not even give her a day’s warning that he would be leaving.
“How long are you going to be gone this time?” Myka asked.
“Not long, just a day or two.” Artie banged the artifact, frustrated, with his tools. “I need to show the Regents that this thing works.”
“Good luck.” Myka said, smiling at her boss and going back to her book.
She didn’t know at the time that when she and her boss would be meeting again, it would be under extremely different circumstances.
*
“Myka.” Myka stirred, not wanting to wake up. She knew it was Artie, calling for her to get to work. “Myka.”
“In a minute...” She said, waving a hand at him.
“Myka!” Myka realized that the voice yelling at her wasn’t her boss, but was Irene Frederic, her boss’ boss.
“Mrs. F?” Myka said, finally opening her eyes.
“I’m glad to see you’re awake Agent Bering.” Mrs. F said, giving Myka a minute to sit up and rub her eyes. She realized that she had fallen asleep in the Warehouse’s library. “We have a problem.”
“What is it?”
“Agent Neilson didn’t report to his appointed meeting with the Regents. We think something may have happened to him.”
“Do you think it’s MacPherson?” Myka asked fearfully.
“Possibly.” Mrs. F said and handed Myka a piece of paper. “We tracked his Farnsworth to this address. Go investigate immediately. If I nor the Regents hear back from you or Arthur in 24 hours, we will have to assume you have been captured or killed.”
Myka nodded, still trying to process how she had gone from being in a state of sound sleep to being assigned to launch a one woman rescue mission in 5 minutes.
“Good luck Agent Bering.” Mrs. F said, walking out of the Warehouse.
*
Myka shook her head, trying to control her nervousness as she looked up at the building where Artie was being held. It was a humongous castle; it looked exactly like the castles she had seen in the fairytale books her father had read to her when she was younger.
She drew her Tesla and was about to blast open the gates when they opened on their own. Myka took a deep breath and walked through them, trying to resist the urge to turn around and run away. This was probably a trap, but she had no other choice - Artie was counting on her. She let that thought run through her mind as she made her way to the large wooden doors of the castle, which also opened for her.
Definitely a trap.
She walked through a large hall, looking around in amazement. The walls were covered with beautiful paintings and tapestry, while the floor had thick, warm rugs on them. Myka was so busy looking around that she nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard voices.
“Another one? Seriously? We wait for decades and no one, and all of a sudden two humans -” But suddenly the voice was cut off. Myka swung her Tesla around, trying to find the source of the voice, but she couldn't see anyone else.
‘Oh screw it.’ She thought. ‘They already know I’m here. That’s why they’re talking.’
“Hello?” She called out. “Hello? I’m with the Secret Service. I’m currently in an investigation - I’m looking for another agent. Can anyone help me?”
“I can.”
Myka turned around, expecting to see another person, but she saw no one. “Um...hello?”
“Hello!” Myka screamed as a candle holder - a lumiere - on a small table next to her spoke. The lumiere looked startled. “Did I say something wrong? Do you not speak English? Hola, Bonjour, Konichiwa -”
Myka was staring at the talking lumiere, openmouthed. She had seen some weird things in her time, but this took the cake. Finally, she spoke.
“How...can...you...talk?”
“With a mouth.” The lumiere replied merrily. It smiled. “My name is Pete. I am at your service.” Pete said with a bow.
“I’m...I’m looking for someone. A friend. Do you know an Arthur Neilson?” Myka asked.
“Old, grouchy, has a beard, eats a few too many cookies?”
Myka silently nodded.
“Yeah, I know him. C’mon, I’ll show you where he is.” He started to hop along, but then stopped and turned around. “I think I should warn you, I don’t think you’ll like it.”
“Why?” Myka asked as they continued along.
“Well, he lost his way, said he was going to some meeting but took a shortcut. He came in here to ask for directions and the master found him.”
“The master?”
“The owner of this castle is...possessive of her belongings. She threw him in the dungeon.”
“The dungeon?”
“Well, to be fair, she didn’t know he was only looking for directions. She saw him sitting in her good seat which I kind of pushed him into, and then Leena started giving him tea and cookies...”
Myka wanted to ask what that had to do with fairness when she heard Artie’s voice.
“Myka!”
“Artie!” Myka rushed over to his cell. “Artie, hold on, I’m going to get you out of here.”
“And I’m going to help.” Pete announced. Suddenly, he heard a loud roar. “No, I’m not.” He hopped away as fast as he could. Myka watched him in shock until something more urgent entered the picture.
A tall creature, covered with black hair and fierce eyes walked up to Myka. Claws decorated her feet and hands, her teeth were fangs and when she spoke, her voice came out in growls.
“What are you doing in my castle?” Myka froze until she heard Artie’s voice behind her.
“Myka - run!” He yelled frantically. “Go, get out of here, forget me!”
The creature stalked even closer to Myka, blocking her exit. “What are you doing here?”
“I - I just came for my friend.” Myka said, backing up against Artie’s cell. The creature snarled.
“He broke into my home. He deservers this.”
“He only wanted directions.” Myka cried out. The creature narrowed her eyes at Myka, making her shrink back.
“He stays here.” The creature snarled.
Myka thought of the Tesla, but she knew that if it knocked out the creature, the blast wouldn’t wear off in enough time for Myka to get Artie out of here. He didn’t look like he would be up to it, anyway. The few hours he had been in the creature’s castle hadn’t been good to him. He looked tired, and judging by how cold the dungeon was, Myka was sure he was chilled to the bone. Myka thought for a minute and then came up with only one conclusion. She hated it, but it needed to be done.
“What if I stayed here in his place?” She whispered. Artie immediately began shouting her down, while the creature just looked startled.
“You would do that?” It whispered.
Myka nodded, looking down at the floor. “He’s like a father to me.” She whispered. She thought she saw the creature’s eyes soften for a second, but the next second she thought she must have imagined it. The creature stalked over to Artie’s cell and grabbed him, dragging him out. It ignored Artie struggling to get back to Myka, yelling the whole time.
“Myka I’m old! I’ve lived my life! Please, don’t do this! NO!” He yelled as he was forced out of the dungeon. As she heard his voice fade, Myka began to sob. She fell to the floor of the dungeon, not knowing what else to do. She had lost everything, and she couldn’t even fight it - she had to stay here for Artie.
A few minutes later, the creature came back. “He’s being taken to his home as we speak.”
Myka looked up at her, her face contorted in anger and sorrow. She wanted to yell, scream, curse at the creature, but all she could say was: “You didn’t even let me say goodbye.”
Again, she thought she saw the creature’s eyes soften, but the creature blinked and then turned away from her, walking out of the dungeon. At the door, she looked back to Myka, sitting on the floor of her cell. “What are you waiting for? Don’t you want to go to your room?”
“I - isn’t this where I’m supposed to stay?” Myka asked.
“Do you want to stay here?” The creature growled.
“No.” Myka answered.
“Then come on!” The creature swept out of the dungeon.
*
Myka walked through the castle with the creature, her curiosity apparent even at a time like this. She tried to memorize the route they were talking, but there were so many turns, staircases and hallways, she knew that even with her memory, she wouldn’t be able to memorize the way to her room. Finally after several minutes the creature stopped at a door and opened it. Inside, Myka could see a beautiful room, large and comfortable. She tentatively walked through it, amazed by the difference between Artie’s living quarters and her own.
“You can go anywhere you want in the castle and grounds - except for the West Wing. That’s for me only. And I want you to get yourself together, you’ll meet me for dinner in an hour.” The creature said, standing at the door of Myka’s room before shutting it.
Myka looked at the door for a minute, her feelings warring between anger and sorrow. Then she thought of the look on Artie’s face as he had been dragged away and sorrow won out. She sat down on her bed and began to cry.
“Tough day, huh?” Myka looked up. She saw something tiny hopping across the floor towards her. Myka got down on the floor and put out her hand. The tiny figure hopped into it. Myka settled herself on the bed before putting down the tiny figure on the bedspread. It hopped towards her.
“Are you okay?” Myka looked down at the tiny little tea cup with a chip on its side that was looking up at her.
“This has to be a dream.” She said, shaking her head in shock. “I must have gotten hit with an artifact.”
“Nope. It’s all true.” The tea cup said. “You got a name?”
“Myka.”
“Cool.” The tea cup hopped forward into Myka’s hand and Myka raised her to eye level. “My name’s Claudia.”
“Nice to meet you.” Myka said, dazed.
“So how’d you like the master?” Claudia asked. “Well, I guess she’ll ask you to call her Helena, since you don’t have to wait on her or give her tea.” Claudia said good naturedly.
“Claudia!” A male voice called out.
“Hide me!” The tea cup said, hopping frantically. Myka quickly hid her on the inside of her jacket. Just a few seconds later a pendulum clock walked through the door.
“Sorry to disturb you, but have you see a tea cup anywhere?”
“Umm...no.” Myka said, trying to look innocent and just believe that she was playing hide and seek with a clock and a tea cup. Unfortunately, at that moment the tea cup shifted in her jacket, revealing Myka’s guilt.
The clock simply shook his head and walked through the door. He jumped up on the bed and stared at Myka’s coat. “C’mon Claud, we have work to do.”
“Stevvvvvve.” The tea cup whined, coming out of Myka’s coat.
“No buts. We need to get ready for dinner.” He smiled kindly at Myka. “I hope you’re hungry.”
Myka simply shook her head. The shock of the day had robbed her of her appetite, and she wouldn’t eat at the table with the creature that had robbed her of her life even if she was starving. “I’m not going to dinner.”
“Yay!” Claudia said, jumping back into Myka’s hand and all the way up her arm, coming to rest on her shoulder.
“Claud.” The clock said patiently, but wearily. Then he turned to Myka. “The master isn’t going to be happy if you skip dinner.” He said it as kindly, trying to warn her, and Myka smiled slightly in appreciation.
“Thanks for the warning, but just because I’m here doesn't mean I’m going to do everything “the master” wants me to.”
The clock looked at her and shrugged. “Okay.” He sighed and began to walk out the door before turning around. “Claud.”
“But there’s no dinner!” Claudia protested. “Steve...”
“C’mon Claud.”
“Okaaaay.” Myka gently took the tea cup in her hand and lowered her to the floor. It hopped over to Steve and they left together.
*
A few minutes later, a cart zoomed through Myka’s doors. It carried a tea pot, and several cups including Claudia, who immediately hopped over to her. The tea pot followed. “I thought you could use some tea before the master found out that you aren’t coming down to dinner.” She poured some tea into Claudia. “No splashing this time, Claud.” The tea pot said.
“Leena that was an accident!” The cup said.
Leena chuckled and turned to Myka. “I know this all must see awfully confusing to you, but don’t be afraid. We don’t bite. Even the master isn’t as bad as she seems.”
“I doubt that.” Myka muttered.
Leena shook her head. “She used to be one of the most wonderful people you’d ever meet.”
“Then how’d she end up like this?” Myka asked.
Leena opened her mouth to reply, but then shut it and shook her head. “That’s her story. It’s not my place to tell.” Suddenly a loud pounding was heard on the door.
“Come down to dinner right now!” Myka heard the creature yell.
Myka almost yelled back “Make me” but then thought better. “I’m not hungry!” She yelled back.
A loud roar was heard on the other side of the door. “This is your final bloody warning!”
“I’m not coming down!” Myka yelled. She braced herself, expecting the creature to run in and attack her, but nothing happened.
Finally, she heard the creature roar again and then yell to her servants. “If she doesn’t eat with me, then she doesn’t eat at all.” In a quieter voice but still one that Myka could hear, the creature muttered, “Starve for all I care.”
Myka felt herself trembling in fear at her confrontation with the creature. She looked down at Leena. “Yes, I’m sure she used to be wonderful.” She said sarcastically.
*
“We’re screwed.” Pete said, a few hours later. He and the rest of the castle (except Myka and the master, who had gone to bed) were gathered in the dining hall, holding a meeting. “They hate each other already.”
“Of course Myka isn’t going to like her right away.” Leena pointed out. “If she had come down to dinner it wouldn’t be because she wanted to get to know the master, it would have been because she was too afraid to say no.”
“She seems nice.” Steve chimed in.
“And she didn’t swat at me like that other human - Artie - did.” Claudia pointed out. “He chipped me!”
“In his defense, he was in shock.” Steve said.
“But guys, the rose is wilting. We’ve only got a short amount of time to make them fall in love or we’ll stay this way forever. I know you don’t want that.” Pete pointed out.
“The ticking is annoying.” Steve said, gesturing to the clock hands that were currently on his face. “I can barely get to sleep at night.”
“And I’m getting really sick of the hopping.” Claudia added.
“See! We just have to get Myka to see that the master isn’t that bad.” Pete pointed out.
“Good luck on that one.” Claudia shot back. They all knew that Helena truly wasn’t evil, but she had a short temper, and as long as she acted on that temper, there would be very little chance of both Myka and Helena falling in love.
“Hello?” All their heads swiveled when they heard a voice call out. Myka walked into the dining room shyly. “Hi. Listen, I was wondering... Is there any chance you could show me where the kitchen is? I’m pretty hungry.”
“I don’t know... If Helena finds out you eat without her she’ll be really angry -” Steve pointed out before Pete shoved him aside.
“Steve, have a heart! The poor girl’s hungry. I think we can fix a little something up.” Pete said to Myka.
“I wouldn’t object if it was a “little something”” Steve muttered, “but with you it’s never “a little something” - it’s always a big party.”
“Ignore him.” Pete said happily to Myka. “Sit down. And be...our...guest.”
“Please don’t start singing, please don’t start singing, please don’t start singing.” Claudia chanted.