Author's Note: Hi peoples, and Happy Belated Halloween! It's me the Fro Ninja! I haven't posted a good one shot in a while, so here's on me and my good friend Jester came up with after seeing Hotel Transylvania 2. This also marks our second collaboration, so without further ado, enjoy!
Unknown Perspective
Somewhere in northwestern Europe
It's been a nice week.
Every since I left my position at the British police force, I've been able to apply myself more freely. While I once considered my pursuit for the supernatural an undying passion, I now look at it as a weakness. Since my early childhood, my senses have told me of the dangers hidden in the unknown. Now I've made it my life's work to seek out these unknowns and uncover them. It's a common fact that humanity fears that which they do not understand, but a few others and myself, make it our sole purpose to think otherwise, and reveal what is hidden in the dark.
Walking towards the cliff faced before me, I swap my right Cap attachment for its secondary one. My Caps, as I call them are of specialty copper and steel gauntlets that uses compressed heated air to fire my weaponry.
Going into my pocket, I slide and secure a three-pronged claw into its housing causing. Firing with ease, the claw housed inside opens mid flight, and secures its three hooks into the cliff side. Tugging a few times I find it secured.
Pulling back the leaver in next to the housing case it retracts the rope pulling me along with it. Feeling the rush of air against my face and my goggles I count till I reach the ledge. Reaching my time I stretch out my hand gripping the ledge. Pulling myself up, I detach the claw from the cliff and it reenters its housing. Walking along the cliff ledge I climb a small cluster of rocks. I then look out to the side of the small rocky terrain I've been traversing.
"They say that you home some of the most feared monsters in history, Transylvania. Lets see if you can further my hopes." I state to myself.
I've spent many years of my life researching the things that can't be seen, and the things that people fear. Beings that would make even the most well trained soldier drop to their knees in defect. I've researched clues, items, and even find hints of monsters.
The monotheistic churches of jolly great England would often say that monsters are to keep kids in line from reckless behavior. That the monsters that possess men are men filled with the demon's rum. But I know for a fact that monsters are real. I've faced several haunted homes, evil items, and so called paranormal events as a private investigator for years.
Because of my young age, most say I'm wasting my life, but my pursuit for the unknown is what I do. A monster I had came to face recently, had reminded me of why as a child I often read books that would make the neighborhood children be afraid to look at their own shadow. But I have never feared them. Not then. Not now.
Walking down the gravel path of the terrain, I find a small village. A few homes here and there, but nothing major. I've been to the various outer rims of Europe. From the beautiful landscapes of Italy, to the snow capped lands of Russia. Many facts and discoveries that had reached my ears have helped my research string along greatly. Though one tale that I always to seemed to come upon in my travels, were the tales of Transylvania and the whispers that go along with it. Being the passionate soul that I am, I hardly found anything that kept me from not wanting to explore and uncover the mystery. And so, I set out to find the location in question about a few weeks ago.
Exploring the town a little bit, I come across a cozy looking pub across from the water fountain. Walking in, I see the various farmers and fishermen of the village. Despite me being an outsider, none of them so as much batted an eyelid toward me as I walk to the counter.
The bar lady looks me over. I can tell from her questioning expression, she's wondering what I could possibly be after all the way out here. I nonchalantly drop a dozen coins on the counter as an exchange for information.
"Pardon me, my lady keeper. Can I ask if you know of anything that scares the people of your village?" She picked up one coin and tries to bend it with her teeth. She then takes a hammer to it. After several hits she slides the other into her hand. Dropping them all into a jar. She then fills a cup with whatever everyone else has been drinking.
"Are you the adventuring sort then? Is that why you're dressed that way?"
I give my jacket a little swipe to her question.
"Why yes. I'm an investigator of things that go bump in the night. I also investigate the spreading tales throughout the lands."
"So your an adventurer looking for monsters! Ha! You best take your drink and pay a visit to the head doctor while you're at it. We don't believe in monsters and fairy tales. And most of all, we don't like wise arses asking stupid muck."
"So if you won't talk to me, might I ask who will? I can pay handsomely if that's the issue, and I don't skip on a nice addition to what you have to say."
One fisherman shoots up out of his seat.
"Get lost yah horse arse! We don't take kindly to fancy lookers like you around here."
Looking them over as I sip from my cup, I can tell they know something. I can also tell that they fear that something. Although it would probably risk me in getting into an unwanted altercation with these folk if I question any further, so I decide to keep quiet. As I drink half way through my beverage, three men walk into the pub. Two carrying revolvers and another holding a side-by-side shotgun.
"Its about time! Sheriff! Get this arse out of me house! He's asking foolishness and trying to bribe me customers!" The one with the big badge walks over to me. I'm assuming he's the sheriff in question.
"If I were you, I would pack up and leave stranger, before we have a conflict on our hands, and I'm positive a well dressed gentleman like yourself wouldn't want that. Would you know?" He said menacingly.
As his hand slowly reaches for his gun I slide my left jacket breast open, to see his surprised face.
"Do you really intend to shoot the head of Great Britain's Seventh Branch of Police Investigation sheriff? Cause if you do, I can and will shoot back. And no one here will be able to stop me from walking free. So I advise you to think carefully, or you and your deputies will have a silent trip to the undertaker this evening." Despite my words being those of brash individual, my tone was that of a saint simply preaching his gospel.
Following my advice, the sheriff eases his hand away from his gun. Clearly knowing that even with my blank look, I'm serious in every word. Taking the final gulp of my drink I put down the cup. I then step off from the bar counter and place my hand on his shoulder. "You should tell your business owners that it's rude to insult strangers when all they do is ask a simple question. I even paid double the normal amount for that drink. Such generosity comes only once in a while. You would do well to not shoot yourself in the foot at those moments. Well then, gentlemen, barkeep, Good evening."
Walking out the door, I turn down the side of a few homes away to reach the stables outside of the town. Inside, I see a man hammering in a horse's shoe. Noticing my presence without even speaking, he turns to me. His large glasses and hunched back was all I saw at first. But his clearly white hair and thinning roots tell me he's old. And where the youths won't talk the elders will talk.
"Excuse me sir, if you don't mind me saying, it has be tiring working like this while all the younger men do is drink, while you're here wasting away a beautiful night like this."
The old horsemen nods in agreement. He adjusts his glasses to look me in the eye with a tired old smile.
"Oh, you have no idea stranger. My son's at the pub right now drinking his month's pay away. Aye, it is sad, but there's not really many things here to help expand our exports. Even fish trading is getting harder, and the crop season for the farmers is no different. This little town is barely able to survive off scraps of what little we have. It has hit the men in this town the hardest especially."
" I can tell from the men that cried while putting salt in their drinks. Is there a reason for such a drought?"
He then chuckles as he continues his work.
"I know your type stranger. Are you looking trouble? Because it can find you easier then you think, 'specially 'round these parts."
"No I'm just following a little tale that I heard and it happened to lead me here. I was just hoping someone here could help point me to the right direction so that I could get back on track."
The old horseman picks up a crudely made pipe and fills it with tobacco. Lighting it he breathes a few puffs to look away as he looks for some more nails.
"The youngin's think that by ignoring and not thinking about them, they'll go away. But even since I was a kid they've been around. One even killed my ma when I was still too young to understand death. Our small place is infested with monsters stranger. And if you go looking for them, they'll surely kill you. I even attempted to fight those monsters as a young man, and there were even times the people would come together parties trying to defend the town. Nowadays, we all keep to ourselves. But they on the other hand, have more influence, more power, and have spread far throughout the land. Some of them even affect the people in power for our homestead."
It didn't take a genius to know that the people of these village were scared of whatever was out there. Whatever threat was dormant here, it had been terrorizing the people for decades according to this old man. Even though I had no right or cause to, I decided to what felt right in this situation. I stood up straight and looked at him with a serious face.
"What if I say I investigate things like this for a living? And what if I say I can help?"
The old horseman looks me over with an eye, puffing his pipe as he continues his work
"I'd say you're insane and the sheriff should lock you up for your own good." Can't say I didn't expect that reaction. I've been getting it since kindergarten. Reaching into one of the pockets of my backpack, I pull out the first field journal that I wrote in as a child. Flipping through the pages, I hand the open book to him. As the old man looks it over with questioning eyes, his expression slowly turns from speculation, to intrigue, and then to shock.
Handing me back my book he hobbles past me to pull a tube of paper. Using the nails in his hand he pins up the paper. Revealing the large map he points to the town where we are. "Travel northeast along the river of the village. When you find the cobble bridge connecting the two high cliffs cross to the other side, travel north. After about two days, you'll find a decaying village surrounded by a large graveyard. Walk past the empty crypts and you'll find the forest. It's their home... it's where they all come from and walk free in our world. Last I heard, a few have been returning from far away lands."
"Far away lands? How far are we talking here specifically?" I asked him.
"Far stranger. A place that lies beyond this realm of man, where the rules that we follow everyday don't apply to them."
I smile at his words and place my book back in my bag.
"I see. I think you might have been onto something. I'll follow your direction. I thank you, oh and here." I hand him a fist full of gold coins, and quickly sketch every inch of the marked map along with the instructions he gave me in another journal. As I gather my bearings to leave, he stops me. Going around the side of his small workroom in the stables he comes back with a box. Opening it he reveals that inside is a revolver and several large bullets.
Picking up the large bullet I can smell and see from the chrome covering that the bullet is silver.
"I assume you've heard that silver wards them off. But made into a bullet and they'll die in an instant." Taking five bullets, I thank him. "Tread lightly stranger..." He left me with his last words before getting back to his work. Pulling a cylinder for my left Cap, I slide in the rounds, and placed the cylinder back into one of my many leather belt pouches. I left the town and headed off to the river and start off on my latest lead. I don't know what I was expecting to find, but I was certainly looking forward to finding out.
Four days later...
I finally made it to the graveyard. Seeing some of the grave holes either with exposed coffins or just empty, I continue my walk. Switching my left cap I attach my revolver system. It's a revolver housed in a housing like my other systems. The system allows me to switch between close range rounds like shotgun shells. And normal to heavy style rounds. It also has an extension allowing me to load a cylinder of rifle rounds for medium range. While I finish loading normal rounds into the close range barrel I also switch my left Caps claw to a harpoon.
Seeing as how I'm going to be around trees for a while, the four triangle barbs on its underside will help me easily scale them. Walking through the dim forest in the moonlight I begin to feel eyes beaming on me. It's a different feeling when you people stare and are making you a target.
When someone stares, they're capable of studying another person. But that's at the expense that they care little for how dangerous the target can be. Whoever it is that's watching me is doing well to hide themselves.
"Well, I think that's enough walking for today..." Walking a few feet from the small path I've been following. I make a small fire out of the dead twigs and leaves. I look around in small glances to not make it obvious I know I being watched, but when I steal a quick glance, all I find looking at me are some ravens and an owl inside a tree. With my campfire lit, I start to heat a small pot of water. I fancy some tea in life threatening situations, and now is no different.
Dracula's Point of View
Walking around my manor, I start to welcome guests and my friends who've come to spend the night. For the longest time, the manor has been my home away from home for my fellow members of the night. After escaping the judgment of one realm, we ended up in another realm, filled with humans that are even less tolerant of things they deem as different. Humans are humans no matter where you go, and no matter how many colors they have, they'll still be the same color inside. Black and filled with hate regardless of their skin color.
Sighing, I walk down the corridor seeing my green skinned witch maids do their jobs. As I began thanking them for their hard work, one of the maids stops me as I continue my rounds. I stop in my tracks and wait for her to catch up. After a few more feet she catches her breath before she speaks.
"Lord Dracula! Your daughter has been calling for you! Also one of the Knights says they need you right away. They say they've found an intruder is in the forest!" How's that possible?! An intruder after so long?! There only a few realms of possibilities on what type of intruder it can be. My best guess is a human, but I decide to remain calm in this situation. But the worst part is how Mavis will react to it all. She's never had contact with the human world since that time. It's better to keep this under wraps.
"Tell Mavis I must look into an intruder, and tell her to stay in her room. Once it's settled down, I will see her in her room. And tell Candace to go to Mavis to have girls talk or something, alright?" The maid nods and races off. Using my magic I transform and race up several floors to the gargoyle's watch tower. Stopping what they were all doing one of my black knights approach me. The black knights are the royal guard vampires to any lord or lady vampire noble. It often saddens me that there is a hierarchy of vampires that's used even today.
My lead knight Stephen approaches with a bow. He's been loyal to me ever since his father passed.
"Lord Dracula. It appears a human has ventured into the black forest. Though it appears he is of a different kilt from other humans that have wandered in our territory."
"What do you mean?"
"It seems not even the spirits surrounding the area affect him."
"What is he doing right now?"
"From what the ravens tell us, he's sleeping near a campfire." Rubbing my chin I think out loud.
"If we just kill this human, it'll be the end of it, but I need to know more details about him. What of his appearance?"
"From the looks of it, he has thick leather clothing and according to the ravens, he smells of gun powder with tiny hints of silver. Whoever he is, he is armed and prepared for any situation."
"So he's a hunter then... He must be investigating the area. If we kill him, it's likely other human hunters will venture here. It's best if we capture him. If we erase his memory, then no else will try their luck at finding us. Hop to it!" In a flash Stephen and two other transform into smoke and fly out through an open window. I yelled out at the gargoyles. "Keep your eyes on what the human does through the raven's eyes! Report to me every action that goes on at the scene!"
The gargoyles nod as they use the magic bowls to see through the raven's eyes. After a few minutes, they finally report to me on the battle.
"My lord! Sir Stephen and his men have engaged the human! It appears... he's using odd weapons attached to his arms to fight back!"
Hearing the news of the fights play by play, I start to become amused by the human's choice of fighting. Having a gun strapped to a gauntlet on his arm will break his arm in three places if he uses irresponsibly. But even while admitting my critique, but the fight continues.
One knight gets shot in the hip, and another takes a swing at the human with a broad axe. He then fires a rope from one of his gauntlets into a nearby tree, pulling avoiding the swing. Landing on a tree branch, he dodges Stephens sword. With the sword caught in the tree trunk, the human fires twice into Stephens thigh. But Stephen backhands human causing him to fall out of the tree.
Landing on his back, the human rolls as a knight tries to pin him with his sword. He then uses his rope to grab a large fallen branch and pulls. His target was the back of the knight's helmet, and before he knew it, the impact hit off . Dazed, the knight gets shot in the shoulder and the human takes off. I'm amazed at hearing the human is keeping just out of reach as the knights give chase.
"Sir, he managed to escape into the clearing!"
I rubbed my chin at the revelation at the action.
Getting back to the path to my manor in his sprint he switches the metal top of his right gauntlet. Loading an odd cylinder he stops as the knight try to surround him. He fires two odd small balls at the other knights, only causing blinding lights to stop the knight advance to him. He then charges, grabbing the human's arms and pointing them outward. Stephen demands the human to surrender or he'll drink all his blood, and I can believe that he will too, it's been quite sometime since we had a human at the manor. It turns out the situation took a different turn, as the human surrenders and disarms himself from what the gargoyles tell me. I honestly was looking forward to more of his resilient resistance.
"So that's it then... Tell Stephen to cuff the human and bring him to my throne room."
As I fly down to the second floor, the manor is already buzzing with news of a human. As I go to sit on my throne, I sigh and rub my head. Pretty soon, my daughter Mavis and her maid Candace, join by standing at my side. I quickly brush off my rather sluggish mood, and greet my gift from above with a smile
"Good evening my little blood lamb! How are you doing?! No trouble I hope before the big event, eh?" Not saying anything, Mavis turns to me looking just as upset as she did the other day.
"Dad. When are we going to talk about this whole suitor issue? I told you I don't want to do it."
Oh not this again. Despite my willingness to make time for her, I stop her rant, and proceed back to business. I then lovingly pat her on the head.
"*sigh* I promise, In a moment, sugar lumps. Daddy has some business to take care of first." After a few seconds, the doors at the end of the throne room opens, with my guards and my beloved guest in tow. Seeing the human in closer inspection, his uniquely red skinned body stands out to me, as does his flowing white hair complimented by his blank expression, despite a few of the guards pushing him to proceed. My knights keep their weapons ready as the human walks forward. He stops ten feet away from the steps leading to my throne. I inspect him with great interest.
"My lord! As you can see, the human has been apprehended! What do you wish to do with him?!" I continue to scan the human with my eyes. I even glare as he bows towards me. His appearance is indeed like any human I've seen before, but the thing that stands out the most about him is the symbol on the metal piece under the straps of his jacket. Why does it seem so familiar. The two griffon heads as they stare to opposite ends, and the blue lining... It's reminding me of those that few understood. It can be... but just to be sure...
"He is disarmed correct?" Stephen nods to me. I then stood up out of my seat. "Remove your jacket human! I wish to see the chest piece your wearing." Stephen nods at my bequest and removes the human's shackles.
"You heard Lord Dracula! Remove the jacket human! Try anything and you will regret it."
Despite the threats, the human stays absolutely calm in his expression. Pretty soon, he begins to speak.
"But why would I do such a thing? I have but one simple goal, to observe and document what I see. You have already subdued me, I see no need for you to remain hostile." One knight presses his weapon to the human's back.
"Then you should have surrendered earlier! You nearly took out all of our men with your unwillingness to cooperate!"
" 'Unwillingness' you say? If I recall, you were the ones to attack first. All I did was simply defend myself, as is my right. Could you not claim the same?"
"Enough mindless chatter!" Stephen yelled out. "Just remove his jacket now!"
With the jacket off, I finally see it. It was the crest of a long forgotten age. One when I was still as young as my daughter. The two headed griffon suddenly came to light, it was the symbol of the Greys. I cleared my throat and began to speak to him.
"Who are you and how did you come to have that crest?"
"I'm Lucas Howe the Fifth. My father passed this crest onto me after he passed. He told me not to never take if off. I'm told it's supposed to bring good luck, apparently."
Observing the human's demeanor, I sneer at his statement.
"You're the first human in many years to step foot in this place. Do you realize that? As well as the first to bring that crest back through these halls as well. But I must commend your skills however. Very few are capable of taking on my knights and coming out of it alive. But you do realize that because of these facts, I can't allow you to simply go free. Stephen! Lock him in the lone corridor dungeon."
"My lord! Wouldn't it be better to simply to erase his memories?! We were able to apprehend him as so! If that's the case we can-"
I quickly cut off Stephen.
"Have you not been paying attention to the crest he bares, or his demeanor? Stephen, he allowed you to capture him. If you had bitten him, his blood surely would have driven you mad, and afterward it would have killed you as well." Stephen and a few others gasp and turn to the blank hazel eyes of the human near them. He then allows the human to put back on his jacket, and quickly slapped back on the shackles. I ordered Stephen and the knights to take him to the dungeon, but instructed him to leave the humans weapons here with me. I don't know the purpose for the person to be here, but I have no doubt the reason will soon come to light eventually, just not right now.
Dismissing the onlookers, I walk along with Mavis and Candace to my quarters. Once there, I place the human's belongings and turn to Mavis.
"Dad, who was that? Was he really a human? And is all that stuff you said about that his blood true?"
"I'm not fully sure, but I won't take the chance. Worry not about him pumpkin, and focus on the coming week. Suitors from the houses of Stromsburg, Vladimir, and Khan are all coming here! All attempting to win your heart and hand." As I said that, huffed and growled at me.
"Dad, for the last time, I don't want a fixed marriage! Why can't I just find the one I want to be with?"
"You don't understand Mavis! It's because the family bloodline must be upheld. You're a Dracula, and its high time you ought to act with dignity and prosperity in the name of your family!"
"Even if it means to forsake what I want?!"
Suddenly, I felt my head starting swell up with frustration.
"Why can't you just understand this I am simply doing what is best for you?!"
Mavis turns her back to me and pouts over by the window. I look to Candace who signs to me the 'gentler' hands. Nodding as I sigh I walk over and turn her back to me. "Look Mavis, I'm not trying force you to marry or sleep with a suitor the moment you meet one, I just want you to try and find love. As you can probably tell, it's getting harder and harder for us vampires as of late. Before, feeding off of humans was simple and we didn't have the risk of trying to fight off diseases. Now we must drink filtered blood plasma to keep us going. Our kind has been split into three different types, and we have to hypnotize humans leaders to not allow people near our homes." Mavis eyes shift from me to look out into the night sky. "O.K look, how about I let you go through the human's journals and see what he's got up his sleeve hmm?"
"Fine. But only because you know I like to read." Nodding I take out the humans gauntlets, his weapons attachments, the ammo, and the odd smelling box of flowers and planets. Handing Mavis the backpack, she hugs me and walks off back to her room. Candace stays behind. No doubt to speak her mind again.
"You know she's only doing this so you don't get angry like last year. My lord, Mavis loves you and she doesn't want to disappoint you."
"I know that, but... I just wish that she'd find a nice man to settle down with, and even grant me an heir."
"I'm aware of your intent, but nonetheless, be careful my Lord. Sometimes harmless wishes tend to go wrong for one side." As she walks off I place the humans weapons against my dresser. But because of the way I drop them a harpoon goes through my hands.I hiss as the four barbs tug at my skin. Giving a few gentle tugs the barbs don't give. Sighing I brace for the pain as I tug harder.
"By the Maker, does that hurt!"
Mavis's POV
I started to read the human called Lucas's journals a few nights ago. He's been to almost every state and place in Europe. Dad barely even lets me go beyond the forest. Walking on my ceiling I read the fortieth entry in his first journal. It reads 'September 17. Finished finding the missing birthstone for Ms. Delanco's daughter. One of her ex husbands tried to sell it to make enough money to pay off a bookie in the Cauldron. The daughter thanked me by kissing my cheek and asked if I was free for dinner. I told her if my schedule would let me. But I don't plan to. I have a meeting with professor Russell, who says I might like the latest recorder cylinder he's found in the western port. He says that a third voice can be heard when its played slow enough. I cannot wait to document and write my findings.'
Flipping to the next entry it reads 'The third voice on the recorder cylinder was simply a cat disturbing a paper pile by the recorder. Inspector Doug has asked me why I look into these paranormal events. I simply told him it's interesting to think about. We aren't or may not be alone in our growing world. I wonder if some have already interacted with the beings that hide in our fears or the dark. I'm going to Ireland in a few days to ask around about the growing talks of werewolves. I know the tales from the Brother's Grimm's stories like the back of my hand, but I've found it better to talk to the locals, and see what time has passed down in their inner communities.'
Hearing the door open, I look down to see Candace walking in with a bowl of soup.
"Are you still reading that humans journals? Mavis you need to pick out a dress and be ready for tomorrow night's ball. I know you don't want to talk to these rich or snarky men, but at least try for your father's sake. He does sincerely want you to be happy."
"*sigh* I know Candace. but I just know that they're going to stare at me because of my body. And like my dad said he doesn't want another fight like last year. But I just hope that none of the suitors talk about my butt like that one man did."
"Well it is common for most men to be drawn to either a woman's behind, or chest. And you certainly have both features for eye appeal."
Blushing I slapped her shoulder as I place the bowl on my bedside.
"Hey. I heard that my dad had talked to the human a few days ago. So what did he say?" Candace raises an eye at me.
"Rest assured my Lady, it wasn't anything serious. All he asked was stuff about when he was younger. Honestly, that human doesn't say much. He doesn't even talk to the guards from what I hear from Stephen. All he does is sit around his cell and watch the guards. A few of them even say his eyes look a little green in the right light."
"Sounds like he's just bored. Like some people around here." I lightly cough as I say that.
"Well seeing as he's not going anywhere, he has every right to be. Your dad said that the guards only need to watch him during the day, as he's usually asleep during the night."
As I look over my dresses I pick out a nice lavender dress with a matching warm yellow bow and corset, and place it on the bed.
"Ok! I'll wear these. Can you have the maids add anything to it if my dad feels like making additions? I'm going out for a walk."
"Just don't go to far past the first tree cluster! And try to stay away from the human!"
Transforming into my bat form I fly out my window, but in mid air I turn and angle myself towards the kitchen. I've read that humans eat a few times during the day, and my dad's interest in this human has me wondering. Fly into the kitchen I land over in a dark corner seeing a few of the skeletons preparing food. Soon Dad and an empty armor guard walk in.
"Sir! Are you sure you don't want a least a few guards watching the human?"
"No no, he's not going anywhere. His valuables are both in my room and in Mavis's room. And from what Candace tells me, he's an adventurer who takes notes of everything he does. No doubt he's looking for something that I have, or it's possible he's planning something else."
"Could it be involving tonight's ball sir?" Dad growls baring his fangs
"If that is the case, that human better not do anything to mess up my daughter's chance at finding a suitor! Mavis is one of two remaining noble female vampire bloodlines. Gallants daughter married a few months ago. Now it's Mavis who must marry."
My dad turns to the head cook the Hunchback.
"My lord! I had two of my cooks take down the humans second meal moments ago."
"Good. I don't need him dying before I find out his true purpose here. Now then, how are the plans for the ball's horderves?" Not caring about the rest of the conversation I slip past them all and down the passage to through the armory into dungeons. Following a few corridors, I find the single person cell pressed against the far end. Looking in I see the human sitting on his jacket. He looks as if he's not breathing.
"Um... hello? Mr. Human, are you awake?" His head turned slightly allowing his hair to show in the candle light of the corridor.
I gasp at how beautiful his white hair is. It looks as gentle as snow on a tree.
"I assume Lord Dracula has sent you to ask me more questions? Oh and please tell the chief that his cheese is aged to perfection." I see him stand up and place the tray by the cell door. Walking closer I can tell he's clearly six feet tall. And his dark red skin looks completely smooth.
"Um... no. My Dad didn't tell me to ask you anything. I...just came down to talk to you. I wanted to ask you personally why you're here?" He his face remains still to sits back on his coat.
"My name is Lucas, and I only came here to observe, nothing else."
I turn my head to look at my hand then back to him. "Lucas...right! That was the name... I am Mavis, Count Dracula's daughter! Though you probably knew that... You say you're here to observe, but that isn't telling me much." Lucas leans his head back against the wall
"If one wants to learn from another, one must be open to show common ground."
"So basically, if I talk openly you'll do that same to me? OK, so how should I start?" Lucas remained silent to turn his head slightly his face remain as still as before.
"Why ask me? You are the one that came to the cell. It's a question that only you can express into words." Sighing I lean against the wall
"OK... so once again I'm Mavis. I'm one hundred and twenty years of age. I love chasing fireflies every now and again. And I like reading tales of far places."
"So my turn then. I've already given my name. I'm twenty-three years old. And my passion is solving the mysterious that this world of ours holds." I turn my face to look at the candle. The wax catchers need to be emptied some of its spilling over. I turn back to Lucas.
"So... I've read some of the entries in your journals. I hope I'm not being rude for poking." Lucas closes his eyes to rest his head against the wall he's against.
"No its alright I've known for years that sooner or later someone would. But yes to some it is quite rude to read through others lives if they haven't given you consent.
But not to worry princess I'm not offended."
"Mavis. Just call me Mavis. I'm not being official or political with you Lucas. We're just talking."
"I have not known you long enough to just simply call you by your first name. Princess is that proper way for the middle class to address the upper where I'm from. But if you've seen my journals, why are you here? You can easily ask your father all that he knows about them , or are you here to test if what he said about my blood is true with your own eyes?"
"What? No I just came down here to-"
"To do what exactly Mavis?"
Turning I see my dad standing a few feet from me. I quickly straighten up trying to think of a reply.
"Dad! How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to know you've read his journals and have yet to tell me what are in them."
"Umm...So far, nothing dad. His first journal only talks about a few human investigations he's done." My dad looks to me with a suspicious gaze, and then over to Lucas. But I also take notice of the odd scroll in his hand. "Dad, what is that?"
"Something I need to be sure of. I've already tested his blood. Now I need to do one final visual test to be sure he is what I think he is."
"What you think he is? Dad, what did you tell everyone?" My dad places his hand on my shoulder squeezing gently to look into my eyes.
"The more I see you grow more curious, the more I see that same faces your mother made when I was younger. Mavis, please go upstairs and prepare for tomorrow." I sigh nodding to him. As I walk around the corner, I use my hearing to try and hearing what Lucas is saying to my dad.
"From what you've done to me so far I doubt this will be a simple eye examination?"
"Shut it! I don't want you talking to my daughter. She's got a lot on her mind and doesn't need your tales working her up."
"From my perspective, I don't think you see or understand her all to well Count. But who am I to pry?"
Easing out from my hiding spot, I fly back to my room, and land on my bed with ease. Putting the second journal away, I rummage through Lucas's bag to find another book. This isn't one of his, it was written by someone else. The cover shows a woman with boney hands, and it's holding a mans none boney hand. Both arms look dressed for a wedding but the woman's dressed to torn and covered in dirt from the covers illustration. The cover reads 'The Corpse's Bride.' Opening the book I start to read the first chapter. The girl is named Heather and her fiancé is named Thomas, and the trails they go. About two paragraphs in, I was hooked.
Third person's View
In the ballroom of the manor
It's the big day of Mavis's birthday ball. Today, suitors from three prominent families try to win her heart over the course of the night. The Count also welcomes close family friends. Wayne the wolf man and his wife Wanda. Along with their thirty of sons and one daughter. Murray the Mummy, the Invisible man Griffin. As well as Frankenstein and his bride.
The butler recording all the attendants already said who arrived. Harold Stromsburg of the Italian trades, Raphael Vladimir, father to Clovis Vladimir, and Ellingham Khan and three of his maids. Each in a different league of their own, but all wanting the hand of Count Dracula's daughter. As Mavis's presence is announced the room's music becomes gentler.
With Mavis talking and exchanging pleasantries with her birthday guests, Dracula can tell she has her thoughts elsewhere. Dracula taps Candace
" Keep watch over her. She might try and slip out back to her room." Candace nods, knowing that even though she's Mavis's best friend, she also has a duty as her personal bodyguard to protect her.
Meanwhile in the dungeon.
Would it be any other night, Lucas would feel like sleeping, but he can't. Not after the scroll that the Count showed him the previous night. Its text still lingering in his mind along with the knowledge it holds. He raises an eyebrow as he hears a good amount of heavy footsteps rise from one of the passages beside his cell.
"It seems tonight might get very interesting..."
Back upstairs
As the night presses on, Mavis like her father predicted slipped away after speaking to the three suitors. Candace, not too far behind, stopped to hide as she noticed Ellingham Khan follow after Mavis. Candace stops as her and the young Khan begin to talk on the outdoor balcony.
"Please...If I offended you in anyway my dear, may I take it back? I so do wish to get to know you more. Maybe we can find a more quiet place to talk?" Candace shook her head. Clearly this suitor was trying to pull smooth moves. To convince Mavis to take him back to her room.
"If it's alright with you, I think we can talk here just fine,Sir Khan. And I appreciate if you would downplay the smooth talking, it really irritates me."
"Oh? And what may I ask irritates you about a man trying simply to win your heart?"
"For one, you're thinking with your crotch rather then your heart. Also two others before you have tried this same ploy on me, and frankly speaking I'd rather walk away then continue." As Mavis walked past him Candace saw Ellingham forcefully grab her wrist.
"You know what I like most about the naive princesses? They are the most fun to break!"
"Release me. Now." Ellingham doesn't, and instead he squeezes her wrist harder and grabs Mavis's chin roughly. Forcing their lips to meet she repays the favor by kicking him. He hisses and bears his fangs at Mavis, but she remains unfazed. She then slaps him across the face, having her nails elongate to cut his skin.
"You slapped me... YOU BITCH!" Ellingham quickly strikes Mavis to the ground and hovers over her.
Candace makes her move after seeing more than enough. Slamming her shoulder into Ellingham's ribs he topples to one side, allowing her to help Mavis up and back to the throne room. The khan growls to create a loud whistle with three of his fingers. Meanwhile downstairs, Dracula and many of his guests question what's happening, until screams and weapons exchanges come from the lower levels of the manor.
Mavis and Candace return to Dracula, only to see his daughter has a swollen cheek. His face began to stem with anger.
"Who...did...this?"
"Ellingham Khan. We passed by an Empty guard. She said the first floor and the armory are being attacked my Lord."
"Stephen! Have the knights and guards on fifth and sixth floors to come down to us. Call the Gargoyles tells them to watch for any reinforcements coming from the forest." Stephen bows and races off to his duty. Dracula turns to the other Suitors knowing exactly what to ask.
Back downstairs, Lucas is looks up at the repeating crossbows of five vampires clad in armor.
"So I'm guessing none of you are wondering why I'm in here? Well I'll tell you. It's because I'm Lord Dracula's secret if you must know." The vampires give him a confused look. Lucas nevertheless stays expressionless and calm. "It's true. If Dracula drinks even an ounce of my blood, he becomes twice as powerful. It would certainly be a shame if your master found out that you killed me, and not have taken me to him to earn a reward. Possibly a promotion of some kind would have been in order?"
The vampires smirk, all nodding at the idea. Grabbing the keys off the ring holders on the wall, the vampires order Lucas to come out. Getting up calmly, he puts back on his jacket and leaves his cell, walking with the vampires around him like an escort. After getting up to the armory above the dungeons, Lucas sees that four other vampires are looking over the weapons present. Seeing his chance Lucas clinches his right foot and stomps, and then the room is filled with the black gas of his hidden smoke bomb. Quickly grabbing seven arrows, Lucas wastes little time stabbing a bolt into each of the vampire's shoulder blades and out through their armpits. The last two get free of the smoke radius, coughing as they see Lucas effectively demobilizing them one after the other.
He then ducks as the vampires shoot at him with the repeating crossbows. Rolling into a small room, Lucas finds it's the heating room for the weapons. Grabbing a few matches he starts up the furnace and sets a trap.
The two vampires walk into the nearby room trying to smell the human, but is proving rather difficult because of the stench of the fire and boiling oil, which masks his presence. Lucas creeps up behind one of the vampires, bashing her from behind with a forging hammer. Dazed, her partner tries to shoot Lucas, but using a part of the tongs, Lucas Jams the crossbow's clip, and gets a stern hit from the hammer across the side of his helmets face piece.
He then turns around, seeing the second vampire charging to tackle him. He moves slightly to his left tugging a cord with his boot. As the vampire misses Lucas the cord snarls the vampire's entire leg and whips her backwards, which then flings her into the air and off into the rooms support beam. She drops back to the floor only to land in vat of boiling oil.
She tries her best to get free, but the vampire's armors keeps her bobbing in an out of the vat. Lucas chuckles at how silly she looks trying to get free. He then dodges a hit from behind him, still dealing with one of the other vampires. He ducks and rolls as the vampire tries to take off the young human's head with his double-edged sword. He then grabs a long chain and clips it to the vampire's waist and rolls past. Lucas then shoves the other end of the chain into a buff wheel for polishing swords. But the vampire only takes notice after Lucas and him got a few steps away from the wheel.
Feeling the stern tug, making his body stop and bolt in reverse. The vampire sees his destination and tries desperately to remove his belt.
"That's the thing about armor. You need to take it all off when its joint straps get caught." The vampire screams as Lucas uses a plank and anvil cause the vampire to bounce into the air, only to be tugged back downward at an angle into the wheel. The heavy thud and unconscious vampire speaks the rest. Shaking it off, Lucas rushes up to a side corridor. He can't go up the kitchen stairway, as it'll have more vampires. Looking around, he finds a small hatch leading to the outside cliff facing the manor. "It seems the only way out is up." Then, he slowly begins his climb.
Meanwhile in the ballroom.
"Count! Just hand over your daughter, then you and everyone else can go free. I just simply want to add her to my own harem!" Dracula snarls at the young vampire.
"Touch her again, and I'll feed your to my three headed war hound!" Ellingham laughs at Dracula from his portion across the room. Snapping his fingers once more, the vampire's warriors clash. Dracula uses his magic to shield his guests, while the fighting is still going on. Stephen then flies himself to his lord's room. 'Possibly one of human's weapons will work', he thought.
Stephen lands to see Lucas strapping his Caps onto his arms. Stephen pulls his sword, taking a stance to kill the young man.
"If you're thinking that I'm going to help whoever is attacking you, or that I have anything to do with who's attacking you, I'd like you to end those kinds of thoughts sir knight. I'm more than willing to help."
"We've been keeping you prisoner, who's to say you won't backstab us?"
"I came here to study your kind and any other beings of the night I might come across. I have no other intentions other than that notion. And if you all kill each other, I'll still have to help bury a few bodies. But I won't bury innocent people or let them be hurt. I may be a former officer of Great Britain's police force, but I took an ought to protect and serve the innocent. And as far as I can tell, you weren't the ones that instigated a fight." Stephen's views the determination in the human's eyes which then ease his stance. Loading his pellets and chambering his heavier caliber rounds, Lucas follows Stephen back downstairs.
After fifteen minutes, they both see that the throne room has been surrounded. The wounded have fallen back into the protection of the Count's magic. Stephen growls as the traitor to his kind, Ellingham talks down to his Lord.
"Find anyone else that still hiding on this or the other floors and get them to take back the floors. I'll do my best to distract them all." Lucas states.
"Do you have a death wish human?! There are at least over sixty armed vampires. They'll rip you to pieces!" Lucas still calm as even pats the knight's arm.
"Well then I'll be able to disprove a myth then." Before Stephen could speak out Lucas walks into the room whistling and bows politely. The vampires and guests turn in surprise and shock. "Hello and good evening everyone. Might I ask who is the lord of you all, because I must say, he must be a cowardly fellow for doing such a thing on someone's celebration. That or he can't fight like a man."
Ellingham scowls.
"KNIGHTS! BRING ME THAT HUMAN'S HEAD!"
Lucas still calm holds his ground as seven advance onto him. In a snap Lucas used the triggers in his palms to fire his weapons. The first three shots from his right Cap caused the facemask of the vampires to be incased in quick sealing gel. Struggling to remove the mask before they pass out, the others charge in, only to be hit down with clear shots to their knees and hips.
"Sorry in advance for that gentlemen, but you're following your orders, and I must uphold the laws as an officer. And one of those laws, is to stop the wicked from causing harm to the innocent. So I must ask if we are to fight, please don't make it 'too' easy?"
Ellingham barks orders at his knights for them to attack in succession. Lucas is performing his job of decoy quite well. Stephen beheads one vampire and grabs the throat of another, slamming his victim into the floor and stomping down onto his attackers skull. The knight exhales as he sees several empty guards holding their ground in the entrance. Leaping off the room's second floor balcony, he kills three vampires in an effortless swing, then impales another with a flick of his dagger. Ducking behind a pillar as the arrows hit, Stephen wonders how the human is doing on his end.
Barely avoiding a vampire's sword, Lucas sidesteps him to grab a bottle off a table. Sprinkling the bottles contents onto a cloth and taking a few peppers from the bowl. Crushing the peppers into the cloth he starts to duck and dodge as the vampires each takes a stab or swing at his head.
"Knights! Will you stop playing around, and kill him already?! Why is killing one human so fucking hard for you?!"
Lucas pulls an empty single cylinder from his belt and wraps the cloth around a special sparking pellet. Shoving the wad into the cylinder, he fires his next trick right at the vampires. He then pulls down his goggles down over his eyes, and pulls his shirt over his nose. As the sparks pellet catches the cloth concoction, it causes a nauseous gas cloud to spill forth. The knights cough and cringe in pain. Some walk free of the cloud holding their throats with streams of pained tears and mucus coming down their faces. Soon they are all passed out, as the pain is too much for them to bear. Having free reign of the cloud, Lucas reloads and wounds five more vampires.
Exhaling Lucas lifts his goggles and sighs in amazement at his work.
"You'd be amazed at the chemicals just lying around your average household." Ellingham looks around the body of his knights. So far the human has defeated more than a third of them. Although his tactics were strange. Running and evading as if he can't defend himself when he clearly can. 'His little smoke trick however won't work a second time!' Ellingham thought.
"Listen you prigs! I don't care how you all do it, kill him already!" A dozen vampires charge Lucas who switches his left Caps amount. Hearing the heavier armor of the advancing knights, he once again evades and studies his opponents. Rolling past one knight's swing, a waiting knight sees his chance and tries to take the human's leg. Lucas then quickly uses a pellet in his trajectory, blinding the knight.
He slides under a table with another knight right after him. The vampire lifts the table off the floor, only to find Lucas not under it. Confused, the vampire howls in pain as Lucas, who as holding onto the tables hollow underside shot clean into the vampires shoulders. As the table slowly lands onto the heavy knight, he takes aim at the others exposed joints. As the vampires topple over holding their wounds, Lucas stands causally and once more stays at a distance. Ellingham as well as everyone watching is shocked by the human's skills.
Dracula however, is reminded of the Greys. How effortless they controlled a battlefield with what they had at hand.
"Any chance I could simply ask you to surrender my friends? I don't really take comfort in harming any of you. Plus isn't today is suppose to be Princess Mavis's birthday? Can't we just sit down like gentlemen and end this?"
"If that little bitch of a princess had listened then, there wouldn't have been this much death! But now, out of respect to the current situation, I'll be taking her by force!"
"So all this is for you wanting to make the beast with two backs with a young maiden? Out of all of the dark favors such as greed, and evil, you choose lust. Humans are often criticized for being irrational, and you my friend are no better. I guess it's true that some youths should not be given power. What say you we settle this the old fashioned way?"
Ellingham growls at Lucas.
"Fine human. I'll pity you for a moment. I'll kill you, and place you head as a knob for one of the doors of my castle!"
"My friend, that is both an odd choice of decoration and a poor use of a person's skull. Might I recommend you to a interior decorator? He does miracles with purple satin. " Ellingham jumps into the air fly at Lucas with sword in hand. He rolls out of the way and fires two shots at the young lord. But to Lucas's surprise, his cape morphs into the shape of a wing, and all shots bounce off of the wing. Then the lord then tries to run the human through with his wings end. Lucas quickly jumps backwards into a chair, but quickly pushed off backwards from it.
Ellingham swings wildly, as he tries the best he can do to so much as scrape or tear the human's clothes. At this point, Lucas is still testing the vampire's endurance, and so far he finds it is unlike the knights he took not that long ago. 'Psychologically, the young lord's weakness is he self-centered attitude' Lucas thought, 'I guess I'll shake it up just a little'.
Firing a round into the lord's knee, he gets swatted off his feet by the lord's wings. Flying in the air for a brief time, Lucas grabs a hanging chandelier and swings with the momentum onto the over looking balcony upstairs. Landing with ease, he runs into a small room and uses another pellet. As Ellingham closes in, he smells the fowl odor of the room. Suddenly, the door to the room slams shut, and Lucas uses a spear to hold the door.
"Pop quiz. What happens when you ignite toxic and flammable gases in an enclosed space?"
Ellingham stares briefly at Lucas in confusion, only for an explosion to go off right by him. In a flash, the young lord is flung from the room to the other side, hitting a pillar and even going through a wall. Soon, Stephen and his fellow knights of his Count come rushing in the room, surrounding Ellingham's knights.
Ellingham returns to the room to see his knights capture, but quickly turns his eyes on the human. In an instant, Ellingham leaps forth and tries to kill him.
"YOU! YOU!"
"Ah, ah, ah. Not until teacher says you're done."
With that Lucas springs his last surprise. He fires a silver round right into the young lords shoulder, and even clips a clunk of his wings. Falling and crashing into a table, Lucas fires his last three quick drying cement pellets trapping the young lord limbs. He attempts to break free but a few empty guards keep him pinned on the ground.
"Class dismissed." Lucas scoffed at his defeated foe.
He then drops down to the main room floor and walks to Stephen. Several confused looks soon form as Lucas disarms himself and hands his weapons and ammo belt to the head vampire knight.
"I've kept my word, didn't I?"
Stephen then chuckles. "Indeed you have."He takes the weapons and hands them over to another knight. "Take these back to Lord Dracula's chambers, and you lot! Clap him back in iron. Lucas holds out his hands and once more surrenders into the vampire's custody. Dracula orders his guards.
"Take this trash and all of his filth out of my home. My fellow Lords and I will divide his money and wealth into our own. His family will have no more business here!" Dracula then makes his way next to Lucas as he sits in a chair waiting to be taken back to his cell. "I know you may not know your heritage, but I can see a lot of it in you. Though you saved my manor and my daughter, you are still a prisoner in my manor Mr. Howe. However, I will permit you to be escorted to the library and around the grounds. You have earned that privilege."
"Well thank you very much Count. I really can't be more grateful for to you for allowing this."
Dracula nodded, and ordered the knights to take Lucas back to his cell.
Mavis with Candace next to her looked at the battle scene in wonder. Despite his fighting, he had not killed a single enemy. Merely he just wounded them so they couldn't keep fighting.
"Wow! That human certainly is skilled huh? All of this to save a vampire princess? He must be something." Candace giggled at a blushing Mavis.
"...Yeah. That he is..."
Stephen whispers into the Counts ear what Lucas's real reasons for coming were. He nods knowing that he just allowed a human to study and walk freely in his halls, provided he always is escorted.
"I get the feeling that things are going to get weirder with him around."
Mavis's View
Three months after her birthday
It's another night in the manor. Everyone going about his or her own activities. I'm in the library again, watching Lucas reads from eight different books at once. Candace and I are sitting on one of the room's beams.
"So... is the plan today for you to watch and wonder what he's thinking? Or are you actually going to talk to him for once?"
"I-I don't know... w-what should I ask him?"
"I don't know. Maybe a thank you for saving me and my family. He did risk his neck for us while Stephen rallied everyone. It's been three months already, and you haven't said a word yet! Plus I've never heard of a human being able to take on a noble vampire and win. You know with not all vampires have the same degree in magic anymore."
She's right. Vampire genetics are different from the everyday vampire and the noble classes for a reason. Everyday vampires can't transform their bodies, conjure a familiar, or use more powerful spells. Nobles can, but its only after it has either had a few hundred years under their belts, or have their parents teach us how. Then you have vampires like Candace and Stephen, who have some magic abilities but not a lot.
Shaking away from my thoughts, I continue looking down Lucas stops one of the maids and asks her something that makes her glare at him. But as he goes one her face eases and she stands still. In a flash, he quickly does something on a blank page. Once done he asks the maid a few other things. Soon they exchange a laugh and the maid is off dusting as normal with a smile.
Curious I float down looking over Lucas's shoulder. He was drawing the maid as well as making small notes.
"You know Lady Mavis, if you wanted to talk all you need to do was ask. I'm not as threatning as many would believe."
"Just Mavis is fine, and how did you... never mind." I start to trip on my words, which he probably noticed that considering his light giggling. "Um...Lucas, why are you studying monsters? And don't worry my dad didn't ask me to keep an eye on you. This is coming from me personally." Lucas flips the pages of three books as well as closes another book. He takes a breath before speaking.
" Well, as a paranormal researcher, I've been fascinated by the supernatural for as long as I can remember. I've also encountered numerous items of that ilk, some of which has caused me harm both physically and mentally. But personally, I do this as it is my passion to do so. I've investigated mysteries far and wide, but never have I been able to properly study a vampiric subject. Speaking of which, Mavis if you don't mind, would you mind being my research assistant for vampires? Seeing as how you are one, you would be perfect for the position."
Blushing I stutter in my response "Um...s-s-sure. I-I mean, I don't know as much as my dad, but I'm sure I can help you." Lucas nods finishing another two pages to flip to a blank page.
"Excellent. Now if you won't mind a second time, can I draw you as a reference for my journal?" Nodding I float in the air trying to be natural as I sit for him to draw me. After a few minutes Lucas stops and shows me the drawing. I can't believe the detail he's gotten in the little time he had drawing me. My face looks so gentle and vibrant in his pencil strokes, that I can't help but smile at his talent.
"So what do you want to know?" I ask him.
"I wish to put to rest a few rumors and speculations about your kind, and maybe find out what where that fear comes from."
"What fear?"
"Well, to start, why so many people find monsters so frightening even though some of you are civil and social. So to speak."
"Alright. Well, ask away!" As Lucas begins his questions I do my best to answer them as best I can. After a few questions, Dad comes into the library.
"Ahhh, Mavis there you are. Oh! Good evening officer Howe."
"No need to be formal with me Count. I'm not a guest last I checked." Lucas lifts his hands showing that he's still cuff only the chains are longer. "Indeed that is true. Now if you don't mind, I need to speak to Mavis about another interview for her to find a suitor."
"Dad, no! That last one was a disaster! Besides, I want to stay here ask Lucas more about the world."
My dad narrows his eyes to turn to Lucas. "Howe. How far along are you with reading from my library?"
"I've reached the F section of the ninth book case along the left side one. I just have two more book cases to go before I finish reading all the books here."
"Impressive! Most haven't read so much in such short time."
"Sorry. I'm an Oxford man. Reading is practically breathing to me. So tell me Count, do all vampires have an allergic reaction to garlic? Also can you explain the social order of vampires from one another?"
"I'm sorry. Maybe later. Right now I need to speak to Mavis in private." Dad pulls me away even though I wanted to talk to Lucas more. He then tells me to follow him anyway. When we finally stop dad stares at me with stern eyes. "Listen pumpkin. I don't want you talking to him any further."
"Why dad? Lucas isn't a threat to anyone. He was even willing surrender after helping us."
"You've read his journals, yes? Then you know that he's a danger to us with all the information he has! Those journals in the wrong hands can cause us more harm then we can even imagine! That's why I'm not telling him anything about our kind, and I don't want you or anyone else telling him anything about us, is that clear?
"But-"
"No buts! Wayne! Can you come in here?" A few steps follow, as one of my uncles Wayne the werewolf comes into the room. "Wayne. I'm handing over guard duty of our human guest to you and the others."
"I get that part, but Drac, why are you so fixed on keeping this human around?"
Dad looks away from a little while to turn back his eyes closed. Sighing, Dad looks to Uncle Wayne
"I'll explain when the time is right. For now, I just want to keep an eye on him. Also try to sniff out if he's lying about anything."
"Me?! Drac! I lost my sense of smell a long time ago! I have to get my pup Winnie to help me with that. But don't worry if that's the case. Frank will just shock the truth out of him in no time."
"Uncle Wayne! Please don't hurt Lucas! He's not our enemy."
"That has yet to fully be seen Mavis. Not only is he researching into our kind, but during when his kind is so close to leaving us alone. Now you better listen to me on this matter young lady! Now go to your room the sun will be up soon."
I huff to walk off to find Candace. But instead I find Stephen escorting Lucas up the staircase.
"Stephen. Where are you taking Lucas?"
"Our 'guest' wants to get a clear view of the manors grounds from the roof. But I'm warning you human try to run and-" Lucas cuts him off.
"Calm yourself, Sir Stephen. I have no means of escape nor do I wish to. Now that I've come into this world, I don't wish to simply run from it." Following the two up the stairs, an Empty guard taps Stephens shoulder.
"Sir! The war hounds are acting up and the gargoyles need your help." "Understood. Change of plans, lets go human. Back to your cell."
"Wait Stephen! I'll take him back to his cell. You know the gargoyles won't last long against the war hounds."
"But milady! I cannot place such a task upon you!"
"Trust me. He won't hurt anybody."
Stephen hesitantly nods, and transforms into smoke and drifts off.
"Lucas, why were you going to the roof?"
"I wanted to see all of the manor's ground." Following him up the stairs, he pushes the door to the side and so the night stretched out in front of us. Sitting on the edge, we watch as the clouds drift by. Well I am anyway. Lucas is busy drawing away.
"Say Lucas. What's it like walking around other humans? My dad tells me that some would kill me for just being a vampire."
" It's a hard question to answer. Every human is different from one another. Sure yes some people would sooner grab a cross then speak to you, but not all would do such a thing. Just look at me for example, I'm ok with talking and being around the different kinds of monsters. Because I'm ok with it. I've been exposed to things from you world and my own since I was a wee lad, and I've always loved it. It's just who I am as a person."
"I see. That's a wonderful thing to state."
"I have a question. How does sunlight affect vampires? Do you get hurt gradually or does it burn you all at once?"
"No it's like a slow burning sensation that hurts the longer we're in the sun."
"I've seen the greatness of both the sun rise and the moons glow. It must be horrible being bound to a cycle of eternal night."
"Sometimes. Its an ok life but I really wish I could see a sun rise. Just once." Lucas ponders to himself for a moment.
"Maybe you can." I look at him with a confused look in my eyes.
He then hands me his hat. Putting it on he slides down a hidden pair of goggles and slides various lenses into them until they were on a dark setting.
"Lucas! I can't see through your goggles."
"Don't worry about it. Just stay how you are and keep still." In time, light began to shine through the goggles lenses and soon I could see it. The ember rays of the sun slowly casting its glow around everything. The trees that were once lost in the harsh darkness of Lucas's goggles. The come to life in vibrant shades of orange and red.
"Lucas. Is this how a sunrise looks everyday?"
"Yes, but the nights more alluring to me. Your lucky, Mavis. You get to wake up to the moon and my kind wakes up to this. If our roles were switched, I'd have that same look too."
Slowly Lucas takes off his hat and I stare at him. His normally calm and blank face has a gentle smile. 'Why is my breath getting caught in my throat?'
Two months later
Wayne the wolfman's perspective
Walking with the human around the graveyard he's been writing names in his book for the last two hours. Murray groans to tap my shoulder
"Uhhh...why are we stuck watching this human? Lets just dump him in the forest and be done with it."
I groan.
"We can't. Drac wants him watched until he wants to make sure of something. I don't know what it is, but I'm hope it'll be good." Frank groans as the human waves him over.
"Excuse me, Mr. Frankenstein. Can I ask how you retain you electric charge?" The human asked him.
"Um... well I carry a large lamp that contains a storms lighting bolt. The bolt lasts for at least two months."
"Well, I think I can make something that works better than waiting for a storm to hit a certain spot." Frank leers at the human
"And what might that be?"
"Lets head to the castles junkyard and I'll make a prototype for you."
Following the human to the small yard of scrap wood, broken swords, and other smashed wares he starts piling collecting things. Picking them up and in time he's working on something. After an hour he hands Frank two flat screw bolts with copper wiring wrapped around them. They're hooked up to a small wheel that has two cranks from a winch.
"Place them to your neck and I'll start cranking." Frank does what he says and the human starts to pump a pipe attached to a bag sending air through a tube into the wheel. Then he starts to crank the winch with both hands.
Slowly you see sparks coming off the inner workings of the wheel. And in a long stream they work up the wires into Frank. Frank hums as the human continues to crank. After five minutes Frank takes the bolts form his neck. Frank
"Whoa! That's the best jolt of power I've had in years! What is that thing human?"
"It's called a Tesla wheel, and the name's Lucas Mr. Stein." The human extends his cuffed hands and after a while Frank shakes his hand back. He looks at the wheel as it sparks to a stop.
"But honestly, this is a more crude version of a Tesla wheel. But if given a proper work space I can make a longer lasting one."
As Frank and Griffin talk to the human. Murray nudges me
"Why's he acting all nice and stuff? Is Drac sure this guys a threat? He seems like he doesn't even find us scary."
"I don't know what's going on either. But I'm sure this human is going to change a lot of things around here."
Five months later.
Third person perspective
For Lucas it's another normal night. He's pretty much gotten to know everyone in the manor. The guards all follow Dracula's orders and remain on alert when dealing with Lucas. But once the Count is out of ear or eyesight they start talking and smiling at Lucas. He's like the manors handy man. He's been creating items to help the maids clean more effectively, he's showed the cooks new ways to cook fish and serve blood plasma. Also he's been hanging out with Wayne and the monster crew far more then the Count would like. Once Griffin complimented Lucas for making him glasses that adjust to the candlelight resulting in Dracula pinching and twisting both the invisible mans nipples.
Right now Mavis had managed to sneak Lucas away from the monster crew. Candace has also noticed Mavis's growing fascination with humans, and seeing as Lucas is the only human around, she didn't see the harm in letting them talk. Dracula however often voices his disagreement.
Today Dracula enters the lounge room to find Candace playing dead mans dice with the monster crew.
"Candace. Where is Mavis, and Wayne where is Lucas?" Both stop their dice game to look to the empty seat in the room's corner. It had several books closed in a neat pile and a hidden passage door open next to it. Dracula growls "I'll deal with you all later. I knew allowing that human too much freedom would bring harm to my daughter." In a mad dash Dracula sprints down the hidden corridor in search for the two, with Candace right behind the Count.
Both stop as the find the Countesses crept door open and music playing. Inside the dimly lite room with a gentle piano routine playing is Mavis and Lucas, along with the sight of seeing his daughter kissing Lucas, who was just as shocked at the kiss as the Count. The snarls and growls catch Lucas and Mavis both off guard by what the Count does next. Grabbing Lucas by the neck he lifts the human off the ground and pins him to the wall.
"Do you know what you just did?!"
Fro Ninja; Thank you so much for reading me and Jester's little ditty! We will try to have Part 2 sometime at a later date, until then, take care!
