Author's Note:
Sorry for the delay in getting Chapter 3. Work and family have kept me a little away from writing. I also went back and heavily revised the chapter. It's a long one so sorry for that. Couldn't help it. Anyway, happy reading and please review what you think. Thanks!
Chapter Three:
Daydreams Beyond Reasoning
The day had come after almost two long years to see his darling daughter come home from her many travels around the world. Ever since she met her human zing, she has never stopped seeing the world and experiencing new things and cultures. Although still very skeptical about humans and how they may have changed in the past century, he was very eager to hear all about the world outside of the Hotel Transylvania from his daughter.
To calm his anxious mind, he kept busy in his office on the top floor of the hotel managing paperwork and sifting through compliments and complaints. When he heard a knock at his office door, he quickly sprang up and answered it hoping to see her. Excitement ran through his body. To his displeasure, he saw one of his many security suits of armor. The smile he had on his face quickly faded to a scowl.
"Pardon the interruption sir, but I have news," announced the magical armor.
"Yes…yes, what is so important that I be interrupted in my paperwork?" asked the tall black haired man with blue eyes in an unpleasant monotone voice.
"I am terribly sorry, sir but I have news of some special guests arriving just now," replied the armor.
"Special guests?" pondered the vampire. At almost a split second, his eyes lit up and a smile returned and was as big as the crescent moon. He flashed past the suit of armor, causing him to spin and spin until flying apart, slamming off the wall and cluttering the hallway. "Why does this always happen to me?" the suit of armor's helmet asked himself now laying in pieces.
The black haired, blue eyed vampire zipped through the corridors of his hotel, not paying any attention to guests that may have been in the way. Zig, zagging through all the corners until at last he came to the elevator. He called for it to reach his floor. Once the elevator reached him, he quickly walked in and kept tapping the ground floor button hoping it would move faster. The ride down felt like an eternity. He wished he could make this elevator move faster. And finally reaching the ground floor, he quickly took a deep breath before the doors opened. The doors opened to a large crowd of hotel guests all clapping and cheering. He couldn't see for what or whom they were cheering at due to the sheer number of monsters blocking his path and vision.
He slowly and politely made his way through the large crowd, toward the main entry way. As he thought he was getting closer, he noticed some familiar faces. He saw his old friends whom he considered part of his family. Griffin, the invisible man: Glasses bobbing up and down in excitement. Murray the mummy. He was clapping so hard, sand was dropping to the floor. Then he saw Frankenstein and his wife Eunice standing out quite easily with their blue toned skin and height. Finally Wayne the werewolf man and his wife Wanda, both were on the other side of the circle of guests.
He noticed Wanda was talking with someone very familiar to him. She was short and petite. As her back was towards him, he could only see her short, black hair, the same familiar short black dress with fishnet sleeves and black and red striped stockings with red converse style shoes.
His face lit up as he got closer to her. Wanda pointed towards him and made an eye gesture to the small figure letting her know someone was coming up behind her. She quickly turned around and already had the biggest smile on her face exposing her fangs. He was now able to see bright blue eyes, a tiny nose, puffy cheeks, and black lips that made up his beautiful daughter. Her expression showed that she was very glad to see her loving father.
As his daughter stood there smiling back at him, something didn't feel and look right at all to the tall vampire. On the corners of his vision, he started to see a menacing black mist creeping around, starting to cover everyone around his daughter. Not soon after, the same mist started to devour his daughter to where she was no longer seen. Quickly after his vision went black, a new scene replaced it. Lightning lit up the sky for brief seconds and all he could see was a familiar bat, drenched from rain, floating on something he couldn't quite make out. The bat's face looked sad and distressed. The bat's eyes were closed, tears escaping the corners of the eyes, mixing with rain. All he could hear was her crying out, "Daddy…daddy…da…dd…y," slowly growing quiet and drifting off as she fell unconscious.
Tossing and turning in his coffin bed, his head lunging back and forth on the pillow. Sweat pouring off his face. His eyes flew open. He sat up quickly, gasping for air. His breathing became normal after a few moments. As Dracula ran his hands down his face, he tried to ponder what this "daymare" was about.
"What kind of dream was that?" asking himself. "Why was Mavis crying like that and in her bat form and why was she in water?" Dracula feared the worse but quickly got a hold of himself, "Nothing but a bad dream. That's all. I'm sure everything is fine and they are on their way back," Dracula finished thinking. He then laid back down to sleep more as it was too early to get up with the sun still in the sky.
Minutes passed by. Sleep wasn't coming back so easily, just tossing and turning. Dracula sat up in his coffin bed, deciding to get up and go to the kitchen and grab a glass of some warmed blood beaters. "That will help calm me," Dracula thought. He put on his robe and slippers and headed for the kitchen. As he walked through the hotel halls, no guests were in sight. He only noticed a few of his zombie employees keeping busy during their "graveyard" shift doing whatever zombies do best.
Reaching the kitchen, he found himself a glass, poured the red liquid, and warmed it up a little. Once he was satisfied that his blood beaters were warm enough, he took a drink before heading out and back to the elevator. From there, he made his way back to his room and finished his beverage. Feeling a little better, he laid back down to get some more rest. Tomorrow night was going to be a busy day of preparing the hotel for the "Welcome Home" festivities.
The sun had quickly set and the evening was upon him. Dracula didn't feel like he got any sleep at all after that "daymare." He kept wondering what it was about. As he caught himself staring at the wall of his room, he quickly blinked and shook his head all in an effort to push the image of Mavis crying to the back of his mind. Right now, he needed to get ready for the night and start decorating for Mavis and Johnny's return.
As he finished dressing and preparing himself for the night, Dracula made his way first to his office to take care of some final paperwork. He surely didn't want think about paperwork at a time like this being that it was so boring and dull but it was something that had to be finished. He didn't want to have to think of or work on any expenses during the party tomorrow night. The good part is that he didn't have much left to do from the previous night.
As he trudged along in completing bills and purchases, Dracula found himself wandering from his task and back to the dream he had during the day. It's like he was purposely drawn away to bring it up and it felt so much more real. Again he tried to forget about it and concentrate. But he couldn't do it. Why couldn't he forget this stupid dream? Finally having enough and the frustration building inside, he stopped working. "It's got to be all this work and planning that has me all stressed out. I need a break," thinking to himself. With that he got up from his desk, neatly stacked what was not finished and set it aside for another time as his health and sanity was more important right now.
Dracula made his way down to the lobby to see how his party plans were coming together. He noticed Frank, Wayne, and Wanda all talking about to each other before Frank noticed Dracula exiting the elevator. "Drac!" the blue flesh golem called out. "Are you excited to see Mavis and Johnny?"
"But of course I'm excited to see my little ghoul. Why wouldn't I?" Dracula asked with a fake smile on his face.
"You didn't look like you got much sleep there and you kinda look annoyed or something," Wayne added.
"Me? Annoyed? No, no. I'm just thinking about the party tomorrow. I have to make sure it is perfect for my Mavy Wavy," Dracula said. "If only these zombies would be able to hang decorations straight!" as his eyes went red while yelling at a pair of zombie employees trying to hang some streamers around a banner.
Frank, Wayne, and Wanda just stared a Dracula in disbelief. He really never got this angry with his staff. A little but not this much. Wanda had a feeling something wasn't right with Dracula. "You have never yelled at your employees like that ever since I've known you. Dracula, sweetie, you look too stressed ou. Why not take a break away from all of this party planning and work. I can help get it ready," said Wanda with a caring voice that Dracula couldn't even refuse.
"Maybe you are right, Wanda. Perhaps I do need to take a little break. I am sorry you had to see that. I've been stressed ever since yesterday morning," replied Drac. "I'll head to the library for a little while. I do thank you for your help. However, I will take care of the dance hall. Under no circumstances are you allowed in there. It is a surprise meant for all of you and Mavis," said Dracula in a serious tone and look.
"Okay buddy. We promise. Why is it a surprise for us also? Did something happen?" asked Frank with a puzzled look on his face.
"I told you it is a surprise for all of you and Mavis! You are not to go in there, understood!? And do not go trying to ask the staff about it. They do not know about it either," said Dracula as he was starting to get angry.
"Frank, don't push him," Wayne interjected before Dracula lashed out.
"Okay. I'll leave you all to the planning for now," Dracula said as he started to calm down and walking away.
On his way to the library, he greeted many guests as best he could. He didn't feel like conversing with anyone right now unless there was an issue that needed to be addressed. He made sure all concerns were taken care of right away. His mind was occupied with this bad dream he had. He knew something didn't feel right. He thought only the reason why he felt upset about it was how distressed and how endangered Mavis looked. That was his only excuse he could think of why this dream felt so real. And he was a very protective father to his precious daughter. He reached the door to the library and opened it quietly. As the Count looked around, he was glad to see other monster guests were enjoying his library. Some looked up to see who entered and went back to their reads and others that were closer in proximity with Dracula gestured or quietly greeted him. He did of course return the greetings with a wave, smile, or a nod as to try to remain quiet for courtesy of the other guests.
Dracula didn't know what look at or read. He read almost every single book here. Reading one twice would not help ease his mind off the party and… Mavis. He quickly searched around for something… anything to read. He came to a rather peculiar book. It did seem like no one had read this book in like a hundred years with all the dust collected on it. Dracula picked up the faded red, hard covered book and read the title, "Mythical Vampires." Dracula looked at it for a moment with a puzzled look on his face. "I really do not remember this book being here. It's something I have never put here from my collection. And no author written down either," pondered Dracula. "Perhaps I will read it and see what it is all about."
Dracula quickly looked around and found an empty lounge chair suitable for this "mystery" read. He looked through the first few pages and now knew this book was about some vampires with strange abilities through the earliest histories of his kind. It was like a history when some abilities came into existence. Of abilities he first saw were floating, telekinesis, speed, mind control and when they occurred. These were pretty common to see now. As he got into the book further, he found more uncommon and rare abilities like controlling fire or shapeshifting into smoke. There were some quite disturbing tales of some vampires using said powers for evil deeds.
At the very last pages, Dracula was intrigued about a tale of a family of vampires with an uncommon ability to communicate though dreams. "I wonder if my dreams could be…" as he pondered some more about his dream with Mavis. He continued to read for any answers or clues. This ability nicknamed "Dream Share," if true, was only within close blood relatives like parents and children only. And a "Dream Share" would only happen when a family member was in danger and the "dream" would show the family member in danger or calling for help. Dracula pondered on it before continuing to read on. The dream could seem too real and in some cases for the family member that had the dream, it could resurface even when awake. As hard as he didn't want to, he thought of the dream with Mavis, "Could it be possible? No part of my family or Martha's had any such spoken ability. No. This isn't possible. I'm just getting too stressed thinking about this and the party. I need to get out of here. I'll go Jorge's Tavern. Yes, yes. This will help." Closing the book a little too briskly, Dracula caught a face full of the disturbed dust. If this wasn't a sign that he was stressed, what else was there?
Dracula exited the library decided to see what progress was made in the lobby and main dining hall. Turning the corner of the lobby, he was astonished that the decorating was nearly completed. Dracula smiled happy to see that he had great friends that cared for him and Mavis… and of course Johnny. Don't forget about Johnny. The lobby was as perfect as it could be. As the vampire walked into the main dining hall his jaw just dropped with astonishment. Beautiful streamers and banners of black and purple were hanging from the ceiling, tables neatly organized and decorated with a beautiful assortment of purple roses with slightly decayed thorny vines. Well beautiful to them at least. All for Mavis's one hundred, twentieth birthday. Wanda saw Dracula staring up and around the dining hall with his mouth wide open in amazement. She walked up to him to see if he liked it.
"What do you think?" asking with a smile on her face thinking how excited the vampire father was. Dracula looked down at the werewolf, jaw still wide open. He managed to close it before it became unhinged and gave the biggest smile she saw from him in quite a long time.
"It is perfect!" exclaimed Dracula. "This looks even better than her one hundred and eighteenth party!"
"I'm glad you like it and I hope Mavis and Johnny will like it to." Her voice lowered in a whisper and she added with a smirk, "I hope it matches what you have hidden behind the dance hall," said a pondering Wanda. At this, Dracula's smile faded a little and his eyes gazed down at the werewolf mother.
"You looked, didn't you?" asked Drac.
"No I haven't and you know I wouldn't stoop that low behind your back. I just have my guesses why," replied Wanda.
Dracula took this as a sign to look up and glance around to see if anyone was listening in to their conversation. Thankfully no one was. He put a hand on Wanda's shoulder and led her to a secluded corner of the dining hall to finish their conversation.
"Okay Wanda, what guesses would you think I haven't allowed admittance to the dance hall?" he asked to the short statured werewolf.
"Johnny proposed to Mavis, didn't he?" Wanda replied. Dracula knew his surprise was not going to fool a mother of multiple werewolf pups. He stared at Wanda for a moment then let out a sigh knowing the secret was out, well at least to her.
"Yes he did. Me and Johnathan were hoping to surprise all of you and guests. Deep down I had a feeling you would figure it out." Then Dracula took both of his hands and put them on Wanda's shoulders. "I guess it's better to have an accomplice with these sort of surprises. Could you please keep it a secret from everyone? I will let you see it and if you want, and since you did such a pleasant job here, you could finish the dance hall if you would like," pleaded Dracula hoping a little bribery to see the dance hall would keep the surprise just that, a surprise.
"Of course I will sweetie. You know I would have kept it secret even if you didn't offer to see the dance hall and ask for help," Wanda said with a smile on her face. Dracula knew he was beat.
"Good, good! Let me take you to the dance hall now so you can see what it looks like," said Drac gesturing toward the exit door to the dining hall. As they walked out of the dining hall, she stopped and turned around to let Wayne, her husband know she was leaving the dining hall. "Wayne! I'm going to be in another part of the hotel. You're in charge of the kids tonight," she yelled. She heard his reply, "Aren't I always in charge of them? Okay dear. Don't be gone too long!" yelled Wayne from the other side of the hall. "Kids, get off the table! Why can't you be like your sister!?"
As Wanda and Dracula walked down the corridor past the lobby, Wanda asked how Johnny proposed. "I am not sure how he was going to ask. But he did come to me and ask for Mavis's hand in marriage before they left." Wanda just found this so adorable and romantic she let out a long "Awwww!" Reaching the dance hall, Dracula paused before opening the doors and turned around to Wanda. "Now please keep this a secret and whatever you see, I will let you know I have decorated this whole hall by myself."
"By yourself? You didn't have any of the employees help?" pondered Wanda as she nodded her head in confirmation on keeping the hall a secret.
"Please! I can't trust the housekeeping witches. They gossip too much and the zombies, don't get me started there. They would have tripped over themselves while exposing the secret," replied Drac.
"So that's why you looked so stressed the past couple evenings. Dracula, sweetie. You know you could have come to me anytime for help," assured Wanda with a worried look on her face from remembering Dracula the past night looking so tired.
"I know and I am sorry for worrying you. I promise I will come to you for any help," said Dracula with a bashful and saddened face that a child would give after being punished.
"And don't you worry about the wedding plans. I will take over and make Mavis's wedding the best event here!" exclaimed Wanda with a proud look in her eyes.
"Thank you, Wanda. Now let… me… show… you," As Drac pushed the heavy solid wood doors. He let Wanda walk in first. She looked around and let out a gasp of surprise. Unfortunately, Dracula didn't know if this was good or bad so he stepped back from Wanda to give her space to look. He didn't know if her gasps were good or bad with her back turned to him. Wanda looked around at the walls, ceiling, and at the stage. She couldn't believe how wonderful the hall looked and was stunned that it was only Dracula who did this.
A smile formed on her face and she turned to face the vampire, "Mavis will love it," Wanda said breaking the silence and making Dracula exhale after holding his breath for her approval. "What else were you thinking on doing with the hall?" asked Wanda not sure what else Dracula had planned for the spacious room having a completed look to it already.
"I was thinking…" Dracula paused as he heard voices approaching the other side of the hall. "One moment Wanda. I'll be right back." With that Dracula used his vampire speed and quickly left the dance hall. As Dracula stood in front of the dance hall doors, a pair of skeletons were walking past talking amongst themselves. He greeted them and found the closest security armor.
"Have you and another armor come and guard the dance hall door on the double. No one is to enter this room without my permission or Mrs. Wanda's permission. Understood?" whispering to the magical suit of armor.
"Yes sir! I have another armor on his way now." Replied the empty suit of armor sternly and saluting.
"Good," replied the tall vampire as he quickly used his speed and entered the dance hall once again where Wanda was looking at other decorations a little closely. "As I was saying, I was hoping to add some lighting around all the pillars in a spiral pattern from top to bottom." Dracula continued to explain what he had hoped to finish knowing there wasn't much time before sunrise and the night of Mavis and Johnny's return. "Now if you do not mind, I have something that requires my attention elsewhere, Wanda. Something I need to… check on." Dracula finished as Wanda turned with a puzzled look as he saw how serious he looked at her.
"Is everything ok, Dracula? And where are you going?" asked the puzzled mother.
"I worry for Mavis and Johnathan's return. I am going to the airport to make sure their flights are all okay and on time."
"Is this a reason why you have been stressed the past few days?" he heard Wanda asked as he was walking for the door. He turns around to look at her with a concerned look, "I…I've had strange dreams lately and I want to make sure they are just… dreams. I want to put this stress… these bad dreams to rest and ease my mind. I want to be sure my precious daughter and Johnathan are ok," Dracula finished.
"If that will help calm you down. Worrying all this much is not good for you, sweetie." Wanda gives out a long sigh. "Okay. But please be safe. I know some of these villagers know you and befriended you but please be careful."
"I am always cautious, Wanda. Please do not tell this to anyone else. Please?" asked Dracula. "I do not want them to worry and I should be back before sunrise."
"I will finish this dance hall before you get back, sweetie," as Wanda gave Dracula smile knowing deep inside, she was worried.
Wanda continued where Dracula finished on the dance hall. Dracula quickly traveled to his room where he changed his clothing to that of what humans of this day and age were wearing. Flying out of his window, so not to chance bumping into anyone, he flew over the forest toward the village where the Monster Festival is held every year.
Nearing the village, he quickly turned back into his normal form and walked the rest of the way to the village to not arose suspicion. Here he was hoping to ease his mind about Mavis and get answers at the airport on their flights. As he walked the dark, poorly lit sidewalk, he saw a familiar tavern where he met some of his new human friends. "I think one drink wouldn't be bad. Besides it will help calm me," as he thought to himself, grabbing the handle to the tavern door and opening it outward.
Dracula was quickly met with everyone's eyes and then smiles from the regulars knowing who it was. "Look who came in tonight?" asking one regular to another. "Vlad! It's great to see you again! Do you want your usual? How's your 'business' doing?" asked the bartender. The bartender, Jorge knew it was Dracula but preferred to call him Vlad so to make sure anyone that wasn't a regular did not know that he was indeed "The" Dracula of legend.
"It's going great Jorge. Thanks, Sure, I'll take my usual drink," as Dracula answered in the same order and gestured for his drink. "It has been real stressful the past couple days," he said as he took a spot at the bar to sit for a little while. "How so?" asked another gentleman sitting at the bar two stools away.
"Well Dorian, I've been planning my daughter, Mavis's surprise party for her birthday and waiting for her return on her trips with her new fiancé. I have so many family and guests over right now, it is a little crazy at the hotel trying to plan a birthday and an engagement party."
"NO WAY! He proposed?" asked Jorge surprised and already knowing the answer to his question. "That's awesome Vlad! Congratulations!"
"Thank you very much," replied the disguised vampire politely.
"Well, what are you doing here then if you got a party to plan?" asked Michael.
"Actually was also on my way to the airport to see if their flights were on time," Dracula or Vlad to them replied back.
"Then what are you doing here then?" Jorge asked.
"I needed a moment to relax. It's been a stressful few days for me," Vlad Dracula said while taking a sip of his drink.
"I understand completely. Running a business and raising a child by yourself is stressful as is. You always know my door is open to you so come in and relax anytime," Jorge said kindly looking at Vlad giving a smile.
"Thank you, Jorge. And you are also welcome to visit my hotel if you need a break from this," replied Dracula in kind. With that Jorge went off to help another customer and Dracula was taking another sip of his drink while his eyes met the television on the wall, showing world news.
"In recent news. The search continues for a missing flight over the west Pacific near the Philippian Sea. Flight 765 from Hawaii to Honk Kong disappeared from radar last night. A little over two hundred and thirty people on board all feared lost. The search still has not found any evidence of a wreckage or floating debris as the search area is over 'two hundred' square miles."
Dracula froze, his eyes went wide, starring at the screen. His drink glass up to his lips like someone glued it there. His mouth slightly open in shock now more than preparation for the strong drink. He was remembering the numbers on the small piece of paper that Johnny gave to him before they departed… 765. He was hoping he heard the flight number wrong. Still staring at the screen, he saw the news ticker quickly rolling by and above was the "Breaking New" banner. Just below that was a number Dracula started to dread as that dream resurfaced. 765. Unfortunately, this "was" the first return flights for the couple. As quickly as news aired the tragedy, Dracula's body felt like breaking. So did his soul. His… existance and his grip on the glass. To him, it was in slow motion. The glass dropping slowly until the quick and loud shatter was heard throughout the tavern, catching the attention of everyone including the bartender.
"Vlad, are you alright? It looks like you've seen a ghost," Jorge said trying to get Drac's attention. Still no luck, Jorge stood in front of him and the television, putting his hand on his shoulder. "Hey Vlad, are you okay?" Regaining some sense of consciousness back, Dracula's eyes immediately shifted to the human touching his shoulder without moving his head. Some tears started to form in his eyes and no attempt was made to hide them.
"My…my daughter," Dracula spoke quietly as like a whisper and becoming very emotional. His head dropped a little. "My daughter and her fiancé were on that flight." It was a quiet tone but it seemed like everyone heard it, including Jorge.
"Oh no," was the only thing Jorge got out after a moment of silence. "I'm so sorry Vlad. Especially to hear about it like this. You should get home my friend. Don't worry about paying. I'll take care of it. Just get home. You don't need to be here right now. You need your family and they need you. Go Vlad! Get home! I'll keep in touch with you if I do hear anything. I promise," Jorge finished saying as he had both hands on the distraught vampire's shoulders slightly shaking him to stir some movement from him.
"You… you are right, Jorge," as a tear ran down his cheek. "Th… Thank you for your kind words my friend. I'm very sorry about dropping your glass," replied Drac.
"Don't worry about the glass. I'm more worried about you and I would be less worried if you were with your family right now. Go home Vlad. You need family right now, not drinks," as Jorge pushed him to go.
"Thank you Jorge. I will go now." With that Dracula got up slowly and walked out as quickly as he could. He didn't stop walking until he was out of the village and into the forest. Tears stinging his eyes and blurring his vision. They started to run down his cheeks more. He stopped and leaned on a nearby tree, sobbing quickly followed. Head down and his hand meeting his face. Everything that he had was his daughter. His only child. The broken vampire gained composure and quickly changed to his bat form and flew as fast as he could toward the hotel.
As tears clouded his vision, his flying was sporadic. There was no pattern in his flying. Rising, dropping, a little to the left, and a little to the right. The pain he felt deep in his heart and soul was excruciating. Not knowing it but this caused him to just stop flying for a moment. As thinking wasn't easy now, he forgot the flying. Starting to tumble into the forest. The Count bounced painfully into branches, one by one, being scratched by twigs and leaves. Finally coming to a sudden stop as he slammed into the ground with cuts and bruises. He did not feel the pain of hitting the ground. A much greater pain was being felt. Dracula's tears would not stop and soon he started to sob again just lying on the ground. His heart, his soul, his whole existance, GONE just like that?
"Why Mavis!? Why not take my life instead!? This can't be true! She can't be gone!" denying what he saw to himself. He wanted to yell and growl but in doing so could, he could alert the nearby village. Holding his anger and pain in, he quickly regained composure to start flying again toward the hotel as fast as his wings could stand.
It was apparent the whole hotel knew Dracula was not there. Knowing Wanda was the last to see him that night, the group of close friends pressed her for answers.
"Where's Drac at, Wanda?" asked the concerned bluish flesh golum.
"You were the last to see him, right?" added Murry.
Wanda was feeling the pressure to tell them truthfully where he went to. Being told exactly to not tell anyone where he was going was becoming difficult. "All he told me was he had something to take care of. Plus he needed some time away. He was getting stressed with all the party planning," Wanda said safely keeping his true intentions secret… for now.
"Time away?" said Griffin with his glasses tilted slightly sideways. "I think he went to the village, didn't he?"
Wanda knew keeping it a secret would only last so long from everyone's questions. So she added a slightly off topic answer to his question. "He went to the airport to check on Mavis and Johnathan's flights. To make sure they were on time." She saw some of their faces turned worried.
"Why did he go there with all the humans? I know he friended some in the village but you never know what they might do if they find out he is a vampire!" Frank said as a concerned look filled his face.
"I think I remember seeing Johnny giving Drac some clothes so he can blend in with humans if needed," added the Invisible Man.
As she was listening, Eunice never took her eyes off of her husband. He had this frown, that troubling frown that he was sad and concerned for his so called adopted brother, Dracula. She took his hand to get his attention and show everything will be okay. "Frank, he will be okay. He isn't called the 'Lord of Vampires' for nothing," as Frank turns and looks at his wife's eyes and smile. He couldn't help but to return a smile of gratitude to her and take her other hand.
"It's been a couple hours," Wanda said. "I'm sure he found out about the flights and is heading back right…"
CRASH
Everyone in the lobby ran and took cover behind chairs and couches as almost what sounded like a large explosion was heard near the entrance of the hotel. Shards of stone and glass, bent and splintered metal flew inward from the revolving doors. No one saw what made the noise. Everyone ducked, covered their faces, and hid behind anything that would protect them from the onslaught of debris flying through the air. A large dust cloud followed blinding everyone's sight further like a thick fog. Seconds later, a thud, some skidding, and crash were heard in front of the receptionist desk. The dust cloud billowed over the whole lobby by now and no one could see what was happening to this sanctuary for monsters. As the noise died, coughing could be heard from almost everyone choking on dust. Terrified but some curious monsters started to reveal themselves from their hiding spots to see what just happened. Other's remained hidden. Everyone was completely terrified and did not know what was happening in the lobby full of monsters.
The dust started settled enough to see what was happening. Frank got up and looked around at the entrance. What he saw shocked him. The golden revolving door was gone. Replaced by a large hole of stone with broken glass and bent metal strewn around the lobby in a blast pattern. Wayne, Wanda, and the rest of the group finally all stood up and got a glimpse of the aftermath. All were thinking what or who could have caused this?
Dust started to drop away further in the lobby, all the way to the reception counter. Wanda was looking around to see if anyone was injured and asking if everyone was ok. As she glanced toward the reception desk, all she could see was a figure of a man lying on the floor against a splintered counter. She heard some sobbing coming from that way. She then realized who it was. "Dracula!" she yelled while running as fast as her little paws could carry her.
While running toward him, he started to move, slowing removing his side from the dent he made in the wooden counter. On his knees now, Dracula was still hunched over, his face buried in clenched hands. His fists were made tighter and tighter as they rested on his forehead. His eyes clenched shut, tears running from their corners onto his cheeks and the floor. His lips parted, showing teeth and fangs tightly grinding together. He face showed pain. But not a physical pain. This pain was deep within the vampire's soul. Between some deep breaths and sob, a low growl could be heard. It got louder and louder as Dracula's back straightened up. His head immediately cocked back looking up at the ceiling, mouth wide open, deep blue eye's scorned with tears. A roar followed, shaking the hotel to its very foundation. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Slowly tapering off as his eyes closed again and he went back into a hunched position. Elbows on his legs supported his face in the palms of his hands. Wanda and the others were running to him were frozen with fear from his roar. Tears once again continued to seep from in between fingers and down his wrists.
Wanda broke the fear and slowly walked in front of Dracula. She knelt down in and fearfully put her hands on his shoulders hoping not to be lashed out at. "Dracula, what happened?" A concerned look stared at the covered face of her "family". No clear reply was given from vampire. Just loud sobs and sniffles, all muffled by his hands. "Dracula, please tell me what is wrong. We are all scared right now. What happened out there?"
A muffled response soon was heard, "Sh…Sh…She's gone," Dracula said.
"What do you mean, Drac? What do you mean 'She's gone'?" as Wanda's voice sounded more worried. Moments later, after a few shuddering breaths and sobs, Dracula picked his head up, meeting the eyes of the werewolf mother. His eyes were such a deep blue as tears continued to roll down. His face showed immense emotional pain, like something irreplaceable was lost.
"She's gone, Wanda! Mavis IS GONE!" Everyone around gasped at what the Count had just said.
"What do you mean Mavis is gone? Where did she go?"
Wanda confused still, trying to piece together his riddles.
"Th… th… their plane… disappeared in the Pacific. Th…th…they s…said there were n…no s…su…survivors. Sh… she's gone. My beautiful honey bat is GONE!" Dracula's face met his hands once more after yelling to try and ease some of this pain of losing his child.
"OH NO!" Frank yelled. Everyone was shocked at the traumatizing news from Mavis's father. Tears started to flow from all of Dracula's friends, the closest ones he had left to a family. Other monsters and guests that gathered around had also heard the heartbreaking news. Most bowing their heads, some cry, and some also saying condolences to Dracula out of respect and showing they did care for the hotel owner.
Other than her adopted family, a lot of monsters that frequented the hotel knew Mavis well and how kind and gentle she was. Memories emerged from times she was a child playing in the halls as she never frowned, always smiled and said hello to everyone she met. And ones that knew Johnny, even only for a short time that he did stay at the hotel. Some guests were very skeptical of allowing a human to stay. But they quickly found out why Dracula and Mavis trusted him. He was kind hearted, a real life Goofy at heart. He was polite and gentle, always saying hello to monsters he met along with his curiosity. They could see a little of Mavis when she was a child in him. They were beginning to like him over time. But it was all tragically cut too short.
Wanda was becoming distraught as well, knowing Mavis since she was a baby. She felt like a protective mother. Wanda cried along with Dracula, hugging him over his slouched form on the floor. She regained some composure and called over the closest armor to her.
"You're in charge, right?" asked Wanda.
"Yes ma'am! What can we do to assist?" asked the empty suit.
"Start cleaning up the lobby with housekeeping and have maintenance see what they can do about the door, please," commanded Wanda.
"Yes ma'am! We are on it!" saluted the armor before running off to get recruits and start cleaning up damage.
"In the meantime. Dracula, sweetie. Can you stand up for me? Let's get you to your room. You need to rest yourself. We'll take care of the rest," assured Wanda. Dracula looked up at her again. All he saw in her eyes were that motherly care. He couldn't fight that. He quickly got up with her and Frank's help and rode the elevator to Dracula's room. Once there, Wanda helped him to his bed and laid him down. "Rest Dracula. I'll be right her if you need me. Thank you Frank. I'll let you know in a little while," Wanda commanded, gesturing to the door. Frank understood and to not argue at this point even though he wished he could be with his "family" right now. He will get his chance later.
Dracula lying in his bed, had turned his back towards Wanda. She could still see him crying as he convulsed a little in between sobs. She gave a kind and quiet "Shhh" to try and calm him all while rubbing his back. After another hour, the crying had ceased and Wanda now saw Dracula was asleep. She quietly and carefully covered him up with is blanket and cautiously walked out of the room.
Outside of Drac's room, all of his family gathered waiting for Wanda with news of his condition. All were quietly sobbing and trying to console each other for the Count and for the sudden news of the loss of their beloved niece and soon-to-be nephew, Mavis Dracula and Johnathan Loughran. When she emerged from the room. Everyone looked up at her. "How is Drac holding up?" asked Frank.
"He's asleep right now. He's not taking this well. Unfortunately, he may just be as worse when he wakes up," replied with some tears, a sigh, and a heavily sorrowed face. "I just wish there was more we could do. But for now, we all have to give him is time to understand what happened and to mourn. We all need time. We'll be there for him. To support him." Wanda turned to face the door and bent down to the shrunken head attached to the door. "Could you please let us know if Master Dracula wakes up by telling one of the armors?" she asked the head.
"I will indeed. And I am sorry to hear what happened," replied the hanging head.
"Thank you," said Wanda as she pulled one armor to stand by Dracula's door so word can reach her or the others if Dracula awakens. The group of friends slowly walked down the hall and decided to all head to their respective rooms for the night knowing they may need a good night's rest to take care of the distraught vampire. If sleep came to them as easy as it did to Drac that is.
As Dracula laid in bed sleeping, his dream of Mavis had changed. Now he saw his beloved daughter, surrounded by a black mist in her normal, vampiress form. She was laying on her side on some rocks with her legs being hugged in to the rest of her body. Her head buried deep into her knees as far as she could. She was sobbing uncontrollably. Her head rose a little from her knees showing puffy eyes. Crying had taken its toll on them. At this moment, all Dracula could hear was her saying in between sobs, "Daddy…Johnny…Daddy, help me. Please," she mumbled in between her sniffling. The image played over and over in the father's head like a broken record. But this time, he did not wake up from this. Being so exhausted from rushing home, crashing through the doors, crying, and the emotional pain that he will never see his daughter again. Ever.
The next day went quickly. Morning turned to afternoon, then to evening. Soon the sun set behind the mountains covering the castle in darkness once more. The shrunken head hanging on the door handle started to hear something behind the door. She listened for another brief moment and confirmed to herself that Dracula was indeed waking up. "Hey armor!" she yelled not knowing he was standing right there by the door with her sewn shut eye lids. "The master is waking up. Better alert the werewolf mother," the head finished.
"We are on it!" replied the armor as he summoned other armors to notify Wanda and the others. Wanda immediately heard the knock on her room door and quickly got up knowing what it was about. She didn't sleep much at all and of course poor Wayne was up all night because of the werepups. Wanda grabbed her robe and some slippers and opened the door, she already expected an armor there.
"Ma'am! I report that Master Dracula is waking up at this moment," said the armor as soon as Wanda opened the door. "Thank you for letting me know," she replied as she walked past him closing the door behind her. The suit stood there watching the werewolf mother walk briskly away. He quickly caught up to her and walked along side but still behind her.
"If I may ask Ma'am, will the master be okay?" asked the concerned suit. Wanda stopped a moment, surprised a little at the question. She then continued to walk toward Dracula's room. "I surely hope so. Only time will tell. Mavis was his only family left. It's very hard on a parent to lose a child, especially an only child." She continued talking over her shoulder. "Your concern for Dracula is very thoughtful. It will surely show him that he is cared for and thought of, like a big family. All we can do right now is do our part to help run the hotel as best as he would." Wanda was glad that even his hotel staff was concerned for his well-being.
"We will all surely do our part to help the master any way we can," saluted the suit as Wanda entered the elevator. "I shall go alert the others for you."
"You haven't done so yet?" asked the puzzled werewolf.
"We thought it was best to alert you first and foremost about Master Dracula waking as you know what is best," answered the plate of armor.
"You are right and thank you for that. Also before I forget, could you have someone bring up some blood beaters to his room? I'm sure he will need it."
"Yes ma'am! Right away!" And just like that, the armor was running on his way as the elevator doors closed. Wanda was a strong person. But when the elevator doors closed, she broke down and her vision became blurry. She did not want anyone to see her cry anymore. Her friends… no, her "family" needed her and she needed to be strong for them. She wiped off what tears she shed with her robe sleeve before the elevator doors opened. She took a deep breath to calm herself. The doors opened and she proceeded to the Count's room.
As the count was waking up, his eyes opened. His vision still very blurry from all of the crying. He sat up and put his legs over the side of the bed. He was disoriented and confused a little, not knowing what happened the past night. He heard a knock on the door. He wiped his face with his hands. "Dracula? It's Wanda. Are you awake?" asked the muffled familiar voice. With a hoarse sounding voice he said, "Come in." The door creaked open and Wanda stepped through its threshold. "How are you feeling sweetie?" asked a concerned werewolf mother.
"My head is hurting and I'm not quite sure what happened last ni…" his voice trailed off into nothing, suddenly remembering what happened the night before. The corner of his eyes puddle up with tears. He looked at Wanda with the worst, heartbroken look she ever saw. "Please tell me my sweet 'Deadums' and Johnny are here? Please tell me it was all just a dream? TELL ME!" yelled the vampire as his eyes started to turn red but quickly faded back to their natural beautiful deep blue. Wanda jumped when he yelled and saw the anger and pain in his face. She didn't fear him though as she knew he didn't mean to lash out. Tears started to form in her eyes too while staring at the count. She tried to stop them but they just kept coming. "Oh Dracula, I'm so ss…sorr…sorry." At this Wanda started to sob uncontrollably. She grabbed Dracula and pulled him into a hug, both crying uncontrollably. Dracula pulling her closer, clenching part of her robe in his fists trying anything to ease the pain.
The rest of the "family" reached Dracula's room. Frank was about to knock when he heard the crying and bellowing. He was going to start his knock when Wayne held Frank's hand back. Frank looked at Wayne. The bluish flesh golem knew the expression in Wayne's eyes was telling him to give them more time.
Consoling each other, tears flowing but starting to ease up. "Dracula, you should eat something or at least have some blood. You used a lot of energy last night and I don't want you to get sick. You need strength," said Wanda in a comforting voice.
"What's the point Wanda. There's nothing for me now." His eyes met Wanda's as he continued, "N… no parent should outlive their child!" Dracula covered up his face as tears returned. "No parent should have to bury their child!"
Wanda was pained and surprised to hear Dracula say this, "You shouldn't say things like that! What matters is you are here. I'm sorry but these things happen. Mavis would not want to see you like this… ever!" She stopped to stare at his blue eyes seeing she had his attention. "She would want you to remember her, keeping her in your heart. She wouldn't want to see you like this! Remember. She will always be here with you," as Wanda took her hand and placed it on Dracula's chest, over his heart.
"But I failed, Wanda. I failed to keep her safe, just like I promised Martha. There's just nothing left for me."
A quiet growl came from Wanda as she heard this nonsense. "You did not fail Martha!" growled the werewolf, with an angered face, showing a fraction of her teeth at the vampire. "There was nothing you or anyone could have done! And you surely did not break your promise!" She paused a moment, her anger subsiding and her face showing a small smile with kind eye. "You kept her safe all these years, gave her a life. And even righted the wrong by bringing Johnny back to her. You fulfilled your promise with that. She had Johnny with her so you know she wasn't alone and was protected."
There was a knock at the door. Wanda got up from her sitting on the bed beside Dracula and answer it. It was a housekeeper with a tray and a single goblet of blood beaters that she requested. She also saw her husband Wayne and the others standing behind the housekeeper witch. "How is he?" asked Frank with a worried expression.
"He's not good but is slowly getting better. Still in denial over this. I wouldn't blame him as I am too. We just have to have patience and give him some space," replied Wanda.
"If there is anything we can do, let us know Wanda," said Murray.
"Thank you. I'll let you know how he is in a while. It would be better for all of you to go do something, to ease your minds." assured Wanda. She took the goblet of the red liquid and closed the door. She went over to Dracula who had his hands hiding his face. He looked up and saw Wanda holding out the cup. "Please drink it Drac, you need it. It will help you calm down," said the werewolf mother. Dracula didn't want anything. In fact all he wanted to do was just disappear so he could just stop hurting so much inside. However the words Wanda spoke to him resonated in him. He couldn't give up living. That's not what his "baby fangs" would want to see. He took the cup and drank the ruby red mixture quickly. He did feel a little better afterwards.
Two nights later, the hotel was autonomously being run by armors, head housekeepers, and his friends. Dracula didn't want any involvement in it. He closed himself off in his room only receiving meals by room service. He couldn't think of a life without his daughter. Not seeing her get married, sharing her travel stories, and not to mention sharing in the joy of having and raising grandchildren. He almost gave up on life but Wanda helped him stay strong and keep fighting.
"Drac, you will see her again… one day. And you know Martha is taking good care of her now. Trust me, they are always with you," as she put her small paw over his heart. "You have to be strong. You know Mavis would not want to see you like this. Be strong and live on for her."
These words from his friends changed him and helped him along. Thinking now, they were not friends anymore, they were his family. All of them cared for Mavis as much as he did. And that caring and loving for his daughter was transferred to him in this difficult time.
About a week later, they held a ceremony to honor Mavis and Johnny. Johnny's family, having already heard about the tragedy also came to the ceremony to show Dracula that they also cared for Mavis like a daughter after hearing new that he did propose to her. It surely showed how much good Johnny touched the lives of monsters too. A lot of guests staying at the hotel extended their stays and attended the ceremony. It was difficult for Dracula but the words of Wanda still echoing in his thoughts to live on for her and Johnny. He also never really gave up hope that one day he would see his daughter again.
Nights after the ceremony, things in the hotel were starting to go back to normal. The main entrance was repaired and Dracula started to venture out of his room more. Emotionally, he was getting better but still somber. He still ran the hotel in his usual way but deep down inside, he felt like giving up. One normal night while performing his duties of going over paperwork and paying hotel expenses, he paused from his writing, looked up a moment and turned his head to a small portrait that sat on the corner of his desk. The painted portrait was of Johnathan and Mavis holding hands and smiling at him. Dracula asked them to pose for this recent painting before they left on their worldly travels. It served Dracula well in remembering them while they were gone.
Suddenly something mentally hit Dracula. His eyes opened wide and his jaw dropped. His mind had quickly flashbacked to the dream he had of Mavis crying for him in some sort of cave. He also remembered the first dream too. These couldn't just be bad dreams. It finally snapped in his mind. Mavis was floating on a piece of the plane and now she was in a cave the next night. Then remembered about the legend he read from the mysterious book in the library. "Could it be true? Could my Mavy be trying to communicate with me? She has to be alive! And she needs my help!" thought Dracula. He quickly picked up his desk phone and dialed out, hoping the recipient of his call answered. The ringing continued and the Count started to lose hope. Finally a familiar voice answers.
"It's ten o'clock in the mornin' here! You better have a good reason for wakin' me!" exclaimed the raspy voice.
"Now is that how you talk to an old friend?" slyly asked the Count with a smile on his face. There was a long pause on the other end and Dracula was beginning to think they hung up on him until, "Vladimir? Vladimir Dracula? Is that you?"
"Who else would be calling you at this time you old sea crab!" said Drac sarcastically.
"Why you ol' blood sucker! Vladdy my boy! What can ol' Barnacle Barney do fer ya?" said the voice in a rough pirate tone.
"First of all Barney, I have to tell you something and please forgive me if I get all sentimental on you. You remember my daughter Mavis?"
"How could I forget the adorable little lass! How is she?" asked Barney. Dracula paused and sighed. This brought a concern to Barney when he heard this.
"She is missing Barn. She was on a plane over the South Pacific near the Philippine Sea with her newly engaged fiancé when the plane went down," said the vampire trying to hold back tears. "She was on her way back from Hawaii with her human zing."
"Oh no. I'm sorry to hear about that. She got engaged to a human you say? I thought you hated 'em," said Barney
"I did up until her one hundred and eighteenth birthday where he accidently came in to my hotel. He is a nice guy though and would have done anything for my daughter. Enough about that though. I need a favor my old friend."
"Anything for you Vladdy, you name it," replied Barney in a confident tone.
"I have a feeling she is alive out there. A strong feeling. There is this special ability that I only thought was a legend but I think it is true. I had dreams about Mavis floating in the water and in a cave calling for my help. I think not knowing, she communicated to me in my dreams. She may be on an island out there. I have find her Barney. I need to try and I need your help. Could I rent one of your boats so I may at least try and find my daughter?" asked a somber sounding Dracula.
"Vladdy, you have helped me many times without reward. You not only will have a boat but you will have me and a full crew and my flagship, the 'Dauntless' at your service. We'll do it for your daughter. But be warned Vlad, that area is vast and a lot is still uncharted, even by sea monsters. We can ask some of them there but they will not know all of the islands in that area. Please be prepared if we don't find her," said Barney in a concerned but stern voice.
"I understand Barn. I still have to try. It will be better for me to at least try than sitting here doing nothing. Where are you anchored at right now?" replied Dracula.
"I am at me home port on the Sri Lanka's south coast. Give me a week to recall me crew and stock the ship. And I have plenty of that blood beaters stuff fer you," answered Barney.
"Thank you Barney. I will be there within a week. Take care." As Dracula hung up the skull phone, he glanced at his daughter's portrait. "Hold on my sweet fangs. Daddy is coming for you." He rushed to his closet and packed as fast as he could. Tomorrow he would leave the hotel and hopefully in secret.
Tomorrow came too quickly. Dracula almost wasn't prepared. He made sure all issues concerning the hotel would be handled by his head of security and head of housekeeping. This was difficult for him as he never was away from the hotel for longer than a week. He may be gone for two or three months. But he hoped it wouldn't take that long, knowing the longer he stayed out there, the less hope of finding Mavis & Johnathan.
Concentrating on his final preparations, he heard a knock at his door and immediately it opened. Rushing in was the werewolf mother with a concerned look. "Dracula, where are you going?" asked Wanda with a concerned look.
"How d…do you know I was leaving?" asked the surprised vampire.
"I overheard your housekeepers and it seems it's spreading like wildfire around the hotel that you are going to try to search for Mavis." After Wanda asked this, the door abruptly opened again. Frank, Eunice, Murray, Wayne, and Griffin all stormed in.
"Now is not the…" said Drac before being cut off by Frank. "Don't go Drac!"
"I have to go! I know she's out there and needs me!" yelled Dracula.
"What makes you think that she is alive?" asked Wanda. Everyone now staring at the count for an explanation.
"I KNOW she is alive, Wanda. I never told all of you but I had dreams of Mavis. One particularly before I found out about the plane went down and after. Mavis was floating in the water on some piece of plane calling for me and a second was her in a cave calling for help," retorted Dracula.
"Surely these were just dreams and nothing more. How can you be so sure of this?" Eunice said speaking up.
"There is a legend I have read about. A family of vampires able to communicate through dreams somehow. Only if there was any trouble. Now I do not think it was a legend. My daughter may have a secret ability that she and I do not even know about. Besides these dreams of Mavis are too real to be ignored. I have to try, Wanda. I have to try to find my daughter! She is all I have!" said Dracula as he started to raise his voice then trailed off when he continued as tears started to drop, She's all I have left," with concerned blue glowing eyes.
"Then I'm coming with you!" Frank said in an outburst.
"No one is coming with me. I can't lose anyone else. You are my family!" retorted the vampire.
"We are coming with you whether you like it or not," Wayne added as his wife gave him an evil stare. He looked at her, "What!? If there is a possibility that Mavis is alive, I'm willing to do what I can to help our niece! She's part of our family too! Drac, you are not going to lose anyone else. But you are going to gain your daughter back. I promise!" Wayne said as he tried to spark some motivation in everyone.
"I'm coming too! You ain't gonna leave a pile of old sand like me sit around and do nothing! I'm with you Drac!" Murray said as he smiled and his green glowing eyes peering through his bandages.
"You can count me in too! You won't even know I'm there, literally," said Griffin the Invisible Man jokingly.
"I'm sure Johnny is with her too! We will get both back in one piece!" Frank said optimistically.
As Dracula stared at all of his friends, they were all looking back at him. He had no choice but to let them go with him or they would still follow. Besides, Frank, Murry, Wayne, and Griffin would be able to look during the day better than he could. He closed his eyes and sighed as he couldn't help but smile at all of them. "You truly are my family. Thank you for your support. I guess I have no choice. And I guess it is better when you have family with you. Everyone should know that this trip may last three months. Are you all sure you want to go?"
"I don't care if the trip takes a year! We will find Mavis and Johnny!" Frank retorted. The others just nodded in approval. "Okay then. Go pack quickly and pack light. We have to be in Sri Lanka in six days," added Dracula as a smile appeared on his face.
"Then it is up to me and Eunice to watch over the hotel for you if that's what you want?" asked Wanda.
"I was going to ask you two. Thank you for watching over the hotel if you do not mind. Here is a key to my office." Dracula handed Wanda the key. Wanda brought Dracula into a hug letting him know everything will be okay.
"Please do not be disappointed if you don't find her or Joh…"
"But I will find them. No questions about it," said Dracula as he cut her off from finishing a sentence he did not need to hear.
The group of friends were all ready to go on another big adventure. Dracula knew if it was only him, he would be able to get to Sri Lanka within three days at most. Now with five monsters, traveling will be slower. They will have to rush to reach their destination in time. From there, they will sail to the Pacific into mainly uncharted seas, like searching for a needle in one square mile of hay. After saying their goodbyes to Eunice, Wanda, and the werepups, the group of men slowly exited out of the newly built revolving door. Dracula stopped short of exiting and turned around one last time. He took a mental picture of his precious hotel knowing it was in good hands with Wanda. He looked at Wanda and Eunice one last time and waved a goodbye to them. The vampire turned back around and went through the main entrance to join his family on the other side where they hurriedly packed in the hearse. Dracula then thought about his precious hotel. It was not precious to him now. What was precious was his love for his daughter and seeing her happy with Johnny. They drove away not looking back this time, on their way to find the ones they cared about and loved: Mavis Dracula and Johnathan Loughran.