[Fanfic] Monster Mash 6
Title: Monster Mash 6
Characters: Francis, Arthur, Alfred, Ludwig and Feliciano
Rating: 15?
Warnings: Surprisingly sedate in this chapter, but still descriptions of violence.
Summary: Originally inspired by this. (Link to pic for those who don't have Pixiv here.) Due to popular demand, what was a oneshot has now spawned a fic.
“Look.” Ludwig said slowly, walking much more cautiously than his packmate over to the group. His long, brownish tail hid his modesty, much to Francis’ disappointment, though Feliciano didn’t seem to be doing the same. Ah, sweet consolation prizes. “The only reason we attacked is because we smelled you on the wind. We couldn’t help it. All we wanted to do was pass through here without any trouble.”
“Ve, he’s right, we were just trying to get as far away as possible.” Feliciano nodded, taking his eyes off Arthur who was scooting as far away from the hug as possible. “We ran really far, didn’t we, Alpha? I haven’t even got to nap yet.”
Ludwig looked briefly annoyed. “Why are you only fast when we’re running away from something...” he muttered.
Before Francis could ask “from what”, Alfred cut over him.
“Gah! You guys are totally naked!” He covered his eyes with his hands, turning away. “Geez, put some clothes on ya streakers!” Francis gave him a look. Was he raised puritan or what? And how had it taken him this long to notice... ah, he wasn’t wearing his glasses.
The German coloured brilliantly, seeming very uncomfortable all of a sudden. “We can’t keep clothes with us when we transform...”
“Ve, they rip to little bits, don’t they Alpha!” chirped Feliciano, much more at home in nakedness than his partner.
“Yes, they do, and you cried the last time something designer got ruined.” Ludwig sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We did keep backpacks with us full of clothes, but when we had to leave so quickly we couldn’t go and get them.”
Francis siezed his chance. “What were you running from?”
Feliciano suddenly started shaking, and Ludwig’s face grew dark. “Hunters...”
Arthur snapped upright. “And you lead them right here?!” he hissed at them, livid. Francis recalled the bloodstained pages of the diary. “You bastards, this is low, even for werewolves!”
“I just said it wasn’t on purpose!” Ludwig barked back, fists clenched. “Besides which we outran them! We were all the way up in Scotland when we nearly got caught by them! They chased us across the border but we lost them long before here!”
“Do you know what they’ll do if they come here?” Arthur snarled, fingers making grooves in the dirt of the driveway as they curled into fists. “They won’t spare a single one of us! They’ll take sadistic glee in nailing me to the side of the house as the sun rises! They’ll put you two in silver cages to see you writhe before they pump you full of mercury! Francis will be exorcised and contained for further study!” He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
Alfred gave a low whistle. “Sounds brutal. And you guys are meant to be the monsters.”
“We are monsters.” Ludwig said lowly. “But they’re inhuman.”
A long silence passed, full of dread and heavy hanging.
“Hmm, hey Arthur, why not let them stay the night?” Alfred suggested, and quickly earned himself a poisonous glare for his troubles. “Oh come on, unite against a common enemy or something. They said they outran them right? Just let ‘em stay for a bit.”
“No.” Arthur said firmly.
Alfred’s eyes went very round and shiny. “Please?”
Sensing this would go on all night, Francis cut across. “There’s room in the stables, isn’t there? Go on Arthur, there’s rain forecast for tomorrow.”
The combined puppy dog looks of both Feliciano and Alfred made Arthur look away. “Fine. In the stables. But only until tomorrow! Next time I wake up you’d better be gone!”
Feliciano’s face lit up. “Yaaay! Alpha, Alpha, we get a roof to sleep under tonight!”
“... thank you.” Ludwig said stiffly. Arthur snorted.
“Alfred, help me up and to bed. I’ve had enough of this nonsense.” he demanded like a haughty prince. Chuckling at his behaviour, Alfred scooped him hip bridal style, ignoring protestations, and carried on inside.
“... Are they always-” Began Ludwig.
Francis smiled. “Oui, always.” He got to his feet himself, neatly smacked Ludwig on his nice, firm rear, and walked towards the house. “Stables are around the back, bon nuit~!”
Just before he closed the door, he managed to catch “Ve, Alpha, your face looks like it’s gonna explode!” Ah, an evening well spent.
-----
“Francis.” Arthur said slowly.
The semi-ghost in question didn’t look up from his book. “Yes, mes chers Sourcils?”
The vampire drew in a long breath. “I would like you to explain why that” And he jabbed a finger at the sleeping pile of fur and paws next to the fireplace of the library. “is in my house.”
Francis turned a page in the novel. “Well, rosbif, it mostly has to do with Alfred bringing them in soon after you went to bed, asking if we could keep them. He also said it was mean to leave puppies out in the freezing cold like that.”
“They’re not puppies, Francis.” Arthur gritted out.
A small smirk quirked up the edge of the Frenchman’s mouth. “Don’t grind your teeth so, Arthur, it’ll shorten them to stumps.”
“Shut up and get them out of here.” the shorter blonde growled in response. One of the wolves sleepily raised its head. From the size and lighter fur, it appeared to be Feliciano. Immediately it’s ears flattened on sight of Arthur, and it let out a small whine, more like a scolded puppy than a ferocious animal. Green eyes glared at it, but still it whimpered pathetically.
“Oh come now Arthur, they haven’t attacked you since.” Francis said, closing his book and leaning on the armrest of the chair. “All they’ve done is sleep. They ran quite a way.”
The vampire wasn’t having it. “Haven’t attacked me since- it’s only been a day!”
“Aaaaactually.” Said Alfred, appearing around the corner. “It’s been two days, you slept straight through last night because of your injuries.” A wide, sunny grin came to his face. “I nearly busted into your room again but then I remembered all those freaky bats so I didn’t bother.”
Arthur huffed, sticking his nose in the air. “Your concern is unnecessary. I’m fine now.” He flexed his previously injured leg to prove it. Though it didn’t seem damaged, he did walk with a slight limp, which he tried to hide unsuccessfully.
“Anyway anyway!” Alfred suddenly stood in Arthur’s path, bouncing up and down like a little kid waiting to open presents. “Can we keep them! Pleeeeeeease?”
Arthur didn’t even hesitate. “No.”
“I’ll change their newspapers and take them for walks and-”
“I said no.”
“But they’re werewolves! The level of coolness just can’t be lost on you, Arthur!” He suddenly grabbed Arthur’s hands in his, leaning in close to the vampire’s face. “Come on, please? I’ve been on my best behaviour.”
Usually pale cheeks coloured brilliantly, brain triggering a usually still heart to beat rapidly. He pulled his hands away from Alfred’s, turning on his heel to fold his arms. “F-fine! But only for a week, then they have to go!” he insisted. Aw, how cute, thought Francis.
“Yes! Thank you Arthur!” Turning away from the teen proved to be a mistake when the taller blonde jumped onto the vampire with a big bear hug. “Thank yooooou, you won’t regret this!” And with that, the boy ran out of the room, presumably straight to the car to buy all sorts of odd things like dog collars and bowls and the like.
Arthur stood stock still in the middle of the library, still very red in the face and with a peculiar expression of embarrassment on his face. Francis chuckled quietly to himself, but not quiet enough.
“Oh, what are you laughing at?” Arthur snapped, glaring at him, though the intimidation was lessened by the red cheeks. Feliciano was watching all this too, tail wagging. “And you! I didn’t hug you last night and I’m not hugging you now!”
Feliciano went back to looking dejected, settling his head on the floor and gazing sadly up at the vampire.
“Hmph.” Arthur sniffed, folding his arms. “I don’t know what Alfred’s thinking, believing that our species can get along when we’re programmed to fight and hate each other, right down to our bones.”
Francis got up from his chair with an easy smile. “Ah, but Sourciles, you only have to fight on first meeting, do you not?” He made his way over to where the vampire was observing the wolves from the furthest point possible in the room. “After which you are free to keep them as, how shall we say, pets, non?”
“More like pests.” Arthur responded, but his glare was lessening into more of his usual frown. “I still don’t like them. They stink.”
“Only to sensitive noses such as yours.” Francis poked Arthur’s nose, withdrawing his hand quickly as Arthur snapped sharp teeth at him with a ‘click’. “Careful mon cher, you don’t like Frog blood, remember?”
The vampire sulked. “Well pardon me if I’m a little hungry. It’s been two days since I last drank and five since I had a fresh kill.”
“Time to lift the ban on Alfred’s hunting?” Francis pondered, taking in how gaunt Arthur was starting to look now the blush had faded. Then again, Arthur always looked like a re-animated corpse, sans rotting flesh. It just seemed that he was getting deep bags under his eyes like he hadn’t slept, and his lips were turning from grey to nearly blue...
“So he is a vampire then.” came Ludwig’s voice suddenly. The other two turned to see the blonde werewolf back in his half-human form, still covering himself with his tail. Oh well, Francis would take what he could. “Hunting on your behalf. Isn’t that lazy?”
Arthur growled at him wordlessly in response, and Francis placed a hand on his wrist. “Alfred is a little bit special.” he explained patiently. “In that he is 100% human... but also 100% insane.”
Slowly, Ludwig’s eyebrow raised. “He seemed normal to me. Aside from the strength and speed.”
A couple of cracks followed, and a half-human Feliciano grabbed on to Ludwig’s arm urgently. “But Alpha, Alpha, he was so scary when he was holding me under water! It was like he was enjoying it! He was smiling during our fight!”
“Ah, and that’s the thing.” Francis nodded. “He seems so normal, so friendly, that people underestimate him, until...”
“Until he invites them home, and they become my next meal.” Arthur finished with an unnecessary smirk, in Francis’ opinion. Ludwig glared and Feliciano whimpered. “Of course, we let him go at them with the chainsaw first or he’d never stop whining.”
“Chainsaw?” Ludwig’s frown deepened further. “I see. Tell me, is this boy Alfred F. Jones?”
“You know of him?” Arthur’s eyebrows climbed high in surprise, Francis following. Someone knew of Alfred. If word was spreading, it would be dangerous.
“Just of the serial killer in the United States.” the werewolf folded his arms. “After his brother shot himself, he strangled his own mother, and left the house in pursuit of his father, who was on the run. He killed nearly 30 people just on the trail for him.”
“What’s creepy though, is that they could never find a trace of him.” Feliciano added, voice trembling. “And a few months ago, the killings just stopped. They couldn’t find where he, or his father went.” he shuddered, looking tearfully up at Ludwig. “Ve, is this really the same person? That’s so scary!” he turned pale. “I was almost killed by the Texas Chainsaw Murderer!”
“They gave him a name and everything?” Arthur seemed most shocked by that information in particular, but Francis’ heart had started to beat rapidly as soon as they’d mentioned the father on the run. He didn’t know why, or how, or what was causing it. But he suddenly couldn’t breathe in here.
“Excusez-moi...” he murmured, and slipped out of the room, to the front steps. The chilly night air was different from two days ago, when the breeze had been warm. Now, standing out here without a coat, he could feel the body he was possessing start to drop in temperature. Whose was this body? Who was Phillipe? Was it possible that he was Alfred’s supposed father? Did Fate really have that cruel of a sense of humor?
’I have a half brother who was raised by a French father who then abandoned him to go back to France.’
As Alfred came around from the side of the house with a leather belt and a massive dog tag, he decided that Fate had a very strange sense of humor indeed.
’I mean, he was a total douche, told my little brother he didn't love him any more and left, and poor Mattie ended up killing himself over it.’
“Hey so I figured that their necks would be too big for dog collars so I got some belts instead from that pile of clothes from all the dead folks we have in the back.” the teen rambled on, unaware of what Francis was thinking of.
‘So, you wouldn't happen to know this guy would you? Since you're French and all.’
“But I’m wondering if I should put their names on the tags or not, because of that whole dog theft thing that’s been going around. You know, if you put the name of the dog on there, the theives will know what to call it, right?” Francis swallowed heavily. Alfred seemed completely unaware of the Frenchman’s racing heartbeat. A heart that wasn’t even his. A body that wasn’t his either.
’Phil? I think? Last name Fournier. Blonde hair, curled at the ends, douchey little goatee...’
“I dunno, Francis, do you think anyone would bother to steal a werewolf? Might just be me being silly...”
’... kind of like you, actually.’
Francis forced a smile. “I’m sure they’ll be fine. Moreover, they probably don’t want to wear collars, all things considered.” Fight or flight coursed around his brain, and his instinctive choice was always the latter. After all, there was no way he could fight on even terms with the same boy who had wrestled a werewolf into submission.
Who had strangled his mother to death.
Who had killed at least 130 people in pursuit of his father, plus just for the fun of it.
Phillipe, Phillipe, Phillipe.
Francis had definitely picked the wrong body to hop into that fateful day. Oh why hadn’t he just avoided that alley...
“Francis? Hellooooo?” A hand waved in front of his face, Alfred suddenly much closer than before. “You’re spacing out on me. This is Houston to Francis, come in Francis.”
“Ah, désolé.” he said, chuckling nervously. “I was just thinking.”
Alfred tilted his head. “Hmm, kay, if you say so. You know if you’re worried about the wolves you don’t have to be. I’ll keep them under control.” He grinned. “I’m not the best with animals, but I think I can hold ‘em down if you guys need to run.”
Francis stepped back, looking down the driveway of the mansion with a frown. “I don’t think it’ll be the wolves we’re running from, Alfred.”
The teen seemed confused, before realisation dawned. “Oh yeah, the Hunters. What’s up with them anyway? Why the hate? You guys seem decent to me.”
Alfred’s definition of “decent” was probably a bit skewed, Francis thought. “The Hunters don’t care how decent we are as people. They’re dedicated to wiping out all supernatural life, whether it threatens humans or not. They view us as hellspawn.” he shrugged. “And well, some of us are. They see it as a religious duty to get rid of us.”
“So what, is this like a secret Vatican conspiricy?” Alfred asked, seeming excited. “I saw a movie about that once.”
“I bet you did.” Francis muttered. It seemed that Alfred had seen a movie for everything. When did the boy find time to sleep? “Although the Vatican and the Catholic church are major supporters of the Hunters, many other religions are involved as well, from Jews and Muslims to Chinese Tao practitioners and Hindu Gurus.”
“Woooah.” said Alfred, in awe. He seemed entirely unafraid of these people. Of course, he had no reason to be afraid of them, human as he was. “Talk about having the world out to get you.”
Francis nodded gravely. “Their methods are excessively cruel, yet more reason why we don’t want them to find us. Granted, we are able to fight and kill them, but it’s much more dangerous than fighting one of our own kind. They have our weaknesses.”
“What, like holy water? Silver bullets and all that?” Alfred grinned. “Guess you would need a supporter rich as the Vatican for that kind of thing.” His eyes suddenly lit up. “Hey hey, does that mean all that stuff in the Da Vinci code was true? And that other movie, Angels and Demons!”
Francis resisted the urge to facepalm. “Oui, Alfred. Exactement.”
Though Francis’ predicament was dangerous indeed, he could at least be thankful that Alfred was just as dim witted as he was insane.
Monster Mash 7
Note:
- Updated quickly because I felt that I cut the last chapter off short. |D;;;
Characters: Francis, Arthur, Alfred, Ludwig and Feliciano
Rating: 15?
Warnings: Surprisingly sedate in this chapter, but still descriptions of violence.
Summary: Originally inspired by this. (Link to pic for those who don't have Pixiv here.) Due to popular demand, what was a oneshot has now spawned a fic.
“Look.” Ludwig said slowly, walking much more cautiously than his packmate over to the group. His long, brownish tail hid his modesty, much to Francis’ disappointment, though Feliciano didn’t seem to be doing the same. Ah, sweet consolation prizes. “The only reason we attacked is because we smelled you on the wind. We couldn’t help it. All we wanted to do was pass through here without any trouble.”
“Ve, he’s right, we were just trying to get as far away as possible.” Feliciano nodded, taking his eyes off Arthur who was scooting as far away from the hug as possible. “We ran really far, didn’t we, Alpha? I haven’t even got to nap yet.”
Ludwig looked briefly annoyed. “Why are you only fast when we’re running away from something...” he muttered.
Before Francis could ask “from what”, Alfred cut over him.
“Gah! You guys are totally naked!” He covered his eyes with his hands, turning away. “Geez, put some clothes on ya streakers!” Francis gave him a look. Was he raised puritan or what? And how had it taken him this long to notice... ah, he wasn’t wearing his glasses.
The German coloured brilliantly, seeming very uncomfortable all of a sudden. “We can’t keep clothes with us when we transform...”
“Ve, they rip to little bits, don’t they Alpha!” chirped Feliciano, much more at home in nakedness than his partner.
“Yes, they do, and you cried the last time something designer got ruined.” Ludwig sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “We did keep backpacks with us full of clothes, but when we had to leave so quickly we couldn’t go and get them.”
Francis siezed his chance. “What were you running from?”
Feliciano suddenly started shaking, and Ludwig’s face grew dark. “Hunters...”
Arthur snapped upright. “And you lead them right here?!” he hissed at them, livid. Francis recalled the bloodstained pages of the diary. “You bastards, this is low, even for werewolves!”
“I just said it wasn’t on purpose!” Ludwig barked back, fists clenched. “Besides which we outran them! We were all the way up in Scotland when we nearly got caught by them! They chased us across the border but we lost them long before here!”
“Do you know what they’ll do if they come here?” Arthur snarled, fingers making grooves in the dirt of the driveway as they curled into fists. “They won’t spare a single one of us! They’ll take sadistic glee in nailing me to the side of the house as the sun rises! They’ll put you two in silver cages to see you writhe before they pump you full of mercury! Francis will be exorcised and contained for further study!” He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
Alfred gave a low whistle. “Sounds brutal. And you guys are meant to be the monsters.”
“We are monsters.” Ludwig said lowly. “But they’re inhuman.”
A long silence passed, full of dread and heavy hanging.
“Hmm, hey Arthur, why not let them stay the night?” Alfred suggested, and quickly earned himself a poisonous glare for his troubles. “Oh come on, unite against a common enemy or something. They said they outran them right? Just let ‘em stay for a bit.”
“No.” Arthur said firmly.
Alfred’s eyes went very round and shiny. “Please?”
Sensing this would go on all night, Francis cut across. “There’s room in the stables, isn’t there? Go on Arthur, there’s rain forecast for tomorrow.”
The combined puppy dog looks of both Feliciano and Alfred made Arthur look away. “Fine. In the stables. But only until tomorrow! Next time I wake up you’d better be gone!”
Feliciano’s face lit up. “Yaaay! Alpha, Alpha, we get a roof to sleep under tonight!”
“... thank you.” Ludwig said stiffly. Arthur snorted.
“Alfred, help me up and to bed. I’ve had enough of this nonsense.” he demanded like a haughty prince. Chuckling at his behaviour, Alfred scooped him hip bridal style, ignoring protestations, and carried on inside.
“... Are they always-” Began Ludwig.
Francis smiled. “Oui, always.” He got to his feet himself, neatly smacked Ludwig on his nice, firm rear, and walked towards the house. “Stables are around the back, bon nuit~!”
Just before he closed the door, he managed to catch “Ve, Alpha, your face looks like it’s gonna explode!” Ah, an evening well spent.
-----
“Francis.” Arthur said slowly.
The semi-ghost in question didn’t look up from his book. “Yes, mes chers Sourcils?”
The vampire drew in a long breath. “I would like you to explain why that” And he jabbed a finger at the sleeping pile of fur and paws next to the fireplace of the library. “is in my house.”
Francis turned a page in the novel. “Well, rosbif, it mostly has to do with Alfred bringing them in soon after you went to bed, asking if we could keep them. He also said it was mean to leave puppies out in the freezing cold like that.”
“They’re not puppies, Francis.” Arthur gritted out.
A small smirk quirked up the edge of the Frenchman’s mouth. “Don’t grind your teeth so, Arthur, it’ll shorten them to stumps.”
“Shut up and get them out of here.” the shorter blonde growled in response. One of the wolves sleepily raised its head. From the size and lighter fur, it appeared to be Feliciano. Immediately it’s ears flattened on sight of Arthur, and it let out a small whine, more like a scolded puppy than a ferocious animal. Green eyes glared at it, but still it whimpered pathetically.
“Oh come now Arthur, they haven’t attacked you since.” Francis said, closing his book and leaning on the armrest of the chair. “All they’ve done is sleep. They ran quite a way.”
The vampire wasn’t having it. “Haven’t attacked me since- it’s only been a day!”
“Aaaaactually.” Said Alfred, appearing around the corner. “It’s been two days, you slept straight through last night because of your injuries.” A wide, sunny grin came to his face. “I nearly busted into your room again but then I remembered all those freaky bats so I didn’t bother.”
Arthur huffed, sticking his nose in the air. “Your concern is unnecessary. I’m fine now.” He flexed his previously injured leg to prove it. Though it didn’t seem damaged, he did walk with a slight limp, which he tried to hide unsuccessfully.
“Anyway anyway!” Alfred suddenly stood in Arthur’s path, bouncing up and down like a little kid waiting to open presents. “Can we keep them! Pleeeeeeease?”
Arthur didn’t even hesitate. “No.”
“I’ll change their newspapers and take them for walks and-”
“I said no.”
“But they’re werewolves! The level of coolness just can’t be lost on you, Arthur!” He suddenly grabbed Arthur’s hands in his, leaning in close to the vampire’s face. “Come on, please? I’ve been on my best behaviour.”
Usually pale cheeks coloured brilliantly, brain triggering a usually still heart to beat rapidly. He pulled his hands away from Alfred’s, turning on his heel to fold his arms. “F-fine! But only for a week, then they have to go!” he insisted. Aw, how cute, thought Francis.
“Yes! Thank you Arthur!” Turning away from the teen proved to be a mistake when the taller blonde jumped onto the vampire with a big bear hug. “Thank yooooou, you won’t regret this!” And with that, the boy ran out of the room, presumably straight to the car to buy all sorts of odd things like dog collars and bowls and the like.
Arthur stood stock still in the middle of the library, still very red in the face and with a peculiar expression of embarrassment on his face. Francis chuckled quietly to himself, but not quiet enough.
“Oh, what are you laughing at?” Arthur snapped, glaring at him, though the intimidation was lessened by the red cheeks. Feliciano was watching all this too, tail wagging. “And you! I didn’t hug you last night and I’m not hugging you now!”
Feliciano went back to looking dejected, settling his head on the floor and gazing sadly up at the vampire.
“Hmph.” Arthur sniffed, folding his arms. “I don’t know what Alfred’s thinking, believing that our species can get along when we’re programmed to fight and hate each other, right down to our bones.”
Francis got up from his chair with an easy smile. “Ah, but Sourciles, you only have to fight on first meeting, do you not?” He made his way over to where the vampire was observing the wolves from the furthest point possible in the room. “After which you are free to keep them as, how shall we say, pets, non?”
“More like pests.” Arthur responded, but his glare was lessening into more of his usual frown. “I still don’t like them. They stink.”
“Only to sensitive noses such as yours.” Francis poked Arthur’s nose, withdrawing his hand quickly as Arthur snapped sharp teeth at him with a ‘click’. “Careful mon cher, you don’t like Frog blood, remember?”
The vampire sulked. “Well pardon me if I’m a little hungry. It’s been two days since I last drank and five since I had a fresh kill.”
“Time to lift the ban on Alfred’s hunting?” Francis pondered, taking in how gaunt Arthur was starting to look now the blush had faded. Then again, Arthur always looked like a re-animated corpse, sans rotting flesh. It just seemed that he was getting deep bags under his eyes like he hadn’t slept, and his lips were turning from grey to nearly blue...
“So he is a vampire then.” came Ludwig’s voice suddenly. The other two turned to see the blonde werewolf back in his half-human form, still covering himself with his tail. Oh well, Francis would take what he could. “Hunting on your behalf. Isn’t that lazy?”
Arthur growled at him wordlessly in response, and Francis placed a hand on his wrist. “Alfred is a little bit special.” he explained patiently. “In that he is 100% human... but also 100% insane.”
Slowly, Ludwig’s eyebrow raised. “He seemed normal to me. Aside from the strength and speed.”
A couple of cracks followed, and a half-human Feliciano grabbed on to Ludwig’s arm urgently. “But Alpha, Alpha, he was so scary when he was holding me under water! It was like he was enjoying it! He was smiling during our fight!”
“Ah, and that’s the thing.” Francis nodded. “He seems so normal, so friendly, that people underestimate him, until...”
“Until he invites them home, and they become my next meal.” Arthur finished with an unnecessary smirk, in Francis’ opinion. Ludwig glared and Feliciano whimpered. “Of course, we let him go at them with the chainsaw first or he’d never stop whining.”
“Chainsaw?” Ludwig’s frown deepened further. “I see. Tell me, is this boy Alfred F. Jones?”
“You know of him?” Arthur’s eyebrows climbed high in surprise, Francis following. Someone knew of Alfred. If word was spreading, it would be dangerous.
“Just of the serial killer in the United States.” the werewolf folded his arms. “After his brother shot himself, he strangled his own mother, and left the house in pursuit of his father, who was on the run. He killed nearly 30 people just on the trail for him.”
“What’s creepy though, is that they could never find a trace of him.” Feliciano added, voice trembling. “And a few months ago, the killings just stopped. They couldn’t find where he, or his father went.” he shuddered, looking tearfully up at Ludwig. “Ve, is this really the same person? That’s so scary!” he turned pale. “I was almost killed by the Texas Chainsaw Murderer!”
“They gave him a name and everything?” Arthur seemed most shocked by that information in particular, but Francis’ heart had started to beat rapidly as soon as they’d mentioned the father on the run. He didn’t know why, or how, or what was causing it. But he suddenly couldn’t breathe in here.
“Excusez-moi...” he murmured, and slipped out of the room, to the front steps. The chilly night air was different from two days ago, when the breeze had been warm. Now, standing out here without a coat, he could feel the body he was possessing start to drop in temperature. Whose was this body? Who was Phillipe? Was it possible that he was Alfred’s supposed father? Did Fate really have that cruel of a sense of humor?
’I have a half brother who was raised by a French father who then abandoned him to go back to France.’
As Alfred came around from the side of the house with a leather belt and a massive dog tag, he decided that Fate had a very strange sense of humor indeed.
’I mean, he was a total douche, told my little brother he didn't love him any more and left, and poor Mattie ended up killing himself over it.’
“Hey so I figured that their necks would be too big for dog collars so I got some belts instead from that pile of clothes from all the dead folks we have in the back.” the teen rambled on, unaware of what Francis was thinking of.
‘So, you wouldn't happen to know this guy would you? Since you're French and all.’
“But I’m wondering if I should put their names on the tags or not, because of that whole dog theft thing that’s been going around. You know, if you put the name of the dog on there, the theives will know what to call it, right?” Francis swallowed heavily. Alfred seemed completely unaware of the Frenchman’s racing heartbeat. A heart that wasn’t even his. A body that wasn’t his either.
’Phil? I think? Last name Fournier. Blonde hair, curled at the ends, douchey little goatee...’
“I dunno, Francis, do you think anyone would bother to steal a werewolf? Might just be me being silly...”
’... kind of like you, actually.’
Francis forced a smile. “I’m sure they’ll be fine. Moreover, they probably don’t want to wear collars, all things considered.” Fight or flight coursed around his brain, and his instinctive choice was always the latter. After all, there was no way he could fight on even terms with the same boy who had wrestled a werewolf into submission.
Who had strangled his mother to death.
Who had killed at least 130 people in pursuit of his father, plus just for the fun of it.
Phillipe, Phillipe, Phillipe.
Francis had definitely picked the wrong body to hop into that fateful day. Oh why hadn’t he just avoided that alley...
“Francis? Hellooooo?” A hand waved in front of his face, Alfred suddenly much closer than before. “You’re spacing out on me. This is Houston to Francis, come in Francis.”
“Ah, désolé.” he said, chuckling nervously. “I was just thinking.”
Alfred tilted his head. “Hmm, kay, if you say so. You know if you’re worried about the wolves you don’t have to be. I’ll keep them under control.” He grinned. “I’m not the best with animals, but I think I can hold ‘em down if you guys need to run.”
Francis stepped back, looking down the driveway of the mansion with a frown. “I don’t think it’ll be the wolves we’re running from, Alfred.”
The teen seemed confused, before realisation dawned. “Oh yeah, the Hunters. What’s up with them anyway? Why the hate? You guys seem decent to me.”
Alfred’s definition of “decent” was probably a bit skewed, Francis thought. “The Hunters don’t care how decent we are as people. They’re dedicated to wiping out all supernatural life, whether it threatens humans or not. They view us as hellspawn.” he shrugged. “And well, some of us are. They see it as a religious duty to get rid of us.”
“So what, is this like a secret Vatican conspiricy?” Alfred asked, seeming excited. “I saw a movie about that once.”
“I bet you did.” Francis muttered. It seemed that Alfred had seen a movie for everything. When did the boy find time to sleep? “Although the Vatican and the Catholic church are major supporters of the Hunters, many other religions are involved as well, from Jews and Muslims to Chinese Tao practitioners and Hindu Gurus.”
“Woooah.” said Alfred, in awe. He seemed entirely unafraid of these people. Of course, he had no reason to be afraid of them, human as he was. “Talk about having the world out to get you.”
Francis nodded gravely. “Their methods are excessively cruel, yet more reason why we don’t want them to find us. Granted, we are able to fight and kill them, but it’s much more dangerous than fighting one of our own kind. They have our weaknesses.”
“What, like holy water? Silver bullets and all that?” Alfred grinned. “Guess you would need a supporter rich as the Vatican for that kind of thing.” His eyes suddenly lit up. “Hey hey, does that mean all that stuff in the Da Vinci code was true? And that other movie, Angels and Demons!”
Francis resisted the urge to facepalm. “Oui, Alfred. Exactement.”
Though Francis’ predicament was dangerous indeed, he could at least be thankful that Alfred was just as dim witted as he was insane.
Monster Mash 7
Note:
- Updated quickly because I felt that I cut the last chapter off short. |D;;;