I ran at top speed, seconds from being caught! I stretched
out my wings and jumped up into flight. I'm much faster off foot. The rush was
a feed to the wild fire inside of me, so untamed and rebellious. Pulling pranks
is my favourite way to have a little fun--and I never get caught. So what? I
loose a bit of trust from family and friends... well, I don't have many friends
because I distance myself from everyone. I would never do anything too dangerous.
I don't want to hurt anyone.
Facul, my buddy ran close beside me on foot.
He is a mutant Techo. He is a dark blue lizard and his belly is a blood red.
His eyes matched his stomach well. He has sharp horns on his arms, legs and
the tip of his tail. Facul is quite small for a Techo, but he still is a good
friend. Looks can be deceiving. He is really the only one who understands me.
He sticks to my side and helps me with my pranks.
We both slowed down and I looked back.
"I think we are safe... We should be more careful.
We could get caught! Even I know that!" I said as I slowly landed.
"Calm down Kaishow, they did not get us did
they?" he replied with a cruel smile.
Oh yes, I forgot to introduce myself! I'm a Halloween
Nimmo. I'm a deep shade of fire red and my wings are as black as night. I have
pale, yellow eyes that seam to freak a lot of Neopets out. I don't see why...
"I guess you are right," I sighed.
"Want to go harass Dr. Death?" Facul smiled,
"I heard he had a break down today!"
"Jackpot..." I said sarcastically.
He frowned, "What is wrong with you?"
"It is nothing," I lied, "Isn't there anything
else to do instead cause trouble?"
"Wow, you must be sick!" He became surprised,
"I never seen you refuse like this!"
"I'm fine!" I said getting a bit upset, "Just
please don't pressure me into things like this. You know it is wrong."
"That is why we do it!"
"You are evil!"
"Thank you!" He said taking it as a compliment.
I did not bother to reply to him. Facul was a
good friend but he was being forceful. I guess no one is perfect.
"Please Kaishow?" He repeated, hoping to hear
what he wanted.
"I'm just not in the mood," I said, "I
think I will go home."
"Fine..." He said giving up, "But you are letting
down a perfect opportunity!"
I just shrugged, "Go ahead without me if you
must."
Not the side of me that you are used to? Not
even I am. This time I listened to myself. I did not want to make someone's
bad day even worse. Even Dr. Death did not deserve this. Pranks these days are
not the same. I like to see people laugh, not get angry or hurt.
Instead of going strait home I took a short walk.
Well it was longer then I thought it was. I decided to explore the newest place
in Neopia, Meridell. It was a gothic, medieval place where Neopets were dressed
up in armour, rags or beautiful formal clothes. It was if it was a huge role
play or a set of a movie. But it felt more real! Others glanced over at me as
if I was some monster! I get that a lot... I'm judged by my looks and because
of Facul, my actions. But deep inside I'm a nice Neopet! I ignored the others
even though I could feel many gazes upon me, I disliked it greatly. I guess
not dressing up in stupid costumes made me different! Just then I realised I
was letting my bad side take over. Instead of getting mad, I just walked on
with a smile on my face. Even if it was fake, it made others smile.
I guess pranks are not the only way to get a
smile. Too bad Facul could not see that.
A cloaked Lupe looked over at me and waved her
hand as if motioning me to follow. It seamed as if in a blink of an eye she
disappeared and reappeared in the forest around Illusen's glade.
I hesitated for a moment. Was this safe? But
the next second she was gone. Then I walked over to look for her, confused and
cautious.
"Kaishow..." a voice called.
I swiftly looked around until I found the source
of the voice. In the shadows what that Lupe. "How do you know my name?"
"That does not matter," she said in a harsh
whisper, "You have made a wrong reputation. Because of this you are their first
suspect. Speak the truth and you will be free."
I grew even more confused, "What are you talking
about?"
"You will understand shortly."
"Who are you?" But before I got an answer she
was gone. That made no sense what so ever! I backed away from that area, my
eyes tracing the area for any sign of that Lupe. After a good search I gave
up and instantly went home.
I looked up at the mixed sky of orange red and
yellow. There a tad of purple and other light colours. The sun was setting,
making the air much cooler and fresher. I was always told to watch out for weird
Neopets out there... because I'm the youngest of my family. But instead of ignoring
that Lupe's words, I took note and used it as a warning- But of what? I was
losing it.
I had lost myself in thought but broke out of
it seeing our wonderful NeoHome just a pile of burnt ashes and dying embers.
My slow walk came to a sprint. I reached my owner, Stephanie_M_K, who was just
staring at it with empty eyes.
This was different. She usually is happy and
cheerful. She has golden brown hair and aqua eyes. She is really tall and loving
and considerate of others.
Night_Dream2000 my sister flew next to me. She
is a starry Shoyru. She is the oldest and strongest of us all. She is sweet
and kind but can be tough. A split personality. Right now she sure was not happy.
She was wearing a glare, directed to me!
"Where is Crystal?" I asked noticing she was
not here.
Crystal_Water7000 is the middle sister. She is
a Christmas Kougra who never gets angry. Her cheery personality always brings
out the best in others. Right now Steph and Night Dream sure could use her.
Even I could.
"She is in the hospital! And it is your entire
fault!" Night Dream hissed.
"What happened?"
"You should know!"
"Well, obviously a fire..." I said looking at
what we lost.
Steph knelt down next to me and put her hand
on both of our shoulders. "Please, don't blame each other for this."
"Well, he is the only one with fire ability!
You know Kaishow and his stupid pranks!" She fought. She turned to me, "You
went too far this time!"
"But... I...I--" I ended with a sigh. There
was no way convincing her.
"This was not an accidental fire. You know that
Steph," Night said with her eyes still glued to me.
That Lupe was right. My reputation did bring
me blame. But telling the truth right now was not working...
"I did not do anything... I promise that,"
I said, my wings drooping by my side.
"I believe you," Steph said.
This made me feel a bit better. Night was usually
as nice but I could not blame her for thinking it was me. I had to admit, this
was looking very bad... I recalled Night saying that it was not accidental.
The first person (or Neopet) that came to my mind was Facul. I hated to think
he was guilty. He was his buddy, but he is the only one I knew that would go
that far in a prank. Maybe it was my fault... Maybe I offended him earlier so
he wanted to get back at me. I felt a bit of panic creeping over me.
That night Katchi_K, Stephanie's sister, let
us spend the night there. It was different knowing your home and everything
you owned was destroyed. But that was not the worst. My sister was hurt. I can't
even stand the thought! I could not sleep. If it was Facul I could never hate
him. He is my friend. Maybe I should take the blame, accusation, for him.
"You still up Kai?" A whisper came from behind
me.
I turned around blindly, my eyes still not adjusted
to the dark yet. I blinked a few times and saw that it was Satashi2000, Katchi's
desert Aisha. I smiled weakly to greet her.
"Don't worry; I'm sure things will clear out
soon. Maybe Crystal knows what happened." She always thought I was wise, but
now I was looking up to her.
"Yes--but she is in the hospital."
"Don't blame yourself. I know it was not you
but inside you still think you are responsible."
I could not argue with her, she was telling the
truth. "You are right."
She smiled, "It is my turn to give you advice.
Don't play the blame game. Just let things turn out the way they will."
I froze and looked over at her, "Since when did
you get such smart remarks?"
She giggled, "Since my owner read me millions
of books!"
"That would explain that..." I leaned back onto
the couch I was sleeping on, "Thank you."
"Any time! Now, get some sleep!" she said walking
towards her room, "Good night Kai!"
"Night," I mumbled. I had a dreamless sleep
but at least I got some sleep!
I awoke to sunlight beaming into the living room.
I opened my eyes sending a burning pain of blindness. I rubbed my tired eyes
and got up. A bit of a rough start but I felt fine. I skipped breakfast and
went strait outside to find Facul. I only found Satzuky, his owner walking around
Neopia Central. As usual, she was getting unneeded items to spoil her dearly
loved pet. She was unaware of his evil side and thought be was a sweetie. Even
so, Satzuky is still a nice person herself.
"Hey, Zuky, have you seen Facul anywhere?" I
asked.
"Well, I'm not sure. He went out side somewhere.
He should be home at noon for lunch though," she said, "Want me to tell
him you are looking for him?"
"Yes... please. Tell him it is important."
"Oh, did something happen?" a worried look crossed
her face.
I hesitated to reply. I did not want to ruin
her perfect image of her pet. So I shook my head, "Well... a fire took our house."
I stopped there.
She almost dropped her items, "That is terrible.
Do you need any help putting things back together?"
"I would not know, you can give Steph a call-
but I have to go. Thanks anyway!" at that I flew off in search of that Techo
I knew not to find him in any happy place like
Faerie land or Neopia Central. Somewhere where he can make trouble... This was
going to be hard... Knowing lizards, being one myself, he would not like cold
places like Terror Mountain or the Virtual Space Station. I first tried Mystery
Island. But he was not there... Nor was he in Krawk Island. It took me a while
to reach the Haunted Woods and the Lost Desert. Alas, I found him at last place
I looked, Tyrannia! Well, once you found them you stop looking so it has to
be the last! He was there playing the Wheel of Mediocrity, badly I might add.
Well, for once it cheered up that sarcastic Flotsam.
I pulled him away from it after his spin.
"We need to talk," I said, hoping he would
listen.
"What about--our next big plan? I have a good
one in mind, it..."
I had to cut him off. "No! Do you even know that
my NeoHome was burnt down?"
"No, but I do now!"
"It was not accident..." I did not know how
to ask him, but he understood what I meant.
"You don't think it was me, do you?"
"I'm not too sure what to think."
"You do trust me right?" he paused, "Okay, trust
is not my strength, but you have to believe me!"
What was I to say? There was a side of me telling
me he was right and the other telling me it was all lies.
"Please tell me the truth. My sister is in the
hospital and they think it is me!"
"I am. Why would I lie to you?" he asked. His
tone had changed from his hyper chattering to low and serious.
"Hopefully I can believe you. And I apologise
if I am mistaken."
He gave me an empty look then walked away.
I felt low, real low. Facul was my buddy. How
could I ever blame him? I flew back to Katchi's house. There was nothing to
do. On a day like this I would prank with Facul or play in our old house. Luckily
our house was being rebuilt, but now that I had that talk with Facul, he may
never forgive me for blaming him. Right now I could use Satashi but she went
out with Katchi and her pets. Stephanie was sleeping in as usual and Night was
avoiding me. I knew how it felt to be blamed so why did I do it to another?
Now I highly doubt it even was him! I should have listened to Satashi. I would
have been much better off if I did.
I heard the telephone ringing. At first I just
looked over at it, avoiding to pick it up but temptation took control. I could
leave a message for Katchi. I am reliable, but I sure hope others think I am
to.
"Hello, this is Katchi's residence," I
said, waiting to see who had called.
"Hi. May I please speak to Stephanie? I believe
she is staying there."
"She is, but she is..." I remembered that she
gets embarrassed when I tell others she sleeps in so late, "Occupied at the
moment. Can I leave a message?"
"Yes, please tell her that Crystal_Water7000
is recovering greatly and is ready to come home."
"She is?" I could not hold my tong. I was overjoyed
to hear that, "Thank you!"
I hung up and went to awake her since it was
important. The second she found out we got Night and headed towards the hospital
in Neopia.
Crystal looked just fine, a little burnt in places
but healthy. I flew over to her and instantly she gave me a warm smile. It was
the first I had seen in a while.
"Crystal... I'm so sorry..." I said.
"Why are you sorry?" She asked.
"I blame myself for the fire," I continued,
"And for your position now."
"I'm feeling fine, and it was not your fault.
I accidentally started the fire by a candle. I was not careful enough,"
she explained.
"But I did not think it was an accident," Night
said.
"That is what happens when you blame others," she said already knowing
the story.
Night turned to me, staring at her feet, "Kaishow...
I'm sorry."
"Don't be," I said giving her a smile,
"But there is something I have to clear up first." I walked towards the door.
"Meet us at Katchi's house okay," Stephanie
said, picking up Crystal in her arms.
I nodded and flew out. It was about lunch time
so I knew Facul would be at home. I flew as fast as I could, hoping to save
our friendship.
I reached his house and another owner that he
shares the house with answered. I asked for Facul and luckily he was there.
"I'm so sorry for blaming you," I said,
having no time for a greeting, "It was wrong of me to do that. And I hope you
can forgive me. But if not, I'll understand."
"I'm not mad at you," he said, "And you are
forgiven. I should be the sorry one. I'm always pressuring you into stuff like
pranks."
I blinked, forgetting about that talk earlier.
"Oh. You just caught me in a bad mood on that day!"
"Same here. Buds?"
"Buds!"
I never thought that he would forgive me so easily.
But when you find a friend like him, it is hard not to be friends! Now I know
to never blame another again.
The End | 
