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Chapter Text

Londoom 1790 Groan university library.

‘Another day another book to be placed back in its proper place.’ Nora mused it'd been three months in her first semester of uni and she would rather be out riding with Nightmare through the university's dense green forest. Nora idly pushed her cart of books to the next shelf labeled M for monster and monster-related studies. She placed a small book on the treatment of Griffins and their eggs and then saw him. From what she could tell, a man taller than her was wearing a simple light blue waistcoat, white dress shirt, tan trousers, and black dress shoes and he was reading the title of a book muttering to himself too quietly for Nora to hear. 

 “Excuse me, sir, are you looking for something in particular?”  Nora asked the man who then turned to face her.

“Yes, can you help me find certain books about vampires?”

 Nora nodded “What kind of vampire book are you looking for? A textbook on vampire health, fang management, or vampire abilities?”

His eyes lit up “Yes, I’m looking for a book on vampire abilities. A friend proposed an extremely boorish question in which I am determined to prove him wrong.” Nora answered.  “Well, we have many books on vampire abilities. We have a section on vampires a great place to start, allow me to take you to the vampire section. Perhaps you can find a book for your question.” 

The man smiled “Thank you for your help, Miss?” 

“Nora, I’m one of the student librarians here,” she answered, pushing her cart while the man trailed behind her.

“Well, it’s an honor to meet you, Miss Nora.”

“Well, what about your name mister?”

“Oh, my name is Hexiciah.”

“Well, Mr. Hexiciah forgive me for being intrusive but might I ask what point you seem to think you are proving?”

Hexiciah chuckled, following Nora to the vampire section through the many shelves in the library. 

“You will laugh if I tell you.”

Nora stopped in front of the vampire section and turned to face Hexiciah who was bashfully looking away from Nora’s glaze. 

“A shrieking for your thoughts Hexiciah?” Nora asked with an arched eyebrow. 

Hexiciah sheepishly turned back to face Nora, “One of my classmates Edward Hyde and I were working on a project on the vampire court and how their hierarchy works for our vampire history class. While we were going over notes he said in the most sincere solemnity that a vampire could swim to the bottom of the ocean and find lost treasure.”

Nora was taken aback, her eyebrows raised in confusion. “He said this because…?”

Hexiciah huffs in annoyance “A few ships which were owned by the vampire court were taken by normie pirates that then became lost in a storm and he created this foolish fantasy while we were trying to study.”

“So it’s safe for me to assume you are against this fabrication ?”

“Yes I am but I don’t have the proof. My only rebuttal was that vampires were normies once and that a normie wouldn’t be able to sink to the ocean, they would float back up.”

“You are correct Hexiciah but I do have one thing to mention: aren't vampires just dead normies? Couldn’t they sink if they tied rocks to their shoes?”

Hexiciah slowly rubbed his temples “Nora, that is an interesting point but I beg of you, never tell Edward this.” 

Nora smiled slyly “I won’t make any promises. I have a proposition, Hexiciah.”

“Your proposition is?”

“I want to see how this debate unfolds. May I join you and Edward for this debate?”

“Will it keep you from adding the sinking to the bottom of the ocean point in our debate?”

Nora chuckled, “I promise I won’t add anything to your friendly debate.”

Hexiciah huffed “There is nothing friendly about outlandish questions about vampires of all things.”

Nora quickly scanned the shelves till she found the book she had been looking for. 

“Ah yes, perfect “The unusual abilities and facts about vampires” by count Darick has information that might help you for the friendly debate.”

Nora handed the thick volume to Hexiciah, their fingertips brushed against each other. 

“Thank you, Nora. Shall we go to Edward for the argument?”

Nora placed her hand under her chin pretending to mull over a thought. “I thought it was called a friendly debate?”.

Hexiciah sighed “Why must you vex me, Nora?”

“I do nothing of the sort,” Nora added with a flourish of her hand moving her cart out of the vampire section.

Hexiciah now by her side continued their conversation in hushed tones.

“I do say, I never thought vampires loved counting?” Hexiciah muttered while flipping through the book. Nora nodded while allowing Hexiciah to lead the way. 

“It’s the oldest trick in the book to make a vampire stop what they are doing and count,” Nora whispered back.

“I wonder if I could use that to stop this debate,” Hexiciah muttered.

Nora stiffen her chuckle since they just had to pass a table full of people studying.

“Are you implying that your friend is a vampire Hexiciah?”

Hexiciah scoffed “No, he’s a normie but I know for a fact that I’m desperate to stop him from derailing our study session.”

Nora hummed in agreement.

They made it to Hexiciah and Edward’s table and the person waiting for them was currently reading a textbook. He was like any other normie who Nora has helped to find a book. An oval face with black hair slicked back with a gray waistcoat, white dress shirt, gray trousers, and brown dress shoes which by the look of things Nora noticed were bouncing impatiently.

“Edward I found the book that I will use against your ridiculous debate,” Hexiciah said in a monotone voice while placing the book next to Edward. 

“I don’t care what you say Hexiciah I still think I’m right,” Edward replied with a smug remark taking his eyes to face Hexiciah with a grin on his face. 

“Nora, Edward, Edward, this is Nora, one of the student librarians and she is here to see me prove you wrong so then we can finally finish our assignments.”

Edward kicked his legs to the table and rested his hands behind his back, “Let Nora be the judge, Hexiciah. She could end this once and for all.”

Hexiciah sighed, turning to look at Nora who placed her hand under her chin thinking, “I won’t mind being the judge. My shift is almost over so I can oversee this.”

Edward turns to face Hexiciah kicking his feet off the table “See Hex? Told you. let's settle this once and for all or before the end of her shift.”

Hexiciah rolled his eyes. 

“Fine but don’t call me Hex Edward.”

Edward shrugged “Let’s just see whose right Hexiciah .”

They quickly start listing the reasons why their point is right. Edward points out from the vampire book “A modern vampires guide to blend in while traveling” that vampires don’t need to breathe or even blink since the book had a section on how vampires pretend to breathe and remember to blink to appear human in major cities while traveling at night. Edward hands the book to Nora who is sitting in the middle of the table while Hexiciah and Edward face each other on opposite sides. Hexiciah rebuttals with the fact that vampires in the said book have to use outer layers such as gloves, shawls, hats, and cravats to cover their vampiric nature so that it would get ruined in salt water. Edward thought a rebuttal that if the vampires were on a mission to dive into the bottom of the ocean they would use a diving suit. Hexiciah reached the end of his rope, tossing his hands into the air.

“Edward, your rebuttal is flawed and you know it.”

Edward was too busy twirling a quill. “It seems you lost by the look on your face, isn’t that right Nora?”

Nora shook her head, “decide on your closing argument.”

Hexiciah placed his hands on his face and groaned.

“Looks like I win, Hex.” Edward smugly said.

Hexiciah tears his face from his hands and looks at Edward with an accusing look on his face.

“Edward this debate is as if I asked the headless horseman to dive into the ocean to find his skull shards, it's ridiculous.”

The idea of her father diving into the ocean to find his head made Nora burst into a fit of laughter that caused her head to roll on the table. 

“Excuse me, it seems I lost my head over this friendly debate.”

With tears in her eyes, she reaches over to grab her head while reattaching it. Hexiciah and Edward were silent as ghosts. 

“Were you going to inform us that you can lose your head, Nora?” Asked Hexiciah, now breaking the silence between them. Nora shrugged. 

“I don’t need to tell people that my head can detach now and then. It ruins conversions and I was invested in the debate.”

Edward turned to Hexiciah “Truce Hexiciah. I think we need to catch up on our assignment.”

Nora chuckled “Don’t tell me that I ruined the debate. I didn’t even get to choose the winner?”

Edward turned to face her from his piles of work. “Who won Nora?”

Nora turned to face Hexiciah with her hands on her lap.“Hexiciah. He brought up that diving into the ocean could expose their vampiric nature,” Nora explained with a smile Hexiciah smiled back at her. Nora turned her head to the nearest grandfather clock and got up from her chair pushing back into the table. 

“My shift is ending in a few moments. Thank you for the friendly debate. I have to go back to studying, but I had a grand time.”

“Well, I’m glad you were curious enough to judge the debate, Nora.”

“Well, I will be seeing you two in my next shift goodbye, '' Nora said with a wave and brought her cart with her to clock out of her job.

‘I wonder if I will see him again. He seems nice,’ Nora thought to herself while she was retrieving her coat and hat, ‘Maybe next time when he needs help in a friendly debate.’ Nora snorted at the thought while walking through the courtyard of the campus. ‘Bring Nightmare out of the stables for a ride in the forest and see if Hexiciah likes horses even if Nightmare has a personality.’

Chapter Text

Londoom 1790 dense forest behind Groan university.

The wind whipped through Nora’s hat while Nightmare galloped through the dense forest. Nightmare’s hoofs thundered through the beaten path. The cold morning fog covered the dense forest. ‘Oh, I miss morning rides. If only my classes weren’t so demanding.’ Nora internally groaned thinking about the 3 chapters she needed to read on the roman empire waiting in her dorm room. Her riding dress was nothing new to her but the cool fog brought dew drops on her burgundy riding dress. The extra layers kept her warm but the cold air rushed through her face bringing a red flush to her face.

Then in the corner of her eye, she saw a figure attempting to climb a tree which made Nora gently tug Nightmare’s reins to get a closer look. Once on the tree branch, the person dug through their bag for a notebook. The sun finally cut through the dense fog and highlighted by the sun was Hexiciah opening his notebook. Nora couldn’t believe her eyes but there was Hexiciah on a tree of all things. 

“Hexiciah, odd meeting you here, why are you up a tree?” Hexiciah looked up from his notebook to see Nora underneath the tree. 

“Well I would say the same to you but it seems I’m the only one up a tree.” Nightmare tossed her mane in indifference. Nora rolled her eyes even after meeting new monsters, Nightmare would rather not warm up to them immediately. 

“Well, you haven’t answered my question, Hexiciah. What are you doing up there?”  Hexiciah placed his notebook away in his satchel. 

“Well, Nora, I was tracking some robins for a paper.”

Nora raised her eyebrow “And the paper is for what class, Hexiciah?” 

“Oh, I’m planning to publish it as an academic journal. It’s about robins and their connection to the builders.”. 

“Who are the builders anyway? I never heard of them before,” Nora offhandedly mentioned while going through her saddle bag. Nora heard a few branches snap. Looking up to face him Hexiciah was climbing down from the tree. 

“Hexiciah what are you doing?!”. Nora asked frantically. 

“Don’t worry Nora. I'm coming down, just give me a moment.” With that Hexiciah successfully climbed down from the said tree. 

“As I was saying, Nora, the builders are an ancient civilization of beings who are credited with building the catacombs that have stretched far beyond Scaris; some scholars claim the catacombs have reached far enough to be in the Himalayas.”

 Nora listened while he rambled, pacing back and forth, leaves still on his top hat. He quickly brushed them away but continued talking animatedly over the builders. 

“Therefore Nora with robins is mentioned on an ancient slab of stone which some archaeologists have theorized had dated in the old stone age long before normies and monsters populated ancient Britain.” Nora noticed while Hexiciah was going over this theory she saw something. 

“Hexiciah there's a twig on your shoulder.” Hexiciah stopped pacing and casually brushed the branch unsuccessfully since he kept talking to Nora. 

Nora still saw the annoying twig on Hexiciah’s shoulder ‘I can’t let that twig just stay there can I.’

“As was said, Nora, the catacombs are confusing and all of our maps are outdated which-.”

“Hexiciah the twig is still there, let me get it for you.” Nora said while she dismantled from Nightmare. Nora now a few inches from Hexiciah’s face, plucked the twig from Hexiciah’s shoulder with her gloved hands. Nora now realizes how close Hexiciah and her were to each other. His chatter stopped now looking at Nora with a softened gaze. Nora quickly realized that they were not only alone in the woods but if anyone from uni saw them, it would end her prospects of being a teacher. 

“Excuse me for being too forward Hexiciah.”.  Nora quickly paced back to Nightmare who was grazing and pretended to look busy while going through her saddle bag. 

“No, It’s alright, Nora. I should thank you since I could have gone back to my dorm covered with twigs that would surely make Edward laugh before his afternoon classes.”.

Nora turned her head to face Hexiciah again (With little to no distracting twigs this time).  

“ I hope you were able to get everything you needed about the builder Hexiciah.”  Hexiciah signed while looking around the densely covered forest. 

“I just wish the fog would clear up before sunset.” 

Nora climbed on Nightmare, riding slowly to Hexiciah. “Do you need a ride back to Uni Hexiciah? Nightmare can take us there before anyone sees us if you like.” 

Hexiciah took off his hat and looked at her “I would greatly appreciate that Nora.” 

Nora gently led Nightmare to Hexiciah while said phantom horse stared at Hexiciah suspiciously. Nora knew Nightmare was just looking out for her. Which she ignored this time since she was just helping Hexiciah get back to his dorm room. 

“Have you been on a horse before Hexicah?” 

“ I did it when I was a lad with my father visiting my mother near a fairy ring. It was long ago.”

Nora nodded, brushing off the imaginary dust off the saddle “Well I can help you if you want Hexiciah?”  

Hexiciah beamed “That will be lovely Nora as long as Nightmare permits me to ride with you?” 

Nora raised an eyebrow “Why would she not permit it?” 

Hexiciah quickly glanced at Nightmare who huffed, exhaling flames. Which caused Hexiciah to jump back. 

“Just a simple feeling from her, Nora .”  

Nora chuckled “Well besides her personality she is a lovely mare.”  

Hexiciah warily looks at Nora “if you say so, Nora.”

Hexiciah studied the saddle with little to no attempt of actually placing himself on said saddle.

 “Hexiciah do you need any help with the saddle?” Hexiciah bashfully looked back at Nora with a look of embarrassment. 

“Is it that obvious Nora?” Nora smiled, reaching her hand to him 

“Here allow me to help you.” Hexiciah held /Nora’s hand while she helped him up to the saddle. “Luckily Nightmare can carry us both to the school’s entrance. Comfortable Hexiciah?” 

Hexiciah nodded quickly; he seemed like a fish out of water on an uninterested Nightmare, Nora couldn’t stop smiling. 

“What’s so funny Nora, am I supposed to hold the reins like this?” 

“It’s nothing Hexiciah. I will be riding us back to uni. Here let me hold the reins.” Nora quickly placed herself back on the saddle holding the reins. 

“Are you settled Hexiciah? I don't want you to feel too worried. I have been riding horses my whole unlife.” 

“Oh, I trust you, Nora. I just don’t trust myself, how can I make sure I don’t fall off of Nightmare?” Nora chuckled 

“Don’t worry Hexiciah the school entrance isn’t that far but if you're worried about falling you can hold onto me.” 

“I would like that very much, Nora.”.

They quickly were off through the cleared forest. Nora, used to Nightmare’s supernatural speed, decided to go at a slower pace but gently sent Nightmare a signal to slow down from her usual gallop. 

“Are you alright back there Hexiciah?” 

Hexiciah, tightly holding Nora’s waist, responded “Never better Nora.”  Nightmare quickly made it out of the woods and a few feet from them was the entrance of their university. 

“We’re here Hexiciah, do you want me closer to the gate?”.

 “No, I’m quite alright walking to the entrance.”

 “Well do you need my help getting off the saddle?”  

“If it won’t inconvenience you Nora but yes please.”  Nora, now off of Nightmare, extended her gloved hand to Hexiciah which he gladly accepted. 

“Thank you again, Nora, for bringing me to the entrance. Where are you heading next?” 

Nora holding the reins looked at Hexiciah “I’m going to put Nightmare in the stables and finish reading my roman history textbook. Why?”  

“It’s nothing Nora, just asking. Have a great day.” 

“For you as well Hexiciah.” 

Nora made sure to see Hexiciah through the main entrance and walked with Nightmare. Nightmare neighed gently 

“It’s nothing Nightmare I hope they have your favorite oats in the stables.” Nightmare visibly perked up and started pacing at a faster pace to the stables.

Chapter Text

Londoom 1790 Groan university library.

A large pile of books awaited Nora when she clocked in for the library to mark returned books at 10:30 am. ‘Exams are slowly towing over us all huh?’ Nora mused to herself while finally placing the library's stamp next to the pile of books. Nora went into the task of attacking the books with her stamp. While she worked students filled the library. Nora continued to stamp and place the books in their respective carts till she heard a faint chair squeak breaking the silence of the library Nora turned her head looking for the source of the noise. But unable to find the culprit Nora goes back to placing books in one of the library's carts till she hears another noise louder than the first. She looked around but everything around her was still the same. Students are either studying or writing for their up-and-coming exams all except one. Someone was holding their book upside down, obscuring their face. They were on the left side of Nora’s desk in the library's simple cushioned chair.

Nora then switches over to help students check out their books for the day. With only a few students left Nora quickly goes through the books. The last students she had to help were Edward and Hexiciah.
“Mr. Steam and mr. Jekyll, what a surprise are you here to study as well?”
“Yes, Miss Bloodgood, Edward, and I were just about finished studying for today,” Hexiciah answered warmly, smiling at Nora. Nora enjoyed their talks from when seeing each other walking to class to bumping into each other during her shift at the library.
Nora smiled back at Hexiciah “Well it’s great to see other students use the library.” Edward gently nudged Hexiciah much to his dismay by the look on his face and continued speaking.
“Oh if you don’t mind Nora could you help us check out this book it might help Edward and me for a paper.”
“Oh of course Hexiciah it’s the least I could do. I'm still on the clock.” Nora quickly looked at the cover of the book ‘Who were the builders?’ by count Darick. Nora then flipped the book to stamp it but found a piece of folded paper sticking out of the book’s jacket. ‘Did someone leave that there?’ Nora thought to herself while handing the book to Hexiciah, her fingertips brushing against Hexiciah’s gloved hand.
“Hexiciah, did you leave a note inside your book?” Hexiciah placed his gloved hand under his chin while Edward pretended to look at other books on their shelves.
“I don’t think so Nora can you check just in case I lose any important notes?” Nora narrowed her eyes in confusion but quickly reached for the note and opened it. There it read Would you like to join me for tea Nora?

Nora placed her left hand across her chest and looked up from the note to Hexiciah who was at least an attempt to act casual. Nora grabbed a pen, dipped it in her inkwell, and quickly wrote her response. I would love to Hexiciah, time and place? Now handing back the said note Hexiciah’s eyes quickly scanned the letter. Nora then realized that one of his eyes was gear-shaped. Hexiciah promptly scribbled something down and passed the note back. How about this Sunday? Nora looked up at Hexiciah and nodded. Hexiciah smiled, placing his hands behind his back.
“Is it not a problem that I turn the book in by this Sunday afternoon?”
“It wouldn’t be a problem since the library closes at 3 pm, so turn it in before then.” Hexiciah and Nora shared a knowing look.

“Well I’d love to stay and chat but Edward and I must hurry off and study for our exams. I love to see you again, Miss Bloodgood.” Hexiciah said while looking for Edward who was leaning on one of the bookshelves waiting for Hexiciah.
“It was lovely seeing you as well, Mr. Steam, good luck with your exams.”

Nora quickly pushed through her exams and finally survived Sunday for her shift. With another pile of books in her way, she saw in the corner of her eye that Hexiciah was turning in a book. He noticed her right away which made Nora smile. He smiled back and quickly found another book and started reading. Nora saw a flash of bronze and noticed that Hexiciah wasn’t wearing any kind of gloves compared to everyone else in the library. Usually, students would wear gloves for any type of occasion from studying to shopping but today his hands were bare. While Hexiciah turned a page and continued reading Nora couldn’t help but stare at the marvel of bronze and gears. Hexiciah had a mechanical masterpiece as an arm. His fingers were made of some sort of bronze-like metal with gears acting as joints that Nora saw bend and stretch as actual joints. His arm gleaned from the sunlight through the windows of the library. Nora quickly snapped her focus on her work. She knew staring was rude but she couldn’t help but try to understand how it could work with all its complex-looking gears and joints.

Hexiciah, somehow unaware of Nora’s gawking, kept on reading, his eyes reading the lines of text to him. ‘What kind of books does Hexiciah enjoy, poetry, or has he ever read The Castle of Otranto ?’ Nora wondered but then remembered that her wandering mind and eyes will have to focus on her work rather than Hexiciah Steam. ‘I’ll ask him during tea what kind of books he enjoys reading.’ Nora thought to herself while continuing to work till she saw that the library was slowly reminding students that they were closing which Hexiciah knew as well.
“Excuse me, ma’am, could you help me find this one book?”
Nora nodded “Of course sir what is the name of the book and its author?”
“Paradise Lost by John Milton, I had read it before but didn’t finish it.”
“Hmm, it might be in the poetry section where you are looking for it under our religious section?”
“Yes, it might be the problem, thank you miss.”
Nora smiled “You’re welcome, sir. Allow me to help you find the book.”.

Nora led Hexiciah to the school's poetry section.
“Tell me, sir, why are you interested in reading Paradise Lost, again?”
Hexiciah looked at Nora, she almost turned her face away from the fact his gaze was truly looking at her soul.
“In the play, Lucifer felt replaced by the humans after he fell from heaven, which I feel as if anyone else can relate to don’t you Nora.” Hexiciah acknowledged that they knew each other's name and that her shift might be over in a few moments. Being caught together would once again ruin their careers and get them kicked out of uni. Nora cares about her future career path but with strict rules on how female teachers aren’t allowed to ‘engage in unseemly conduct,’. But Hexiciah’s acknowledgment of their names might raise questions about the nature of their relationship.
“Hexiciah what game are you playing? We're in public.” Nora whispered while feverishly looking around to see if they were truly alone. Hexiciah placed his mechanical hand on one of the book spines.
“I’m not playing anything Nora, I'm just stating the truth.”
“And that truth is what Hexiciah?”. Nora said taking a few steps away from Hexiciah her back pressed to the bookshelves sectioning them off from the rest of the university library.
“I would like to get to know you better Nora.”
Nora scoffed at the notion.
“You’re just humoring me Hexiciah, here is your book.” Nora handed the book to Hexiciah but he continued unphased
“I enjoy our conversations together Nora I do not jest with people I respect .”
Nora crossed her arms with a guarded look “How would you like to know me better Hexiciah?” Hexiciah placed his right hand on his chest, the bronze glimmered under the light. “However, anyway Nora, it's no secret that I appreciate your input.” Nora slowly placed her arms on her side but allowed Hexiciah to continue talking. “I hope today you can at least help me over tea on a new topic I’m looking into you still up for tea today?” Nora sighed and faced Hexiciah.
“Where are we going for tea anyway?” Hexiciah grinned
“Oh wonderful, for a moment there I was worried that you wouldn’t join me today.” Nora rolled her eyes in fake annoyance.
“Why would I miss out on having tea with you Hexiciah?”
“I currently hope not Nora, I found this lovely tea house off the beaten path which made me think of you.” Hexiciah smiled

Nora replied teasingly, “Do I take up your mind Hexiciah?”
Nora knew she was of age for courtship but her ambition makes her could-be suitors run for the hills. Nora still didn’t know that Hexiciah would count as a suitor. He respected her choices as a true friend but with the glances they shared and notes they handed each other, the line between friendship and romance had been blurred much to Nora’s dismay.
“But of course Nora you're in my thoughts after all.” Nora froze for a brief moment. The notion that Hexiciah thought of her as much as she thought of him. How is he so willing to admit it, in public of all places? Nora brought herself back to the present.
“Well allow me to at least help you by checking out the book.”
Nora replies with a weak attempt to brush off the fact Hexiciah is taking an embarrassing amount of her thoughts. Once Hexiciah was handed back the book another note was hidden between the first few pages. Wait for me to leave my shift then we will go for tea.’

The rest of Nora's shift was her placing books in their proper place while sneaking glances at Hexiciah reading Paradise Lost waiting for her shift to end. First, the library patrons would be kindly asked to leave, which then leads Nora and the rest of her coworkers to help close the library. After all the tables were properly wiped down Nora was able to exhale now done with all tasks. After promising all her coworkers she will be fine since her dorm is close to the library. This isn’t a lie since she doesn’t ride Nightmare to work but she waited to make sure that she was far enough to be seen near Nightmare assuming that she is just unlacing Nightmare from one of the school's many fences. But her true reason for stalling (much to Nightmare's annoyance) was waiting for Hexiciah.

“Ah miss Bloodgood what a pleasure to see you and Nightmare, I was hoping I would bump into you again.” Hexiciah faked surprise as if they didn’t secretly pass notes to each other when they would bump into each other at uni and the library. How to act on their outings wasn’t formulated and planned.
“As well as I, Hexiciah, what brings you here today?”
“I was going to have tea with Edward but he remembered he had an appointment with a pharmacist for a project he’s working on, so it seems that I might have to cancel my reservations to the lady in Scaris tea house sadly.”
Nora tried not to laugh at the mere notion as if Hexiciah wouldn’t have ghouls lining up at his door to just speak to him. Nora isn’t a fool, men like Hexiciah are hard to come by these days. Some men have been turned away from Nora’s goal of getting her degree in teaching by calling it a waste of her time. Since she should be on the lookout for a husband who probably wouldn’t respect her intelligence or independence with her and Nightmare riding in the early hours of the morning. But Hexiciah wasn’t an ordinary man who was looking for a wife. He was a man of science who loved asking for Nora’s opinion on his latest theory on the builders and was even glad she was getting her degree in teaching. Nora remembers one conversation they had together over this topic. They were sitting together on a park bench. Nora was worried that Hexiciah would like any of the other men who attempted to court her and be annoyed by her plans to become a teacher. But he wasn’t at all much to Nora’s sudden shock, she remembers clearly what Hexiciah told her that day. “Nora, I hope you know that I truly care that monsters and ghouls should get their education regardless of class, monster race, or gender.” Nora held his hand that day, their gloves held onto each other tightly.

But she had to let him continue his lines in their play. The afternoon sunlight peeking through the overcast sky caused his mechanical hand to gleam.
“I would greatly enjoy accompanying you for afternoon tea.” Nora smiled
“But of course Mr. Steam, but I have one question if you don’t mind?”
“Yes miss Bloodgood?”. “Would you allow me to ride Nightmare to the teahouse and her accompanying us for tea, she is technically my chaperone since I’m still an unmarried woman.” Nora noticed Hexiciah now holding the brim of his hat and looked at Nightmare who held her head high.
“I won’t want to ruin your prospects of marriage now, would I? Nightmare can join us.” Nora chuckled. She knew that she wasn’t the youngest student here at uni but she knows the rules and society will follow them even during afternoon tea.

Nora soon unlatched Nightmare's lead and quickly checked if everything was in order. The deep lavender saddle with signs of wear was safely secured.
“Well Hexiciah I hope you are alright with me and Nightmare going ahead of you to the teashop, I’d have to at least request a window for Nightmare.”
“But of course Nora I have the address written down.” Hexiciah handed Nora a folded piece of paper with the written address and nodded.
“The lady in Scaris tea house is correct, I know the street well enough.”
Hexiciah smiled while placing his hat back. “Wonderful Nora, the reservations start at 4:30 pm see you then.”
Hexiciah then dug inside his coat pocket and retrieved a pair of brown leather gloves and walked to find a nearby carriage driver. Nora glanced back at the note and smiled, placing it in her coat pocket. Nightmare huffed, bringing a puff of flames unimpressed by Nora’s recent behavior regarding her thoughts about a certain archeology student. But Nora paid no mind to Nightmare and was quickly riding Nightmare out of the uni entrance and to the heart of Londoom.

Nora soon blended in with the rest of the crowded street of the main road. Children and their parents get groceries from their local grocer to a nearby marketplace with sellers shouting out their wares. It brought back a wave of nostalgia from her memories of busy streets with her father shopping together. Before the war took a toll on them both, Nora briefly touched her neck; the light blue ribbon kept her head in place. But Nora then sees the street corner where she safely led Nightmare to a narrow street with one cart parked near a clock shop and a few pedestrians milling about. Nora gently tugged Nightmare’s reins leading her to the lavender sign before them. ‘The lady in Scaris, if only the owners knew where they were.’ Nora mused to herself while quickly dismounting Nightmare. Nora understood at the end of the day it was just another gimmick to draw customers in with the promise of sweet confections being proudly displayed by the shop window. Towers of pastel macarons stood out in all of the lavender and gold trim of the glass. Nora almost didn’t see Hexiciah’s reflection on the glass; he quickly paid the driver and turned to look around the street till his eyes landed on Nightmare, who now was far more interested in staring at Hexiciah than the colorful arrangement in the window. Hexiciah quickly glanced away from Nightmare to Nora.

“Nora, lovely to see you again, it seems you and Nightmare bested the carriage.” Nora turns to face Hexiciah once again. Even though she knew his features she wanted to memorize his face one more time. Until his features were seared into her memory.
“Well, I already had the upper hand with me already to ride with Nightmare before you were able to flag down a carriage.” Nightmare looked at Nora with such disdain a horse could muster. Nightmare was a phantom horse by logic and fact she should be able to outrun any other horse. But today it seems that Nora was downplaying their achievement in front of Hexiciah.
“Oh nonsense Nora, while I may not be a seasoned horseback rider like yourself, I noticed that Nightmare’s gallop seemed as if she was trotting through the air.” Nightmare nickered in agreement even though Hexiciah would have never been her own choice for how he held on to Nora as if she were the reason he would never fall when he first rode Nightmare.

“It might be due to her being a phantom horse since her kind is known for being exceptionally fast.” Nora offhandedly mentioned while brushing aside a fallen strain of Nightmare’s mane.
“If you don't mind Nora during tea, would you tell me more about phantom horses, this is the first time I've ever heard about them?” Nora smiled
“But of course, it’s the least I could do for our outing today.”
“Oh, it’s nothing compared to learning something new with good company over tea.” The pair quickly made their way to the tea house, the noise of idle chatter from other patrons to the smell of freshly baked goods wafted through the air. They were quickly seated at a table with a window for Nightmare to stick her head through with ease to Nora’s request.

Nora quickly unfolded her cloth napkin on her lap and placed her silverware to the side. If only Nora’s former governess could see her now having tea with someone besides her father. She knew why her father hired the governess since she couldn’t be taking care of her father’s mares and stallions forever. The distant memory brought Nora to remember how she should allow Hexiciah to pour them tea since he is the gracious host.
“Nora, what kind of tea would you like for today?” Hexiciah asked while skimming through the lavender menu and its offerings.
“Black tea seems lovely for today, and you Hexiciah?”
“I’m still reading the different types of jams they have.” They then both decided on black tea with a simple three-tiered of finger sandwiches, scones, and macarons.
As they waited for their order to arrive, Nightmare was able to indulge herself on oats and did what she did best when chaperoning Nora, she watched.
“Did any academic journal publish your findings on the builders?”
“Yes, Nora it was a smaller publication than I would have liked but I’m glad that my work is at least published.” They idly chatted over everyday things from the weather to if any of them have ever traveled anywhere else. They were interrupted by the arrival of their order placing the teapot, teacups, and other tea-related things together. Nora quickly took off her riding gloves and placed them under the napkin currently spread out on her lap. She reached for the said teapot but was foiled by Hexiciah by his.
“Please Nora if you do not mind, allow me.” Hexiciah placed the tea strainer in her cup and gently poured her cup halfway.
“Do you take any sugar or milk with your tea Nora?”
“Two sugars if you don’t mind.” Nora watched as Hexiciah carefully placed two sugar cubes in her tea and held the cup and saucer to her side of the table while he went to make his cup of tea. His mechanical hand moved with such ease Nora couldn't help but watch in utter amazement at how fluid his hand moved, unlike the wooden prosthetics she saw on normies.

“Hexiciah I don’t mean to prod but may I see your metal hand?.” Hexiciah placed his teacup down on its saucer.
“But of course Nora.” With his permission, Nora held his hand grazing her fingertips over his open palm. Her focus led her to his mechanical hand; the metal was warm much to Nora's amazement.
“How is it that your metal hand isn’t cold?”
Hexiciah smiled “I used the design of how steam-powered locomotives are powered with coal and the train's boilers to help fit in with my design.” Hexiciah explained while showing Nora his built-in steam whistle and pocket watch on said arm.
“Wouldn’t it get in the way of your gloves, I noticed that at the library you weren’t wearing them?”
“I just bought a glove a few sizes bigger than what I usually wear, Nora, but enough about my inventions, how was your day?”

Their conversation ebbed and flowed while they enjoyed their refreshments together. They talked about almost everything from the latest book they have read to what Shakespeare play they should see together. For once in her un-life, Nora allowed herself to let go and enjoy the moment with Hexiciah. It was just them and Nightmare together enjoying each other's company.

Chapter Text

1813 three weeks before monster high opened to the public

Nora looked around her soon-to-be-done office. Granted the gargoyles she hired did say they could finish before the semester ended but the first few weeks of classes means that her students would have to avoid falling debris near the last few winding towers. The gaps of the few completed walls that will soon be the windows were covered by linen sheets Nora nailed to the wall. But still, the linen sheets fluttered in the cool breeze. Nora rubbed her temples in exhaustion. The weight on her shoulders finally lessened now the school was more than an outlandish dream. A physical school where students will go to class. Her students . 

Nora still couldn’t grasp the notion that she is now the headmistress of Monster high. In comparison, the school may not even be finished with the dark gray sky hanging over them. She looked around her office at a simple black desk and chair with two grandfather clocks behind her desk near the soon-to-be windows. ‘Now all I need is a roof over our heads,’ Nora sighed knowing that the roof would be done, but not soon enough. She looked where she and Nightmare placed their trunks. Nora opened a trunk labeled ‘Books’ which were her’s. 

While placing the books on their respective shelves she heard a knock on her door.  Nora placed the last book and went to finally sit at her desk. 

Nora quickly shifted the lavender ribbon on her neck. She picked a simple updo with a few curls framing her face as well as a simple white blouse and deep plum skirt.  

“Yes, come in.”

Through the door walked in Hexiciah Steam, the same as the day he left Londoom for New Goreleans. Nora was taken aback for a moment but quickly recovered. 

“Mr. Steam, what a surprise. What are you doing here at New Salem?” 

Hexiciah smiled “Hello to you too Headmistress Bloodgood, once I have gotten your letter I had to see your school for myself.” Nora smiled if Nora heard this from any other monster she would have taken it as an insult but from Hexiciah it was a compliment. “Well, I’m glad you’re here as well.”

Hexiciah looked around, taking in the barely finished office, “I take it that the school is still under construction.”

Nora chuckled dryly “We barely have a roof over our heads, it seems that the students will be dodging bricks while attending class.”  As if she had summoned it a single brick fell next to Nora’s desk.  Nora sighed rubbing her temples yet again. 

“May I speak freely to Hexiciah?” 

“Oh, but of course, Nora we’re friends aren’t we?” 

Nora looked up at Hexiciah wearing a concerned expression. Nora wasn’t the most social ghoul she would rather be reading than going on any social outings. But with Hexiciah she for the first time in a long time felt understood. 

“Yes, I suppose we are.” Nora hesitated if divulge what kept her up at night but Hexiciah’s presence was the soothing balm to the weeks of preparation for the students as well as meeting the board of deaducation over every little detail. His presence truly brought a moment of clarity for her.

“I’m just worried if I’m truly ready to be a headmistress,” 

“What do you mean by that Nora?”. Hexiciah sat up straighter in his seat frowning 

“I have no experience running a school, Hexiciah. What if it fails?” 

Nora looked down at her hands not wanting to look at Hexiciah’s face not at this moment at least. Nora remembered telling some of her coworkers from her last job at a public library when she saw the opening to be the headmistress of monster high. While everyone else was talking about the great split between the oldest monster families Nora was reading everything about Monster High and what it represents. On how it would be the first-ever school for all monsters. It knows all monsters aren’t the same and that we may be different. But our differences can bring us all together freaky flaws and all. 

When she mentioned the idea of becoming the headmistress many of her so-called colleagues told her it wouldn’t work. Nora remembers how furious she was after work. She could almost see flames come out of her eyes just like her father’s jack-o-lantern. It seems only Hexiciah’s letters brought her comfort that she made the right choice.

But now she was wondering if she could even do this. That a school like Monster high is a long shot and that she is wasting her time. 

“Nora, don’t say that to yourself.” Hexiciah held both of her hands, Nora felt the gears in his mechanical hand shifting when he gently kissed her knuckles.  “You may have not been a headmistress for long but I know you long enough that you will become an incredible headmistress.” 

Nora looked up to see Hexiciah his hands still holding hers. It has been a few years since uni. But the same conflicting feelings still resided in her mind all those years ago. Hexiciah bewitched her mind and spirit. When she looked at the older books in her collection their spines remind her of him and which book he would read with her. Looking out of the window in her new home and sees robins and she remembers him. When she makes her morning tea she thinks about him and wonders how his mornings are. Somedays, when she allows herself to daydream about what waking up next to him would be like. It's not the first time dreaming of what domestic life would be like with him. The misplaced hope of wishing for another person to stay with you. But Nora knows that the only truth the world has shown her is that people leave regardless of whether they love you back or not.

Nora Bloodgood, looking at Hexiciah and is afraid of what this means for her. To now finally, love someone completely with her heart and soul who she can not publicly be with. Eros is truly cruel, Monster high barely has a roof and her heart is with him. The cold feeling of dread washed over her reminding her that her love for Hexiciah is another sacrifice she is willing to make for Monster high. Placing it in the back of her mind knowing she could never allow herself to fully be with him.

 “Thank you Hexiciah, I don’t know what came over me.” 

“It's alright Nora. You’re just worried about what the future holds.” 

Nora wished it was just the future of the school on her mind and not the scientist who seemed to be the only one who understood her. The same scientist to who she has been constantly sending letters back in forth. Some of his letters would have stamps from different kingdoms and countries. In said letters, he described the culture and how he wishes she was with him. How Nora agreed with the sentiment of how it came easy for him to place himself in a new place to another adventure. 

“My worrying aside, how was Londoom? You said Jekyll needed your help in your last letter?” Hexiciah quickly placed his hand back on his lap. 

“Oh, Nora, it was terrible. A failed experiment took him.”  

“Oh, how horrible. Did you see him before he died?” 

Hexiciah toyed with his mechanical hand avoiding her gaze. 

“Yes, I was with his lawyer before the experiment failed. He was testing it on himself.” 

“Oh, my condolence to his daughter.”

“Oh well, the intention of my visit wasn’t to just talk about old friends.” 

“Well, what is the nature of your visit, Hexiciah?” 

“I would like to apply for the position of mad science teacher Nora.” 

Nora straightened her spine “Well Mr. Steam, it is on short notice, but I will see if I can schedule an interview with one of our teachers. We are friends so my hands are tied.” Nora opened one of her drawers for paperwork. “But with your credentials, I think you could be a good fit here at Monster High.” handing a file to Hexiciah Nora quickly went over everything in the file from hours to pay.  

“Well, Headmistress Bloodgood it seems everything is in order, clearly your worry is misplaced.” 

Nora rolled her eyes “Will you ever get tired of calling me by my title?” 

Hexiciah grinned 

“Nora, how could I ever get tired of you?”  

Chapter Text

July 27, 1900, New Salem Massachusetts.

“After this semester we should look into exchange student programs that can bring in more students.” D’eath droned on throughout the meeting; everyone was present for it all but Hexcicah. The first few years of Monster high were turbulent with the roof barely even finished but after the first class graduated Nora realized they indeed became a school. 

“Headmistress, what do you think about the program idea?” Nora remembered she was the headmistress she brought herself back to the present. 

“Well D’eath as long you can secure the funding I think we can bring Monster High’s legitimacy as well as our philosophy, you have my approval.” 

The skeleton nodded but continued the meeting Nora’s eyes drifted back to the empty seat across from her. Hexiciah always made these meetings bearable with his quick-witted responses to Mr. Mummy's dust-filled words which would always bring a smile to her face. He made her remember what it was like to be alive. The meeting ended with D’eath promising Nora that he will raise money with the drama club.

“D’eath have you seen Professor Steam? He missed our last two meetings over this school year.” 

D’eath tapped their chin “No Headmistress, I haven’t seen him since the graduation of our last class.” 

Nora looked out the window to the school's graveyard. 

“Hmm well thank you D’eath good luck with raising money for the exchange program.” D’eath smiled, “Thank you, enjoy the rest of your day then.”  After everyone cleared her office she quickly breezed through any paperwork she had. The school felt empty without the students but to see them succeed and graduate every year was worth it. But her thoughts kept wandering back to Hexiciah. For the years she has known him when he gets into a new invention or experiment he buried himself in all of the experiments and hypotheses no matter failed or successful. She remembers the few times she visited him in his lab. How even in the middle of welding a sheet of metal he always had time to have tea with her.  Her eyes soften looking back at the graveyard. ‘I should pay him a visit.’ Nora thought while placing the rest of her files in her filing cabinet. 

‘Knowing Hexiciah he had probably forgotten about the meeting.’ .Nora thought to herself while locking the office door. She quickly made her way through the empty halls of Monster High. ‘He must have been swamped, he didn’t even send me a telegram over his latest creation.’ Nora wondered while going down the steps to the front entrance of Monster High. The smell of freshly cut grass with the July sun shining down Nora’s face made her sigh the fresh air ruffling her bangs. ‘She’s finally becoming a proper school.’ . Nora thought to herself while walking off the main path and to the school’s graveyard. Nora quickly found the fake tombstone and opened its skull mouth, bringing the elevator from the ground. Nora entered the hidden elevator holding her skirts from the dirt and rubble with the sound of metal gears groaning slowly down to the catacombs till she made it to the entrance of Hexiciah’s lab. 

 Taking one of the recently lit torches to light her path Nora was able to see the large golden clock shined under the lit torches Nora saw the time and noticed she had to wait a moment till the true entrance of Hexiciah’s lab was open.  Nora saw the time and opened the clock to see the cluttered lab of Hexiciah Steam.  

There hunched over a cluttered table was Hexiciah. 

“Hexiciah are you alright you missed our last two meetings.” Nora walked over to Hexiciah’s hunched form placing a hand on his shoulder. Hexiciah's shoulders shook ever so slightly much to Nora’s dismay.

 “Are you alright Hexiciah?” 

Hexiciah turned to face Nora, his face stricken with grief “No Nora it seems the spark is a fickle mistress.” 

Nora slowly sat next to Hexiciah on his workbench, never letting her hand leave his shoulder. Nora approached this dilemma the same way she would approach a spooked Nightmare. 

“You have lost me Hexiciah. Is it over a failed experiment?.” Hexiciah nodded looking back at a white sheet covering a table of sorts. The outline of the worktable unnerved Nora but her focus was on Hexiciah’s face which was covered with splotches of dark oil. His hazel eyes shined with unshed tears Nora’s unbeaten heart ached for the manster she loved with all her heart. 

“Do you remember what I told you about Sparky’s experiment with creating life?” 

Nora, puzzled, answered, “Yes, you told me he yearned for a family so he attempted to create one why?”

 Hexiciah continued “He somehow made the spark a reality.” 

Nora was stunned, to say the least, she knew who Sparky was as a student of Monster High. He excelled in all forms of science from biteology to mad science. He was a young lad with his golden glasses matching Hexiciah’s pair. He was a smart student who adored Hexciah. Nora couldn’t blame him for Hexiciah is truly a manster you could look up to in admiration. 

“You’re telling me the same student who somehow was able to use lighting for dramatic declaration created life?”

 Hexiciah softly smiled “He truly did Nora I could never be more proud of him.” Nora was more lost than ever before 

“Then why are you upset, Hexiciah, if you are truly proud of him?” Hexiciah sighed, turning to look at Nora again, his hair was pushed back and a stray strand of black hair fell on his forehead. Oh, how Nora longed to bush the strand away to hold him truly. But Nora couldn’t indulge in such selfish desires with Hexiciah clearly in distress over an experiment. 

“Nora, it’s not about his family. It’s about my daughter Robecca.” 

Nora almost lost her head from the shocking revelation. 

“What about Robecca, Hexiciah why haven’t you mentioned her to me is she alright?” 

Hexiciah got up from his workbench which caused Nora’s hand to fall to her side with an outstretched hand he said “I’ll show you, Nora.”

Taking his hand Nora walked to the covered worktable. The unsettled feeling crept to the back of Nora’s mind seeing that the outline was a body. Hexiciah gently pulled the white sheet back to reveal the face of a ghoul with bronze skin, black and blue hair, and bolts screwed across her forehead. 

“Is this your failed experiment? She looks like a ghoul,” 

Hexiciah chuckled “The plan was a sort of challenge to see if I could create a daughter when inspiration struck, but I slowly grew to love her as a father, it pains me to not see her move around.” 

“Is she dead Hexiciah?” 

Hexiciah whipped his head to look at Nora with surprise, letting go of her hand in the process. “No, of course, not her heart is ticking but she hasn’t woken up yet. Nora the spark failed.” Hexiciah’s grief-stricken face looked back at the unmoving ghoul. Nora was lost over what the spark was but she had to keep him talking. 

“Can you explain to me how this started then?”  

Hexiciah sighed sadly looking at Robecca once more but turned to face Nora. 

“It started last semester when Sparky wanted to create a family for his scaritage report and I told him about my theory on the spark since there has to be more to us than skin and bones Nora.” 

Nora quirked a smile “What about mansters who are made of copper and steam whistles?” 

Hexiciah chuckled looking at his mechanical hand “I suppose so, after seeing what happened with Sparky I tried my hand to see if I could make this idea a reality but it seems I failed.” 

‘I’d never seen him like this before.’ Nora thought to herself. Hexiciah had always been the chipper of both of them. From his ramblings about a new idea to returning from an expedition showing Nora photos of rare jewelry and artifacts since they both graduated uni. He always knew when she was upset and what to say to make her feel better. 

She sometimes wondered if she was too cold for others to understand but Hexiciah was always warm. His mechanical hand was heated by a boiler much to Nora’s cold hand of a corpse. Nora wonders if his fae side of him made him glow even brighter than everyone else. It seemed to Nora that natural sunlight always made him glow especially if he was smiling. It seemed as if Hexiciah’s light had dimmed compared to how he usually is. Nora knew she had to be there for him. 

“Is this the same manster who built a new forearm since he didn’t like any prosthetic arm designs?” 

Hexiciah smiled shyly “I was younger back then but I knew that I could make something better than what I was given.” 

“Exactly Hexiciah, weren’t you the only one who scoffed at our professors' description of the builders?” 

Hexiciah chuckled dryly “He truly didn’t do his research.” 

Nora smiled, Hexiciah wasn’t as distressed as before. 

“Aren’t you known as an incredibly mad scientist with all of your writings about the builders and how they could have lived?” 

Hexiciah turned to face Nora, and a small smile graced his face. “I know what you’re doing Nora.”

Nora raised an eyebrow “Tell me Hexiciah what am I doing?”  

“You’re trying to cheer me up, Nora… thank you.”  Nora’s heart felt like it would burst out of her chest. Here was the only person she truly felt seen with. 

“By now you should know that I truly care about you Hexiciah, you are truly one of a kind.”

Nora placed her hand on the back of his head bringing him closer to her forehead. She heard the shallow breaths he took, how his heart raced as if he was chasing something, her eyes closed shut, for only her thoughts remained. ‘I love you Hexiciah, I truly do.’ Nora placed a gentle kiss on his forehead. Nora heard Hexiciah’s sighing once again, his heart slowed to a steady pace, Nora felt a sudden shock of electricity but chalked it up to her turbulent feelings but something was off. She felt Hexiciah leaving her to grasp much to her displeasure, his hands now holding her own.

“Nora I..”  Hexiciah said in awe Nora opened her eyes to his profile but his gaze went back to Robecca. Two orbs of blue energy hovered over Robecca slowly descending to her chest. In a flash of blinding light, everything stilled for a moment. Nora, still recovering from the bright flash from the dancing black spots in her eye, saw Hexiciah dashing to the covered ghoul. 

“Nora, she’s awake!” Hexiciah said in awe as the ghoul’s limbs started to move in stiff motions.  “Nora, can you hand me the oil can, it should be next to you.” 

Nora silently handed Hexiciah the oil can in which he went to work oiling Robecca’s joints. “I should go, Hexiciah, you need to be there for Robecca.” 

“Of course Nora, I must be keeping you away from paperwork,” Hexiciah said while oiling Robecca’s forearm Nora nodded and quietly walked away from Hexiciah and the now-living daughter named Robecca. ‘This isn’t my place to be here.’ Nora thought to herself while walking to the entrance. Nora looked back at the scene of Hexiciah holding Robecca’s hand as she slowly woke up. Nora turned her head back to the entrance walking away from a father finally meeting his daughter.

Chapter Text

Sunday, October 14 1900s, Salem Massachusetts, Headmistress Bloodgood’s office.

The sound of knocking interrupted Nora’s filing. “Yes, who is it?”. Nora places her fountain pen in its inkwell. “Hexiciah Steam, Ms. Bloodgood.”. Nora softly smiled “Come in Mr. Steam.”. Hexiciah opens the office door, closing it behind him, and turns to Nora.

“Good afternoon Hexiciah, How was your mad science conference visit?”. Hexiciah sighed “Another day of debate of the builders being real once again with other academics as well.”. Hexiciah sat across from her desk drumming his digits on the wooden desk. Nora raised an eyebrow “Didn’t they leave traces of their existence through ruins?”. Hexiciah nodded “Yes but some monsters need more solid evidence.”. Nora laughed “Hopefully they aren’t in any builders programs?”. Hexiciah shuddered “Truly a horrifying thought .”. Nora smiles “Now tell me what is the nature of your visit to Hexiciah?”. He paused still for a moment but quickly straightened himself, placing his hat on his lap, and brushing his fingers through his hair. “Well Nora I bumped into an old professor of mine at the conference, he mentioned that he’ll lead an expedition in the catacombs with proper evidence on the builders and offered me a spot in his expedition, which I accepted.”. “That's wonderful Hexiciah, when will the expedition take place?”. Nora asked, clasping her hands together.

Hexiciah had always been on many expeditions before they even went to uni together. He had always gone with his scientist father on said trips from excavating ancient cave paintings to finding forgotten temples covered in vines in Costa Shrieka. Hexiciah Steam is no stranger to adventure and diving head first to a problem with the same determination he had always carried. “The expedition is tomorrow Nora, I came to tell you and I’ll have to send Robecca a telegram telling her about the sudden opportunity.”. Nora’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. “Oh of course Hexiciah I’ll see if someone could cover your classes, on such short notice, but with the suddenness of this exception Hexiciah I beg of you to at least let us know a day or two beforehand.”. Hexiciah sheepishly smiled “I understand Nora I will make note of it this time.”.
Nora nodded “Wonderful, have you finished the rest of your grading before tomorrow?”. Hexiciah nodded “I have included a lesson plan for the substitute, as well as what kind of message I’ll send to Robecca from the school’s telegram room.”. Nora reached for a blank piece of paper and quickly wrote everything down. “Tell me more about the expedition Hexiciah, what is the evidence of the builders as well as how long you’ll be gone.”.

Hexiciah’s eyes brightened as he went on about the builders. Nora smiled while listening to his chatter about the builders. It felt like it was yesterday when they were at uni and he would just talk about the builders while she would listen, regardless of many who scoff at Hexiciah for pursuing evidence of the builders. Calling him mad and many unflattering names but Hexiciah kept his research going, he jumped at any chance and followed any lead he could get on the builders. Nora admired him for boldly following his passion regardless of the naysayers. To follow whatever his mechanical heart would take him he would come back with new tales and souvenirs that have filled her home office with different pieces of the world. But still had time to send her letters and include photographs of him including his daughter Robecca. How it hurts to see him go while she stayed here tethered to the school continuing Monster High’s development. While the school has had graduates who became successful members of Monster Society, Nora remained. She and Nightmare will roam the halls of Monster High together to make sure the students will make it to their classes safely and on time.

“Well, it seems you have everything ready for tomorrow. Is there anything else we missed?”. “There is one thing, Nora, I must ask.”. “Oh, what is it?”. Hexiciah reached for Nora’s hands, clasping them to his. “In this expedition, I was offered to bring a plus one, someone who I can trust with my own life.”. Nora’s field of vision zeroed in on Hexiciah holding her once again. The warmth of his body warms the coldness in her bones, hands, and ever-still heart. Hexiciah continued “Nora Bloodgood there is no one else I trust over my very being than you, would you like to accompany me to the expedition?”. Nora looked up away from how her hands fit his and spoke. “I don’t think I’ll be able to Hexiciah.”. He asked again “You could come with me, Nora.". Nora sighed pulling away from his warm grasp, it stung more than it should to Nora. Pulling away from him felt like breaking a promise. "Or you could stay, Hexiciah. I believe Monster High benefits from your experience and the students love you.". Nora folded her hands on top of her desk while Hexiciah looked at her. Nora looked across her desk at Hexiciah. The same manster whom she has been friends and coworkers with longer than Nora has known anyone in her life. But it would always hurt the same when Hexiciah would leave for short to long periods. She loved him dearly and wholeheartedly.

His face remained the same honest compassion he always gave her and only her. "Just the students, Nora?". Nora turned her head away from his gaze "My feelings are irrelevant, and my place is here.". "Aye, 'tis futile to argue against a calling, I know, but perhaps one day you will pass the position of headmistress on to someone else.". Nora turned to face him again with his kind yet small smile, "Perhaps." Nora quietly muttered, Hexiciah nodded, placing his hat back on and rising from his seat. “I am off to send Robecca her telegram, you’ll be picking her up from the train station?”. Nora nodded “Yes, I'll make sure she’ll make it safely to her next match.”. “Wonderful, until next time Nora.”. “Have a safe expedition Hexiciah.”.

The next day came with the sun's slow rise to Nora’s morning tea. Nothing was amiss that day, one of the teachers filled in for Hexiciah for the following few periods till the substitute would appear. Nora could not see Hexiciah off to the catacombs since Hexiciah left as she waited for Robecca’s train to arrive on time. The robotic ghoul was just like her father, she would always go on about a topic or an idea that interested her for the day. Robecca was talking about how lovely the vampire ball was and how Draculuara showed her around Transylvania’s historical sites. “Oh Mrs. Bloodgood it was lovely, have you ever been to Transylvania before?”. Nora nodded “Yes Robecca, I went to the vampire ball when I became a headmistress around 1812 I went with your father to both be representatives for Monster High since the school was still a new idea to the old vampire families.”. Robecca and Nora walked from the train station since it was only a few miles from the entrance of New Salem where Nightmare was waiting for them both. “Robecca would you mind riding on Nightmare to Monster High with me?”. “Oh is it because of the normie side of town?”. “Sadly yes while I and your father can pass as normies I’m worried if someone would attack you and with your father in an expedition I’m worried if you might be damaged beyond repair.”. Robecca nodded and quickly with the help of Nora was on Nightmare as well as Nora holding the reins fast allowing Nightmare to rush across town. Nora was confident with Nigthmare’s service they’d be able to make it before the morning bell rang. They swiftly made it to Monster High entrance in the nick of time. “Bye Mrs. Bloodgood, will I be seeing you at the skultimate match tonight?”. Nora smiled warmly “Of course Nora I’ll be cheering you on including the rest of the school.”. Robecca beamed, “I’ll make sure to remember that.” and off Robecca went on her way to class.

Nora went on with her day as she filed paperwork, toured around the creepateria with Nightmare to keep a watchful eye on her students, and finally took an afternoon ride with Nightmare after the school day ended.

The cool autumn air paired with the setting orange sun reminded Nora of riding with her father. The warm apple cider they used to share when they would have evening rides and how the morning dew would shimmer under the dense fog that would surround the colonies. Nora places her hand again at her neck rubbing where she lost her head, the same time as her father. Nora squeezed her eyes tight in an attempt to not remember how brutal the war was and how her father was just as vicious as a caged animal. The chilling scream he let out once he realized his head was missing still haunts Nora.

Nightmare neigh brought Nora back to the present Nora brushed Nightmare’s mane. “I’m alright Nightmare I was just reminiscing that's all.”. Nightmare slowed to a stop looking at her knowingly Nora sighed and with a gentle tug on Nightmare’s reins they rode back to Monster High to prepare for the evening game. Nora and Nightmare made it back to Monster High crowds of parents and students filling the stands. Nora quickly places herself off the saddle and allows Nightmare to wander on her own for a bit, Nora could trust her.

Nora went in the opposite direction to wish luck to Monster High’s own SKRM team including their captain Robecca. “Headmistress Bloodgood lovely to see you again.”. Robecca greeted Nora as she added some oil to her joints while the rest of her team did warmups at their dugout. “Thank you Robecca, don’t mind me I’m just here to wish you and your team good luck tonight.”. Robecca fastened her helmet and tested her joints for any kind of stiff movement. “Thank you, Headmistress, I’ll see you in the stands cheering for us?”. “Of course, Robecca, all of Monster High is cheering for you.”. Robecca nodded and narrowed her eyes looking at the opposing team studying them. Nora followed Robecca’s gaze the Granite City gargoyles were an intimidating bunch. “Is everything alright Robecca?”. Nora asked Robecca to turn her head to face Nora with a grim expression. “ It’s nothing, headmistress, it's just that one of my teammates heard a rumor that the Granite City gargoyles are notorious for cheating and I’m worried if they’ll prove the rumor to be true.”. Nora placed her hand on Robecca’s left shoulder “While sometimes rumors may have a kernel of truth in them one should not base a character on unproven claims, but for your father’s sake Robecca stays safe out there tonight.”. Robecca nodded “Yes, ma’am, I’ll make sure our team will get their school crest right from under them.”. Nora smiled as Robecca glided to go over their battle strategies with the rest of the team. Nora noticed Roebcca led her team with warm determination and the rest were following her example. Some students and parents did complain about a girl leading the team but Nora and Hexiciah dealt with them with as much grace as they could muster. But with Robecca’s repeated wins for the school, the complaints became silent.

Nora placed herself on the teacher’s seats which were above the rest of Monster High’s bleachers and waited with everyone as the rest of the teams all lined up on the ramp. Nora noticed Nightmare with the art students holding her monster-high flag with her teeth as they cheered for their team. The sound of monsters cheering for their respective teams as they were off and racing through the track as the announcer's voice echoed over the shouts and cheers of each school. Nora kept her attention on Robecca as she glided over the track, her copper shined under the torch lights as she raced ahead with a clear lead. As the announcer shouted Robecca’s clear lead Monster High would surely win after the last lap. Nora cheered with everyone as they waited for the final stretch, where Robecca was launched by her team members through the tunnel entrance. Everyone waited in bated breath for Robecca to finally cross the finish line.

A cold feeling washed Nora as she waited as the timer ticked another second away till the sound of skates hitting the track altered everyone to the Granite City gargoyles rushing through the track and the cheer of their side of the race track with no Robecca in sight. The rest of the gargoyles and the monster high teammates all streamed out of the track all except Robecca. Whispers and murmurings went through the bleachers. Nora quickly left her seat with Nightmare in tow and to Monster High’s team. “What happened to Robecca wasn’t she in the tunnel first?”. Robecca’s co-captain spoke up next. “ We launched her through the tunnel and that was the last time we saw her, we didn’t even see her when we made it to the finish line.”. The rest of the team nodded they had not seen Robecca leave the tunnel. Nora looked back at the cheering gargoyles who now had the school crest. She quickly turned back to Robecca’s teammates all with looks of worry across their faces. “If she has not come out of the tunnel after the game ends and we can not find her we’ll have to call for a search party.”. All of Robecca’s teammates' faces turned grim with a potential student being missing; they'd have to go deep within the catacombs.

As slow as paint drying Nora waited as the Granite city gargoyles kept rubbing their win at Monster High’s face Usually Nora would roll her eyes and wait with Hexiciah and would try to cheer Robecca up over a losing game but without Hexiciah’s kind words to block out the noise Nora felt a sense of dread in her gut. As everyone filtered out of the bleachers Nora quickly left her seat to reach Nightmare and the rest of Robecca’s team. Nightmare nickered as she placed her snout near Nora’s forehead and tried to ease her worried feelings as she had done many times before. Nora ran her trembling hands through Nightmare’s mane as she took deep breaths. “I’m quite alright Nightmare I just hope we can find her.”. Nora swiftly mounted herself on Nightmare’s saddle and quickly trotted to the rest of the team as they waited. “Has Robecca gotten out of the tunnel yet?”. One vampire shook his head “No Headmistress she hasn’t.”. Nora sighed dreading the next action they’ll take “It seems we’ll have to go through the roller maze. Hopefully she just slipped and popped off a screw and needs some assistance.”. The team tightened their skates and rolled ahead of Nora as she and Nightmare followed them through the maze’s many traps.

Nora hoped they’d find a safe but exhausted Robecca who would tell Nora that she would have won if her gears didn't fail here this time. Nora would then joke with her over gears and ask if she would like some tea as they would call Sparky over to help her stiff gears. But as Nightmare and here looked through the dangerous traps Robecca wasn’t seen anywhere the dark abyss of the catacombs mocked Nora as she desperately looked for Hexiciah’s daughter, but as they combed through the track Robecca was nowhere to be found. As if she had disappeared from the tunnel Nora waited as the rest of the team confirmed her worst fear that they were unable to find her or any trace of her.

Nora quickly dismounted from Nightmare as the rest of the team discussed what to do next. “Headmistress we have to keep looking, she could still be in there.”. One student said as Nora stood near them the rest of the team nodded as Nightmare paced waiting on what to do next. Nora nodded solemnly “We’ll have to make a search party for her this evening but you’ll all have to go and spread the word at least at the monster side of town.”. Nora was treated as she waited near the school entrance. Nightmare’s mane with its usual softness comforted Nora as the fear of losing Robecca gnawed her insides.

Slowly a small crowd of parents and students waited on the school's front lawn waiting for her to lead the said search. Nora straightened her spine and stood as tall as she could on the school's front steps. “Thank you all for coming on such short notice while I wish the circumstances were better for this meeting. I'll not waste precious time if a student has gone missing after a skultimate match.”. The crowd gasped and muttered over the missing student, Nora waited as she allowed their murmurs to fill the courtyard. She places her hand up and waits till the crowd falls into silence. Nora continued “While we know where her last location was, we still haven’t found any trace of Robecca Steam in the catacombs, we’ll all have to comb over the catacombs together to find her.”.

As the group was led by Nightmare through the deserted school Nora contemplated the amount of times she had wandered through the halls of Monster High with Nightmare always in tow. Granted she has always cared for the school as if it were her child. The school to Nora’s eyes has always been a place of comfort with its high ceiling and iron rails. During the first few weeks of Monster High Nora remembers meeting Hexiciah in his classroom and discussing what kind of festivals Monster High should do to raise money. The warm glow of the oil lamp would shine the copper of his mechanical hand as he sketched ideas with her. Now this place of comfort seems more menacing than before the warm light of Hexiciah’s classroom now dark as they passed through his doorway. Nora continued till they had finally made it to the catacombs.

The catacombs yield nothing to Robecca’s whereabouts. While monsters slowly filtered out of the catacombs all that was left was dust and cobwebs. Many parents told her to keep her chin up for Robeccca’s sake but Nora felt numb to their well wishes. The worst thing that happened to her and Hexiciah, Robecca is lost in the catacombs and under Nora’s watch. Nightmares kept a steady pace while they watched the families take themselves back home from the gates and as Nora watched she felt almost as if she was watching a play, an almost body experience as if this couldn’t be happening to her of all places. Nightmare wanted to gain her attention once again. “You’re right, Nightmare I should send a telegram tomorrow to Hexiciah but he is already deep within the catacombs so will keep looking for her until his return.”. Nora gently tugged
Nightmare’s regions turn and look at Monster high again under the pale moonlight. Its tale arches and darkened windows reminded Nora that somewhere in there Robecca was alone without her father.

Nora’s home was a small gray home with a large backyard for Nightmare to stretch her legs and stables for her to sleep in. Nora slid off of Nightmare and led her to the backyard first let Nightmare stretch herself while Nora went to fill Nightmare’s trough with fresh hay and grass sprinkled on top. “Goodnight Nightmare, enjoy your dinner now.”. Nightmare quickly walked to her stall and once the door closed Nightmare ate while Nora petted her mane. “We will find her Nightmare. She's all alone in there without her father. I can't just leave her there.”. Nightmare nickered in a worried tone Nora shook her head in disagreement “We have no choice Nightmare time is of the essence, Hexiciah will come back and once he does his daughter shouldn’t be missing for their reunion.”.

For the rest of the school week Nora led a small group of volunteers from student to faculty to find Robecca but as the days rolled on their prospects for finding Robecca were getting dimmer by the second. When it was Hexiciah’s day to return home Nora paced back and forth waiting as she agonized, telling Hexiciah that she lost his daughter, and looked at his face to see his usual smile gone. ‘How could I ever look at him, to even say that to him?’. Nora went to stand near Nightmare and went to flick a speck of dust on Nightmare’s glossy coat. But as she waited her thoughts of Robecca’s disappearance clouded her mind.

The flickering of the torch flame wavered as the silent winds of the catacombs flew through the entrance of the black iron gates open and waiting for Hexiciah to walk out and chat about his day with her and the traps he had to avoid to find said research. Robecca would follow her father out of the catacombs then cut in and tell a daring trick she did with a vine and her rocket boots while her dad cheered her on. The sounds of their laughter would brighten Nora’s mood and remind her that another adventure had ended and Hexiciah had returned to her. This feeling didn’t come back as Hexiciah was nowhere to be seen coming through the exit nor was Robecca with him. Nightmare nickered in worry as she began to shift her hoofs on the cobblestones as Nora stood there dumbfounded. Nightmare tugged on Nora’s coat sleeve to snap herself back to reality and turned her head to look at Nightmare’s eyes full of worry.

“Nightmare we can not stay here for the night, We’ll contact Hexiciah’s professor immediately!”. Nora turned her head back a few more times to make sure she didn’t miss his arrival. Nora quickly pulled herself up to Nightmare’s saddle and together they dashed through the catacombs past the hallway and into her office. Breathless she quickly leaped off of Nightmare and rushed to write down her message for the telegram on her desk leaving a mess of paper and unopened pots of ink she quickly rushed to a pacing Nightmare, quickly placed herself on Nightmare's saddle and together they galloped to the telegram station in Monster high while Nora’s note felt like a hot coal in her coat pocket.

The few flights of stairs were nothing to Nightmare’s speed as she leaped over the steps and landed in the main hallway, together they dashed to the end of the hallway for the telegram room. The room was thankfully empty as the single telegram machine was available. Nora dismounted Nightmare and rushed to type in her rushed message to Hexiciah’s university professor. ‘WHERE IS HEX, TRIP DONE, NO SHOW HERE’.

Nora was finally notified a day later when she had just finished a meeting with the board of the Board of Deaducation and her fellow teachers when one of the students who worked at the telegram office scurried over to her. “Headmistress Bloodgood your telegram is here.”. The young ghoul handed her the envelope. “Thank you Gabrielle I have been looking forward to this message.”. With a quick goodbye, Nora Bloodgood walked to her main office as she held the envelope tightly in her hands. Her thoughts swirled around the message. It could be Hexiciah stating he was safe and her worry was justified but can loosen the hold it held on her. Nightmare’s horseshoes clicked with the noise of her custom-made typewriter gifted by said genius she longs for. “We might have an answer today, Nightmare.”. The typing ceased and I looked at her and the shocked face of a horse can muster. Nora stood in the middle of the office and read the telegram. ‘NO professor, NO HEX, TEAM MISSING.’. The paper slipped from her fingers landing softly on the floor.

The next couple of days were a blur of classes and school programs filled Nora's schedule which searched Robecca and her now missing father Heixicah shorter and shorter to the point that it seemed a waste of school resources according to the board of deaducation to even try to find them. While it may have been a few months for the students and faculty to Nora it was an entity of no answers except a missing ghoul and her father.

A few months became a few years, a few years became ten years, and ten years became fifth years. The fashions, students, and faculty all changed around Nora but the one thing that she wished would change was that Hexiciah and Robecca would miraculously return home to her in the halls of Monster High where a lifetime of memories were made.