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Literature Text
When the day finally arrived, most of Sanctum’s residents used the morning and afternoon to prepare for the two big events of the night: The Danse Macabre, and the Haunted Parade. They all wore their best costumes to wear for the dance, and the Fridolf Family was no exception.
“Alright, this should do it.” Theodore said as he finished putting on his costume. Looking at his reflection, he moved his mask to the side and paused to admire the handiwork placed in his outfit. It was based out of the myth of Hastur, specifically his avatar as the King in Yellow.
“I really have to hand it to mum, she didn’t miss a single detail.” He said as he looked at the tattered edges of his yellow coat. Satisfied, he rushed out the door and met his parents at the first floor landing.
His dad was wearing his military uniform. The chevrons on the sleeves show his rank as lieutenant, and he was decorated with various military honours.
His mother on the other hand was wearing the most realistic brown bear costume Theodore had ever seen in his life. The careful attention to the detail makes her look so indistinguishable from a real bear, that if it weren’t for the fact that she was standing on two legs, Theodore would have been convinced that there was an actual bear in the house.
“Mum, isn’t it hot in there?” Theodore asked her.
“Don’t worry about that dear, it’s well ventilated.” Amelia replied. The mouth of the bear costume moved accurately with every syllable she spoke.
Theodore looked closer at the costume, then poked a few times at the stomach.
“Trying to poke?” Amelia asked. “You can’t actually reach me while I’m inside the costume, I’m underneath layers of false bear fat.”
“Seriously?!” Theodore asked. “How are we going to get you out of the house then.”
“Don’t we just walk out like we always...” Amelia looked at the front door, noting how small the frame was compared to her costume. “Okay, I guess I didn’t think that through. Silly me. I’ll take the costume off.”
After removing the costume, it was a lot easier to move it out the door. Theodore’s mom put it back on again as soon as they were outside.
“We’ll take the train this time. Apparently, the on the fifth day of the festival, no vehicles are allowed to park near the festival.” Scott said to the two of them. “So we can’t use the RV today.”
“I’m suddenly feeling bad for everyone we see today.” Theodore mumbled to himself.
Sure enough, as the three walked to the underground station, plenty of people they passed by were legitimately intimidated by Amelia’s bear costume. Even at the platform there were still people staring at her. She waved at them from time to time.
“See, I told you picking this costume was a good idea.” She said to Scott. “And since I’ve probably already scared most of the human district by now, I can’t wait to see the vampires’ reaction.”
“The train is now approaching. Please stand back from the platform edge.” The automated feminine voice on the wall speaker gave off its usual announcement. A few seconds later, a red train came running down the tracks before slowing down to a stop. “The train doors will now be opened, please mind the gap between the train, and the platform” The voice continued as it happened, allowing the three of them to board.
A few seconds after they boarded the train the announcement went off again. “Stand clear of the closing doors.” They all heard just as it happened.
Since it was underground, there was no view outside the windows of the train besides the dark tunnel. Theodore knew it was going to be an uneventful ride, especially since there were still three stops before they reach the station closest to the festival grounds.
“Now approaching Bishop’s Rest... Doors will open at the right-hand side... Alight here for... the Interdistrict Line.” Theodore heard the automated announcement.
When the train doors opened more people in costumes boarded the train, lessening the movable space for everyone. Among the costumes he saw three of them that, to him, stood out from the rest. It was a family of three. The Mother was dressed in ornate silver armor and robe in homage to Queen Titania of the fairy race, something that described in great detail in the worn-out copy of the Incanta he owned. The young boy was dressed in a woodland robe and vest with thick seams, as well as a cone shaped hat with a pom pom at the tip, the tradional outfit worn by a Sprite of Nature. And lastly, a girl dressed in a golden dress and wings. While the costume itself was rather simple, the markings on the dress made it rather clear the costume was that of the Golden Fairy of Knowledge.
“Hey, look at that! It’s red hair that’s actually red.” Theodore heard his mom say. This shifted his attention away from the costume, and towards the one who was wearing it. He also realized that the other two also had the same hair color.
“Wait... Luna?” Theodore waved. “Hey! Luna! Over here!”
“Eh?!” Luna heard him and was startled by the sudden call. She faced him. “Oh... hi. Theodore.”
“Is he the one of the friends you were telling me about?” Luna’s mom asked her.
“Y-yes, he is.” She replied as Theodore’s family walked towards them, squeezing through the other passengers. She began introductions as soon as they were close enough. “Oh right, um... Theodore, This is my family.”
Her mother took over from that point. She placed her hand on her chest as she introduced herself. “I’m Doctor Karen. I’m a surgeon at the Sanctum Medical Foundation. I’m also the current overseer of the Blood Fountain.”
“Oooh, nice!” Theodore’s mom complimented her.
Karen placed her hand on top of Luna’s head. “This is Luna, the eldest of my children.” Then she placed it on top of the young boy beside her. “And this is Charles, the youngest.”
Both Karen and Charles had red hair just like Luna. Karen however is the only one of the three of them with slightly heterochromic yellow eyes, with her right eye having a color much more vivid than her left.
It was now the Fridolf family’s turn to inroduce themselves. “Lieutenant Scott Fridolf. War Veteran. Pax Enforcer.” Scott started and gave a salute.
“And I’m Amelia, his ever loving wife. I also make clothes and accessories as a personal hobby.” Amelia introduced herself next as she pulled Scott into a hug. “I’m not a bear though, I made this one too.”
“I’m Theodore, his only child, and a fan of Mythology.” Theodore finished with his introduction.
Dr. Karen took a long look at each one of them as if she was examining a patient. Theodore noticed that her eyes widened, as if in shock, after looking at his dad. “You all seem to be in good health.” She said.
“Then why did you look at my husband all wide-eyed?” Amelia asked, apparently she noticed Dr. Karen’s earlier reaction too.
“No, well.” Dr. Karen said. “Forgive me for asking but, he looks rather young for his age, doesn’t he?”
“So? I actually look pretty young for my age too.” Amelia replied. “You just can’t see because of this costume. Theodore is the only one in our family who looks his age, though I feel like that would change too eventually.”
“But... You know what, forget it.” Dr. Karen dismissed the conversation. “As long as you three stay healthy, that’s good enough for me.” She then looked at Theodore. “Theodore, right? I’d like to thank you for being friends with Luna. She’s always been such a shy girl.”
“Of course.” Theodore replied.
“Does everyone attend the festival like this every year, It’s our first time here you see?” Amelia asked Karen.
“Of course, it’s almost a tradition, so it’s hard to pass up.” She replied. “It’s also fun for all ages, even those that are already over five hundred still attend this festival.”
Theodore and Luna were unable to talk over their parent’s conversation, staying silent for the rest of the train ride to the city. When they left the station and reached the street level, Theodore and Luna saw Percy standing nearby, having a conversation with a few children.
“Oh look, there’s Percy.” Theodore pointed. “Let’s go, Luna.” The two of them started to move ahead of their parents.
“Okay, you two have fun now.” Amelia bid them goodbye.
“Oh, wait a moment Theodore.” Scott called. Theodore stopped and turned around. “If you want to go home ahead of us and sleep, send a text first. We’re planning to be out all night.”
“Got it.” Theodore replied. He noticed that Luna’s mom scowled at his dad after he replied.
“Luna, we will go home together, so don’t leave the festival ahead of me.” Dr. Karen said.
“R-right.” Luna replied before the two of them continued to walk towards Percy.
“...Your costume looks great by the way.” Theodore said after a brief pause. “Great attention to detail.”
Luna slightly smiled at the comment. “Th-thanks.”
“And then, she actually thought there was something there!” Percy immediately burst into laughter. The children were laughing as well. After he calmed down, he saw Theodore and Luna walking towards him from the station. “Well, looks like my friends are here, you three run along now.”
“Bye bye!” The children said before running off.
“You know those kids?” Theodore asked Percy.
“Yeah. One of them’s a club member, and the other three are friends of hers.” Percy replied. “Pretty good kids. So, what do you think of my costume.”
Percy’s costume was an all black ensemble. He wore a wide brimmed hat, a long coat, and full gloves. Hung on his belt were wooden stakes, knives and a bottle of liquid. Without even thinking about it, Theodore already knew what his costume was.
“Abraham van Helsing right?” Theodore enthusiastically answered.
“Correct!” Percy said “The famous vampire hunter himself.”
“I read that despite killing the progenitor Vlad Tepes in his Dracula years, he’s actually respected by vampires everywhere for doing that.” Theodore commented.
Percy laughed. “Quite ironic isn’t it. Now come on, it’s almost time to eat and the others are waiting.”
The three went to the Investigations Club mocktail booth where Leon, Claire, Yuki, and Katie were already gathered, sitting around a cloth-covered table. The four of them were also in costume.
“Before we start anything. Think you can name their costumes like you did with mine?” Percy then noticed Luna’s costume. “What’s her costume by the way?” He pointed at her.
“The Fairy of Knowledge.” Theodore replied. “It is the fairy right?” He asked Luna just to be sure.
“It is.” Luna replied. “You know about this myth too?”
“I have a book back home that talks about her in one chapter.” Theodore said. “Now let’s see here...”
He started with Yuki. She wore a pink long wide sleeved shirt with many white bows, and a long dark burgundy skirt decorated with yellow flower and bamboo shapes. Her hair remained in the same style as it had always been, but she was not wearing her usual headband.
“I don’t know this one.” Theodore gave up quickly.
Yuki held up a branch decorated with multicolored jewels in response.
“Oh, it’s Princess Kaguya!” Theodore declared. “I didn’t know that this was one way to dress as her though.” After he gave his answer, Yuki clapped thrice, indicating that he was correct.
“Oh oh oh, do me next!” Katie raised her hand. She was dressed in black vintage formal wear and wore a long trenchcoat. A black top hat rested on top of her head and on her hands were white gloves.
“Jack the Ripper.” Theodore answered. “That’s very obvious.”
“Darn...” Katie replied. “You got it right.”
When Theodore looked at Claire, he was almost at a loss for words at her attire. She was wearing long skin tight gloves, a revealing two piece bikini, if it could even be called one, that showed off a lot of her skin, and thigh-high boots. Strapped to her back are two large folded leathery wings like that of a bat, and on her head was a horned headband. Her eyes had contact lenses on them, making her pupils look like slits, comparable to that of a snake’s eyes. Topping it all off, she had painted her entire body with a tan body paint. It was very uncanny that it all looked so natural on her.
“Go on... Answer!” Claire haughtily said, as she held up a riding crop to further narrow his choices.
With no other options in mind, Theodore answered halfheartedly. “A Succubus.”
“Good.” Claire commended. “Now can you name my boyfriend’s costume?”
After looking at Leon’s costume, Theodore got confused. Leon was wearing vintage formal wear like Katie, A vest over a collared long sleeved shirt. Unlike Katie’s trenchcoat, what Leon wore over it was a long robe with wide sleeves like Yuki’s costume. Theodore couldn’t see Leon’s face at all because he was wearing the skull of an antelope over it. Hung from the horns on the back of his head was a veil.
“Okay, I’m seriously at a loss. I don’t who or what that is.” Theodore declared after a minute of thinking.
“Don’t worry yourself; we don’t know what this is either.” Leon said in consolation. “I just followed the advice of a contact on the planning of this costume.” He took off the antelope skull and placed it on the table. “Now as for yours, I’ll pass on guessing. I don’t know this one.”
“Nope sorry, nothing.” Katie followed and shrugged.
“Now that I think about it. I don’t really know what your costume is.” Luna said to him.
Yuki raised a hand as she gave an answer. “It’s Hastur, isn’t it?”
“There, she got it.” Theodore said to everyone else, then proceeded to ask her a question, only for her to preemptively answer.
“My aunt read those stories to me when I was younger.” Yuki nonchalantly replied.
Leon cleared his throat. Claire placed her tablet on the table and activated an intercom function. After that, Leon stood up and said in a commanding tone. “Attention everyone! Just a reminder that the Danse Macabre will begin after dinner.” His announcement wasn’t just for the six of them on the table. Nearby members of the Investigations Club, especially the ones currently working the booth and those who heard his announcement digitally stopped what they were doing to listen. “Club members on duty, take a break, eat up, then return to your tasks. We’re going to party all night, and nothing will stop us!” The vampire’s words heavily contrasted with his stern way of delivery.
Everyone who heard him gave a resounding cheer before returning to whatever they are doing. Leon sat down again afterwards. “Have a happy hallows eve.”
Claire put away the tablet. Yuki took that as a cue and started to rummage under the table.
“So where do we eat then?” Theodore asked Leon after he and Luna sat down.
“Right here of course.” Percy replied for him. “Yuki-chan was kind enough to bring food for us. You two included.” He said to both Theodore and Luna.
Yuki took out a covered tray and set it at the center of the table. She took off the lid, revealing a huge amount of cooked venison place over red wine steak sauce.
“Oooh, deer meat. Haven’t had that in a while.” Theodore said.
“The sanctum deer had a population spike this year.” She commented before placing a portable rice cooker and two metal pitchers on the table, one pitcher filled with blood, the other filled with water.
“I brought the rest.” Percy set up the table with plastic plates, spoons, and forks. All of which he just happened to have inside his coat.
After the table was set each of them got their share of food and drink and started eating. Watching everyone partake in the same dish, Theodore couldn’t help but comment. “So vampires can eat meat. I was wondering about that for a while now since I don’t see any of you doing it.”
“Of course! But what you humans eat is literally junk food for us.” Katie said. “So we don’t often do this.”
“Heck, Claire is the only vampire I know who indulges in it whenever she can. Hahahahaha!” Percy burst out laughing while pointing at her plate, where she helped herself to the most amount of food, especially when compared with everyone else’s serving.
Claire pouted. “Well, I can’t help it if humans make good food.” She said.
Theodore took another bite of his meal then looked at both Leon and Luna, the two of them contently eating their food silently. He couldn’t really comment on it since those two, and Yuki, are more content eating silently.
Another announcement boomed across the plaza while they all continued to eat. “Attention Citizens. It is time to begin the Danse Macabre. Grab a partner, find some room, and you’re good to go. Just don’t forget your costume.”
The broadcast piqued Theodore’s interest. “So you can basically dance anywhere.” He said.
Soft music started playing from the speakers. Nearby people started walking to the roads where there was plenty of space so they can dance.
“Yup, anywhere.” Percy said. “The music changes pace every seven to ten minutes too so you can do all kinds of dances.”
“Or take a break if you can’t dance to the music.” Leon said after swallowing his last bite of food. “I’ll dance later. I don’t dance waltz.”
At those words, Theodore couldn’t get the image of a bear standing upright, and dancing with a soldier, out of his head. “My parents are going to have one hell of a surreal dance.”
“I know, it’s not everyday you see a bear dancing waltz.” Leon said.
“How did you...”
Claire silently held up her tablet then put it away. She couldn’t speak since she was still chewing her food.
“Well since you’re done eating, check the reports.” Claire brought out her tablet and gave it to Leon.
The vampire flicked his finger across the tablet repeatedly, his eyes darting left and right at an inhuman speed. After a few seconds, he stopped. “All finished.”
Percy, who at first glance looked engrossed in his conversation with Katie, immediately placed his attention to Leon. “So what’s it say?”
“The operation is already underway.” Leon replied. “We don’t have a confirmed visual on the suspects, but our members confirm that they are all armed, big, and wear the same tattered coat. Also, our efforts to hinder them is working just fine and no direct confrontations are needed. They also picked up some new data. We now have a list of citizens, pax or otherwise, who are part of resistance force fighting against them. You will look into that later, Percy.” He and Claire continued to read reports.
“Ja.” Percy replied. “Tomorrow, when I wake up.”
Soon everyone else finished eating. Yuki made a phone call, and a cat leapt onto the table shortly after she finished. The cat had dark purple coat that could be easily be mistaken as black, and tiny motes of raw magic were floating out of its fur. Theodore watched the cat as it approached the empty tray, and sat in front of it. The cat looked at both him and Luna, swaying its head from side to side.
“This is my aunt’s familiar, Celeste.” Yuki introduced the two of them then said to the cat. “Celeste, these two are new friends.” She affectionately patted the familiars head.
The car then pushed the platter, rice cooker, and pitchers off of the table with its head, showing of its immense strength. There was no sound to indicate that the objects fell on anything. The cat then jumped down the table, beyond everyone’s line of sight.
Theodore ran around the table and found no trace left of the cat or anything it pushed off. “That was fast. I wanted to see how familiars move around.”
“I told it to return immediately.”
The soft waltz music changed to an upbeat house techno. Theodore watched the crowd react accordingly, switching their dance moves or leaving the crowd, while some of the bystanders grabbed a partner and started their dance.
“Let’s dance, Yuki-chan!” Percy said as he grabbed Yuki by her arm and pulled her towards a clear space in the middle of the road. Yuki didn’t reply, but went along with him anyway as a way of saying yes.
Leon and Claire closed the tablet, stood up, and without saying a word, they went further into the town square. Theodore, Katie, and Luna continued to watch Percy and Yuki dance together, unaware of their sudden departure. It was only when Theodore looked behind him that he noticed it.
“Hey, where did they go?” He asked.
He caught Katie’s attention, and she looked back as well. “I guess they just want to dance somewhere else.” She guessed.
“Are you going to find a partner?” Theodore asked her.
“Nah, but my other friends are having a dance off right now.” She replied dismissively. “I’m going to join them if the music turns into a rap beat or dubstep.” She then leaned forward from her chair to see Luna, who sat opposite of Theodore. Luna was staring intently at Percy and Yuki. Using her vampiric ability, she sensed that Luna was feeling envious of the two.
“Hey, Luna. Are you going to dance too?” She asked her.
Luna was startled and quickly faced both Theodore and Katie. “Eh?... Well I would but... I don’t really have a partner.” She replied.
“Would you like to dance with me then?” Theodore held out his hand, as he gave his offer.
“And if you don’t want to, you can dance with me if you like!” Katie smiled and pointed at herself as she said that.
“Um well...” Luna was hesitating, unsure of whether to take the offer. “I don’t know...”
“Well, we won’t force you if you don’t want to.” Theodore returned to watching the dance.
Katie started thinking for a few seconds. “She’s not being honest with herself. How do I get her to dance?” she mumbled to herself. She then got a brilliant yet devious idea.
“You know...” She started in a singsong voice. This caught Theodore and Luna’s attention. “I only ever dance with girls but, since still have time maybe I can make an exception just this once.” She held out her hand like Theodore did earlier.
“As long as you’re fine with it.” Theodore then started to reach for her hand.
“Wait!” Luna shouted, then quickly covered her mouth. Theodore stopped and faced her again.
“I... would like to dance... with you.” Luna managed to make herself say.
Katie smiled. “Well then, you heard her. Go dance.” She said to Theodore.
Theodore then caught on fast to what she just did. “Seriously?” He said to Katie.
“Sorry, I can’t hear you.” Katie covered her ears.
Theodore sighed then asked Luna. “Are you sure you really want to dance?”
Luna looked like she was about to second guess herself, but she stood firm with her answer. “Yes.”
Theodore stood up and held out his hand to her again, to which Luna accepted. He helped her up and the two walked to the spot near Percy and Yuki. The latter two didn’t stop dancing but since they noticed them coming, they moved closer to meet them halfway.
“Oh hey, look who decided to dance.” Percy said. As soon as he said that, the music changed again, this time into a more moderately paced dark cabaret. He and Yuki stopped dancing. “And just in time for the music to change.”
“I heard what happened.” Yuki said to the two. “Don’t blame Katie-chan. She’s always like that.”
“It can’t be helped.” Theodore replied.
“Now, enough talk. We dance!” Percy enthusiastically shouted.
“R-right!” Luna replied.
The two pairs stood face to face with their respective partners, and began move in rhythm to the music. The music they danced to didn’t require them to hold their partners as much as the last, giving them a bit more freedom in deciding the dance steps. Before both pairs knew it, they were dancing perfectly in sync with each other. In the end, they danced through two more genres of music before everyone, except for Yuki, got tired.
“That. was. awesome.” Percy said in between breaths. He was so worn out that he was leaning on Yuki to help him stand. “Theodore, where did you learn how to dance?”
“I learned from watching my parents.” Theodore answered him then looked at Luna, who was still holding his hand. She was smiling so cheerfully, as if she was in a blissful daze. “You’re surprisingly a good dancer too. Did you have fun?” Theodore added that last question despite already knowing the obvious answer.
“Yes. I did. Thanks.” Luna said in a in an airy dreamlike voice. She even smiled at him. This was the first time Theodore, Percy, Yuki had seen this from her.
“Cute...” Yuki commented.
Luna snapped out of her daze the moment the rush from Dancing finally left her. She looked at the Theodore, then at her hand. She blushed and let go of his hand immediately. “S-s-sorry...”
“It’s fine. As long as you had enjoyed yourself.” Theodore replied.
Luna, feeling embarrassed, faced away from the group to adjust her expression.
“Still, I swear that was almost choreographed.” Percy said. “I can’t wait to tell Leon about this.”
The town speakers broadcasted a citywide announcement. “Attention citizens of Sanctum, the Haunted Parade is about to begin. Everyone step off the roads to make way for the floats.”
“Ooh, the parade is starting. Looks like we better stop and go back!” Percy said.
He continued to lean on Yuki on the way back while Theodore and Luna went ahead of them. Leon and Claire had returned to the booth earlier than they did, and were sitting on its roof. Ms. Melody, their club adviser, was also there as well, standing behind the counter. She was wearing a short dress made out of large leaves and a flower lei on her head. Katie was still sitting on her chair, however there was now a suspicious amount of empty cups behind her.
Theodore walked towards the teacher, pointed at her outfit and made a quick guess. “Dryad, right?”
“Correct! No points.” Ms. Melody replied as if she was teaching a class.
Claire looked down from where she was sitting. “Percy, climb up.” She pointed to the ladder. “The view is going to be better from here.”
“All--right!” Percy let go of Yuki and climbed the ladder, sitting to the left of Leon.
“Wow, that thing’s sturdier than I thought.” Theodore said as he walked towards the ladder.
“Wait!” Claire immediately stopped him. “You stay down there. Club members only.”
“Then how are we supposed to see the parade?” Theodore pointed to the people starting to crowd around the area.
“The floats are tall. You’ll see them just fine.” Leon replied. “We are still on duty however, so we are supposed to look down at the crowd. This is we are up here.”
“We do this every year.” Percy followed up. “Oh, and keep an eye out for the doll float, you don’t want to miss that.”
“Doll float?” Theodore asked.
“You’ll know it when you see it.” Ms. Melody replied. “It’s been the most popular float of the parade for the past hundred and fifty years or so. Oh look, there’s the parade now.”
The floats that passed through the area each had their own themes to present. There were floats for specific characters, floats for ancient practices, and floats that depicted the dark sides of history. Theodore kept his eye out for the doll float everyone was talking about. It was not long before that one passed by as well. It stood out as the most unique of the floats, themed around a Victorian ballroom with plenty of automatons resembling bisque dolls dancing across the float, all the while carrying their unsettling emotionless faces. The entire float got his interest, and got him to wonder how each doll was able to perform such fluid and graceful movement.
“The dolls are beautiful again this year.” Ms. Melody said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
After the last float passed by, another announcement was given to the town.
“The costume competition will begin in thirty minutes. Those who registered must proceed to the back of the plaza stage in fifteen minutes. Until then, enjoy your dance.” After that, music started playing all over the square again.
Theodore checked his phone for the time. Seeing that it was now time for him to go home, he sighed in disappointment.
“I’m going home now.” Theodore said to his friends. “Is it safe to leave?”
“Hold on, I’ll check.” Leon took off his deer skull and gave it to Claire, who handed her tablet to him so he could contact his club members.
“Man, it’s such a shame you’re leaving now.” Percy said to him. “I hope you’ll stay up a bit later next time. Hopefully by then, the Investigations Club isn’t so busy with cases.
“I’m not really much of a night owl like the rest of you. I need my sleep.” Theodore retorted. “Why don’t you add that to your club data?”
“Noted!” Percy replied with a smile.
Leon finished using the tablet. “The road to the underground station you came from is all clear of trouble. Just go through that path.” He said to Theodore before returning the tablet to Claire.
“Let’s go, Leon.” Claire had to jump to place the deer skull on her boyfriend’s head. After that, they linked arms and walked towards the crowd. “You too, Percy!” She added.
Percy faced Yuki and grabbed her shoulders. “Yuki-chan, look after Katie and Luna.” After saying that he ran after the vampire couple. “Wait up guys!”
“Well then, Bye.” Theodore bid the remaining three goodbye.
“Sleep well.” Yuki replied while Luna just silently waved.
Katie put her arms around Yuki and Luna as soon as Theodore was out of sight. “Looks like it’s just us girls here. What should we do now?”
“Eeep!” Luna squeaked after noticing that she was suddenly the only human left in the group.
“Try anything funny and our next client might be you.” Yuki retorted in a deadpan tone.
As he agreed with his parents, he sent a message saying that he would go home ahead of them. Afterwards, he left the festival grounds. He was on his way home.
With everyone attending the festival, the city streets were empty. Theodore used this opportunity to walk faster than he would normally. He thought about catching the earliest train ride home so he could go get some sleep. Following the route back where he came from, he eventually saw the station that he came from to get to the festival.
When Theodore got closer to the station, he noticed a shadowy figure right next to the entrance. He couldn’t see the humanoid figure clearly in the darkness, but he can make out the hooded coat that obscured most of its features. Looking down he saw that it walked digitigrade, a trait only shown by very few mythical species. Since he didn’t have the time to stop and observe, he just kept walking, paying no further mind.
The figure eventually heard him walking and faced him, making Theodore stop in hesitation. His instinct was telling him that the situation he was in right now could very well endanger his own life.
“Okay, maybe I’ll just walk the other way then...” Theodore said to himself slowly walking backwards.
Now the figure immediately went down on all fours and began sprinting towards him. Its hood was pulled back by its running start, revealing the head of a wolf.
“A Werewolf?!” Theodore moved his mask to the side to see it better. As it drew closer to him he saw the unmistakable yellow glow in its eyes. “Yup, it’s a real werewolf.” Theodore, turned around and started running away from it, knowing full well that it had already marked him as its prey.
He knew he couldn’t outrun the werewolf at his speed. Theodore knew he was going to be clawed or chewed to death if he didn’t think of something fast. Using what he learned from his father, he lightened his footfalls so he could hear his surroundings better. Doing that, he could now hear a clinking metal sound each time the werewolf’s front paws touched the pavement. Hearing that sound, Theodore quickly thought of a way to avoid an attack from it.
Theodore kept his pace until he was sure that the werewolf was close enough based on the rhythmic sound of the metal. Then, just as he expected, he eventually heard skip in the pattern of the sound, indicating that the werewolf had raised its claw to attack. Theodore side stepped to avoid the incoming attack.
Missing the swing, the werewolf followed up with something Theodore did not expect at all. The werewolf threw a dagger at him. Theodore barely dodged that attack, leaving a small tear at the sleeve of his costume.
“Bloody!...” Theodore yelled while running. “And mum worked so hard on this too.”
The werewolf started sprinting towards him again, albeit slower because it started using its front paws to throw more knives at him. Theodore had to start looking back while running to dodge each one.
After repeating this pattern for three blocks, Theodore started to get tired from running, but continued to do so anyway. He knew he would be dead if he stopped at any time. As he neared the end of the next block, he saw a familiar face emerge from the corner. A scientist with long grey hair, a white lab coat, and a cloth bandage over his left eye. It was Dr. Victor.
“Sir, run! This werewolf isn’t friendly!” Theodore shouted at him.
Dr. Victor ignored Theodore and faced at his direction, reaching into his coat and pulling out something Theodore did not expect at all: a large chrome revolver adorned with glowing purple runes.
“Behind me... now!” Dr. Victor commanded, aiming his gun at the werewolf with only his left hand.
Theodore immediately went behind Dr. Victor and looked at the werewolf again. He saw the werewolf had stopped in its tracks, and growled at both him and his teacher, attempting to make itself look more threatening. Theodore flinched while Dr. Victor remained unmoved, standing firm in the face of the threat.
Dr. Victor then pulled the trigger without warning. A familiar loud bang echoed across the empty streets as the werewolf’s head was cleanly perforated by a well placed shot. Chunks of bone, blood, and brain matter flew out of the back of the beast’s head as it collapsed in a heap.
“They waste too much time with theatrics.” Dr. Victor mumbled to himself.
Theodore walked closer to the body and looked at the hole, expecting it to close up and heal like it was described in his books. Instead he saw the entire body slowly reverting back to its human form, a clear sign that the Werewolf was indeed dead. He also saw the puddle of blood pooling around its head.
Dr. Victor immediately guessed what he was thinking at that point and said: “The bullet I used was treated with a formula that inhibits metabolic healing at the wounded area.”
Theodore looked at him, still in shock and rendered speechless from the apparent turn of events. He eventually managed to form a question.
“Why did... that werewolf... attack me?” He asked his teacher.
“I don’t know his motive. Judging by the way he was attacking you, I suspect they were looking for food this time.” Dr. Victor responded in his usual grim monotone while he reloaded his revolver.
“This?” Theodore asked.
Dr. Victor put away his gun and pointed back at the corpse on the ground. Theodore looked back and saw that figure on the pavement was now that of a human male. He could not see his features very well in the darkness so he opened his phone and activated its torch feature to get a better look. When he shone the light at the body, he saw the lifeless face of his history teacher, Bartholomew.
Theodore’s eyes widened at the discovery. “No...” he whispered. “How. Why?!” He asked loudly. He didn’t really have any attachment towards him, but seeing a familiar face die is still.
Dr. Victor knelt down next to the corpse of Bartholomew and produced five moderately-sized glass syringes from his coat. “He chose this path. As a result, his life ended here at my hands, as one who breaks the peace of Sanctum.” He said as he started collecting blood from the body. “As for you little Fridolf, I suggest you stay close to me if you want to stay alive. I’ll escort you home personally.”
“And you expect me to just trust you?” Theodore then looked away from Dr. Victor to re-examine his surroundings. He saw two more werewolves running towards them from three blocks away.
“Okay, forget what I just said.” Theodore then quickly warned his teacher. “Sir, I see two more coming our way.”
Dr. Victor finished filling up his last syringe with blood and quickly detached the needles from each one. He then forcefully shoved them onto Theodore’s arms.
“Don’t drop them.” He said as he drew out his revolver for the second time. Quickly taking aim at the approaching Werewolves, he sniped them at their legs, tripping them over.
“Come on! It’s not safe for you to be here.” Dr. Victor stated. “Follow me.”
“Right.” Theodore said as he started walking. He then looked back at the fallen werewolves, who were beginning to stand up.
“Sir, they’re standing up.” Theodore said.
“Ignore them. The others stationed here will finish them off as soon as you’re out of the way.”
“Huh?” Confused as he already was and a bit stressed out from almost getting killed, Theodore couldn’t think of a better question.
“Enough questions. Move!” Dr. Victor sternly responded. “And don’t drop the samples.”
Theodore flinched at the command but followed, knowing that his survival rests at his teacher’s hands for the time being. He walked behind Dr. Victor as he was led down the street where the latter came from.
Dr. Victor had already checked the area for werewolves but still he kept his gun at the ready, in case more would spring up to attack them.
They kept on walking until they stopped right next to a parked stagecoach pulled by two horses. Despite the situation, Theodore took a moment to admire the antique charm of the vehicle. He was not as well-versed in history as his friend Yuki so he couldn’t exactly discern which era the coach came from. He saw a small boy sitting quietly at the coachman’s seat. He wore a newsboy cap and a black coat, and held a coach whip in one hand. Theodore couldn’t see the coachman’s face because the coachman had his head hung low.
Dr. Victor opened the door and motioned for Theodore to board, to which he complied.
“The Fridolf household.” Dr. Victor told the coachman, before boarding the coach himself.
The coach started moving as soon as Dr. Victor closed the door and sat down on the seat opposite of Theodore. “You will be safe in here.” He said as he closed the window curtains. “They won’t sense anything riding this vehicle unless they see it with their own eyes.”
To Theodore, it was his first time riding a horse-drawn vehicle. He would have been more awed if not for the current situation. He then remembered that he was still holding on to the blood samples. “Ah right, here sir.” He handed back the filled syringes to his teacher, who reached underneath his seat and took out a wooden box.
“I’m sure you have questions.” Dr. Victor said as he placed the blood samples inside. “I’ll answer any one you ask... within reason.” He set the box down right beside him.
Theodore wanted to know why he collected his dead teacher’s blood, but out of fear he decided not to. There were more pressing issues in his mind right now.
“Why are there werewolves attacking people?” He asked his first question.
“I don’t know their motive. All I know is that there are a lot of werevoles tonight.”
“Are the others safe?” Theodore immediately asked, concerned for the well-being of his friends.
“No casualties have been reported so far.” Dr. Victor answered calmly. “It has also been told to me that we overestimated their plans, and they experienced plenty of unforeseen problems during execution.”
Theodore’s mind then wandered back to the dead Bartholomew. He then realized that it meant there would be no teacher for History Class.
“Will the Pax find out about this?” Theodore asked his next question.
“They will, but not as a death.” Dr. Victor said. “They would instead declare him missing.”
“So who will be teaching history then?” Theodore immediately followed up.
“The school always finds a replacement.” Was his teacher’s reply. “I don’t particularly care who.”
His heartless comment on the situation unnerved Theodore.
“That gun you have...” Theodore selected his words carefully as not to compromise himself. “Is it registered?”
“Yes. It’s under magical artifacts.” Dr. Victor immediately replied. “As was expected of me by Sanctum Law.”
Theodore made note of that detail. He was planning to inform Percy about it when he has the chance. Then that’s his teachers words struck him as odd.
“Wait, magical artifact?”
Dr. Victor brushed off his question this time in a stern and dismissive voice. “I’d rather not go through the trouble of explaining why this gun is magical. Do your research, little Fridolf. I’m sure you have a book or two at home that could help with that.” He quickly added.
Theodore did not expect him to reply like that so he decided to press that topic further.
“And why would you just assume I have a book like th-”
“A moment please...” Dr. Victor suddenly interrupted him before placing his fingers to the small headset on his ear. “Yes, I have secured the civilian. You better report something worth my time.”
Theodore heard his phone’s message tone, and quickly opened it. Seeing that the sender of the text was Percy made him worried. Given the situation, it was not far off to think that his friends could have faced the same situation he has. He looked at Dr. Victor who was preoccupied with his conversation. He thought about replying to the message but then he remembered that Dr. Victor was a very perceptive man. Not wanting to risk anything, he just returned the phone into his pocket and continued to think to himself.
“I see, very well.”Dr. Victor removed his fingers from his headset and returned his attention to Theodore. “Now, what we’re you about to ask?”
“No sir, nevermind.” Theodore said, deciding not to further inquire.
Having exhausted all possible questions he could ask, the next few minutes of the ride was as silent as the night around them. Theodore took a peek through the curtain and looked out the window, seeing a brilliant full moon sky above him as he asked one last question.
“Is this your carriage by the way?”
There was a few seconds of silence before Dr. Victor gave his reply.
“This is my uncle’s. I’m only borrowing it.”
“Alright, this should do it.” Theodore said as he finished putting on his costume. Looking at his reflection, he moved his mask to the side and paused to admire the handiwork placed in his outfit. It was based out of the myth of Hastur, specifically his avatar as the King in Yellow.
“I really have to hand it to mum, she didn’t miss a single detail.” He said as he looked at the tattered edges of his yellow coat. Satisfied, he rushed out the door and met his parents at the first floor landing.
His dad was wearing his military uniform. The chevrons on the sleeves show his rank as lieutenant, and he was decorated with various military honours.
His mother on the other hand was wearing the most realistic brown bear costume Theodore had ever seen in his life. The careful attention to the detail makes her look so indistinguishable from a real bear, that if it weren’t for the fact that she was standing on two legs, Theodore would have been convinced that there was an actual bear in the house.
“Mum, isn’t it hot in there?” Theodore asked her.
“Don’t worry about that dear, it’s well ventilated.” Amelia replied. The mouth of the bear costume moved accurately with every syllable she spoke.
Theodore looked closer at the costume, then poked a few times at the stomach.
“Trying to poke?” Amelia asked. “You can’t actually reach me while I’m inside the costume, I’m underneath layers of false bear fat.”
“Seriously?!” Theodore asked. “How are we going to get you out of the house then.”
“Don’t we just walk out like we always...” Amelia looked at the front door, noting how small the frame was compared to her costume. “Okay, I guess I didn’t think that through. Silly me. I’ll take the costume off.”
After removing the costume, it was a lot easier to move it out the door. Theodore’s mom put it back on again as soon as they were outside.
“We’ll take the train this time. Apparently, the on the fifth day of the festival, no vehicles are allowed to park near the festival.” Scott said to the two of them. “So we can’t use the RV today.”
“I’m suddenly feeling bad for everyone we see today.” Theodore mumbled to himself.
Sure enough, as the three walked to the underground station, plenty of people they passed by were legitimately intimidated by Amelia’s bear costume. Even at the platform there were still people staring at her. She waved at them from time to time.
“See, I told you picking this costume was a good idea.” She said to Scott. “And since I’ve probably already scared most of the human district by now, I can’t wait to see the vampires’ reaction.”
“The train is now approaching. Please stand back from the platform edge.” The automated feminine voice on the wall speaker gave off its usual announcement. A few seconds later, a red train came running down the tracks before slowing down to a stop. “The train doors will now be opened, please mind the gap between the train, and the platform” The voice continued as it happened, allowing the three of them to board.
A few seconds after they boarded the train the announcement went off again. “Stand clear of the closing doors.” They all heard just as it happened.
Since it was underground, there was no view outside the windows of the train besides the dark tunnel. Theodore knew it was going to be an uneventful ride, especially since there were still three stops before they reach the station closest to the festival grounds.
“Now approaching Bishop’s Rest... Doors will open at the right-hand side... Alight here for... the Interdistrict Line.” Theodore heard the automated announcement.
When the train doors opened more people in costumes boarded the train, lessening the movable space for everyone. Among the costumes he saw three of them that, to him, stood out from the rest. It was a family of three. The Mother was dressed in ornate silver armor and robe in homage to Queen Titania of the fairy race, something that described in great detail in the worn-out copy of the Incanta he owned. The young boy was dressed in a woodland robe and vest with thick seams, as well as a cone shaped hat with a pom pom at the tip, the tradional outfit worn by a Sprite of Nature. And lastly, a girl dressed in a golden dress and wings. While the costume itself was rather simple, the markings on the dress made it rather clear the costume was that of the Golden Fairy of Knowledge.
“Hey, look at that! It’s red hair that’s actually red.” Theodore heard his mom say. This shifted his attention away from the costume, and towards the one who was wearing it. He also realized that the other two also had the same hair color.
“Wait... Luna?” Theodore waved. “Hey! Luna! Over here!”
“Eh?!” Luna heard him and was startled by the sudden call. She faced him. “Oh... hi. Theodore.”
“Is he the one of the friends you were telling me about?” Luna’s mom asked her.
“Y-yes, he is.” She replied as Theodore’s family walked towards them, squeezing through the other passengers. She began introductions as soon as they were close enough. “Oh right, um... Theodore, This is my family.”
Her mother took over from that point. She placed her hand on her chest as she introduced herself. “I’m Doctor Karen. I’m a surgeon at the Sanctum Medical Foundation. I’m also the current overseer of the Blood Fountain.”
“Oooh, nice!” Theodore’s mom complimented her.
Karen placed her hand on top of Luna’s head. “This is Luna, the eldest of my children.” Then she placed it on top of the young boy beside her. “And this is Charles, the youngest.”
Both Karen and Charles had red hair just like Luna. Karen however is the only one of the three of them with slightly heterochromic yellow eyes, with her right eye having a color much more vivid than her left.
It was now the Fridolf family’s turn to inroduce themselves. “Lieutenant Scott Fridolf. War Veteran. Pax Enforcer.” Scott started and gave a salute.
“And I’m Amelia, his ever loving wife. I also make clothes and accessories as a personal hobby.” Amelia introduced herself next as she pulled Scott into a hug. “I’m not a bear though, I made this one too.”
“I’m Theodore, his only child, and a fan of Mythology.” Theodore finished with his introduction.
Dr. Karen took a long look at each one of them as if she was examining a patient. Theodore noticed that her eyes widened, as if in shock, after looking at his dad. “You all seem to be in good health.” She said.
“Then why did you look at my husband all wide-eyed?” Amelia asked, apparently she noticed Dr. Karen’s earlier reaction too.
“No, well.” Dr. Karen said. “Forgive me for asking but, he looks rather young for his age, doesn’t he?”
“So? I actually look pretty young for my age too.” Amelia replied. “You just can’t see because of this costume. Theodore is the only one in our family who looks his age, though I feel like that would change too eventually.”
“But... You know what, forget it.” Dr. Karen dismissed the conversation. “As long as you three stay healthy, that’s good enough for me.” She then looked at Theodore. “Theodore, right? I’d like to thank you for being friends with Luna. She’s always been such a shy girl.”
“Of course.” Theodore replied.
“Does everyone attend the festival like this every year, It’s our first time here you see?” Amelia asked Karen.
“Of course, it’s almost a tradition, so it’s hard to pass up.” She replied. “It’s also fun for all ages, even those that are already over five hundred still attend this festival.”
Theodore and Luna were unable to talk over their parent’s conversation, staying silent for the rest of the train ride to the city. When they left the station and reached the street level, Theodore and Luna saw Percy standing nearby, having a conversation with a few children.
“Oh look, there’s Percy.” Theodore pointed. “Let’s go, Luna.” The two of them started to move ahead of their parents.
“Okay, you two have fun now.” Amelia bid them goodbye.
“Oh, wait a moment Theodore.” Scott called. Theodore stopped and turned around. “If you want to go home ahead of us and sleep, send a text first. We’re planning to be out all night.”
“Got it.” Theodore replied. He noticed that Luna’s mom scowled at his dad after he replied.
“Luna, we will go home together, so don’t leave the festival ahead of me.” Dr. Karen said.
“R-right.” Luna replied before the two of them continued to walk towards Percy.
“...Your costume looks great by the way.” Theodore said after a brief pause. “Great attention to detail.”
Luna slightly smiled at the comment. “Th-thanks.”
“And then, she actually thought there was something there!” Percy immediately burst into laughter. The children were laughing as well. After he calmed down, he saw Theodore and Luna walking towards him from the station. “Well, looks like my friends are here, you three run along now.”
“Bye bye!” The children said before running off.
“You know those kids?” Theodore asked Percy.
“Yeah. One of them’s a club member, and the other three are friends of hers.” Percy replied. “Pretty good kids. So, what do you think of my costume.”
Percy’s costume was an all black ensemble. He wore a wide brimmed hat, a long coat, and full gloves. Hung on his belt were wooden stakes, knives and a bottle of liquid. Without even thinking about it, Theodore already knew what his costume was.
“Abraham van Helsing right?” Theodore enthusiastically answered.
“Correct!” Percy said “The famous vampire hunter himself.”
“I read that despite killing the progenitor Vlad Tepes in his Dracula years, he’s actually respected by vampires everywhere for doing that.” Theodore commented.
Percy laughed. “Quite ironic isn’t it. Now come on, it’s almost time to eat and the others are waiting.”
The three went to the Investigations Club mocktail booth where Leon, Claire, Yuki, and Katie were already gathered, sitting around a cloth-covered table. The four of them were also in costume.
“Before we start anything. Think you can name their costumes like you did with mine?” Percy then noticed Luna’s costume. “What’s her costume by the way?” He pointed at her.
“The Fairy of Knowledge.” Theodore replied. “It is the fairy right?” He asked Luna just to be sure.
“It is.” Luna replied. “You know about this myth too?”
“I have a book back home that talks about her in one chapter.” Theodore said. “Now let’s see here...”
He started with Yuki. She wore a pink long wide sleeved shirt with many white bows, and a long dark burgundy skirt decorated with yellow flower and bamboo shapes. Her hair remained in the same style as it had always been, but she was not wearing her usual headband.
“I don’t know this one.” Theodore gave up quickly.
Yuki held up a branch decorated with multicolored jewels in response.
“Oh, it’s Princess Kaguya!” Theodore declared. “I didn’t know that this was one way to dress as her though.” After he gave his answer, Yuki clapped thrice, indicating that he was correct.
“Oh oh oh, do me next!” Katie raised her hand. She was dressed in black vintage formal wear and wore a long trenchcoat. A black top hat rested on top of her head and on her hands were white gloves.
“Jack the Ripper.” Theodore answered. “That’s very obvious.”
“Darn...” Katie replied. “You got it right.”
When Theodore looked at Claire, he was almost at a loss for words at her attire. She was wearing long skin tight gloves, a revealing two piece bikini, if it could even be called one, that showed off a lot of her skin, and thigh-high boots. Strapped to her back are two large folded leathery wings like that of a bat, and on her head was a horned headband. Her eyes had contact lenses on them, making her pupils look like slits, comparable to that of a snake’s eyes. Topping it all off, she had painted her entire body with a tan body paint. It was very uncanny that it all looked so natural on her.
“Go on... Answer!” Claire haughtily said, as she held up a riding crop to further narrow his choices.
With no other options in mind, Theodore answered halfheartedly. “A Succubus.”
“Good.” Claire commended. “Now can you name my boyfriend’s costume?”
After looking at Leon’s costume, Theodore got confused. Leon was wearing vintage formal wear like Katie, A vest over a collared long sleeved shirt. Unlike Katie’s trenchcoat, what Leon wore over it was a long robe with wide sleeves like Yuki’s costume. Theodore couldn’t see Leon’s face at all because he was wearing the skull of an antelope over it. Hung from the horns on the back of his head was a veil.
“Okay, I’m seriously at a loss. I don’t who or what that is.” Theodore declared after a minute of thinking.
“Don’t worry yourself; we don’t know what this is either.” Leon said in consolation. “I just followed the advice of a contact on the planning of this costume.” He took off the antelope skull and placed it on the table. “Now as for yours, I’ll pass on guessing. I don’t know this one.”
“Nope sorry, nothing.” Katie followed and shrugged.
“Now that I think about it. I don’t really know what your costume is.” Luna said to him.
Yuki raised a hand as she gave an answer. “It’s Hastur, isn’t it?”
“There, she got it.” Theodore said to everyone else, then proceeded to ask her a question, only for her to preemptively answer.
“My aunt read those stories to me when I was younger.” Yuki nonchalantly replied.
Leon cleared his throat. Claire placed her tablet on the table and activated an intercom function. After that, Leon stood up and said in a commanding tone. “Attention everyone! Just a reminder that the Danse Macabre will begin after dinner.” His announcement wasn’t just for the six of them on the table. Nearby members of the Investigations Club, especially the ones currently working the booth and those who heard his announcement digitally stopped what they were doing to listen. “Club members on duty, take a break, eat up, then return to your tasks. We’re going to party all night, and nothing will stop us!” The vampire’s words heavily contrasted with his stern way of delivery.
Everyone who heard him gave a resounding cheer before returning to whatever they are doing. Leon sat down again afterwards. “Have a happy hallows eve.”
Claire put away the tablet. Yuki took that as a cue and started to rummage under the table.
“So where do we eat then?” Theodore asked Leon after he and Luna sat down.
“Right here of course.” Percy replied for him. “Yuki-chan was kind enough to bring food for us. You two included.” He said to both Theodore and Luna.
Yuki took out a covered tray and set it at the center of the table. She took off the lid, revealing a huge amount of cooked venison place over red wine steak sauce.
“Oooh, deer meat. Haven’t had that in a while.” Theodore said.
“The sanctum deer had a population spike this year.” She commented before placing a portable rice cooker and two metal pitchers on the table, one pitcher filled with blood, the other filled with water.
“I brought the rest.” Percy set up the table with plastic plates, spoons, and forks. All of which he just happened to have inside his coat.
After the table was set each of them got their share of food and drink and started eating. Watching everyone partake in the same dish, Theodore couldn’t help but comment. “So vampires can eat meat. I was wondering about that for a while now since I don’t see any of you doing it.”
“Of course! But what you humans eat is literally junk food for us.” Katie said. “So we don’t often do this.”
“Heck, Claire is the only vampire I know who indulges in it whenever she can. Hahahahaha!” Percy burst out laughing while pointing at her plate, where she helped herself to the most amount of food, especially when compared with everyone else’s serving.
Claire pouted. “Well, I can’t help it if humans make good food.” She said.
Theodore took another bite of his meal then looked at both Leon and Luna, the two of them contently eating their food silently. He couldn’t really comment on it since those two, and Yuki, are more content eating silently.
Another announcement boomed across the plaza while they all continued to eat. “Attention Citizens. It is time to begin the Danse Macabre. Grab a partner, find some room, and you’re good to go. Just don’t forget your costume.”
The broadcast piqued Theodore’s interest. “So you can basically dance anywhere.” He said.
Soft music started playing from the speakers. Nearby people started walking to the roads where there was plenty of space so they can dance.
“Yup, anywhere.” Percy said. “The music changes pace every seven to ten minutes too so you can do all kinds of dances.”
“Or take a break if you can’t dance to the music.” Leon said after swallowing his last bite of food. “I’ll dance later. I don’t dance waltz.”
At those words, Theodore couldn’t get the image of a bear standing upright, and dancing with a soldier, out of his head. “My parents are going to have one hell of a surreal dance.”
“I know, it’s not everyday you see a bear dancing waltz.” Leon said.
“How did you...”
Claire silently held up her tablet then put it away. She couldn’t speak since she was still chewing her food.
“Well since you’re done eating, check the reports.” Claire brought out her tablet and gave it to Leon.
The vampire flicked his finger across the tablet repeatedly, his eyes darting left and right at an inhuman speed. After a few seconds, he stopped. “All finished.”
Percy, who at first glance looked engrossed in his conversation with Katie, immediately placed his attention to Leon. “So what’s it say?”
“The operation is already underway.” Leon replied. “We don’t have a confirmed visual on the suspects, but our members confirm that they are all armed, big, and wear the same tattered coat. Also, our efforts to hinder them is working just fine and no direct confrontations are needed. They also picked up some new data. We now have a list of citizens, pax or otherwise, who are part of resistance force fighting against them. You will look into that later, Percy.” He and Claire continued to read reports.
“Ja.” Percy replied. “Tomorrow, when I wake up.”
Soon everyone else finished eating. Yuki made a phone call, and a cat leapt onto the table shortly after she finished. The cat had dark purple coat that could be easily be mistaken as black, and tiny motes of raw magic were floating out of its fur. Theodore watched the cat as it approached the empty tray, and sat in front of it. The cat looked at both him and Luna, swaying its head from side to side.
“This is my aunt’s familiar, Celeste.” Yuki introduced the two of them then said to the cat. “Celeste, these two are new friends.” She affectionately patted the familiars head.
The car then pushed the platter, rice cooker, and pitchers off of the table with its head, showing of its immense strength. There was no sound to indicate that the objects fell on anything. The cat then jumped down the table, beyond everyone’s line of sight.
Theodore ran around the table and found no trace left of the cat or anything it pushed off. “That was fast. I wanted to see how familiars move around.”
“I told it to return immediately.”
The soft waltz music changed to an upbeat house techno. Theodore watched the crowd react accordingly, switching their dance moves or leaving the crowd, while some of the bystanders grabbed a partner and started their dance.
“Let’s dance, Yuki-chan!” Percy said as he grabbed Yuki by her arm and pulled her towards a clear space in the middle of the road. Yuki didn’t reply, but went along with him anyway as a way of saying yes.
Leon and Claire closed the tablet, stood up, and without saying a word, they went further into the town square. Theodore, Katie, and Luna continued to watch Percy and Yuki dance together, unaware of their sudden departure. It was only when Theodore looked behind him that he noticed it.
“Hey, where did they go?” He asked.
He caught Katie’s attention, and she looked back as well. “I guess they just want to dance somewhere else.” She guessed.
“Are you going to find a partner?” Theodore asked her.
“Nah, but my other friends are having a dance off right now.” She replied dismissively. “I’m going to join them if the music turns into a rap beat or dubstep.” She then leaned forward from her chair to see Luna, who sat opposite of Theodore. Luna was staring intently at Percy and Yuki. Using her vampiric ability, she sensed that Luna was feeling envious of the two.
“Hey, Luna. Are you going to dance too?” She asked her.
Luna was startled and quickly faced both Theodore and Katie. “Eh?... Well I would but... I don’t really have a partner.” She replied.
“Would you like to dance with me then?” Theodore held out his hand, as he gave his offer.
“And if you don’t want to, you can dance with me if you like!” Katie smiled and pointed at herself as she said that.
“Um well...” Luna was hesitating, unsure of whether to take the offer. “I don’t know...”
“Well, we won’t force you if you don’t want to.” Theodore returned to watching the dance.
Katie started thinking for a few seconds. “She’s not being honest with herself. How do I get her to dance?” she mumbled to herself. She then got a brilliant yet devious idea.
“You know...” She started in a singsong voice. This caught Theodore and Luna’s attention. “I only ever dance with girls but, since still have time maybe I can make an exception just this once.” She held out her hand like Theodore did earlier.
“As long as you’re fine with it.” Theodore then started to reach for her hand.
“Wait!” Luna shouted, then quickly covered her mouth. Theodore stopped and faced her again.
“I... would like to dance... with you.” Luna managed to make herself say.
Katie smiled. “Well then, you heard her. Go dance.” She said to Theodore.
Theodore then caught on fast to what she just did. “Seriously?” He said to Katie.
“Sorry, I can’t hear you.” Katie covered her ears.
Theodore sighed then asked Luna. “Are you sure you really want to dance?”
Luna looked like she was about to second guess herself, but she stood firm with her answer. “Yes.”
Theodore stood up and held out his hand to her again, to which Luna accepted. He helped her up and the two walked to the spot near Percy and Yuki. The latter two didn’t stop dancing but since they noticed them coming, they moved closer to meet them halfway.
“Oh hey, look who decided to dance.” Percy said. As soon as he said that, the music changed again, this time into a more moderately paced dark cabaret. He and Yuki stopped dancing. “And just in time for the music to change.”
“I heard what happened.” Yuki said to the two. “Don’t blame Katie-chan. She’s always like that.”
“It can’t be helped.” Theodore replied.
“Now, enough talk. We dance!” Percy enthusiastically shouted.
“R-right!” Luna replied.
The two pairs stood face to face with their respective partners, and began move in rhythm to the music. The music they danced to didn’t require them to hold their partners as much as the last, giving them a bit more freedom in deciding the dance steps. Before both pairs knew it, they were dancing perfectly in sync with each other. In the end, they danced through two more genres of music before everyone, except for Yuki, got tired.
“That. was. awesome.” Percy said in between breaths. He was so worn out that he was leaning on Yuki to help him stand. “Theodore, where did you learn how to dance?”
“I learned from watching my parents.” Theodore answered him then looked at Luna, who was still holding his hand. She was smiling so cheerfully, as if she was in a blissful daze. “You’re surprisingly a good dancer too. Did you have fun?” Theodore added that last question despite already knowing the obvious answer.
“Yes. I did. Thanks.” Luna said in a in an airy dreamlike voice. She even smiled at him. This was the first time Theodore, Percy, Yuki had seen this from her.
“Cute...” Yuki commented.
Luna snapped out of her daze the moment the rush from Dancing finally left her. She looked at the Theodore, then at her hand. She blushed and let go of his hand immediately. “S-s-sorry...”
“It’s fine. As long as you had enjoyed yourself.” Theodore replied.
Luna, feeling embarrassed, faced away from the group to adjust her expression.
“Still, I swear that was almost choreographed.” Percy said. “I can’t wait to tell Leon about this.”
The town speakers broadcasted a citywide announcement. “Attention citizens of Sanctum, the Haunted Parade is about to begin. Everyone step off the roads to make way for the floats.”
“Ooh, the parade is starting. Looks like we better stop and go back!” Percy said.
He continued to lean on Yuki on the way back while Theodore and Luna went ahead of them. Leon and Claire had returned to the booth earlier than they did, and were sitting on its roof. Ms. Melody, their club adviser, was also there as well, standing behind the counter. She was wearing a short dress made out of large leaves and a flower lei on her head. Katie was still sitting on her chair, however there was now a suspicious amount of empty cups behind her.
Theodore walked towards the teacher, pointed at her outfit and made a quick guess. “Dryad, right?”
“Correct! No points.” Ms. Melody replied as if she was teaching a class.
Claire looked down from where she was sitting. “Percy, climb up.” She pointed to the ladder. “The view is going to be better from here.”
“All--right!” Percy let go of Yuki and climbed the ladder, sitting to the left of Leon.
“Wow, that thing’s sturdier than I thought.” Theodore said as he walked towards the ladder.
“Wait!” Claire immediately stopped him. “You stay down there. Club members only.”
“Then how are we supposed to see the parade?” Theodore pointed to the people starting to crowd around the area.
“The floats are tall. You’ll see them just fine.” Leon replied. “We are still on duty however, so we are supposed to look down at the crowd. This is we are up here.”
“We do this every year.” Percy followed up. “Oh, and keep an eye out for the doll float, you don’t want to miss that.”
“Doll float?” Theodore asked.
“You’ll know it when you see it.” Ms. Melody replied. “It’s been the most popular float of the parade for the past hundred and fifty years or so. Oh look, there’s the parade now.”
The floats that passed through the area each had their own themes to present. There were floats for specific characters, floats for ancient practices, and floats that depicted the dark sides of history. Theodore kept his eye out for the doll float everyone was talking about. It was not long before that one passed by as well. It stood out as the most unique of the floats, themed around a Victorian ballroom with plenty of automatons resembling bisque dolls dancing across the float, all the while carrying their unsettling emotionless faces. The entire float got his interest, and got him to wonder how each doll was able to perform such fluid and graceful movement.
“The dolls are beautiful again this year.” Ms. Melody said. Everyone nodded in agreement.
After the last float passed by, another announcement was given to the town.
“The costume competition will begin in thirty minutes. Those who registered must proceed to the back of the plaza stage in fifteen minutes. Until then, enjoy your dance.” After that, music started playing all over the square again.
Theodore checked his phone for the time. Seeing that it was now time for him to go home, he sighed in disappointment.
“I’m going home now.” Theodore said to his friends. “Is it safe to leave?”
“Hold on, I’ll check.” Leon took off his deer skull and gave it to Claire, who handed her tablet to him so he could contact his club members.
“Man, it’s such a shame you’re leaving now.” Percy said to him. “I hope you’ll stay up a bit later next time. Hopefully by then, the Investigations Club isn’t so busy with cases.
“I’m not really much of a night owl like the rest of you. I need my sleep.” Theodore retorted. “Why don’t you add that to your club data?”
“Noted!” Percy replied with a smile.
Leon finished using the tablet. “The road to the underground station you came from is all clear of trouble. Just go through that path.” He said to Theodore before returning the tablet to Claire.
“Let’s go, Leon.” Claire had to jump to place the deer skull on her boyfriend’s head. After that, they linked arms and walked towards the crowd. “You too, Percy!” She added.
Percy faced Yuki and grabbed her shoulders. “Yuki-chan, look after Katie and Luna.” After saying that he ran after the vampire couple. “Wait up guys!”
“Well then, Bye.” Theodore bid the remaining three goodbye.
“Sleep well.” Yuki replied while Luna just silently waved.
Katie put her arms around Yuki and Luna as soon as Theodore was out of sight. “Looks like it’s just us girls here. What should we do now?”
“Eeep!” Luna squeaked after noticing that she was suddenly the only human left in the group.
“Try anything funny and our next client might be you.” Yuki retorted in a deadpan tone.
As he agreed with his parents, he sent a message saying that he would go home ahead of them. Afterwards, he left the festival grounds. He was on his way home.
With everyone attending the festival, the city streets were empty. Theodore used this opportunity to walk faster than he would normally. He thought about catching the earliest train ride home so he could go get some sleep. Following the route back where he came from, he eventually saw the station that he came from to get to the festival.
When Theodore got closer to the station, he noticed a shadowy figure right next to the entrance. He couldn’t see the humanoid figure clearly in the darkness, but he can make out the hooded coat that obscured most of its features. Looking down he saw that it walked digitigrade, a trait only shown by very few mythical species. Since he didn’t have the time to stop and observe, he just kept walking, paying no further mind.
The figure eventually heard him walking and faced him, making Theodore stop in hesitation. His instinct was telling him that the situation he was in right now could very well endanger his own life.
“Okay, maybe I’ll just walk the other way then...” Theodore said to himself slowly walking backwards.
Now the figure immediately went down on all fours and began sprinting towards him. Its hood was pulled back by its running start, revealing the head of a wolf.
“A Werewolf?!” Theodore moved his mask to the side to see it better. As it drew closer to him he saw the unmistakable yellow glow in its eyes. “Yup, it’s a real werewolf.” Theodore, turned around and started running away from it, knowing full well that it had already marked him as its prey.
He knew he couldn’t outrun the werewolf at his speed. Theodore knew he was going to be clawed or chewed to death if he didn’t think of something fast. Using what he learned from his father, he lightened his footfalls so he could hear his surroundings better. Doing that, he could now hear a clinking metal sound each time the werewolf’s front paws touched the pavement. Hearing that sound, Theodore quickly thought of a way to avoid an attack from it.
Theodore kept his pace until he was sure that the werewolf was close enough based on the rhythmic sound of the metal. Then, just as he expected, he eventually heard skip in the pattern of the sound, indicating that the werewolf had raised its claw to attack. Theodore side stepped to avoid the incoming attack.
Missing the swing, the werewolf followed up with something Theodore did not expect at all. The werewolf threw a dagger at him. Theodore barely dodged that attack, leaving a small tear at the sleeve of his costume.
“Bloody!...” Theodore yelled while running. “And mum worked so hard on this too.”
The werewolf started sprinting towards him again, albeit slower because it started using its front paws to throw more knives at him. Theodore had to start looking back while running to dodge each one.
After repeating this pattern for three blocks, Theodore started to get tired from running, but continued to do so anyway. He knew he would be dead if he stopped at any time. As he neared the end of the next block, he saw a familiar face emerge from the corner. A scientist with long grey hair, a white lab coat, and a cloth bandage over his left eye. It was Dr. Victor.
“Sir, run! This werewolf isn’t friendly!” Theodore shouted at him.
Dr. Victor ignored Theodore and faced at his direction, reaching into his coat and pulling out something Theodore did not expect at all: a large chrome revolver adorned with glowing purple runes.
“Behind me... now!” Dr. Victor commanded, aiming his gun at the werewolf with only his left hand.
Theodore immediately went behind Dr. Victor and looked at the werewolf again. He saw the werewolf had stopped in its tracks, and growled at both him and his teacher, attempting to make itself look more threatening. Theodore flinched while Dr. Victor remained unmoved, standing firm in the face of the threat.
Dr. Victor then pulled the trigger without warning. A familiar loud bang echoed across the empty streets as the werewolf’s head was cleanly perforated by a well placed shot. Chunks of bone, blood, and brain matter flew out of the back of the beast’s head as it collapsed in a heap.
“They waste too much time with theatrics.” Dr. Victor mumbled to himself.
Theodore walked closer to the body and looked at the hole, expecting it to close up and heal like it was described in his books. Instead he saw the entire body slowly reverting back to its human form, a clear sign that the Werewolf was indeed dead. He also saw the puddle of blood pooling around its head.
Dr. Victor immediately guessed what he was thinking at that point and said: “The bullet I used was treated with a formula that inhibits metabolic healing at the wounded area.”
Theodore looked at him, still in shock and rendered speechless from the apparent turn of events. He eventually managed to form a question.
“Why did... that werewolf... attack me?” He asked his teacher.
“I don’t know his motive. Judging by the way he was attacking you, I suspect they were looking for food this time.” Dr. Victor responded in his usual grim monotone while he reloaded his revolver.
“This?” Theodore asked.
Dr. Victor put away his gun and pointed back at the corpse on the ground. Theodore looked back and saw that figure on the pavement was now that of a human male. He could not see his features very well in the darkness so he opened his phone and activated its torch feature to get a better look. When he shone the light at the body, he saw the lifeless face of his history teacher, Bartholomew.
Theodore’s eyes widened at the discovery. “No...” he whispered. “How. Why?!” He asked loudly. He didn’t really have any attachment towards him, but seeing a familiar face die is still.
Dr. Victor knelt down next to the corpse of Bartholomew and produced five moderately-sized glass syringes from his coat. “He chose this path. As a result, his life ended here at my hands, as one who breaks the peace of Sanctum.” He said as he started collecting blood from the body. “As for you little Fridolf, I suggest you stay close to me if you want to stay alive. I’ll escort you home personally.”
“And you expect me to just trust you?” Theodore then looked away from Dr. Victor to re-examine his surroundings. He saw two more werewolves running towards them from three blocks away.
“Okay, forget what I just said.” Theodore then quickly warned his teacher. “Sir, I see two more coming our way.”
Dr. Victor finished filling up his last syringe with blood and quickly detached the needles from each one. He then forcefully shoved them onto Theodore’s arms.
“Don’t drop them.” He said as he drew out his revolver for the second time. Quickly taking aim at the approaching Werewolves, he sniped them at their legs, tripping them over.
“Come on! It’s not safe for you to be here.” Dr. Victor stated. “Follow me.”
“Right.” Theodore said as he started walking. He then looked back at the fallen werewolves, who were beginning to stand up.
“Sir, they’re standing up.” Theodore said.
“Ignore them. The others stationed here will finish them off as soon as you’re out of the way.”
“Huh?” Confused as he already was and a bit stressed out from almost getting killed, Theodore couldn’t think of a better question.
“Enough questions. Move!” Dr. Victor sternly responded. “And don’t drop the samples.”
Theodore flinched at the command but followed, knowing that his survival rests at his teacher’s hands for the time being. He walked behind Dr. Victor as he was led down the street where the latter came from.
Dr. Victor had already checked the area for werewolves but still he kept his gun at the ready, in case more would spring up to attack them.
They kept on walking until they stopped right next to a parked stagecoach pulled by two horses. Despite the situation, Theodore took a moment to admire the antique charm of the vehicle. He was not as well-versed in history as his friend Yuki so he couldn’t exactly discern which era the coach came from. He saw a small boy sitting quietly at the coachman’s seat. He wore a newsboy cap and a black coat, and held a coach whip in one hand. Theodore couldn’t see the coachman’s face because the coachman had his head hung low.
Dr. Victor opened the door and motioned for Theodore to board, to which he complied.
“The Fridolf household.” Dr. Victor told the coachman, before boarding the coach himself.
The coach started moving as soon as Dr. Victor closed the door and sat down on the seat opposite of Theodore. “You will be safe in here.” He said as he closed the window curtains. “They won’t sense anything riding this vehicle unless they see it with their own eyes.”
To Theodore, it was his first time riding a horse-drawn vehicle. He would have been more awed if not for the current situation. He then remembered that he was still holding on to the blood samples. “Ah right, here sir.” He handed back the filled syringes to his teacher, who reached underneath his seat and took out a wooden box.
“I’m sure you have questions.” Dr. Victor said as he placed the blood samples inside. “I’ll answer any one you ask... within reason.” He set the box down right beside him.
Theodore wanted to know why he collected his dead teacher’s blood, but out of fear he decided not to. There were more pressing issues in his mind right now.
“Why are there werewolves attacking people?” He asked his first question.
“I don’t know their motive. All I know is that there are a lot of werevoles tonight.”
“Are the others safe?” Theodore immediately asked, concerned for the well-being of his friends.
“No casualties have been reported so far.” Dr. Victor answered calmly. “It has also been told to me that we overestimated their plans, and they experienced plenty of unforeseen problems during execution.”
Theodore’s mind then wandered back to the dead Bartholomew. He then realized that it meant there would be no teacher for History Class.
“Will the Pax find out about this?” Theodore asked his next question.
“They will, but not as a death.” Dr. Victor said. “They would instead declare him missing.”
“So who will be teaching history then?” Theodore immediately followed up.
“The school always finds a replacement.” Was his teacher’s reply. “I don’t particularly care who.”
His heartless comment on the situation unnerved Theodore.
“That gun you have...” Theodore selected his words carefully as not to compromise himself. “Is it registered?”
“Yes. It’s under magical artifacts.” Dr. Victor immediately replied. “As was expected of me by Sanctum Law.”
Theodore made note of that detail. He was planning to inform Percy about it when he has the chance. Then that’s his teachers words struck him as odd.
“Wait, magical artifact?”
Dr. Victor brushed off his question this time in a stern and dismissive voice. “I’d rather not go through the trouble of explaining why this gun is magical. Do your research, little Fridolf. I’m sure you have a book or two at home that could help with that.” He quickly added.
Theodore did not expect him to reply like that so he decided to press that topic further.
“And why would you just assume I have a book like th-”
“A moment please...” Dr. Victor suddenly interrupted him before placing his fingers to the small headset on his ear. “Yes, I have secured the civilian. You better report something worth my time.”
Theodore heard his phone’s message tone, and quickly opened it. Seeing that the sender of the text was Percy made him worried. Given the situation, it was not far off to think that his friends could have faced the same situation he has. He looked at Dr. Victor who was preoccupied with his conversation. He thought about replying to the message but then he remembered that Dr. Victor was a very perceptive man. Not wanting to risk anything, he just returned the phone into his pocket and continued to think to himself.
“I see, very well.”Dr. Victor removed his fingers from his headset and returned his attention to Theodore. “Now, what we’re you about to ask?”
“No sir, nevermind.” Theodore said, deciding not to further inquire.
Having exhausted all possible questions he could ask, the next few minutes of the ride was as silent as the night around them. Theodore took a peek through the curtain and looked out the window, seeing a brilliant full moon sky above him as he asked one last question.
“Is this your carriage by the way?”
There was a few seconds of silence before Dr. Victor gave his reply.
“This is my uncle’s. I’m only borrowing it.”
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