Geronimo Stilton and the Curse of the Weremouse

by DavidC09011993

Geronimo and his family have been on many adventures and uncovered many mysteries, but this one is sure to give them a run for their money, especially when Geronimo himself becomes a weremouse, thus putting his belief in logical explanation to the ultimate test. Can the others help him figure out how to beat this curse or will he be cursed to remain a monster?

2. Part 2: Trap loses his role

Disclaimers: I don't own all the characters in this chapter (excluding Delilah, Christina, Nathan, Häcksler, Wellington and Lunaria)

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Narrator: Last time Geronimo and his family just got ready for the next day, which according to him will be a big day for them, maybe even more than he expected when he hears from his sister Thea that Pandora's aunt and uncle the Paw Twins will be working with the Rodent's Gazette for a while, but as he was just about to enter his establishment, he is greeted by a strange rodent known as Delilah Brooks who claims to have a scoop for the successful mouse, but due to the unusual content about it Geronimo remains uninterested until he learns from his cousin Trap that he is going to be playing the monster in a new movie called "The Beast of Cheesy Hollow" much to Geronimo's annoyance since Trap has been getting too enthralled in monster stuff lately, regardless he along with the Paw Twins goes to meet the curator of the museum and the director of the movie. And they prove to be into the supernatural as well, feeling he had enough Geronimo decides to head back to the Rodent's Gazette while the Paw Twins pick up Benjamin and Petunia to bring them to watch Trap rehearse. But there is still something lurking about in New Mouse City. But what could it be? Let's find out.

[On a stage within the museum Trap was in what looked like a Victorian outfit]

Trap: This is it…the formula that will save us all…if this fails, may the spirits have mercy on Cheesy Hollow. *Trap drinks the concoction but starts choking* Ugh, Thea! What are you trying to do?! Kill me?! (coughs)

Christina: No…no…no! Cut! CUT!

[Thea steps up onto the stage and checks on Trap who is still choking]

Thea: Oh relax, Trap. It's just powdered drink mix. Except for the lemonade from your canteen.

Trap: (gasps then spits) Oh geez, Tee! That stuff has been in there for weeks! I just found it in the shop earlier today.

Thea: Ooops, my bad.

Christina: (groans) Trapper…Trapper please! What is the first and most important rule of acting is…anyone? *Pinky raises her hand* Yes Miss Pink?

Pinky: Always remain in character?

Christina: That's right! No matter what, always remain in character! Oh and Benjamin sweetie?

Benjamin: Yes Miss Hopkins?

Christina: There are no small parts in this movie, but I expect commitment even from volunteers. Be proud of your special effects! Let them roar like nature intended!

Benjamin: You got it!

Christina: Alright, make some adjustments and get back to me.

[As Benjamin was making some twerks to the special effects Pandora was busy with the lights until someone in a costume tried to sneak up on her, feeling the person approaching but still not looking the figure stopped and was about to attempt a scare]

Pandora: Don't even think about it, Trappy.

[Suddenly the costumed character fell to the ground knocking the mask off to reveal a slightly plump rat with orange fur and ginger hair in two braids]

Trappy: Oh, how did you know it was me?

Pandora: Your father pulls that kind of prank of Ben's uncle Geronimo all the time, so we expect it. What are you even doing?

Trappy: I just wanted to have a little fun, all these costumes and props, how can anyone resist?

Pandora: Easy, this stuff is custom made and expensive so if they get damaged or ruined it will have to come out of the pockets of the grown ups, which spells trouble for us.

Trappy: Alright, alright. I won't rip the costumes. I'm not exactly like my dad, you know.

Pandora: I'll believe it when I see it.

[Back on the stage Christina was making herself a drink from her dispenser when Trap got her attention]

Trap: Hey Miss Hopkins, I was thinking when I mix the formulas, what if instead of using this stuff, I use *pulls a briefcase* this instead?

[Christina looks to see what was on the front of the case and saw some writing]

Christina: "Mistress Lunaria's authentic potions kit?" Where did you get that?

Trap: Through the mail. *swigs a bottle with formula and it changes colors* Pretty awesome don't you think?

Christina: *rolls her eyes* Yeah sure. Trapper, let me ask you, will using these potions help find the mouse that is trapped within the feral beast?

Trap: *shrugs* Beats me. But, I am certain it will make the scene a lot scarier. *he takes out a flask and starts mixing various ingredients* (laughs maniacally)

[Thea was nearby sweeping when she noticed Trap about to add another ingredient]

Thea: Trap stop! *drops the broom and rushes over to Trap taking the potion* You shouldn't mix unknown substances!

[Trap looked at her annoyance]

Trap: Ahem, who is the potion master here?

[Trap takes the potion back from Thea]

Thea: But- *sees he's about to add the last ingredient despite her protests* Take cover!

[Thea rushes to safety, the kids seeing what Trap was about to do and followed after]

Benjamin: Every mouse for themselves!

Pandora: Oh no, come on Trappy!

[As Christina drinks her mocha Trap dramatically adds the next ingredient, the scene cuts to Geronimo's office, he was busy filing some paperwork, suddenly everything began to shake getting his attention he saw what looked like a giant geyser of purple smoke]

Geronimo: Is that coming from the museum? *his eyes widen* Oh no…*looks at his phone* Please don't ring…please don't ring…*the phone rings and he answers* Hello?

Male Voice: Stilton!

Geronimo: Oh hello, Mr. Hopkins. What happened? Of course it was him. Is anyone hurt? Oh thank goodness. Yes, I'll be right over. *he hangs up* (groans)

[Geronimo marches out to his car as he notices Wolfgang and Petunia approaching]

Wolfgang: Geronimo, we heard an explosion from the museum! Are the kids okay?

Geronimo: They're fine Will.

Petunia: You think it was Trap?

Geronimo: Of course it was him. I just got a call from Mr. Hopkins telling me.

Petunia: You want one of us to come with you?

Geronimo: I won't stop you.

Wolfgang: Then we better get going.

Geronimo: Come on, please. I can't keep Hopkins waiting.

Petunia: Right, sorry.

Wolfgang: I'll get the car.

[Wolfgang gets the car, and as soon as Petunia and Geronimo climb in, he drives to the museum. They find Nathan standing outside]

Nathan: Good you're here. The curator wants to see you.

Petunia: I'm going to go check on everyone.

Geronimo: Okay, see you.

Nathan: Don't keep Mr. Häcksler waiting, Mr. Stilton.

[Nathan leads Geronimo to the curators office where inside was a chipmunk in a fancy business suits waiting, Geronimo sits down in front of his desk as Nathan leaves so they would discuss the situation]

Geronimo: I am very sorry about what happened, Mr. Häcksler. I'm sure it was an accident.

Häcksler: Uh huh.

[Häcksler approaches a filing cabinet]

Geronimo: If there is anything me or my cousin can do to make up for-

Häcksler: (laughs) Don't worry Mr. Stilon, no one is getting sued. The insurance board passed a special bond issue last spring to cover any damage caused by anyone Mr Hopkin's sister hires. Besides I'm going to be going on vacation for the summer after this film is finished, yay for me! Someone else can deal with Christina for a change!

Geronimo: A whole summer break? I'm sure someone your age doesn't need that long to relax. I mean you don't any older than 50.

[Häcksler looks over to Geronimo]

Häcksler: I'm 34!

Geronimo: Oh. Sorry.

Häcksler: *rubs his sides* This is what working with Nathan's sister all these years has done to me! (sighs) However, since you're here. There's something else I need to discuss with you.

Geronimo: What is it?

Häcksler: Come, we can talk on the way to the set.

[As they entered the set Geronimo saw that there splotches of hot steam purple goop everywhere and everyone present was helping cleaning it all up]

Geronimo: Oh my gouda!

Häcksler: Yeah, your cousin made a real mess.

Geronimo: I see. So what did you want to discuss?

Häcksler: Well Mr. Stilton, I was hoping that maybe we could do an interview of the movie with you once it finished.

Geronimo: Oh, of course. I have been needing a good scope, things have been way too quiet even for me.

Häcksler: Thank you. Und maybe with zhis, they can finally get some recognition after a while.

Geronimo: What do you mean?

Nathan: You see, Nathan's sister has had a rep of hiring those that have been known to cause trouble und it's been hurting their credibility. I fear if she doesn't start taking steps to prevent this sort of thing from happening again, they might have to look into other careers.

Geronimo: And Christina isn't on board with that?

Häcksler: Of course not. They've been in this business ever since they got out of college. It was something their family started since horror filming first began. Nathan and Christina have been trying to keep it all together but it's been hard and I worry we might have to put an end to a family legacy.

Geronimo: Yeah, I can understand that. The Rodent's Gazette has been something I inherited from my grandfather after he retired. So what can I do to help?

Häcksler: Well, first you need to get your cousin under control, Christina strongly believes that giving him the role of the beast will help the film but I fear that he might cause more harm than good.

Geronimo: I'll try and do what I can to get him to ease up on his usual antics.

Häcksler: See that you do.

[Nathan leaves and Geronimo approaches the set to confront Trap who was helping clean up the mess he notices Geronimo walking up to him]

Trap: Oh, h-hey cuz. What brings you here?

Geronimo: You know exactly what, Trap! You're lucky Nathan was in a forgiving mood, but one more stunt like this and it'll be on my head!

Trap: Oh, of course. I read you loud and clear!

Geronimo: You better! Now I need to get back to the office and finish filing some papers and as soon as you're done, I want you to head straight back to the house. Understand?

Trap: Understood cuz!

Geronimo: (sighs) So much for a stress free day.

Thea: Don't worry bro, when I get back to the house I'll make grammy's famous 3 cheese lasagna.

Geronimo: As good as that sounds but what about the clean up?

Male Voice: I can take over for her.

[Everyone looked and saw that coming to greet them was none other than Thea's boyfriend Bruce Hyena]

Thea: Thanks for coming, Bruce.

Bruce: Anything for you, Thea.

Thea: You're the best. Oh Geronimo, I'm going to need the keys to your car.

Geronimo: What why?

Thea: I forgot my ride and I need to head back home to get dinner started.

Trap: Then how are we going to get back?

Bruce: We can walk, it's not that far to your house. Besides, it's mostly for Trap anyway.

Geronimo: You're not wrong, he does need to trim down a bit.

[Everyone laughs while Trap crosses his arms]

Thea: Well I better get back home. Geronimo.

Geronimo: Alright, but don't go all hot rod on it. And have Mousella send the paperwork here.

[Geronimo hands Thea the keys]

Thea: Don't worry I'll make sure nothing happens to it. But if you need the paperwork I can drop you off.

Geronimo: No can do. Trap needs to be watched out for.

Thea: Well if you insist. See you all later.

Wolfgang: I have to get back home too and make dinner as well. Need me to come get you sis?

Petunia: It's okay Wolfgang, I can walk, we all live on the same block anyway.

Wolfgang: Alright everyone take care.

[Wolfgang and Thea leave as the others continue to clean up Trap's mess. Later that day as the sunset Bruce was walking the Stiltons and the girls back to the neighborhood]

Bruce: Alright, keep up the pace everyone. If we move fast we can get back before Thea finishes dinner.

Trap: We could have called for a couple taxis, Bruce.

Bruce: You're not skipping out on some exercise Trapper. A little cardio will do you some good.

Trap: Oh great, now you're my life coach.

Geronimo: Just deal with it, Trap. So Benjamin, you and the girls are going to the Paws house to work on your assignment?

Benjamin: That's right. We're going to write about our experience at the studio.

Petunia: And don't forget your contribution to the set itself, you kids got skill.

Benjamin: Ah thanks Miss Paws. I'll make sure we don't miss a detail.

Pandora: Though I think we can leave out Trap's little mishap.

Geronimo: Which wouldn't have happened if someone didn't mix unknown substances.

Trap: Hey, it was an accident.

Geronimo: Well you're lucky your accident didn't get a lawsuit thrown my way.

Trap: Oh come on, cuz. It could have been worse.

Trappy: Yeah, people could have gotten hurt.

Trap: Eh tu, Trappy? *suddenly he hears something rustle* (gasps) Did anyone hear that?!

Pandora: Hear what?

[Trap looks behind him]

Trap: I think someone's behind us!

[Bruce looked as well and saw nothing]

Bruce: So? It's a public sidewalk.

Petunia: But who could it have been?

Geronimo: I don't see anyone.

Bruce: See Trap? It was just your imagination running wild.

Trap: Maybe you're right. *looks behind him* Or maybe it wasn't.

Bruce: *grabs Trap by his arm* Come on.

[The mice continue their way home]

Pandora: Hey, is it me or is it a bit dark out?

Petunia: It's probably just the fog.

Trappy: I hate fog.

Benjamin: It's just condensed water vapor suspended-

Trappy: I didn't ask for a science lesson. It's creepy and it makes my hair frizz.

[Suddenly Trap stopped making everyone else do so as well]

Geronimo: Now what?

Trap: I thought I heard breathing! *some wind howls* What is that?!

Geronimo: Oh for goudas sake, Trap. There's nothing-

Creature: (growls)

Group: (gasps)

Trap: MONSTER! RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

Group: (screams)

[They all began running, Petunia led the kids to the Paw house and shut the door. Trap, Bruce, and Geronimo made a beeline for the Stilton house going through the neighbors hard and through the flower bed and through the front door. Once inside they slam the door shut]

Trap, Bruce, and Geronimo: (panting)

[Thea comes walking into the main entrance]

Thea: Oh, guys. You made it back. Dinner is just about-

Trap: Keep it down! *looks outside the peep hole* It's still out there.

Thea: What's out there?

Trap: Something big, hairy, and HUNGRY! Just like that scene from the "The rise of the Undead Mice." *hears someone knocking* (yelps)

[Trap stumbles back causing Geronimo and Bruce to trip]

Thea: (sighs) Coming!

[Thea goes to open the door]

Trap: (gasps) *sees her reaching the knob but he jumps onto her* DON'T ANSWER IT!

Thea: *choking* Trap, get off! I can't breathe!

[Bruce pulls Trap off Thea as she goes to answer the door again]

Trap: THEA NO! *Thea answers the door and a silhouette appeared Trap freaked out but Geronimo covered his mouth* (muffled shouting)

[The figure emerged into the light to reveal a middle aged mouse with creamy yellow fur and brownish-red hair pulled back into a ponytail, she had sharp hazel eyes, and was wearing elegant clothes a beige turtleneck, a dark gray coat with a matching long skirt and in her hands was what looked like a cane that was white in color with a bronze rat on the top]

Thea: Hello, can I help you?

Female Mouse: Miss Stilton, I am Wellington… Rachel Wellington. I'm your next door neighbor.

Thea: Oh Miss Wellington. It's a pleasure to meet you. Care to come in?

Wellington: No…thank you. Your…(clear throat) relatives just trampled over a very rare and irreplaceable specimen of Aconitum that I had planted in my flowerbed!

Thea: I am terribly sorry, if there is anything we can do-

Wellington: What you can do is keep away from me and stay off my property!

Thea: Miss Wellington, I understand your frustrations but there is no need to be so loud! The guys just got startled by something they saw and it-

[Miss Wellington got concerned and grabbed Thea by her coat]

Wellington: What?! What did they see?!

Thea: It was nothing really! *releases her grip* Miss Wellington, are you sure you're alright?

Wellington: Ahem! *covers her face* (growls) Whew. I apologize, it's just that the plant was very precious to me and…someone in this house wakes me up every night with their screaming!

Thea: That would be Trap, alright. He says that your dog wakes him up with his howling.

Wellington: I don't have a dog!

[Trap comes from behind Thea]

Trap: Oh yeah? Then what are you doing with all those bones?

Wellington: What?! How did you know I have bones?!

Trap: AHA! I didn't! Until now!

Geronimo: (whispers) Trap please!

Thea: I'm sorry for my cousin Miss Wellington.

[Miss Wellington looks behind her and see the moon rising]

Wellington: I need to go! Please, forgive my behavior tonight. I'm not feeling like myself lately.

[Wellington turns around to leave]

Thea: It's alright. And please, if there is anything-

Wellington: (sniffs) Your lasagna's burning.

Thea: (gasps) Oh no, dinner!

[Thea rushes to save the food]

Wellington: Have a good night.

[Wellington leaves and Traps creaks the door to where he could still see out it until Geronimo pushes it shut, he and Bruce look at Trap with serious looks on their faces]

Trap: I'm telling you that woman freaks me out.

[Back in the kitchen Thea had on oven mitts and pulled the lasagna out]

Thea: Well that was close. *places the tray on the rack to cool, she takes off one of the mitts* Hang on, how did she know I was making lasagna?

[She sees Trap peaking in]

Trap: Well, I better go wash up!

[Trap was about to make a dash up the stairs]

Thea: Trapper! *she approaches him* We need to have a talk.

Trap: *turns around* (groans)

Thea: *looks at Geronimo and Bruce* Would you guys mind waiting in the den?

Bruce: Do we have a choice?

Thea: Nope.

Geronimo: (chuckles) Then it's no problem.

[Geronimo directs Bruce to the den but then the phone rings]

Thea: I'll get back to you. *answers the phone* Hello?

Wolfgang's Voice: THEA! (angry shouts)

Thea: Calm down, Wolf. What's wrong with your sister and the kids?

[Trap snuck his way into the den with Geronimo and Bruce but then they saw the remote]

Trap and Bruce: I call the remote!

[Trap jumps for the remote but Bruce gets it first and turns on the TV to a monster program with what looks like a beaver in witch clothing checking her cauldron]

Trap: Oh yeah, it's Madame Lunaria!

Bruce: No way! *changes the channel but Trap steals the remote* HEY!

Trap: Haha!

[He changes it back to the monster channel]

Lunaria: We'll get back to the Gorgon and the Mermouse go to High School in just a moment. Oh, I hope the Mermouse makes the swim team.

Bruce: Don't you worry you'll rot your brain with this?

Geronimo: Too late for that.

Lunaria: Not only is this an example of cinematic art, today's film also makes a valid point. Monster's can be anywhere. School, the shopping mall, even your own neighborhood.

Trap: (gasps) She's right!

[Lunaria walks up to her bookshelf and pulls out a book]

Lunaria: Which is why you need to order my Lunaria's book of Monster Facts. For a mere price of 14.95 you can learn all the monsters facts you need in order to better protect yourself. *opens it up* For example, did you know that mermice don't like fresh water? Maybe that's why you never see any surfers go to the local swimming pool. The old man down the street? Hair thinning or a zombie?! Now you can tell the difference. *closes the book* This may be the most important purchase you ever made, because as I said before, monsters are everywhere! *Trap hears the words "everywhere" repeat in his head* Plus, if you order within the next 24 hours, I'll include this lovely crystal necklace. *holds up the necklace* Don't know what it does, but hey could make a nice gift for a lovely lady in your life.

[Geronimo stares the necklace]

Geronimo: That actually looks pretty nice.

[Lunaria puts the necklace away and pulls out a sign and holds it up the sign had a phone number which reads 1-800-TWO-LUNA]

Lunaria: Again, just 14.95. Order now before my quaint little hut disappears into the wind. OOOOH. 1-800-TWO-LUNA, remember you must be 18 or older to call, but we don't really ask that so don't bother with that. I repeat, that's 1-800-TWO-

[Suddenly the tv turned off]

Trap: HEY! *looks for the remote and sees Bruce swiped it* Bruce!

Bruce: I think we've seen enough for one night.

Trap: Don't you get it? Lunaria's right! There's a monster on our own block!

Geronimo: Yeah right.

[Trap looks at Geronimo]

Trap: Loosen your tie, cuz. Footsteps in the fog. Howls at night. There's a monster out there, alright. And I have an idea on who it is.

Bruce: And who do you believe is the monster?

Trap: Why it's none other than our next door neighbor…Miss Wellington!

Bruce: Oh, for goodness sakes.

Trap: How come you guys don't believe me?

Geronimo: Let me refresh your memory.

[Geronimo approaches a nearby bookshelf and pulls out a notebook. He opens it up]

Trap: What is that?

Geronimo: Let's see…Mr. Whiskers. Mrs. Furcheska, The Cheese Maker, Sister Linda, The Swiss Chef, The Delivery Boy, The-

Trap: Alright, enough! Who are all those people anyway?

Geronimo: Oh nobody except *puts the notebook away* a small handful of the hundreds you accuse of being a monster, alien, or specter. Pretty much everyone in town is in there, Trap. Except Thea.

Trap: Thea, of course!

Bruce: Thea?! (laughs) Now come on, he was joking!

[Geronimo and Bruce see Thea come up behind Trap and grabs his shoulder]

Trap: (screams)

Thea: Trapper! *Trap looks behind her as she takes off the other oven mitt* That was Wolfgang on the phone. He told me that his house is full of screaming mouselings, including his dear sister. Care to explain why?

Trap: (laughs nervously) Whose hungry for lasagna?

[Thea storms upstairs]

Bruce: You're in for it now, Trap.

[Trap rushes upstairs and saw that Thea was heading into their room with an empty box and she starts dumping all his monster stuff in it]

Trap: Thea, what are you doing?!

Thea: Putting an end to your monster madness, it's spiraled out of control! *begins taking down posters* Starting now, your monster days have come to an end!

Trap: WHAT?!

Thea: Which means, no more horror films, no more figurines, and no more Wererat of Cheesy Hollow.

Trap: (gasps)

[Thea picked up the box and walked out]

Thea: You're going cold turkey.

[Thea left the room, Trap feel to his knees in despair]

Trap: (cries) NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Narrator: Looks like Trap's monster career had just come to a sudden stop. After one too many mishaps, he was now stripped of everything monster related. How will he cope with it? And what does that mean for the movie? Maybe the others can figure out a suitable replacement. Only time will tell…