Disclaimers: I don't own all the characters in this chapter (excluding Christina, Nathan, Häcksler, and Wellington)
Narrator: Last time Trap had caused a huge mess on the set, but thankfully no serious damage was done, but it puts his chances of stardom in jeopardy, Geronimo is of course changed with keeping him in line as revealed by the head of the museum Mr. Häcksler that should another mishap occur under Christina's care, she and her brother would lose their careers and their family business shut down for good. After cleaning up Geronimo and the others head home until Trap begins to suspect there is something following them, which soon startles everyone and causes them to flee home. Making it back to safety of the Stilton house, they are greeted by their new next door neighbor Rachel Wellington who was not pleased that her flower bed was trampled on, Thea tries to make amends but Wellington begins act harsh and rudely but quickly composes herself and apologizes for her behavior, she soon leaves. Though things have settled Trap was far from safe as he was about to get a talking to from his cousin but is interrupted by a sudden call from Wolfgang who reveals that due to Trap's antics, his sister and the children have been scared senseless, deciding that enough is enough, Thea takes all of Trap's monster merchandise and has decided that he will not be partaking in the movie, which doesn't sit well with him. How will Geronimo and the others break this to Christina? Let's find out…
[The next day, Geronimo and Thea were driving to the horror movie museum, discussing what to do next]
Geronimo: Christina is not going to be happy to hear that Trap will not be able to partake in the movie anymore.
Thea: She'll have to deal with it. Trap's monster obsession has caused not only us trouble but Pandora's family is now mixed into it.
Geronimo: You said it. Maybe some time away from monsters might actually get him to stop.
Thea: Provided he doesn't try to sneak some behind our backs.
Geronimo: Then we'll have to get Bruce to keep an eye on him for us.
Thea: Good call. Now, who should break it to Christina?
Geronimo: I'll do it. You already dealt with Trap, so I'll deal with her.
Thea: It's your call, big bro.
[They finally arrive at the museum where Christina and Nathan were waiting]
Christina: Ah the Stiltons! Glad you could come. Where is your cousin?
Geronimo: Well, Miss Hopkins. I'm afraid I have some bad news…you might want to sit down.
[After Geronimo tells her what happens, Christina breaks down similar to Trap]
Christina: NOOOOO!
Thea: I'm sorry Miss Hopkins, but me and my brother decided that it is for Trap's own good.
Christina: But what about the good of the movie?! I mean, Trap knows the beast, he lives the beast, he..is…the beast!
Geronimo: And that's the whole problem.
Nathan: We're going to have to find someone to play the beast since Trap is available. Hmm…maybe that Squealer fella from the Daily Rat might be a good role.
Thea: Oh no, you don't want Simon Squealer, he's nothing but trouble.
Nathan: Well we have to find someone to take Trap's place. Hmm…*looks at Geronimo and points at him* Why not you?
Geronimo: Me?!
Nathan: Yes, you got the makings of the star, I just know it!
Geronimo: Oh, no, no, no, no, no! You don't want me.
Christina: No, this is good! With the famous Geronimo Stilton starring in our movie, it will definitely help boost ratings. Get ready Mr. Stilton, because you're gonna be a star!
Geronimo: But…but…but I-
[Geronimo was completely baffled later that day he was sitting in his office still processing what happened and with him was the Paw Twins, their niece Pandora, his sister, and nephew]
Benjamin: Wow, Uncle G is going to be the wererat?! That is so cool!
Geronimo: No it is not, Benjamin! I can't be scary, I just can't!
Petunia: Oh, of course you can! We'll help you all the way!
Thea: That's right, bro. We got your back.
[Geronimo grabs the script he is given and flips through the pages]
Geronimo: But all these lines! I can't remember all of them!
Wolfgang: Which is why Christina is going to have Bruce play the part of Lord Cedric Peppertail while you're the dangerous Wererat of Cheesy Hollow!
Geronimo: I don't know if I am really the right mouse to play the monster type.
Pandora: Maybe this will help you get in touch with that part of yourself.
Benjamin: Pandora's right! I know with enough work you'll be a great monster.
Geronimo: I'm not sure about this…
[Petunia places a paw on Geronimo's shoulder]
Petunia: Come on, Geronimo. It'll be fun. And we'll have scenes together.
Geronimo: Oh alright. I'll give it a shot. So Thea, how is Trap doing?
Thea: As well as can be expected.
[Back in the guys room, Trap was in the corner anxious]
Trap: My world has crumbled into pieces. I'm alone with nothing, how am I going to endure without monsters?! How am I going to endure?! What am I going to do?! *notices a bag of potato chips* Oooh cheddar and sour scream!
[Trap eats what is inside but there only a small handful of chips and so he sets by the window noticing Trappy saying good-bye to Pandora]
Trap: See you tomorrow, Pandora!
[As Pandora leaves with her aunt and uncle the mail truck stops in front of Trappy and hands her a package]
Mail Mouse: Here you go, sweetie.
Trappy: *takes the package* Thank you.
[The mail truck drives off and when Trap eyes the package he gets excited]
Trap: YES! There's hope yet! *opens the window and gets Trappy's attention* Trappy, that is for me. I'll take it off your paws.
Trappy: This isn't monster stuff, is it Daddy?
Trap: Oh Trappy, that is hurtful. That package is part of my recovery and the only thing that can help me find happiness in a world without monsters.
[Trappy approaches the house]
Trappy: Well, if you say so.
[A hook on a reel comes down]
Trap: Then hook it on, Trappy! Time stops for no mouse* Trappy hooks the package onto the hook and Trap reels it in* Yes, come to Trapper! *the packages reaches the room and he eagerly opens the package to find that it was the book from the Lunaria commercial he watched last night* Yes, yes! Things are looking my way! *Trappy heads inside Trap looked insider the box and notices the necklace, he picks it up to get a better look* I don't need this useless thing.
[Trap casually tosses it outside as Geronimo came out and hit him on his head]
Geronimo: Hey! *notices the necklace in the grass* Ooh, Petunia would like this. I should give it to her when I find the time.
[Geronimo puts the necklace in his pocket and walks off. Trap was reading his new book when he was startled when Bruce came into the room with a smaller box. Trap quickly hids the book]
Bruce: Monster check!
[Trap stands up looking offended]
Trap: Well isn't that just dandy? I'm on a monster free diet and you have the audacity!
Bruce: Keep quiet, Trap! Now spread 'em out!
[Bruce puts Trap up to a wall with his hands up]
Trap: I believe I am entitled to a phone call!
[Trap slides the book further out of view as Bruce empties out his pockets finding little wind up monsters]
Bruce: What do we have here?
Trap: I can explain.
Bruce: I'm sure you can.
[Bruce empties them all into the box one tries to slip away but he chases it]
Trap: You left me nothing!
[The toy returns to Trap's feet and as Bruce grabs it he looks at Trap]
Bruce: Remove your shirt.
[Trap complies and Bruce finds some monster teeth hidden in Trap's hair then he takes Trap's shirt and starts emptying the rest of them into the little box, seeing that he got them all Bruce takes the box and leaves]
Trap: I think you forgot something! A PIECE OF MY HEART! *as soon as Bruce closes the door he pulls the book back out and continues reading* Okay…*looks at the page with some werebeasts* Whoa…*turns the page to see a picture of a cane that looks identical to Wellington's* AHA!
[Later that night as everyone was going to sleep, Thea taking herself to the room she had set up for Bruce to stay in]
Thea: Are you sure about this Bruce?
Bruce: Of course, I need to stay close to Trap to keep an eye on him.
Thea: What? Don't think Geronimo can do it?
Bruce: Your brother needs to focus on his role for the movie.
Thea: Alright then, good night.
[Thea kisses Bruce on his cheek and they all go to bed, much later Trap approaches Bruce who was in what look like pajamas with various cheese designs on them he is suddenly woken up by Trap]
Trap: Don't worry, Bruce. It's just me.
[Bruce obviously annoyed shakes Trap's hand]
Bruce: Pleasure to meet you.
[Bruce tries to go back to sleep but Trap wouldn't let him]
Trap: Bruce, our good neighbor Miss Wellington is a weremouse and until I prove it, I'm not going to rest.
Bruce: And apparently, neither am I.
Trap: So, are in or what?
Bruce: Given the choices, I'm in. But I have one condition.
Trap: And that would be?
Bruce: If we can't find any proof that she is a weremouse. You have to give up this whole monster madness once and for all.
[Trap begins to ponder and decides his answer]
Trap: Alright, it's a deal.
[Trap and Bruce shake paws to seal the deal. They get dressed and sneak outside into the night to begin their search, by the next day Geronimo and Petunia were practicing their lines with Wolfgang helping Geronimo but with no luck, as the days go by the duo are unable to find anything concrete]
Bruce: Another night wasted.
[Trap looked into his book to find some info]
Trap: Hey Bruce, listen to this. "Even if someone is pure of heart, and says their prayers by night, can still become a werebeast when mousebane blooms and when the autumn moon is at its brightest."
Bruce: And your point?
Trap: *tosses the book aside* Okay, let me point it out. What does Miss Wellington have in her flower bed and hedges?
Bruce: Oh please, is that really your toughest question? Specimens of aconitum, which is often called blue rocket, queen of poisons, or even…
Trap: *japs his finger into Bruce's chest* Go on say it, mousebane! Which as anyone knows is used to ward off weremice!
[They heard the doorknob to the room turn and Trap quickly changes their screen from all the monster notes to a game of connect four, the door opens and it reveals to be Thea]
Thea: Excuse me guys have you seen- *sees the monitor* What's going on here?
Trap: Oh nothing! Just trying to set a world record here.
Bruce: Yeah, it's the most consecutive games of Connector Four ending in a draw.
Thea: Alright then. Have you guys seen Geronimo anywhere?
Trap: Actually yeah, he's in the backyard trying to rehearse his lines.
Thea: Oh thanks. I'll go check on him.
[Thea leaves and the guys breathe a sigh of relief]
Bruce: I can't believe I'm keeping this a secret from her, I'm supposed to be keeping you from getting involved in monster stuff.
Trap: Hey, you agreed to help me find proof that Wellington is a weremouse, you can't back out now.
Bruce: I know. But if she catches us and we get busted, remind me to kill you.
[As they continued their work, Geronimo was in the backyard practicing his lines.
Geronimo: "That's right, my dear. I am the beast terrorizing Cheesy Hollow. Gaze well upon this face, for it is…" Wait, what was the line again? *checks the script* Oh yeah… (clears throat) "Gaze well upon this face, for it is the last face…" Uh…*reads the script again not even noticing Thea approach from behind* "Gaze well upon this face-"
Thea: "For it is the last face you'll ever see!"
[Startled Geronimo looked behind him and saw Thea in the shadows looking sinister]
Geronimo: (sighs)
[Geronimo faints, Thea emerged from the shadows surprised]
Thea: Geronimo! *shakes him awake* Are you okay, bro?
[Back in the room Bruce was busy writing some things down on his papers when Trap came in and dropped the book right on the bed he was sitting on and causes his papers to scatter around]
Bruce: What is it now?
Trap: Look, right here. *shows him a picture of the cane* It says that werebeasts often carry symbols of the beasts. You remember the one Wellington was carrying? The one with the rat head?
Bruce: Oh yeah I did. She must have rat jerseys or mint condition rat trading cards. And special rat pottery.
Trap: Glad to see you're amused. The handle is made of pure bronze. And why is that? Because bronze kills weremice!
Bruce: And what do you theorize? That she plans to club herself to death?
Trap: Well…uh…
[Trap goes to check his book]
Bruce: For the love of cheddar Trap, let's face it. Nothing we found proves that Wellington is a weremouse.
Trap: No proof huh? *he shows Bruce a picture* Look at this! *Bruce sees a page with a paw that has a beast mark* The Mark of the Beast, every werebeast has one.
[Back outside Geronimo was regaining consciousness and once his vision cleared he saw Thea]
Thea: Bro!
Geronimo: Sorry. I was busy practicing my lines and you caught me by surprise.
Thea: I didn't mean to scare you, bro. I just wanted to let you know how the line was supposed to be read.
Geronimo: And you did it great. But I can't get it right. I don't know why I keep at it, the fact is, I'm not scary.
Thea: Well, maybe you should try to imagine how the beast feels. Part rodent, part monster, angry at everyone because of something he didn't ask for, so different from society.
Geronimo: Aren't we all different in some aspects?
Thea: You're right. Okay then, think of all the people who have ever given you grief, you say you don't hold grudges but I bet deep down you want to have payback for all the trouble you've been through your whole life.
Geronimo: Like Sally?
Thea: Yeah. Think of how much she puts you through and how you want to get even.
[Geronimo digs in and recites the line]
Geronimo: "Gaze well upon this face my dear, for it is the last face you'll ever see!" (ferocious growls)
[Thea takes a step back in surprise]
Thea: Whoa bro, that was pretty good.
Geronimo: I managed to scare even myself.
Thea: See? I knew you had it in you! *they begin to head inside until they saw Wellington appear from behind the bush* Oh, hi Miss Wellington.
Wellington: Hello.
Geronimo: Hey Thea, I'm feeling a bit more confident now. I need to go do something that I haven't had the courage to do before. Alright?
Thea: Okay, bro. Hey, since you're going out could you go get Benjamin and Trapp? It'll be dark soon.
Geronimo: Sure I can go get them.
[Geronimo rushes off but drops the script]
Thea: Don't worry Geronimo, I got it. You better get going.
[Geronimo pulls out the necklace he found and holds it in his paws. He rushes down the street, meanwhile Trap was still talking with Bruce in the guys bedroom]
Trap: Now all we got to do is get a good look at Wellington's paws, and then-
Bruce: That's it! I'm done, through, finished!
[He begins erasing all the notes that was made on the screen]
Trap: What are you saying?!
Bruce: I'm not going to continue this ridiculous weremouse hunt with you!
Trap: But we had a deal!
Bruce: The deal's off, Trap! I have other things to do with my time than this.
Trap: Like what?
Bruce: Laundry, learning my lines for the movie, helping Thea with repairs to her bike, getting-
Trap: Well aren't you just the responsible mouse? You're as much of a killjoy as Geronimo.
Bruce: Well when he has to deal with a mouse like you on a daily basis, I can't blame him!
Trap: What's that supposed to mean?!
Bruce: Your jokester behavior needs to be kept in check more!
Trap: Hey, I bring laughter to the world, it's what I was born to do!
Bruce: Look I'm all for a good joke or prank every now and then, but the problem with you Trap is you don't know when to stop! And then it stops being funny!
Trap: Everyone's a critic! You just have no sense of humor!
Bruce: Oh yeah?!
[Bruce grabs a pillow and chucks it at Trap]
Trap: So it's a fight you want? Alright, bring it on!
[As the two mice battle it out, Geronimo makes it to the Paw's house he rings the doorbell and there to greet him was Pandora]
Pandora: Oh hey, Geronimo. Are you here to pick up Trappy and Benjamin?
Geronimo: Yes, I am but there's something else I came here for. Is your aunt home?
Pandora: Oh okay. I'll call her. *shouts inside* Aunt Petunia, you have a visitor at the door!
Petunia's Voice: Be there in a minute!
Benjamin: Thanks Pandora. Can you go get Trappy and Benjamin?
Pandora: Sure.
[Pandora rushes upstairs as Petunia heads to the door and sees Geronimo]
Petunia: Oh, hello Geronimo.
Geronimo: H-hi..Petunia. I wanted to give you something, as thanks for helping me out these past few days.
[He pulls out the crystal necklace and shows it to Petunia]
Petunia: (gasps) Oh Geronimo, it's beautiful! *she takes the necklace* Thank you!
[She pulls Geronimo in for a kiss and when he pulls back his face was now burning red]
Geronimo: Oh, it was nothing. I'm glad you like it.
[Pandora came back with Benjamin and Trappy]
Pandora: Here they are, Geronimo.
Geronimo: Thanks Pandora. Have a good night, Petunia.
Petunia: You too, Geronimo. Get home safely.
[Geronimo takes Benjamin and Trappy home as Petunia closes the door. As they walk back the three Stiltons began hearing growling]
Geronimo: Trap, is that you? *he looks around* Trap, this isn't funny!
[They continue walking until something comes out from the bushes toward Geronimo as he and Trappy looked away, Benjamin saw the figure]
Benjamin: (screams)
[Trappy and Geronimo saw what scared him]
Geronimo: Benjamin look out!
[Geronimo gets in front of his nephew as the creature approaches back at the Stilton house, Thea was questions Trap and Bruce who were all beaten up and their clothes torn]
Thea: So, let me make sure I got this right, all this over a connect four game?
Trap: Well you see, we decided to use the Irish rules of the game.
Bruce: Yeah, it gets pretty rough.
Thea: Okay…
[Suddenly Geronimo, Benjamin and Trappy came rushing in and shut the door behind them, the kids looked and saw they were terrified beyond belief, while Geronimo was clutching his forearm]
Benjamin: Aunt Thea, Uncle G needs help!
Thea: What happened?!
Trappy: Cousin Geronimo was bringing us back from Pandora's, and then we got attacked by a rat! A big one and it bit him!
Bruce: Here let me look! *Bruce checks the bite* Doesn't look too serious but I'll help get it cleaned.
Thea: Geronimo did you get a good look at the rat?
Geronimo: No…I was more focused on protecting Trappy and Benjamin.
Trap: They aren't hurt are they?
Geronimo: No they're fine, I managed to keep the rat from hurting them.
Thea: Well don't worry bro, we'll keep an eye out for that rat and we'll find it. Now come on let's get you patched up. Kids head up stairs.
Benjamin: Okay Aunt Thea, come on Trappy.
[Trappy and Benjamin run up the stairs as Bruce and Thea take Geronimo into a different room to get him all bandaged up. Geronimo takes off his vest, tie, jacket, and dress shirt, leaving him with only his undershirt and pants]
Thea: Good thing you have a lot of spare suits bro.
Geronimo: My clothes are the least of my worries.
Bruce: Alright, now hold still.
[Bruce begins to disinfect the bite mark and once he was finished he bandaged up the wound]
Geronimo: Thanks. I'll be fine.
Thea: You did a brave thing, bro.
Geronimo: It wasn't bravery, I was just looking out for the kids.
Bruce: Well still, what you did was amazing.
Geronimo: Oh stop.
[Later that night as everyone was sleeping Geronimo was fidgeting in his bed and then when he stopped his paw was open and on the palm was the mark of the beast. The next morning everyone was getting ready for breakfast, Geronimo came in and his hair was styled differently]
Bruce: Hope you guys are hungry. I made cheesy eggs, pancakes, waffles, and hash browns.
[Geronimo sits down]
Geronimo: You got any bacon or ham or even sausage?
Bruce: (laughs) That's a good one, Geronimo. Here you go.
[He gives Geronimo a plate of waffles but when he sniffs it he pushes it away, he then heads to the fridge and looks for something]
Geronimo: Ah, meatloaf. *he takes a bite but he reacts in disgust* Ugh! What is this?! Soybeans?!
Thea: Uh…yeah. *looks at the clock* Uh oh, gotta get the kids to school, come on!
[Thea rushes Benjamin and Trappy to his cars while Thea gives the guys their lunch]
Geronimo: Is there hamburger steak in this?
Trap: No cuz, you don't eat meat remember?
Geronimo: I don't?
Trap: No.
Geronimo: Oh okay.
[Geronimo joins up with Bruce]
Bruce: So apart from your sudden change in taste, how are you feeling?
Geronimo: Well the wound doesn't hurt, I'm feeling okay.
Bruce: Good then how about a little race to the museum?
Geronimo: Sure, I'll even give you a head start.
Bruce: Oh really? Alright, go!
[Bruce began jogging]
Trap: Cuz, what are you doing?
Geronimo: Just having a little fun. *Geronimo makes a dash and passes by Bruce* See you there!
[Bruce was taken by surprise as we Trap]
Bruce: Was that really… Geronimo?
Trap: Must be the soybeans.
[Bruce and Trap continue walking until they reached the museum where Geronimo was waiting]
Geronimo: Well you both took your time.
Trap: Cuz, are you sure you're feeling okay?
Geronimo: Of course I am! I haven't felt this good in a long time! Now come on, we got work to do!
Narrator: As the guys head inside to prepare for screening. Many thoughts have now crossed the minds of Trap and Bruce. What has gotten into Geronimo? Where did all this confidence and vigor come from? Has the attack from last night really changed him that much? Only time will reveal the answer…