The tavern bustled with life as it usually did at that time of night. It was well known for its comfortable rooms, good ale and respect for a man's privacy. A party of men made a great ruckus as they told tales.

"I'm telling ya all, horrible thing it was! Big hairy creature. Beady little eyes and claws that could crush bone!" The common man told anyone who would listen whilst his companions laughed.

"There's nothing like that for miles, mate! They wouldn't dare come near here. Not after what happened to the last lot!" Another man reminisced. "According to my old man, the whole place was burn to a crisp! There was nothing left. Not even a single fang."

"Shame, one of them would have made a good lucky charm." Another man joined in.

"Not so lucky for the bloodsucker!" The crowd roared into laughter.

"Serves 'em all right. Those demons had gone unchecked for far too long. Entire towns were left empty because of their blood lust. Men, women and children. Poor sods, didn't stand a chance."

The rambling went on for some time. The stories that their parents had passed down to them were seldom believed fully. All it took was one person to bend the story slightly and the next generation would have a twisted view of history. The laughter and tales only seized when a lone figure entered the tavern. Everyone stopped and stared. They had heard the stories but they refused to belief what they were seeing. The mysterious figure was clad in a dark red cloak. Darkened armour plates covered his chest and shoulders. His leather gloves and boots showed signs of wealth, yet his tall, brown hat and various armaments pointed towards a shady line of work.

"It can't be." One man whispered.

The figure looked around, his shadowy face scanning the room. He approached the bar, each step causing the floorboards to creak. He didn't say a word. He simply placed a single coin on the bar and stared at the keeper. He was a bit dazed but managed to keep his composure and poured him some ale. The man took it without complaint and sat alone at a table in the opposite corner of the tavern.

Mutterings broke out amongst the patrons. The figure's darkened face stared at them.

"Claws you say?" At last he spoke. His voice deep and booming.

The room was silent. The man that had mentioned the creature gulped before speaking hesitantly.

"Yeah… huge things."

The shadowy man pulled something out from one of his pocket.

"Like these?" He threw the items, both landing perfectly on the large table surrounded by town's folk.

The man studied the two claws. He stuttered as he answered.

"Just… just like these!"

The claws were stained with blood on both ends.

One man amongst the crowd was not convinced.

"These could be anything. They could be a large cats claws for all we know. If they are werewolf claws, prove it!" The man slammed his mug onto the table.

The shadowy figure slowly raised up and reached for something tied to his back. As quick as a flash he pulled out a crossbow and aimed it at a townsman who sat alone across the room. He fired with no hesitation. The bolt pierced the man's chest. The people dared not move. The man fell to the floor, his chair falling backwards. The shadowy figure marched past them, violently grasped the injured man's coat and dragged him outside. He shoved the man out the door and stared at him. The town's people looked past the figure's shoulders and watched on in horror. The victim began to change in the moonlight. Blood began to pour from his chest as his true nature was revealed to them. The werewolf took one last breath as the hunter looked on.

"More prove?" The hunter asked without turning round.

The doubting man didn't even bother answering. He just stared in amazement. The hunter made his way back into the tavern. He addressed the patrons.

"You think they've fled from you? You're all blind fools. They are living amongst you. Something's been drawing them here."

One man drew up the courage to speak.

"Who are you, hunter?"

The hunter turn to him and took of his hat, revealing the face they had heard stories about.

"Eustice Chaise."

The man was a legend. Whether these legends were true or not, he still held a staggering amount of monster kills under his belt. Where he had come from they did not know.

"I've been tracking the movements of various monsters in the area. They are planning something. When I find out what it is… they will wish they had never been born."

"Welcome to Hotel Transylvania!" Dracula announced as his last guests arrived.

The werewolf couple Wayne and Wanda awed at the sight of Dracula's new hotel.

"Geez Drac, where did you get the money for this place?" He asked.

"Never mind that. Come, come! We've already started eating I'm afraid, I didn't know when you were arriving." The Vampire led them on. They were greeted with kindness by their friends and Wanda was welcomed into the group.

"Well done Wayne! I knew you would find someone eventually!" Murray teased.

"Maybe one day you will find someone to 'wrap up' in your arms, eh Murray?" Dracula retaliated.

"You've been thinking that one up since the 'stake' thing, haven't you?" Murray knew him all too well.

Mavis waved to the couple.

"Wow, look how tall you've got Mavey." Wayne greeted her. "And don't think I haven't spotted those glasses, come here Griffin!" Wayne grabbed him.

"Damn that nose of yours!" Griffin was foiled this time.

Breakfast continued with the whole group making up for lost time. They told each other tales of how they alluded Humans, and how even some of them had taken up hunting them down as a profession.

"You have no need to worry anymore, my friends. Not a single human can get anywhere near this place." Dracula reassured them.

"They won't take my candy." Mavis hugged a lollypop given to her by Dracula.

"Not one piece, my dear. Now! I bet you're all anxious to see your rooms. Rest assured, no expense has been spared."

Each monster was led through the castle by a member of the staff. Two suits of armour accompanied Dracula and Mavis as they escorted Frank and Eunice to their room.

"It really is good to see you again Drac. You have no idea how many times I've thought to myself, what if they find him again? Or anyone else I know?" Frank showed his concern.

"Don't think like that Frank. How many times do I have to say it? You'll have nightmares!" Eunice calmed him.

A third suit came rushing down the corridor.

"Sir! We have a minor plumbing issue downstairs!"

Dracula felt slightly embarrassed.

"I'll be back in a second. Would you mind watching Mavis for a moment?" Dracula asked them.

"Would be a pleasure." Frank answered.

Dracula and the suit made their way down the corridor.

"I thought the hole in room one zero one was fixed?"

"It's not one zero one sir, more like ground zero by the state of it." They heard the muttering fade as they disappeared from sight.

Eunice picked up the young vampire as they entered their new room.

"Very nice!" Frank was pleased with the room.

Eunice noticed Mavis' new locket.

"That's pretty." Eunice remarked.

"It's Mummy." Mavis showed her its contents.

"Did Daddy give that to you?"

Mavis nodded.

"You know, did Daddy ever tell you how he and Mummy met?"

He usually reframed from telling Mavis about his past. The pain was too much for him. She shook her head and listened intently.

"Well, it was a long time ago now. They both met in paradise. And when they first saw each other, they knew they were meant to be together, it was like, 'zing'! And like that they were in love."

Eunice told her about how Dracula and Martha started their life together and about how Dracula had been too scared to make the first move. She made sure she didn't say anything about her Mother's demise so not to upset her.

"No, no, no!" They heard yelling from outside.

"When you said plumbing problem, I didn't think you meant the contents of the pool was now down the mountain!" Dracula was furious.

"There must have been a leak, sir." The suit suggested.

"Yes, you right. In the architects skull! I want to speak to him now! Send a letter!"

There went Mavis' chances for a swim later, though she didn't seem too upset. She looked on towards the horizon. She thought of paradise and pictured her parents together. In her young mind an idea began to form…