Disclaimers: I don't own all the characters in this chapter (excluding Delilah, Christina, Nathan, and Lunaria)
Narrator: Last time Geronimo and Thea had told Christina that because Trap's obsession with monsters has been causing trouble lately he will no longer be able to play the Wererat for the Beast of Cheesy Hollow movie, which of course doesn't sit well with the director herself, so despite Geronimo's protest he is now cast as the Wererat, but it proves to be difficult since Geronimo has never had to be scary before in his life, Trap coping with the loss of his role gets Bruce to help him investigate if the next door neighbor is in fact a werebeast on the promise that if they can't find anything Trap is to give up his whole monster madness, but with no proof or leads Bruce decides that he has had enough, while Geronimo with some help from Thea manages to muster up some self confidence and he decides to go visit Petunia while picking up Benjamin and Trappy, once there he gives his crush a lovely crystal necklace as thanks for her support, but just as they arrive home, a beast comes and attacks them but Geronimo protects the kids, though in the process he gets injured, though no serious damage was done, the next day Geronimo began acting different. What could this mean? Let's find out.
[In the museums filming studio Christina and her brother Nathan were talking about the recasting they had to do as the cast themselves was getting everything ready for their next scene]
Christina: I shouldn't have let you talk me into casting Geronimo as the new wererat. He is terrible! There is not a single scary bone in his entire body!
Nathan: Well, if Trap had just learnt some restraint none of this would have happened. Besides, from what I heard, Geronimo needs this to boost up his self esteem.
Christina: But what about mine?! This is my movie! Not only will we lose our jobs, I'll become the laughing stock of the filming league! Do you understand?!
Nathan: Let's just see how it goes *pushes Christina out of his face* Then we can talk.
Christina: But-
Nathan: Quiet!
[Christina turns to face the stage as Bruce began reciting his line]
Bruce: This is it…the formula that will save us all…if this fails, may the spirits have mercy on Cheesy Hollow. *Wolfgang drinks the concoction while Trap applies the lighting and Benjamin applies the sounds for thunder* (gasps) No, the formula! I'm changing!
[Wolfgang staggers behind the table and Geronimo jumps out with a more feral look and fake fangs]
Geronimo: (growls)
[Petunia got a little nervous but Wolfgang nudges her]
Wolfgang: Go.
[Petunia walks through the door looking around]
Petunia: Oh Cedric! Cedric, are you home? (gasps)
[Geronimo turns around and sees Petunia]
Geronimo: Irene, you've arrived.
Petunia: No, it can't be! All this time, it was you!
Geronimo: That's right, my dear! I am the beast terrorizing Cheesy Hollow!
Petunia: But this isn't right! This isn't you!
Geronimo: oh, but it is, as you can clearly see! Gaze well upon this face my dear, for it is the last face you'll ever see! (ferocious growls) *everyone began shaking in terror at Geronimo's performace he soon stopped and looked at the Hopkins* Was that good?
[Christina and Nathan were holding each other in fear but they soon look at each other]
Nathan: W-wow…he seems to be shaping up quite well..
Christina: *nod* Oh definitely! Okay people take five!
[Geronimo walks past Trap and Wolfgang with Petunia following]
Geronimo: Hello fellas.
Wolfgang: Well Geronimo sure has come a long way.
Trap: I'll say, I didn't think he had it in him.
[Petunia catches up to Geronimo]
Petunia: Oh Geronimo, that was amazing!
Geronimo: Goodness, you really think so?
Petunia: I do! Your performance was amazing!
Geronimo: Why thanks Petunia. You were pretty good yourself.
[Simon was watching and he was getting annoyed]
Simon: Someone sure is getting confident. I think Stilton needs to be brought back down a peg. (squeaky laughter)
[Simon tries to pull the rug from under Geronimo's feet but he senses what is about to happen and jumps off in time causing Simon to fall back and trip]
Everyone: (laughs)
[Geronimo looks and sees Simon]
Geronimo: Nice try, Simon.
Simon: (groans) You got lucky, Stilton. I don't know how you got all this confidence but I'll make sure it doesn't go too far.
[Simon stomps off]
Geronimo: Someone sure is feeling sour. *he soon arrives home with the others* Thea, we're back!
[Thea peaks out from the other room]
Thea: Hey guys! How was rehearsal?
Geronimo: It was great! I managed to impress Chrisitna with my performance!
Thea: Really? That's wonderful Geronimo! Wait till the kids hear about this!
[Benjamin and Trappy come down the stairs]
Trappy: What's going on down here?
Thea: Nothing really, Trappy. Well, apart from your uncle having a great day today.
Benjamin: Did rehearsal go smoothly?
Geronimo: It went more than smoothly, it was amazing! I finally got this beast part down to the letter!
Benjamin: Really? Good going, Uncle G! This is definitely going into the report!
Geronimo: Maybe you should wait until filming, Ben. Then you can really see it.
Benjamin: Alright, I think I will.
[Trappy and Benjamin head back up stairs]
Thea: I'm glad to hear everything is going great for you, Geronimo.
Geronimo: You and me both, Thea.
[The next night everyone was sleeping until a shadow began looming over Bruce]
Bruce: (gasps) *he sees it's Trap* (groans) Will you just let me get one good night of sleep? Is that too much to ask?
Trap: Okay, so maybe Miss Wellington isn't our werebeast, but I know there is one around here somewhere, I can feel it!
Bruce: Trapper!
Trap: What?
Bruce: There is no werebeast!
Trap: But-
Bruce: Let me repeat, there is no, keyword "no" werebeast.
[During their argument Geronimo began to change, the tip of his ears became pointy, his teeth turned into fangs, claws formed on his paws, his muscle build increased slightly, and his fur changed to a slight shade of brown and start looking more wild]
Geronimo: (snarls)
[Geronimo woke up and ducked under his bed, he poked his out from under the hanging covers to look at Trap and Bruce]
Bruce: Now you say it.
Trap: Fine. There is…no…
[Geronimo jumps onto Trap's bed getting closer]
Bruce: Go on…finish that sentence.
Trap: (sighs) *sees Geronimo and freaks out* Werebeast!
[Bruce sees Geronimo and falls back]
Geronimo: (snarls)
[Geronimo jumps onto the bed where Trap was and was looking directly at his face]
Trap: Good boy, Geronimo. *Geronimo growls at him then sniffs as he stumbles* Geronimo!
[Geronimo stops sniffing and then licks Trap on his face]
Geronimo: (panting)
[Geronimo jumps onto the carpet and starts rolling his back on it]
Trap: Hey, that was just vacuumed!
[Bruce stands up to see]
Bruce: He's like a puppy.
Trap: Yeah, a weremouse puppy.
[Geronimo grabs a pillow and starts ripping it up]
Bruce: A very rowdy weremouse puppy.
Geronimo: (whimpers)
Bruce: No, no, Geronimo! Bad boy!
Trap: Better get the broom. Since this mess is on your side.
Bruce: Correction, this is your side of the bedroom. *Geronimo rushes to the open window* Take note, the lamp on your drawer is clearly the dividing line!
[Trap sees Geronimo about to lean out the window]
Trap: Cuz no!
[Geronimo slips out the window and falls to the ground. He sits up and shakes himself off. He then starts running around the yard, Bruce and Trap follow after]
Bruce: Geronimo stop!
[They chase after Geronimo who is digging through the trash]
Trap: Oh man, look at this mess!
[Suddenly the lights in the house across the gate turn on]
Woman Voice: Who's out there?! I got a potato masher and I know how to use it!
Trap: Uh…(meows)
[Suddenly Geronimo peaked out from the garbage]
Geronimo: (howls)
Bruce: (gasps)
Trap: Cuz stop!
[Bruce and Trap silenced Geronimo then got him out of the trash and started carrying him back home]
Geronimo: (panting)
[He gently scratches Bruce's head then licks Trap]
Trap: Easy cuz, we're almost home.
[Bruce and Trap bring Geronimo back up to their room and they made a makeshift toy for him to play with]
Bruce: You know, Geronimo is kinda adorable like this.
Trap: Maybe this is why he's been acting so scary and been so fit.
Bruce: Think you can handle having a weremouse for a cousin?
Trap: I'm sure I can manage.
Bruce: But how are you going to keep this a secret from the others?
Trap: I'll think of something. But I'll need your help.
[And so for the next four months Trap and Bruce have been keeping an eye on Geronimo whose behavior has been much different from his usual self, he has been acting more abrasive which hasn't gone unnoticed by everyone around him, and with each full moon it seems his changes are becoming more gradual, with his body bulking up slightly more and his fur begins to look more feral and darker, later that week for the final recital Geronimo was busy getting ready when he heard a knock]
Geronimo: Who is it? I'm a little busy at the moment!
Petunia's Voice: It's me Geronimo.
Geronimo: Ah, Petunia! Come on in! *she enters and he notices her in costume* So are you ready to end this movie?
Petunia: As I'll ever be. But I don't know if I will be able to do this, I'm so nervous.
Geronimo: What are you talking about? You've been rehearsing these lines for the past few months, you shouldn't be nervous.
Petunia: I'm sorry, I just can't help it.
Geronimo: Well, make sure you don't blow it, because if you do we have to shoot the whole thing over and over again, until we get it right.
Petunia: Geronimo, I'm not doing this on purpose.
Geronimo: Could have fooled me, now come on, let's get this over with.
[They all head out to the set where Christina was waiting]
Christina: Alright everyone, places. Now before we begin our last act, I just want to thank you all for all your hard work and dedication. In the 12 years I've been in the film business I haven't had as pleasure as working with a crew as I have you.
Geronimo: Yeah, yeah, we're all choked up. Can we start now?
Christina: Well, someone's pushy… Okay…from the top! *later that day after the final act* Excellent work, everyone! I will see you
[After the final act everyone was back in their usual clothes and heading home, as Geronimo's family and friends began walking home they began voicing their concerns]
Wolfgang: I wonder what has gotten into Geronimo, I have never seen him act so pushy and nasty before. In fact I've never seen him act so pushy or nasty ever.
Pandora: Maybe all thoses run-ins with danger finally made him snap.
Benjamin: Yeah, with the dog attack being the straw that broke his back.
Thea: Well, hopefully now that filming is done, he'll settle down.
[Petunia walks out with Geronimo joining her]
Geronimo: So Petunia, now that we got some free time? Would you like to go get a bite to eat with me?
Petunia: I'll pass.
[She walks off, leaving Geronimo stunned. Later that day back at the house, Geronimo was playing tug-o-war with Bruce]
Bruce: Come on, Geronimo. Give it up, you can't beat me!
[Geronimo does one final push and Bruce goes falling to the ground]
Trap: And that's Geronimo 5, Bruce 0.
[Geronimo jumped on Trap's bed and sent Trap flying into the book case nearby burying him in books]
Bruce: Well, that must have hurt.
Trap: Maybe we can rent him out to a circus.
Bruce: I'm with you on that.
[Trap notices the monster book he got]
Trap: Bruce, I think it's time we talked to a professional.
[Later they gathered up all the pet toys Geronimo could play with and lock the bedroom door]
Bruce: Be good, Geronimo. We'll be back soon.
[They rush out as Geronimo began playing with the toys, he then noticed his reflection in the mirror]
Geronimo: (growls) *checks it out and realizes it's him* (whimpers)
[Bruce and Trap arrive at a warehouse marked 7]
Bruce: Trap what makes you think this woman is here so late.
Trap: Because, Madame Lunaria does a midnight movie.
[They head inside and saw that all the light were off]
Bruce: Not tonight it seems. Oh well, we tried. Let's go.
[Bruce tries to leave but Trap stops him]
Trap: Hold your horses! We could at least check the place out! *he spots something* Hey, look! *he approaches a table with a crystal ball on the top* Now this is awesome! Oooh, great spirits of the afterlife, can you hear me?
[Suddenly an image of a beaver came up]
Beaver Lady: What do you want?!
Trap: (screams)
[Trap stumbles and falls back and out from under the table was a beaver that looked like Lunaria but with different hair and different clothes]
Beaver Lady: Sorry about that, mister. Didn't mean to spook you, I was just looking for my keys under the table.
Trap: We need to see Madame Lunaria, it's serious.
Beaver Lady: Then consider yourself lucky you caught me.
Trap: Wait, you're Madame Lunaria?
Luna: It's just a stage name, just call me Luna. So what are you here for?
Trap: It's about my cousin!
[Bruce covers his mouth]
Bruce: He meant a close family friend.
[Trap pulls Bruce's hand away]
Trap: Did I say cousin? Must be the stress talking. He's a close family friend, and we need your advice.
[Luna checks her watch]
Luna: Well I got time before my husband gets home. Come with me to my dressing room. *They follow Luna to her dressing room where they are treated to Chinese food* A weremouse is unusual but not unheard of. Regardless, it's still different from a wererat. For one thing your good family friend is very close to the primitive beastial state.
Bruce: Well at least we know the reason for his nightly changes and not just during the full moon.
Luna: That you do.
Trap: But I thought werebeasts were mean and nasty, but he acts like a puppy.
Luna: Oh he is, for now. But the power of the werebeasts is a terrible thing, even the sweetest of creatures can turn deadly from it. I knew this one gal-
Bruce: And that's why we're here, lately he's been out of control.
Luna: Not surprising.
Trap: Surely you must know of a cure to keep him from being a weremouse, right?
Luna: Most definitely. You can stab him with a knife made of bronze!
Trap: S-s-s-taab him?
Bruce: But wouldn't that mean he'd end up…well…
Luna: Dead? Most definitely but at least he would be cured.
Bruce: Isn't there another way?
Luna: Well, you can hit him with something made with bronze metal, like a cane.
Trap: I told you so, Bruce. How hard would we have to hit him?
Luna: Hard enough to kill him.
Bruce: I wish you didn't say that.
Trap: Uh, isn't there a cure where the weremouse ends up, ALIVE?!
Luna: Most people don't want the werebeast alive.
Trap: But this is a dear family friend, we go as far back as childhood!
Luna: Yes, it's sad. Tragic. Well I got to go. *the guys were about to leave* You, the chunky one. Your name is Trap Stilton, right?
Trap: It is.
Luna: Well, you owe me 16.45 for the Monster Facts book you ordered.
Trap: 16.45?! I thought it was 14.95.
Luna: It is but for shipping and handling it's a 1.50, so pay up.
Trap: Okay… *checks his pockets only had enough for the shipping, he looks to Bruce* Uh… Bruce…
Bruce: (groans)
[Bruce takes the 1.50 Trap has and he pulls out 15 dollars and hands it to Luna, they leave defeated]
Trap: Geronimo is done for.
[Luna peaks out the door getting their attention]
Luna: Now fellas, don't look so glum. I bet if you hit him with a bronze object while he's still a puppy, you won't have to hit him so hard to where it kills him. But you need to hurry before the next full moon comes.
Bruce: Why before the next full moon?
Luna: Because after that, the weremouse transformation will be complete and he will be beyond your ability to help.
[She shuts the door]
Trap: The next full moon…then we still got a chance!
[Trap and Bruce rush back home, Luna exits the building and was about to leave until she ran into a figure that soon stepped into the light which revealed itself to be Delilah Brooks]
Luna: Oh hey, Delilah.
Delilah: Luna…did you find the beast?
Luna: Yeah, it's here and I fear it's gotten to someone already.
Delilah: That's not good, the full moon is closing in, if I don't act now, it'll be too late.
Luna: Then you better act fast, if not more innocent souls will be lost.
Delilah: Of course, thank you again, old friend.
Luna: Hey, we go way back so it's nothing.
Delilah: Even so…
[Delilah leaves into the night]
Narrator: This is bad, Geronimo's fate hangs in the balance. Should Trap and Bruce fail to cure him, his life would be forfeit. Can they find a way to save him without killing him? Or will some other miracle come their way? Only time will tell.