Chapter 9: Revelations and Department Stores
That morning, after a cozy and warm breakfast with the Oberlin family, Tristo joins them all to go to the shopping mall. Mr. Oberlin talks to him about finding work, while the three ladies begin to pick out clothing for Tristo to try on.
"Until you can start making an income of your own, we've got you covered. But I expect you are looking for something?" Mr. Oberlin asked, leaning on a nearby coat rack.
"Well, I actually met a really nice lady named Jacqueline. She owns a farm a bit of ways away from Monstropolis. I have experience as a farmhand, so I could probably help her out over the summer."
"I think that's a good plan. Oh I also got you something when I came back from work yesterday."
"Mr. Oberlin, you didn't have to…"
"I don't want to hear any of that now Tristo, you stay with us and we take care of you alright? So here."
Mr. Oberlin hands Tristo a new cell phone. Tristo could tell it was made a bit sturdier than phones from his world, but nonetheless was stunned by Mr. Oberlin's continued kindness. The large fur-covered cat man smiled, his whiskers beaming.
"Thank you sir. This means a lot to me. I promise as soon as I can cover the cost myself I'll take care of it."
"I know you will. I got the other three to put their numbers in last night, so if you ever need a hand out there you can give one of us a call. I know they may not all act like it, but I think those three have taken a shine to you."
Tristo's face scrunched up, and it was all he could do to hold back tears from such a kind gesture. Tristo opened his arms and Mr. Oberlin happily accepted a hug. Mr. Oberlin sat his hands on Tristo's shoulders a moment.
"All I ask is that you do your best, and keep your chin up. And I've heard about that girl you're seeing now, so you better treat her right too."
"I will. I don't know how serious things will get, but we're watching each other's backs."
"Nowadays that's all we can do." Mr. Oberlin said, releasing Tristo with a couple of small pats on his shoulder. As he did, Vicky rounded the corner of the coat rack.
"Tristo! You have got to see this outfit Vera found for you!" Vicky said, grabbing Tristo's arm and beginning to drag him along. Tristo relented, but waved to Mr. Oberlin.
"I'm coming, you don't need to yank so hard. Thanks again Mr. Oberlin! Uh… Vicky you wouldn't happen to have Zoe's number would you?"
Meanwhile…
Zoe now found herself at Joy's apartment. She had expected all of the Coven to live collectively in a spooky cabin out in the woods, but was surprised that they do have their own places. Zoe sat on Joy's ancient looking couch, as Joy brewed tea in the kitchen. Zoe wore high-waisted shorts, with a tank top, freeing her tentacle to have snappier reaction time if she needed. As Joy sat down with tea for the two, she glanced out the window with a concerned look. Zoe took a sip of her tea before glancing at Joy curiously.
"What's up Joy?"
"Just worried about this stuff is all. Whatever that thing was, it was making Gerald act out. I'm worried there could be more. Hopefully Hope was able to find something out with her research yesterday."
"Whatever it is, I'm sure we all can handle it. After all you guys defeated me way back in the day." Zoe said, shrugging her arm and tentacle lazily. Joy gave her a nod and soft sigh.
"You're right of course. Oh. They're here." Joy said. With no knock or indication, Joy approached the door, and opened it. Sure enough, Hope and Faith were waiting, and funneled into the small apartment. Hope sat the jar containing the insect on the center of the coffee table. Everyone turns as Hope gathers their attention. She reaches into her bag and begins to pull out a few items.
"The first thing I've noticed about this insect is that it has only reacted to one stimulus since I've captured it." Hope explained. Hope grabbed a small framed sketch of Tristo, holding it up to the jar. The bug immediately turns its eyes to the sketch, and follows it as Hope moves it around the jar. When she hides it behind her back, the insect returns to its previous motionless state.
"It only reacts to Tristo. It seems ever since it left Gerard, that's all it really cares about."
Zoe raises her hand. The three turn to her, and Hope motions for her to speak.
"That's a really good sketch, do you have more?"
"What? I mean I drew a few-"
"Can I have that one?"
"I guess. Here."
Zoe takes the sketch, giving it a once over, nods and drops it into her backpack. The Coven looks at her with a mix of slight discomfort before moving on.
"Anyway, that's not even the worst part. I learned that I can't see any type of future regarding this creature. Because it's from a future. Not our future, but from a future of a reality adjacent to ours. At least, that's the theory."
"What does that mean exactly?" Zoe asked, beginning to look more intently at the creature.
"It means I can't discover anything about it further. I think we should see if Gerard can recall anything else about it or his experiences while under its influence." Hope posed, the rest of the Coven seeming to agree. Faith inquires further.
"Y'know, the last time we dealt with something that crossed realities was when we…" Faith trailed off, nodding in Zoe's direction. Zoe sat placidly, staring off into space as if disassociating.
"Well the only other thing we can do is find one of the sciencey types, to study the bug under a microscope. Cal could probably scan its biomass." Joy said, providing another step. They all turned to Zoe.
"Are you following all this Zoe?" Hope asked, looking at her stare off. Zoe shook her head, snapping back to attention. Hope pinched the bridge of her nose, while the other Coven members giggled. Hope picks up the jar and brings it to Zoe.
"Take this to Calculester. Have him scan it, see if it matches any other biological matter in his database." Hope explained. "We are going to go see if we can help Gerard get his memories of being bugged back."
"I can do that!" Zoe said, saluting with her tentacle. She jumps up, running over to the door.
"Zoe, wait! Make sure Cal kills that thing. He should be fine, but if it gets to anyone organic, we could very well have another Gerard on our hands."
"I'll keep all my eyes on it, at all times."
"Good."
With that Zoe exit's Joy's apartment. As she walks, she feels her phone buzz with a text from a new number. It's Tristo, who explains in a long paragraph about how he got his new phone and how the Oberlins are treating him so well. Zoe's face brightens at the text. They continue their little text exchange.
Tristo: They have me trying on a bunch of clothes at the minute.
Zoe: Make sure to send me some pics :3
Tristo: I will as soon as I get done changing.
Zoe: Send now
Tristo: Zoe… you're something else :(
Zoe: You like it :p
Tristo: Yeah I do, but you'll be getting pics of the OUTFITS
Zoe: Can't blame a girl for trying
Tristo: Anyway, what are you up to?
Zoe: Taking the bug thing to Calculester
Zoe: From another reality blah blah blah
Zoe: Give you the full scoop later
Tristo: Ok but be careful. I don't want to have to wrestle you too
Zoe: Maybe I should let this thing out after all
Zoe: Stick my face on top of the jar
Tristo: We've been on one date, you cannot be this thirsty O_O
Zoe: You dreamed we were in a whole musical together
Tristo: Touché. I'll see u later okay, they're asking me why I'm taking so long in here
Zoe smiled down at the phone with a mischievous grin. If he wasn't already, she knew that he'd be wrapped around her tentacle in no time. She began to make her way to Spooky Academy. While Calculester wasn't the hardest monster to track down, she'd have to search all over the academy grounds to find him.
Back at the Mall…
Tristo stepped out of the dressing room in another outfit, this time a bright yellow flannel with dark jeans. The three V's raised up their scorecards. A nine from Vicky, a ten from Valerie, and a three from Vera. Tristo did a twirl to examine himself in the mirrors.
"I really like this one."
"It does very much seem your style!" Vicky said, trying to pump him up.
"Then I suppose you should get it, we've got time for one more outfit. Make sure you get another practical one." Vera included, turning her attention to something else as Tristo went back in to change. Tristo put on what he plans to be his farmhand outfit. A plaid green button up with overalls and boots. As he stepped out this time the group raised scorecards again. Each sign a ten, including a fourth as Scott sat now with the three, forcing them to smush together on the couch.
"Looking great bro!" Scott yelled. He had a big toothy grin and the wagging of his tail smacked Vera's side.
"Scott? When did you get here?" Tristo asked, pleasantly surprised to see him.
"I came by the mall to get a hot dog, because they smelled amazing. Then I smelled Vera nearby! So I came to say hi, and you were all here. I thought it would be nice to hang out!"
Vera seemed a bit annoyed, but sighed.
"You can hang out with us Scott, but we were just getting ready to leave." Vera explained. "Tristo needs to get ready for his date."
"A date! Bro why didn't you tell me?"
"I don't have your number." Tristo replied with a deadpan expression.
"Oh well let's fix that!" Scott stood up excitedly to exchange details with Tristo. As they did, another text found its way to him from Zoe.
Zoe: So I'm looking all over for Calculester, could use a hand if you wanna swing by :p
Tristo: Sure thing! Scott is here, do you think he'd help sniff him out?
Zoe: Yeah but I was kinda hoping it would just be U n Me…
Tristo: I could tell him to go…
Zoe: No, we could actually probably use his help. I'll just get you alone later :p
Tristo: I'm sure you will, see u soon
"Gonna have to cut out a bit early guys, Zoe needs some help." Tristo said, apologetically.
"I bet she does." Valerie teased. Vicky and Vera laughed at this as well, especially once Tristo began to turn red. He turned away from the three to Scott.
"Scott, I need you to come with me. We could use your nose."
"Sure thing bro, I could give you a piggyback ride."
"That sounds great Scott, but that won't slow us down?"
"Oh no, I'm like really strong and fast." Scott chuckled to himself. He turned and got onto a knee, offering for Tristo to climb onto his back. It was a bit embarrassing, but Tristo did climb up. Vera chuckled to herself before speaking.
"You should have seen him when he was still chasing cars. I don't think there was a single one he didn't catch." Vera reminisced. Scott smiled at this, and wagged his tail happily.
"But that was bad boy behavior. I don't do that anymore." Scott said, his expression becoming suddenly serious. A brief beat, and the smile came back to his face quickly. "Anyway, let's get going!" Scott bellowed, taking off out of the department store, out of the mall, then through the treeline of the nearby park. Tristo held on to Scott's chest for dear life, and thought he'd fall several times. He felt he had to at least have been moving as fast as he would on a motorcycle.
It didn't take long before they were at Spooky Academy, and Zoe could see them both come tumbling in. As they exited the nearby treeline, Scott tripped over a branch and the two slammed into the dirt. Luckily Tristo was still in his recently purchased overalls, so if it had to be something, he's glad he was wearing these. Zoe just giggled as she approached the two.
"I'm really liking the dirt-covered farmer vibe."
"Really? I'm glad you're enjoying yourself." Tristo said, winded from the fall. Zoe came over and crouched next to him, and used her tentacle to wipe a smudge of dirt from his face.
"It's nice to see you." She said, scanning him for any major bumps or bruises.
"You too. Still no luck finding Calculester?"
"No. But I have a feeling my luck is about to change. Scott? Think you could sniff Calculester down for me? There are some Scott Snax™ in it for you." Zoe asked, pulling a small bag from her backpack and shaking it. Scott rose like a vampire from a coffin, with the most resolute look imaginable.
"Zoe. I am on it." Scott said, with the most serious tone that would ever be heard escape his lips. At least until the next time Scott Snax™ is mentioned. Scott bolted off and Tristo stood to his feet. Zoe wrapped him up in a hug as he stood, squeezing him tightly and almost causing him to stumble back down.
"Woah- what's this about?" Tristo asked with a small chuckle. He brushed some of the tentacles on her head aside to look her in her eye. She just looked up at him with a devilish smirk.
"Because I felt like it. Physical touch is kinda my thing. That's cool with you?"
"With you? Yeah, definitely." Tristo said, returning the hug as best he could with his arms constricted by her tentacle. It was a strange feeling to have her tentacle wrapped twice around him in this hug, but not an unwelcome one. Zoe gave him a look with the eye in the center of her forehead.
"What about you Tristo? What's your love language?"
"Me… I mean I like physical touch most of the time. I guess I'm more of a words of affirmation person. So when you told me that you liked me… I guess that's all I really needed to hear."
"You're so adorable, you know that? I really wanna squeeze you until you pop! Well, I do like you Tristo, and I think you're a very handsome human too." Zoe complimented, slowly relinquishing him from the iron grip of her tentacle. He couldn't help but blush at her compliment before stammering out his own.
"I think you're an incredibly gorgeous monster. You have a vibrance and are undeniably you. I'm glad you're now getting to experience life how you want it."
"Oh I forgot you know a little bit more about me than you've let on. We're gonna have to rectify that later when you tell me all about your life."
"Then let's do that tomorrow. We've got another day before Monster Prom week, we'll put the mystery on hold and spend the day with each other." Tristo suggested, as the two stepped back from their hug now. Zoe nodded, a bright smile following soon after.
"Oh so now you're asking me on a date? So debonair in your overalls covered in mud." She teased, Tristo looked down brushing himself off some more, but couldn't help enjoying her teasing.
"As a matter of fact I am. How about a visit to Jacqueline's Farm tomorrow? I need to ask her about possibly working there, and would love to explore the place with you."
"I've never been on a farm before… but I'd love the experience! Let's do it!"
"Oh and Zoe, about Monster Prom-" Tristo said, but was cut off by the sudden and loud arrival of Scott. Scott let out a howl and jumped between the two.
"My duty is done Zoe! Calculester is in the botanical garden!" Scott said, looking at her expectantly and wagging his tail. Zoe looked at Tristo with a small smile, before grabbing the treat Scott craved. Tossing one in the air, Scott leapt up, catching it with ease.
"Scott, you continue to be the best boy in all of Spooky Academy." She encouraged, slowly tucking snacks back into her bag. Scott stood up, scratching himself behind the head.
"I try! Now follow me bros!" He replied, heading in the direction of the greenhouses. Zoe beckoned Tristo with her tentacle before chasing after. Tristo shook his head at the ridiculousness of the whole situation, but didn't waste any time chasing after her. As they arrived at the greenhouses, they saw Calculester caring for a nearby arbor in the garden. As they approached Calculester waved his hand in a rigid manner.
"Salutations again Scott! You have not returned to sniff me again have you?" Calculester asked, his voice filtered, but bright. Scott shook his head, gesturing towards Zoe and Tristo who both waved to him.
"Ah! It is Zoe! And her companion Tristo the Human! Greetings to you both!"
"Companion? How do you figure that?" Tristo asked, with surprise on his face. Zoe looked a bit nervous and pushed her finger into her tentacle. Calculester raised a finger and the screen he had for a face lit up with Zoe's social media pages.
"Zoe has already updated all her social media accounts as being in a situationship with Tristo the Human."
"I mean I'm not wrong…" Zoe said, shrugging her shoulders with a nervous grin. Tristo pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You aren't, but is everyone seriously calling me Tristo the Human?"
"Oh yeah, and you're kinda blowing up right now from the Doom's Diner fight. There was a guy there recording you and Gerard wrestling from one of the booths."
"Oh good. So I should avoid social media at all costs."
"I do not mean to interrupt such riveting conversation, but I am caring for the gardens as part of my duties in the Botany Club." Calculester interjected, looking at the two. "Is there something I can help you both with?"
Zoe nodded, reaching into her bag and presenting the fly. It turned in the direction of Tristo immediately, as if it sensed he was there. Tristo gulped a bit as it stared at him, and Zoe shook it a bit. Calculester tilted his monitor.
"This fly has been stumping us and causing a bit of mischief. I was wondering if you would scan its biomass?" Zoe asked, extending the jar out to him. Three dots appeared on Calculester's monitor before a check mark appeared and his face came up as a smile.
"I will gladly take a quick scan, it should not take long." Cal replied. He carefully took the jar, and opened his chest similarly to a microwave.
"Oh! And fry the creature after, the Coven said it's too dangerous due to being from the future." Zoe recalled. Calculester once again displayed a check mark on his monitor. Zoe, Tristo, and Scott all watched with wonder as Calculester placed the jar inside his microwave chest. Inside many tiny claws opened the jar and disposed of it, keeping the fly trapped inside. His stomach emitted a green glow as the scan commenced. The face disappeared from his monitor with a result screen showing up.
"This fly is made from both human and monster DNA. It is a positive match to both Tristo and Zoe."