Vamps in Chaos

Chapter Thirteen: The Unwanted Guest

The days after Darla's surprise visit were relatively quiet, and Babe found himself feeling a strange mix of relief and... something he couldn't quite name. But whatever that feeling was, it didn't last long. By the end of the week, he and Billy found themselves knee-deep in yet another supernatural predicament—this time, courtesy of the council.

They'd just returned to the loft after a casual evening stroll when a sudden, sharp knock on the door startled them. Babe raised an eyebrow, exchanging a wary glance with Billy. They weren't expecting anyone.

"Expecting company?" Babe asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

Billy shook his head, his expression serious. "Unlikely."

Babe shrugged and opened the door, revealing a tall, imposing figure in council robes. His face was severe, his eyes a piercing shade of green that practically screamed "trouble." He looked down at Babe, arching an eyebrow as he stepped inside without waiting for an invitation.

"Good evening, Babe. And... Billy," the man said, his tone formal and clipped. "I am Lucius, here on behalf of the council."

Babe crossed his arms, eyeing Lucius warily. "Lucius, huh? Sounds fancy. What brings you to our humble loft?"

Lucius's gaze flicked to Billy, who stood stiffly, clearly caught off guard by the visit. "The council has received... complaints," Lucius said, his voice dropping to a low rumble, "about disturbances involving certain... youthful vampires."

Babe smirked, crossing his arms. "Disturbances? We've been nothing but model citizens."

Lucius's expression didn't soften. Instead, he handed Babe a sealed envelope, his voice turning colder. "The council has instructed me to deliver this message personally and ensure you comply with its... instructions."

Babe tore open the letter, scanning the page. He chuckled, handing it over to Billy, who read it with a growing look of concern.

"They want us to... play host?" Billy asked, his eyes widening.

"Play host?" Babe echoed, incredulous. "Host what, exactly?"

Lucius's expression was inscrutable as he responded. "The council has decided to entrust you with... an esteemed guest. Someone who requires a temporary residence, as it were, while they settle a... personal matter."

"Is that so?" Babe replied, raising an eyebrow. "And this 'esteemed guest' couldn't find a hotel?"

Lucius didn't even blink. "You are to follow council orders without question."

Babe sighed, his shoulders slumping as Lucius exited, leaving behind nothing but an air of pompous superiority. Babe turned to Billy, holding up the letter.

"Well, guess we're running a supernatural Airbnb now," he muttered.

It wasn't long before another knock sounded on the door—lighter, more tentative. Babe opened it, and in walked a young vampire, no older than sixteen in appearance, with bright eyes and a sheepish grin. His clothes were a little too big for him, and he clutched a small duffel bag in one hand.

"Uh... hi," he said, flashing a nervous smile. "I'm Ollie. Thanks for... letting me crash here."

Babe blinked, momentarily taken aback by how young and earnest the kid looked. "Ollie, right? Alright, well, welcome to our, uh, humble abode."

Billy gave a polite nod, though his expression remained stoic. "Welcome, Ollie. Make yourself at... home."

Ollie stepped inside, looking around with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. "Thanks! The council told me I'd be... safe here."

"Safe?" Babe echoed, raising an eyebrow. "What exactly are you running from?"

Ollie looked down, shuffling his feet. "I... kinda... uh... accidentally set my coven's headquarters on fire."

Babe's eyes widened. "You what?"

Ollie winced, looking up with an apologetic grin. "It wasn't, like, a big fire. Just... a small magical accident."

Billy's expression softened, and he looked at Babe with something resembling sympathy. "Perhaps we should... assist him in understanding his... powers."

Babe sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, Ollie, looks like you're stuck with us for a while. Just... try not to burn the place down."

Ollie gave them an enthusiastic nod. "Absolutely! You won't even notice I'm here. Promise."

But it didn't take long for Ollie's "promise" to fall apart. Within hours, the loft was a whirlwind of minor magical mishaps—plants randomly blooming out of control, lights flickering, and Babe's favorite hoodie somehow transforming into a puffy Renaissance-style blouse.

"Uh, guys?" Ollie called from the living room, looking sheepish as he held up the transformed hoodie. "I... think I might've done that by accident. Again."

Babe sighed, barely suppressing a laugh as he took the frilly shirt from Ollie. "Kid, you've got a real talent for chaos."

Billy, on the other hand, seemed more amused than frustrated, watching Ollie's antics with a bemused smile. "It appears our young friend has... an energetic spirit."

Ollie beamed, taking that as a compliment. "Thanks, Billy! I'm really trying to... get the hang of all this."

The night continued with Ollie accidentally summoning a swarm of fireflies into the loft, causing Babe to trip over a stray shoe and knock over a stack of books in a desperate attempt to shoo them outside.

"Alright, that's it," Babe said, waving his arms around as the fireflies flitted about. "Ollie, buddy, let's get you a magical crash course before we end up on the supernatural equivalent of a 'most wanted' list."

Ollie looked sheepish but nodded eagerly, his hands sparking slightly as he tried to contain his magic. "Yes, please."

Billy stepped forward, his expression serious but kind. "First, you must focus your intent. Control comes from within. Breathe... steady your mind... and visualize."

Ollie closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he tried to follow Billy's instructions. For a moment, the room was calm, the fireflies hovering quietly.

"See?" Babe said, giving Ollie an encouraging nod. "You're getting the hang of it."

But just as Ollie opened his eyes, a loud bang sounded from outside, making him jump and lose his focus. The fireflies burst into a shimmering cloud, and one final spark shot out from his fingertips, hitting a houseplant and making it explode in a shower of leaves.

Babe covered his mouth, torn between laughter and exasperation. "Alright, lesson learned: no more surprises while Ollie's practicing."

Billy, looking amused, gave Ollie a reassuring nod. "You are... progressing, albeit with some... excitement."

Ollie let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks, guys. I'll, uh, keep working on it."

As they finally settled down, Babe couldn't help but chuckle at the sheer chaos of the night. Sure, having a guest like Ollie was a headache, but it was also... surprisingly fun.

And as he looked over at Billy, who was watching Ollie with a faint smile, Babe felt a strange warmth—a sense that, maybe, this unlikely little "family" was exactly what he needed.