A/N Hi again, its me. I was sitting here bored with nothing to do (my favorite online friend wasn't on hehe LunarWerewolfOfLight so I had no one to talk to) and this idea came to me while I was waiting so please read and review, and be honest hehe.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything bwoc so back off!!!
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From the Shadows Comes the Light
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For as long as he could remember since meeting Tommy, Merton could not remember spending any night alone. As of last month, every night now was spent alone in the lair. There was usually someone to defeat or something to research for Tommy, but Pleasantville has been a peaceful little hamlet for a while now. No baddies have attacked the town, no Supernatural phenomena has taken place, nothing out of the ordinary was happening. This left the trio alot of spare time to go on with life, and Merton's was spent cooped up in the lair.
At first, not one of the three teens quite figured out that there was no danger, so they kept tightly wound and ready to fight at the drop of the hat, but it became apparent after a while that things were winding down in Pleasantville. Merton did not want to think about what this may mean for the gang, and he made every effort possible to make sure that things would not change now that their services were no longer needed to keep the town safe. Unfortunately, as Merton always thought, the longer it was that they did not fight the more they drifted apart.
Lori was the first to separate from them. She became distant and withdrawn, turning down invites made by the boys and making herself scarce at school. Pretty soon, Lori seemed to be a stranger that they greeted if they bumped into her, but otherwise made no effort to spend time with. Merton was hurt deeply over that initial separation, he had been quite fond of Lori, and could not imagine a life where she wasn't there punching or kicking him when he tried to advance on her, or the spunk that she displayed while under stress, but eventually, Merton became used to not hanging out with her, and figured that it would be him and Tommy from now on.
It didn't take long for Tommy to start drifting off as well. Football games became more important to attend, and practice ran late on a regular basis. Merton, feeling rejected decided to just grin and bear it. He figured that this was just a passing thing between them and that time would mend all things. However, as more time passed, Tommy would opt to hang out with his football buddies, with other friends and now more than ever Tommy was dating on a regular basis leaving very little if any time for Merton. Reality set in harshly when the first full moon came about and Tommy failed to show up at the lair to wait it out as he often did. Merton decided to call Tommy's house just to make sure that there were no problems, but was told that Tommy had gone out a while ago.
For Merton, that settled everything. He spent more and more time in his lair, rarely getting out. Depressed, he didn't even go online anymore. His days were spent from his bed to the couch to watch some TV, then to the bed again. That had been a month ago. Merton was sick of being alone, he thought that he had finally found solace in Tommy and Lori, in his heart of hearts, Merton knew that they would always be friends, and always would be together. Now that there was no need to fight off evil, Tommy and Lori had chosen to go their separate ways, and once again Merton was left utterly alone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Becky walked into the lair looking for Merton. She needed him to lend her some money so that she could buy the latest Brittany Spears CD and since her parents would not give her an advance in hr allowance, she turned to Merton as a desperate last resort.
"Hey freaker, where are you?"
Becky walked in a little ways into the lair, looking for her brother, who had yet to get out of bed that day.
"Hey dork, you awake? I need to ask you something. Can I have..." Becky stopped when the smell reached her. Disgusted, she backed away from the bed, thinking her brother was still asleep. Merton had woken up by Becky and he sat up to see what she wanted. When Becky saw him she screamed. "What happened to you? Oh my gosh, you look horrible." was all that she said.
Merton adjusted himself on the bed and looked at Becky.
"Much as I enjoy your oh so wonderful compliments, I'm not in the mood for you right now, can you please leave?"
Becky could hardly believe the sight that greeted her. Merton was paler than ever. He has huge black circles around his eyes and he looked like he desperately needed a shower in the worst way. The smell that emanated from him could wither flowers, and knock a bear unconscious. Becky knew that Merton had been down ever since his friends dropped him, but she didn't know it had hit him this hard.
"When was the last time you showered?" Becky asked her brother, her voice betraying her concern.
"I don't remember. What does it matter to you anyway?"
"It doesn't." Becky answered, flustered from the sudden gust of feelings that she was experiencing for her brother. Taking a deep breath, and steeling herself, Becky did the only thing she knew how, she insulted Merton.
"If it's all the same to you, freaker, I am sick of putting up with your moping around all the time, and the smell is getting to me. Why don't you forget your friends and take a shower, you need one. Get out there and do whatever it is you do cause I have friends coming over and I don't want them to see you, especially like this."
Becky then walked out of the room and slammed the door leaving Merton there to his thoughts.
'She's right' Merton thought, 'I should just take a shower and go to the Factory or something, I'm sick of being here all by myself anyway, there at least other people will be around, even if they are insulting me, at least I will be around someone'
Merton gathered his toiletries, a clean black shirt with a red dragon in the front and a pair of black trousers, black combat boots and his favorite trench coat. He grabbed a black terry cloth towel and headed for the bathroom.
Locking the door to ensure privacy, he quickly undressed and stood in front of the mirror to get a better look at himself. He was definitely thinner, his complexion went to hell, and those black circles were not becoming at all. His ribs were now visible through his chest and he could use a haircut for sure. The sight sickened him.
He got the shower hot and jumped in. While he was lathering his chest his thoughts ran away with him. He kept thinking about how much things could change in so little time. A month ago he always had people to hang out with, and now he was alone again. He still could not believe that Tommy and Lori had deserted him like that. Not that he blamed them, he was often whinny and a coward if he was honest with himself.
He knew that he should be angry with them, but really, he could never be angry with them. They had gone through too much for that, and if they ever needed him, he would be right there to help them.
Finishing his shower, Merton quickly got dried, combed his hair and when he was ready, he went to the Factory.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Factory was its usual hubbub, people dancing and having fun. Merton thought that it would seem awkward to be here without his friends, but he needed to get out of the house and this was the only place he could come to that he felt comfortable in. He walked in and went to the bad, flagging a bartender over. He asked for a blueberry spritzer and turned to look at the people in the dance floor.
Merton always wanted to be a part of that crowd. To have many friends, and people to hang out with if the evening was slow. It was a shame really that he was so ostracized by his peers. His Goth lifestyle did not go over well with most people in his school, but he could be no other way. He was far too deep into his lifestyle to change now. Not that he minded being different, but if nothing else Merton wished that people could accept him for who he was and not make such harsh prejudices about him.
The bartended came back with Merton's drink, and he paid for it accepting it gratefully when he noticed that there was someone sitting next to him. Merton looked at the stranger, not knowing what to make of him. Three things Merton noticed right away was that the guy had the greenest eyes Merton had seen ever, he was wearing all black and to top it all off, he was wearing a cape as well.
Sensing the close scrutiny the stranger turned to Merton, who found himself at a loss of words at the moment. The stranger seemed amiable enough, favoring Merton with a smile he extended his hand to him.
"Hi, my name is Tony and I'm new in town. Pleased to meet you..er?"
"Merton, the names Merton" he replied, rather awkwardly, there was something about Tony that Merton couldn't quite place.
"Well Merton, again, pleased to meet you."
This guy seemed to be totally at ease, which made Merton relax alot, enabling him to talk freely with Tony.
"You said you were new in town? Where did you live before?" Merton asked Tony, hoping to find any clues whatsoever that this guy was into the Goth lifestyle. Tony definitely dressed the part, and seemed comfortable at it. Visions of a future Gothic Fantasy Guild member found their way into Merton's thoughts.
"Actually, I move around alot, but the latest place I lived in was Pennsylvania." Tony answered Merton.
"Ah, Amish country, what was that like?"
Tony laughed at Merton's comment, making Merton feel badly thinking that Tony was making fun of him. Sensing this, Tony tried to lay Merton's mind at ease.
"I'm so sorry Merton, I'm not laughing at you. Its just, Pennsy isn't all Amish you know, there are cities there too. Philadelphia for example." Tony told Merton, noticing that the Goth relaxed again. "Listen Merton, the noise level in here is way too loud and I'm afraid that I'm getting a headache. I'm going to step outside and maybe take a walk through the park. There's still lots of Pleasantville that I haven't seen. Mind showing me around?" Tony asked a very surprised Merton.
"Sure." was all Merton could say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After about an hour, Merton was finally done showing Tony around Pleasantville. They headed to the park to hang out. Merton wanted to know if Tony was a Goth or not, but lacked the courage to come right out and ask him, so he decided to stir the conversation towards school and maybe he could slip the Guild in there.
"So Tony, where are you going to school at?"
"I'm going to Pleasantville High. I start Monday. Do you go there?"
"Yea heh heh, which sort of brings me to something I wanted to ask you. I'm the president of the Gothic Fantasy Guild, its a club at school and I was wondering if you'd like to join" Merton asked Tony, hopeful that at last the Guild would have a member besides him.
"I'm sorry Merton, I'm not into the Goth thing. Its just not my scene, but Ill gladly help you out with fund raisers and thing if you need me to."
Merton was really disappointed at hearing this, but all was not lost, he had at least made a friend. That is, at least until the word spread in school about what a freak show he was. 'I might as well enjoy this while I still can' Merton thought to himself when suddenly there was a noise to the left of them.
Merton did not know how to handle this situation, there he was, Tommy taking a walk in the park. Tommy saw Merton and froze in his tracks. Merton himself did not know what to say or do so he just stared at Tommy. Tommy took the initiative and walked up to Merton.
"Hey there buddy, nice seeing you again. How are things?" Tommy asked Merton, Pretending not to see the hurt in his eyes.
"I'm fine Tommy, just fine. How are you?"
"Can't complain man, things are good. Nice seeing you again, take care." Tommy answered and continued on to wherever he was going.
"That was rather...odd. That your friend?" Tony asked Merton.
"I don't know, we used to be but things are different now. I just don't know"
Tony nodded, giving the impression that he understood quite well. That reassured Merton, but not by much. Suddenly tired, Merton decided call it a night. He hoped to see Tony again, and hopefully if lady luck was kind to him, they would become friends.
"Well, I had a good time tonight showing you around town, hopefully we can..." was all Merton was able to get out before a sudden ear splitting shriek filled the night. Disoriented, Merton forgot all about Tony and looked for the source of the unholy sound.
There, not ten feet away was a woman. Rather pale and sickly looking, she seemed to float, her hair was long and stringy and her eyes were red. She opened her mouth and shrieked again. Pain radiated through Merton's head. Merton thought that this particular monster seemed familiar but he couldn't quite place what she was or how to get rid of her. Merton wanted to run away and research what could be done about this screaming woman, and he was about to escape when he remembered Tony.
At a glance he couldn't see him anywhere, and he was afraid that the monster got to him. Panic coursing through his veins he looked for a way out, when he heard someone mumbling to his right. There was Tony, standing out in the open, looking at the creature dead on the eyes. His arms were standing straight out towards the woman, mumbling something under his breath.
Merton was about to run to him and get him out of the way when he saw Tony's eyes give out a green glow and flames enveloped him. Thinking that it was the creature doing this, Merton began to scream but they were cut short when he heard Tony yell and flame shot away from him towards the monster. It was a matter of seconds, but the flame enveloped the monster, her screams were now those of pain and within moments, there wasn't a trace left of her.
The flames surrounding Tony vanished, and he was once more just a normal looking guy. He dusted himself off and rushed over to Merton to make sure he was ok. Thinking that Tony was going to harm him Merton quickly backed away, but Tony, sensing his discomfort stopped his advance and talked to Merton.
"Merton relax! Its ok, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not the bad guy. I just want to make sure that you are ok. Everything is fine and the threat is over. Are you alright?" Tony asked in a soothing voice, which had its desired effect on Merton, who visibly calmed down.
"Yes, I'm fine thank you. You are amazing!! How in the name of Zeus did you do that?" Merton excitedly asked Tony.
"Well, I must say, I'm surprised that you aren't freaking out over it. The truth is, I come from a long line of Witches, and all my life I have had these powers. I generally don't use them, but tonight I had no choice. Are you sure you're ok with this?" Tony asked Merton, showing vulnerability for the first time that night.
"Are you Kidding?! Of course I'm ok with it. That was incredible heh heh. So you're a warlock, must be nice."
"Well, no I'm not a warlock. I'm a witch. Most people think that warlock means a male witch, but in reality warlock means Oath breaker. In our belief, there are only witches. Most of us are good, though as with any group of people there are evil ones." Tony answered a rather confused Merton.
"Ok. So not a warlock got ya. I'm going to go to my house to research that demon woman, I want to know what that was, feel like coming over and helping out?" Merton asked Tony, eager to conduct research once again.
"No need. That was a Banshee Merton, She is a malignant spirit that can cause humans to lose their mind by screaming. They originated in Ireland, but are found mostly anywhere now a day. They feed off the intense feeling of wanting revenge and they serve the purpose of fulfilling that desire to get back at someone. Generally, after they are done carrying out the revenge they go after the person that desired the revenge to begin with. They aren't very nice lets just say."
Impressed at Tony's knowledge but dejected at being denied the opportunity of research Merton did not know quite what to say, however, Tony quickly brought Merton's sprits up.
"I have no where else to go for now though, so if the invite is still open Id like to hang out."
"Great then, lets go"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merton marveled at how enthralled Tony seemed to be with his artifacts. Tony genuinely seemed to be impressed with all of Merton's belongings, which even Tommy deemed as weird or freaky. He was asking lots of questions about where he got something, or how to use it. It refreshed Merton to know that Tony liked him for who he was, and did not need to label him. This was the sort of friend that Merton always wished for, and he was more than pleased to finally have it.
For his part, Tony was impressed with Merton's supernatural paraphernalia. Everything seemed so great from where he stood, and he let Merton know this.
"Man, you have quite a collection here Merton. You seem to really know what you're doing."
Merton had told Tony that Pleasantville was a center of evil, and that generally there was something to hunt down every week. He did not mention Tommy at all though. It still hurt Merton to think about the rejection, and besides, He couldn't very well tell Tony that he was friends with a werewolf. Merton swore to keep that secret, and by the gods that he would do.
In any case, the boys spent quite a while talking about their experiences and just hanging out. When the conversation came to a quick lull however, Tommy burst in the lair failing to notice Tony standing by Merton's desk.
"Merton! You gotta help me. I was at the park, right and out of no where this thing..." Finally noticing Tony, Tommy came to a halt. He did not expect for someone to be at the lair. Tony was eyeing Tommy carefully, making him nervous, but recovering Tommy offered his hand to the stranger.
"Hi there, names Tommy Dawkins."
The stranger however didn't acknowledge Tommy's hand, he just continued staring at Tommy. Tony's rudeness puzzled Merton, throughout the night, Tony has seemed more than friendly but now his attitude completely changed.
"I didn't know your kind could be so polite." Tony said after a long pause. Anger swept over Tommy at the strangers implication, deciding right there that he did not like him at all.
"My kind? What's that supposed to mean?" Tommy asked the stranger, his anger evident in his voice. Merton's nerves were quickly acting up. He had seen what Tony did to the Banshee and he knew how anger wolfed Tommy out.
"Werewolves of course." Tony stated, taking an already awkward situation into a very tense one. Merton was shocked that Tony knew Tommy's secret, and Tommy, a look of total surprise on his face whirled on Merton.
"You Told him?! You told a total stranger about me?" Tommy yelled at Merton, who was too stunned to speak. Making ambiguous hand gestured Merton finally managed to say "No I..I didn't..ah"
Tony stepped forward and stood face to face with Tommy.
"Relax fuzz face, Merton didn't tell me anything. When I saw you at the park I knew there was more to you that meet the eye. I've dealt with your kind enough to know how to spot you. I knew the moment you stepped in here, it's in your aura." Tony told Tommy, who in the midst of anger wolfed out.
"What do you mean you've deal with my kind? Are you a werewolf too? If you're with the syndicate prepare to get your butt whooped." Tommy growled at Tony, who now was also getting into a fighting stance.
"Watch it puppy, you have no clue who you are dealing with here." Tony told Tommy, bringing one hand up in front of him. Suddenly, in his hand appeared a glowing white orb. "I have killed many werewolves in the past. They terrorize people, and I deal with them, I suggest you pick your fights more wisely." Tony said as the orb glowed an angry orange.
Having seen enough, Merton walked from around his desk and frightfully stepped in between the feuding boys. He placed his hands on their chests and drew them apart with some effort.
"Lets have non of that shall we? Tommy, this is Tony, I met him today at the factory, he seems pretty cool. Tony this is Tommy, he's a good werewolf though so there no need for any of this. Can we all just get along here?"
Tommy growled once again, but at the Goths behest he reconsidered the situation. "Ill back down if he does." Was all Tommy had to say.
Giving a sniff of disgust Tony stated " Fine, whatever." The orb dissolved and now Tony and Tommy were just looking at each other. There was a long and awkward pause, broken only by Tony,
"Well, this just got very interesting."
A/N Well here's the first chapter. This might not be a long one but I do appreciate any reviews that you can give me. I do apologize if I got anything wrong, but for my sake, humor me. :)
Disclaimer: I don't own anything bwoc so back off!!!
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From the Shadows Comes the Light
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For as long as he could remember since meeting Tommy, Merton could not remember spending any night alone. As of last month, every night now was spent alone in the lair. There was usually someone to defeat or something to research for Tommy, but Pleasantville has been a peaceful little hamlet for a while now. No baddies have attacked the town, no Supernatural phenomena has taken place, nothing out of the ordinary was happening. This left the trio alot of spare time to go on with life, and Merton's was spent cooped up in the lair.
At first, not one of the three teens quite figured out that there was no danger, so they kept tightly wound and ready to fight at the drop of the hat, but it became apparent after a while that things were winding down in Pleasantville. Merton did not want to think about what this may mean for the gang, and he made every effort possible to make sure that things would not change now that their services were no longer needed to keep the town safe. Unfortunately, as Merton always thought, the longer it was that they did not fight the more they drifted apart.
Lori was the first to separate from them. She became distant and withdrawn, turning down invites made by the boys and making herself scarce at school. Pretty soon, Lori seemed to be a stranger that they greeted if they bumped into her, but otherwise made no effort to spend time with. Merton was hurt deeply over that initial separation, he had been quite fond of Lori, and could not imagine a life where she wasn't there punching or kicking him when he tried to advance on her, or the spunk that she displayed while under stress, but eventually, Merton became used to not hanging out with her, and figured that it would be him and Tommy from now on.
It didn't take long for Tommy to start drifting off as well. Football games became more important to attend, and practice ran late on a regular basis. Merton, feeling rejected decided to just grin and bear it. He figured that this was just a passing thing between them and that time would mend all things. However, as more time passed, Tommy would opt to hang out with his football buddies, with other friends and now more than ever Tommy was dating on a regular basis leaving very little if any time for Merton. Reality set in harshly when the first full moon came about and Tommy failed to show up at the lair to wait it out as he often did. Merton decided to call Tommy's house just to make sure that there were no problems, but was told that Tommy had gone out a while ago.
For Merton, that settled everything. He spent more and more time in his lair, rarely getting out. Depressed, he didn't even go online anymore. His days were spent from his bed to the couch to watch some TV, then to the bed again. That had been a month ago. Merton was sick of being alone, he thought that he had finally found solace in Tommy and Lori, in his heart of hearts, Merton knew that they would always be friends, and always would be together. Now that there was no need to fight off evil, Tommy and Lori had chosen to go their separate ways, and once again Merton was left utterly alone.
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Becky walked into the lair looking for Merton. She needed him to lend her some money so that she could buy the latest Brittany Spears CD and since her parents would not give her an advance in hr allowance, she turned to Merton as a desperate last resort.
"Hey freaker, where are you?"
Becky walked in a little ways into the lair, looking for her brother, who had yet to get out of bed that day.
"Hey dork, you awake? I need to ask you something. Can I have..." Becky stopped when the smell reached her. Disgusted, she backed away from the bed, thinking her brother was still asleep. Merton had woken up by Becky and he sat up to see what she wanted. When Becky saw him she screamed. "What happened to you? Oh my gosh, you look horrible." was all that she said.
Merton adjusted himself on the bed and looked at Becky.
"Much as I enjoy your oh so wonderful compliments, I'm not in the mood for you right now, can you please leave?"
Becky could hardly believe the sight that greeted her. Merton was paler than ever. He has huge black circles around his eyes and he looked like he desperately needed a shower in the worst way. The smell that emanated from him could wither flowers, and knock a bear unconscious. Becky knew that Merton had been down ever since his friends dropped him, but she didn't know it had hit him this hard.
"When was the last time you showered?" Becky asked her brother, her voice betraying her concern.
"I don't remember. What does it matter to you anyway?"
"It doesn't." Becky answered, flustered from the sudden gust of feelings that she was experiencing for her brother. Taking a deep breath, and steeling herself, Becky did the only thing she knew how, she insulted Merton.
"If it's all the same to you, freaker, I am sick of putting up with your moping around all the time, and the smell is getting to me. Why don't you forget your friends and take a shower, you need one. Get out there and do whatever it is you do cause I have friends coming over and I don't want them to see you, especially like this."
Becky then walked out of the room and slammed the door leaving Merton there to his thoughts.
'She's right' Merton thought, 'I should just take a shower and go to the Factory or something, I'm sick of being here all by myself anyway, there at least other people will be around, even if they are insulting me, at least I will be around someone'
Merton gathered his toiletries, a clean black shirt with a red dragon in the front and a pair of black trousers, black combat boots and his favorite trench coat. He grabbed a black terry cloth towel and headed for the bathroom.
Locking the door to ensure privacy, he quickly undressed and stood in front of the mirror to get a better look at himself. He was definitely thinner, his complexion went to hell, and those black circles were not becoming at all. His ribs were now visible through his chest and he could use a haircut for sure. The sight sickened him.
He got the shower hot and jumped in. While he was lathering his chest his thoughts ran away with him. He kept thinking about how much things could change in so little time. A month ago he always had people to hang out with, and now he was alone again. He still could not believe that Tommy and Lori had deserted him like that. Not that he blamed them, he was often whinny and a coward if he was honest with himself.
He knew that he should be angry with them, but really, he could never be angry with them. They had gone through too much for that, and if they ever needed him, he would be right there to help them.
Finishing his shower, Merton quickly got dried, combed his hair and when he was ready, he went to the Factory.
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The Factory was its usual hubbub, people dancing and having fun. Merton thought that it would seem awkward to be here without his friends, but he needed to get out of the house and this was the only place he could come to that he felt comfortable in. He walked in and went to the bad, flagging a bartender over. He asked for a blueberry spritzer and turned to look at the people in the dance floor.
Merton always wanted to be a part of that crowd. To have many friends, and people to hang out with if the evening was slow. It was a shame really that he was so ostracized by his peers. His Goth lifestyle did not go over well with most people in his school, but he could be no other way. He was far too deep into his lifestyle to change now. Not that he minded being different, but if nothing else Merton wished that people could accept him for who he was and not make such harsh prejudices about him.
The bartended came back with Merton's drink, and he paid for it accepting it gratefully when he noticed that there was someone sitting next to him. Merton looked at the stranger, not knowing what to make of him. Three things Merton noticed right away was that the guy had the greenest eyes Merton had seen ever, he was wearing all black and to top it all off, he was wearing a cape as well.
Sensing the close scrutiny the stranger turned to Merton, who found himself at a loss of words at the moment. The stranger seemed amiable enough, favoring Merton with a smile he extended his hand to him.
"Hi, my name is Tony and I'm new in town. Pleased to meet you..er?"
"Merton, the names Merton" he replied, rather awkwardly, there was something about Tony that Merton couldn't quite place.
"Well Merton, again, pleased to meet you."
This guy seemed to be totally at ease, which made Merton relax alot, enabling him to talk freely with Tony.
"You said you were new in town? Where did you live before?" Merton asked Tony, hoping to find any clues whatsoever that this guy was into the Goth lifestyle. Tony definitely dressed the part, and seemed comfortable at it. Visions of a future Gothic Fantasy Guild member found their way into Merton's thoughts.
"Actually, I move around alot, but the latest place I lived in was Pennsylvania." Tony answered Merton.
"Ah, Amish country, what was that like?"
Tony laughed at Merton's comment, making Merton feel badly thinking that Tony was making fun of him. Sensing this, Tony tried to lay Merton's mind at ease.
"I'm so sorry Merton, I'm not laughing at you. Its just, Pennsy isn't all Amish you know, there are cities there too. Philadelphia for example." Tony told Merton, noticing that the Goth relaxed again. "Listen Merton, the noise level in here is way too loud and I'm afraid that I'm getting a headache. I'm going to step outside and maybe take a walk through the park. There's still lots of Pleasantville that I haven't seen. Mind showing me around?" Tony asked a very surprised Merton.
"Sure." was all Merton could say.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After about an hour, Merton was finally done showing Tony around Pleasantville. They headed to the park to hang out. Merton wanted to know if Tony was a Goth or not, but lacked the courage to come right out and ask him, so he decided to stir the conversation towards school and maybe he could slip the Guild in there.
"So Tony, where are you going to school at?"
"I'm going to Pleasantville High. I start Monday. Do you go there?"
"Yea heh heh, which sort of brings me to something I wanted to ask you. I'm the president of the Gothic Fantasy Guild, its a club at school and I was wondering if you'd like to join" Merton asked Tony, hopeful that at last the Guild would have a member besides him.
"I'm sorry Merton, I'm not into the Goth thing. Its just not my scene, but Ill gladly help you out with fund raisers and thing if you need me to."
Merton was really disappointed at hearing this, but all was not lost, he had at least made a friend. That is, at least until the word spread in school about what a freak show he was. 'I might as well enjoy this while I still can' Merton thought to himself when suddenly there was a noise to the left of them.
Merton did not know how to handle this situation, there he was, Tommy taking a walk in the park. Tommy saw Merton and froze in his tracks. Merton himself did not know what to say or do so he just stared at Tommy. Tommy took the initiative and walked up to Merton.
"Hey there buddy, nice seeing you again. How are things?" Tommy asked Merton, Pretending not to see the hurt in his eyes.
"I'm fine Tommy, just fine. How are you?"
"Can't complain man, things are good. Nice seeing you again, take care." Tommy answered and continued on to wherever he was going.
"That was rather...odd. That your friend?" Tony asked Merton.
"I don't know, we used to be but things are different now. I just don't know"
Tony nodded, giving the impression that he understood quite well. That reassured Merton, but not by much. Suddenly tired, Merton decided call it a night. He hoped to see Tony again, and hopefully if lady luck was kind to him, they would become friends.
"Well, I had a good time tonight showing you around town, hopefully we can..." was all Merton was able to get out before a sudden ear splitting shriek filled the night. Disoriented, Merton forgot all about Tony and looked for the source of the unholy sound.
There, not ten feet away was a woman. Rather pale and sickly looking, she seemed to float, her hair was long and stringy and her eyes were red. She opened her mouth and shrieked again. Pain radiated through Merton's head. Merton thought that this particular monster seemed familiar but he couldn't quite place what she was or how to get rid of her. Merton wanted to run away and research what could be done about this screaming woman, and he was about to escape when he remembered Tony.
At a glance he couldn't see him anywhere, and he was afraid that the monster got to him. Panic coursing through his veins he looked for a way out, when he heard someone mumbling to his right. There was Tony, standing out in the open, looking at the creature dead on the eyes. His arms were standing straight out towards the woman, mumbling something under his breath.
Merton was about to run to him and get him out of the way when he saw Tony's eyes give out a green glow and flames enveloped him. Thinking that it was the creature doing this, Merton began to scream but they were cut short when he heard Tony yell and flame shot away from him towards the monster. It was a matter of seconds, but the flame enveloped the monster, her screams were now those of pain and within moments, there wasn't a trace left of her.
The flames surrounding Tony vanished, and he was once more just a normal looking guy. He dusted himself off and rushed over to Merton to make sure he was ok. Thinking that Tony was going to harm him Merton quickly backed away, but Tony, sensing his discomfort stopped his advance and talked to Merton.
"Merton relax! Its ok, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm not the bad guy. I just want to make sure that you are ok. Everything is fine and the threat is over. Are you alright?" Tony asked in a soothing voice, which had its desired effect on Merton, who visibly calmed down.
"Yes, I'm fine thank you. You are amazing!! How in the name of Zeus did you do that?" Merton excitedly asked Tony.
"Well, I must say, I'm surprised that you aren't freaking out over it. The truth is, I come from a long line of Witches, and all my life I have had these powers. I generally don't use them, but tonight I had no choice. Are you sure you're ok with this?" Tony asked Merton, showing vulnerability for the first time that night.
"Are you Kidding?! Of course I'm ok with it. That was incredible heh heh. So you're a warlock, must be nice."
"Well, no I'm not a warlock. I'm a witch. Most people think that warlock means a male witch, but in reality warlock means Oath breaker. In our belief, there are only witches. Most of us are good, though as with any group of people there are evil ones." Tony answered a rather confused Merton.
"Ok. So not a warlock got ya. I'm going to go to my house to research that demon woman, I want to know what that was, feel like coming over and helping out?" Merton asked Tony, eager to conduct research once again.
"No need. That was a Banshee Merton, She is a malignant spirit that can cause humans to lose their mind by screaming. They originated in Ireland, but are found mostly anywhere now a day. They feed off the intense feeling of wanting revenge and they serve the purpose of fulfilling that desire to get back at someone. Generally, after they are done carrying out the revenge they go after the person that desired the revenge to begin with. They aren't very nice lets just say."
Impressed at Tony's knowledge but dejected at being denied the opportunity of research Merton did not know quite what to say, however, Tony quickly brought Merton's sprits up.
"I have no where else to go for now though, so if the invite is still open Id like to hang out."
"Great then, lets go"
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merton marveled at how enthralled Tony seemed to be with his artifacts. Tony genuinely seemed to be impressed with all of Merton's belongings, which even Tommy deemed as weird or freaky. He was asking lots of questions about where he got something, or how to use it. It refreshed Merton to know that Tony liked him for who he was, and did not need to label him. This was the sort of friend that Merton always wished for, and he was more than pleased to finally have it.
For his part, Tony was impressed with Merton's supernatural paraphernalia. Everything seemed so great from where he stood, and he let Merton know this.
"Man, you have quite a collection here Merton. You seem to really know what you're doing."
Merton had told Tony that Pleasantville was a center of evil, and that generally there was something to hunt down every week. He did not mention Tommy at all though. It still hurt Merton to think about the rejection, and besides, He couldn't very well tell Tony that he was friends with a werewolf. Merton swore to keep that secret, and by the gods that he would do.
In any case, the boys spent quite a while talking about their experiences and just hanging out. When the conversation came to a quick lull however, Tommy burst in the lair failing to notice Tony standing by Merton's desk.
"Merton! You gotta help me. I was at the park, right and out of no where this thing..." Finally noticing Tony, Tommy came to a halt. He did not expect for someone to be at the lair. Tony was eyeing Tommy carefully, making him nervous, but recovering Tommy offered his hand to the stranger.
"Hi there, names Tommy Dawkins."
The stranger however didn't acknowledge Tommy's hand, he just continued staring at Tommy. Tony's rudeness puzzled Merton, throughout the night, Tony has seemed more than friendly but now his attitude completely changed.
"I didn't know your kind could be so polite." Tony said after a long pause. Anger swept over Tommy at the strangers implication, deciding right there that he did not like him at all.
"My kind? What's that supposed to mean?" Tommy asked the stranger, his anger evident in his voice. Merton's nerves were quickly acting up. He had seen what Tony did to the Banshee and he knew how anger wolfed Tommy out.
"Werewolves of course." Tony stated, taking an already awkward situation into a very tense one. Merton was shocked that Tony knew Tommy's secret, and Tommy, a look of total surprise on his face whirled on Merton.
"You Told him?! You told a total stranger about me?" Tommy yelled at Merton, who was too stunned to speak. Making ambiguous hand gestured Merton finally managed to say "No I..I didn't..ah"
Tony stepped forward and stood face to face with Tommy.
"Relax fuzz face, Merton didn't tell me anything. When I saw you at the park I knew there was more to you that meet the eye. I've dealt with your kind enough to know how to spot you. I knew the moment you stepped in here, it's in your aura." Tony told Tommy, who in the midst of anger wolfed out.
"What do you mean you've deal with my kind? Are you a werewolf too? If you're with the syndicate prepare to get your butt whooped." Tommy growled at Tony, who now was also getting into a fighting stance.
"Watch it puppy, you have no clue who you are dealing with here." Tony told Tommy, bringing one hand up in front of him. Suddenly, in his hand appeared a glowing white orb. "I have killed many werewolves in the past. They terrorize people, and I deal with them, I suggest you pick your fights more wisely." Tony said as the orb glowed an angry orange.
Having seen enough, Merton walked from around his desk and frightfully stepped in between the feuding boys. He placed his hands on their chests and drew them apart with some effort.
"Lets have non of that shall we? Tommy, this is Tony, I met him today at the factory, he seems pretty cool. Tony this is Tommy, he's a good werewolf though so there no need for any of this. Can we all just get along here?"
Tommy growled once again, but at the Goths behest he reconsidered the situation. "Ill back down if he does." Was all Tommy had to say.
Giving a sniff of disgust Tony stated " Fine, whatever." The orb dissolved and now Tony and Tommy were just looking at each other. There was a long and awkward pause, broken only by Tony,
"Well, this just got very interesting."
A/N Well here's the first chapter. This might not be a long one but I do appreciate any reviews that you can give me. I do apologize if I got anything wrong, but for my sake, humor me. :)