Chapter 3.15 Bark at the Moon

I held my breath in anticipation for the full moon to completely set; signaling the opportune time for the werewolves to shift. I still wasn’t sure where that was going to leave me, though. I am not a werewolf, and I had no idea what was about to happen (if anything). What’s more, I didn’t know what Ryker and the rest of the pack would do once they found out that I was in fact not one of them.

I shut my eyes as tightly as I could when I heard the other members of the pack shape shift into wolves.

Then something weird happened.

 

 

I could feel myself start to change as well. I didn’t shape shift into a wolf or anything like that, but I was still affected by the full moon nonetheless. My jaw grew stronger and more defined. My nose narrowed and my heightened senses were taken up to a whole other level of strength and power that I had never felt before. I never knew how dull my teeth were until tonight. Because they are now stronger, sharper, and are too big to fit in my mouth. Yet, it wasn’t just my physical that had changed with the full moon. I felt different on the inside.

It is hard to describe, but I will try my best. Have you ever jumped into a freezing cold pool? You sort of shock your body, but it is refreshing at the same time. That is how I felt.

In other words: I felt ​alive!

I wanted to run. I wanted to hunt. I wanted to howl at the moon. So I did.

 

The rest of the pack joined in a chorus of howls. I also heard howls from other wolves deeper into the woods. I was filled with relief knowing that I was not about to become puppy chow.

I felt strange looking around at the pack of wolves all around me. I wished I had paid attention when Camilla was introducing everyone to me, because now that they are all in wolf form I can’t tell them apart. Except for Ryker, who was about three times larger than the rest of them.

So that is the reason he is Alpha.

They all stopped howling and drew their attention to Ryker. Camilla (or at least I assume it was Camilla) stood next to him as he “spoke” with the pack. He was doing the same thing that he did with Camilla the day I met him; communicating without speaking. I could tell that he was communicating with the rest of the wolves because they moved their ears and perked their heads up every once in a while. It was the same thing that our dogs did every time Willow said the word “treat” or “walk”. Then all of a sudden, without warning, the pack all took off running.

 

I ran behind them, sprinting as fast as I could, which is faster than I have ever moved in my entire life. Usain Bolt has got nothing on me! It was awesome. For the first time since being cursed I was happy. Truly happy. I felt physically stronger than I had ever felt in my entire life. I felt like I could do anything. I climbed up a giant oak tree like it was nothing. I jumped over fallen logs like they were nothing. I leapt from place to place, like I had springs in my hind paws. I crossed over the small brook splashing and making as much noise as I could. I didn’t care. I felt invincible.

Then, like a bolt of lightning, it dawned on me: I am totally lost.

 

Ryker and the rest of the pack were no where in sight, and I was all alone in the middle of nowhere. I have never had the best sense of direction, and I had no idea how to get back to town. I could be lost in these woods until the end of time if I didn’t find my way home soon.

What did Ryker tell us about the river? Something about staying south? Or was it north? Plumbob, I really should have been paying attention.

 

“Well, well, well,” I chilling foreign voice came from behind me. “What do we have here?”

I turned to see two vampires standing on the other side of the river. They looked fresh from a kill. Blood still dripped from their mouths, displayed like little badges of honor.

They moved faster than lightening, and ran across the water like it was nothing at all. How did they move so fast? Before I could figure out what had happened they were surrounding me. There was only the two of them, but yet I still felt trapped. I didn’t know what to do. I can’t fight off one vampire, let alone two. And what if there were more of them around here?

 

“We don’t normally see a…whatever you are.” the male vampire spoke with a thick Eastern European accent. His sinister voice sent chills down my spine. “What shall we do with him?”

“Winter is not far off,” the female showed off her razor sharp fangs as she spoke, also with the same accent. “I could always use a new fur coat.”

“You deserve a million fur coats Moje Laska, but not with ​that. He smells vile. Like an old, moldy, washrag.”

“You are right, as always Vecny. But still, I could use a new bath mat.”

I grew more and more terrified with every word that the vampires said. I couldn’t decide which one of these vampires is scarier, the male or the female. I stood paralyzed with fear, not knowing what to do. Bert had warned me that vampires are not to be messed with. He said that they are ‘fast, cunning, and blood thirsty’. I know that they are not his most favorite type of supernatural (for reasons he won’t talk about). And standing in between these two creatures brought that message home.

I was trapped between two very terrifying vampires, with no escape in sight. They knew that they had me, and were closing in. They moved slowly, savoring the fact that they knew perfectly well that I grew more and more terrified with each passing second. One more moment longer, and I would be a bathmat right now.

 

Until a chorus of wolves snarling behind me stopped the sinister vampires in their tracks. There were more wolves than I had seen in my lifetime. It couldn’t just be Ryker’s pack that currently surrounded us. Wolves from other packs were here as well.

Wolf Ryker stepped in front of me, separating me from the two vamps. His growl was louder and deeper than anything I have ever heard before. Even though I knew he was on my side, Ryker still intimidated me. He exposed all of his sharp teeth, way sharper and scarier than the pathetic vamps.

They knew that they were defeated but before they ran off deep into the woods the male vampire said, “This isn’t over.  Grendel will hear about this.”

 

That was AWESOME!!! We took on two stupid vampires, and we won!!!

Yeah you better run. Who’s the bathmat now, bitch? I got your fur coat right here!!

I fucking love the Full Moon!!!

 

Side Note: There really isn’t much of a note from me this time for once. I know, please don’t faint from the shock of it.  Just in case you didn’t recognize them, those vampires are Osiris and Reina Petrov and they were speaking with a Chez accent.  In fact, Osiris calls his wife My Love, which in Chez is Moje Laska.  Reina refers to Osiris as Vecny, or Eternal One (referring to the fact that vampires life forever).

I also want to let you know that I added a few unedited pictures of Lincoln’s first full moon.  If you thought that Moonlight Falls looked cool at night, then you certainly need to check these pictures out here.

Lastly, I want to leave you with an unedited photo of Full Moon Lincoln. I think that like this version of Lincoln even better than before. And those glowing eyes are just so cool.

And as always have a great day or night, depending on when you are reading this.

 

 

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Chapter 3.14 Not Awesome When You are Not Alpha

 

The very next day I met Ryker. Camilla showed me the way to his “office”, but before she let me in she had a few instructions for me, “stand up straight, only speak when spoken to, and don’t lie, because Ryker can smell it if you do!”

Ryker was big and tall, almost as tall as Camilla. But just as hairy. His eyes were a glowing orange.

He didn’t look so tough. Nothing special about him. Certainly not alpha material. I wonder how tough it would be for me to take over as alpha? It wouldn’t take very long before I am running this pack. I was the Alpha of Twinbrook after all.

“Stand at attention so I can get a good look at you.” Ryker ordered.

Being the son of a soldier, I knew what he meant. Camilla was standing in the corner giving me death stares that made sure I listened to Ryker’s every order. I did as I was instructed, while Ryker walked around me looking me up and down.

I have to say this about him; he is the first person I have met that did not freak out at the sight of me. And I do appreciate that.

 

“When exactly were you bitten?” Ryker asked me, allowing me to stand at ease.

I gave him a confused look. What was he talking about? I didn’t understand the question.

“We need to know who bit you?” Ryker rephrased his question. “There is no use in protecting them. The guilty party will be found. And they will be punished for performing and then abandoning an unsuccessful transformation like you.”

What? Wait…. Do these guys think that I am a werewolf?

I thought back to how long it had been since Becca cursed me. “Less than a month ago?” I sounded more like I was asking a question than giving an answer.

“So, you have not gone through a full moon shape shift?”

I shook my head no. Ryker and Camilla exchanged several looks between them. I could tell that they were having an entire conversation without either one of them saying a single word. After their wordless conversation Ryker directed his attention back to me.

“It will be a full moon two nights from now.” Ryker leaned against his desk, while I still stood at ease. “Camilla will tell you all that you need to know.”

 

“They thought that you are a werewolf?” Bert asked me after I came home and told him everything. “What did they say when you told them the truth?”

“I didn’t say anything,” I replied. “If they want to think that I am a werewolf then good. I don’t want anyone knowing why I am here or how I became this beast.”

“But what is going to happen on the night of the full moon?”

I hadn’t thought that far ahead. What will happen when Ryker and the pack turn into wolves, and I am stuck like this? Will they rip me to shreds? But if I don’t show up to their “full moon party” in the forest they will rip me to shreds anyway. Guess it is too late to turn back now.

I faked confidence as I said, “I will cross that bridge when I get there. But I can tell you one thing for sure: if anyone tries to sniff my butt, I will punch them in the face!”

 

There was still plenty of light outside when Camilla lead me to a random spot deep into the woods far from the outskirts of town. Camilla thought it would be a good idea for the two of us to meet before the rest of the pack shows up. “I am not going to sugar coat this. I don’t know how it will go for you. I have never met a werewolf that was not fully transformed before. So, I don’t know how successful your shift will be.”

“I don’t even know how to shift.” I played along. I have to say that I was proud at how well I played the part of pitiful, helpless, werewolf pup.

“Don’t worry about that, it will come naturally.” Camilla tried reassuring me.

She seriously thought that I was worried. What a moron.

 

Quick introductions were made to allow me to meet the rest of the pack. Mira had said that this was one of the best werewolf packs in Moonlight Falls, but I just didn’t see it. They looked like a pack of straggly, mangy, mutts. And that is me describing them while still in their human form.

Ryker called us all to attention to go over some of the full moon ground rules. “Grendel has restricted our hunting ground even further this month. No pack is to go beyond the north creek where the waterfall meets the Villeneuve River. More land has been given to the vampires.”

That last comment was met with groans and huffs of anger from the pack. “What about the pack that was there before?” one of the guys in the back asked.

“That pack is no more.” Ryker said in a tone that meant that he didn’t want to discuss the matter further.

 

“The moon is almost set,” Camilla spoke up, “ladies follow me.”

Camilla took the women and teenage girls around the corner to shape shift in privacy.

I looked up to the sky and held my breath. The moon was almost right above us, signaling the time for the shape shift. Here’s the moment of truth. Ryker and his pack could rip me apart in a matter of seconds, and I would be helpless against them. In the last moment I thought of Mira, of all people.

She had been so nice to me, even though I was an ass to her when we first met. She was the one who introduced me to Camilla, because she thought that belonging to the pack would help me. I wondered what would they tell Mira once I was gone? Would they lie and tell her it was an accident? Would Mira feel responsible for my death? At the final second before the moon fully set my last thought was: I hope Mira doesn’t feel guilty over this.

3…..2…..1….. Here goes nothing!

 

Side Note:  Now that the craziness of the holiday season is over, I can try to get back to posting on a more regular schedule.  And I know that I am so far behind on so many of your stories.  I will try to catch up as fast as I can.

Other than that, I am wishing everyone of you a very happy and healthy 2019.  I don’t know how last year was for all of you, but for me it was not the greatest.  I think for the world, and for me personally, I hope there can be some big changes in the new year.  Changes for the better.

And as always, have a great day or night depending on when you are reading this.  🙂

 

Chapter 3.13 Forced Friendships

 

“I am so happy that you finally decided to come out with us,” Mira greeted me with her signature obnoxiously cheery smile. “The others are meeting us there. I just have to grab my jacket, and then we can head out. Sit down and make yourself at home.”

I took a look around her small living room trying to find a place to sit. There was an old sofa that looked like it might fall apart if I sat on it. Everywhere else there were stacks of books, elixir bottles (some empty some half full), and on one of those stacks of books slept a fat grey cat. Not far from the sleeping cat was an odd looking alchemy station. So I guess that alchemy station means that Mira is a witch.

Great, just what I need in my life: another witch!!

 

“So what made you change your mind?” Mira asked me from inside of the other room.

The annoying magical talking mirror that lives in my house wouldn’t stop pestering me until I agreed to call you.

“No reason,” I called out.

I was about to ask Mira where exactly she was dragging me to, but I was stopped by an earth shaking boom coming from below us. A few of the books fell over, and an elixir bottle fell off a shelf and broke, but the cat continued to sleep un-phased. Mira bolted out of her room, charged past me, and ran outside. I followed her to see what the hell caused that mini earthquake.

“Papa.” Mira called down to the basement that was filling with thick black smoke. “Is everything alright?”

Against my better judgment I followed Mira into the basement.

 

It was hard to see, and even harder to understand what was going on. The smoke burned my eyes, and I just know that this dust will be impossible to get out of my fur. I need to get some fresh air as soon as possible. I made my way back up the wooden ladder with Mira behind me, guiding her father.

“What happened, Papa?” Mira asked her father once we were all above ground again. She was cleaning the black smoke and dust off of him.

The poor old man spoke very fast and incoherently, but I think he said, “I dunno. The what-cha-call-it interacted with the whos-its. Or the thing-a-majig didn’t connect with the do-hickey.”

I could tell right away that this man is not playing with a full deck of cards. He is not the sharpest tool in the shed. The lights are on, but no one is home. He is a few fries short of a Happy Meal. In other words: he is crazy!

Mira’s father was absentmindedly looking around the yard (does this old man seriously not know where he is right now??). However, once he got a good look at me, total fear took control of his body.

 

“You… you’re a…a…a…” he stammered while he turned white as a ghost.

I’m a what? A monster? A freak? A beast?

Yes, I know that I am all of the above, but I did not reluctantly agree to come out with Mira just to be insulted. Especially by this senile old loon. I let a low growl escape my throat in response to this disrespect.

“Papa,” Mira smiled at the dimwitted old fruitcake to try to defuse the situation, “this is Linc, our new neighbor I told you about.”

“Oh, I see” Father Time quickly recovered and his fear was replaced with friendliness. “It is nice to meet you Linc. You may call me Euclid.”

Just like Mira had done before, Euclid held his hand out to shake mine, and just like with Mira I crossed my arms in front of me.

If this is a sign of what’s to come of this night, I may as well go home now. Sitting at home talking with Bert is way better than this.

 

“My father means well,” Mira explained as we walked to where ever she was taking me.

It seems that because of Mira’s Immundus status, she can’t get a taxi to pick her up. So, we walk to where we are going. At least she isn’t making me ride on any flying broomstick.

“He just hasn’t been the same since Mama died,” Mira was talking this whole time, but for the life of me I can’t remember what she was babbling on about. Probably her crackpot father. “He spends all day and night down in the basement at his work bench.”

“So,” I was in desperate need to talk about anything else, “where exactly are we going? And who are we meeting?”

The change of subject was just what Mira needed to resort back to her annoyingly perky self. “Well, you have already met two of them. Flint and Renatta were with me when we showed up at your door. Flint in the fairy, and Renatta is the doll. And we are going to one of my all time favorite places in Moonlight Falls: The Cauldrons and Cappuccinos Café.”

 

Mira was right, Flint and Renatta were at the coffee shop when we showed up. As with the library, people were staring, but no one said anything to me about how I looked. It’s a good thing too. I was already on edge from my rude encounter with Old Man River Euclid.

I took a seat in the corner chair brooding over why I even bothered to leave my house. Getting out was harder than I thought it would be. A big part of me wanted to say the hell with the lot of them, and storm out of this poor excuse for a cafe.  But on the other hand, if I went home now Bert would annoy the living shit out of me until I agreed to hang out with Mira again.  I can’t tell which option is worse; either way I lose.

Sitting here with Mira and her sickeningly bubbly friends was not making things easier, though. Renatta kept asking me questions that I didn’t know how to answer. I didn’t want anyone knowing my real name, where I came from, or why I moved to Moonlight Falls.

It is ironic really. The old me used to love being the center of attention. I craved it. I could talk for hours about how jaw-dropingly awesome I am was, and I would never get bored. That was the old me. The pre-beast me.

 

Instead of answering Renatta’s irritating inquisition I looking around the coffee shop. It was small; half the size of the Simbucks in Twinbrook. There was a small case of pastries to choose from, and a coffee maker behind the counter that looked so old it could have been in the Smithsonian. Behind the counter was an equally old fairy couple (again, not a reference to their sexual orientation but an ​actual fairy couple). The thing that really caught my eye though was an old upright piano.

That was the second piano I saw today. Mira had one in her house (although hers was used as a bookcase and not as a musical instrument). It couldn’t be a coincidence. Seeing the un-played pianos made me homesick. I missed playing for my family. I missed showing off for Miss Melanie. I thought about how she beamed with pride as I played Joplin’s The Entertainer for her for the first time. I was still a kid back then, wearing the uncomfortable dress shirt Mom made me wear. And still crushing on Miss Melanie big time.

“Do you play?” Renatta’s tiresome questioning brought me out of my daydream. She motioned to the piano that I was fixated on.

“No,” I quickly shifted my focus away from the piano and on to the coffee that was sitting in front of me that had gone cold. “Not in a long time.”

 

As I refocused my energy back onto reality, and back onto this small coffee shop in the middle of Moonlight Falls, I noticed something was different.

“Where did Mira go?” I wondered out loud. Don’t tell me that she ditched me with her stupid irksome companions.

Instead of answering my question Flint spoke to Renatta, “I told you he wasn’t paying attention to us.”

Choosing to ignore Flint’s rude, but accurate, observation Renatta smiled at me and pointed to where Mira was standing on the other end of the coffee shop talking with someone else.

Mira was in deep conversation with someone she had not yet introduced me to. This new person was a female. She was tall, strong (she looked like she could bench press a truck), and hairy. She wore cut off shorts and a camo tank top, showing her overly hairy arms and legs. Her glowing yellow eyes were a dead giveaway that she was a werewolf. I focused my keenly sensitive hearing to see if I could discern what Mira and the werewolf were saying.

 

I have come to learn that there are a few perks to being a beast. One of which is my newly heightened senses. Since my transformation I feel physically stronger, I can see further, and I can hear better. I was able to hear Mira’s conversation with little effort on my part.

“So what do you think?” Mira asked the stranger.

The stranger did not seem keen to whatever Mira had just asked. Hesitantly she replied, “I will have to talk to Ryker. He is Alpha after all, and I don’t know how trusting he will be to a newbie.”

“I understand,” Mira nodded her head, “he just seems so lost, you know. We all are feeling that way these days. I just thought that maybe you and your pack could help guide him.”

The stranger stole a quick glance in my direction and then said, “I will see what I can do.”

“Hey Linc,” Mira called to me from across the room. She was completely oblivious to the fact that I had been listening in on her conversation. “There is someone I want you to meet.”

 

I really didn’t want to meet anymore people. I am not Mira’s Show and Tell to pass around to all of Moonlight Falls. On the other hand, anything has to be better than sitting with Renatta & Flint. So, I got up from the table and headed to where Mira was standing.

Mira made the introductions. “Linc, I would like you to meet Camilla Maynard. She is Beta Alpha to the best werewolf pack here in Moonlight Falls.”

“Beta Alpha?” I didn’t understand the term.

“I am the #2,” Camilla explained, “The Alpha to the pack is Ryker Silas.”

“Well,” Mira seemed very pleased with her match making. “I will leave the two of you to talk”

 

“Don’t get the wrong idea here.” I spoke before Camilla had a chance to say anything to me. “I don’t know what Mira told you about me, but I am not a charity case. I will not be paraded around to all of her friends like a supernatural play date. And I certainly don’t need her trying to set me up with you or any other woman.”

Camilla’s response was not what I had expected. She laughed at me, and by that I mean she loudly roared with laughter. She laughed so hard she hunched forward complaining about stomach pains. Everyone in the cafe stopped what they were doing and looked over to see what the commotion was all about.  Her hysterics were so deafening that she could have been heard from outer space.

No one has ever laughed at me before. I don’t like it. I don’t appreciate being made fun of by anyone. But especially not by this woman who had obviously had never heard of a razor before. Who is she, or anyone, to laugh at me?! I am Lincoln fucking Charming! I will not stand for this! I should tell this hacked up hair ball what I think of her and her obnoxious cackling!!

Then again, that was the old me. The pre-beast me. Beast Linc just stood there silently until Camilla was done. When she finally regained some compose she said, “You have a lot to learn, young one.”

 

“Now, let me tell you something,” Camilla wiped a tear from her eyes, and with all seriousness said, “Mira is the kindest, most selfless, most noble person in Moonlight Falls. And the way she is treated by others is deplorable. I could smell the arrogance on you from the moment you walked in, you little brat. And the only reason I am doing this is because I owe Mira a favor.”

I stood there is silence. Again, no one has ever talked to me that way before. This was becoming a day of firsts, and not in a good way. I didn’t like it one bit. But I said nothing out of fear that Camilla could easily kick my ass.

“Like I said to Mira, this is Ryker’s decision to make,” Camilla continued, “and he will be less tolerant of your disrespect than I am. Shape up, and you might just survive running with our pack.”

 

Side Note: Hello All.  Not many notes this time around.  But I have to give a very big THANK YOU to Jowita who made some poses for me.  Without her help this chapter would not have been possible.  If you are interested, Jowita put the poses on her website for download.  You can find them HERE.  And again, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Now I am off to catch up on some of my reading.  Have a great day, or night depending on when you are reading this.

 

Chapter 3.12 A Not Very Awesome History Lesson

 

“Crazy, but that’s how it goes. Millions of people living as foes” I sang as I jammed on my air guitar.

It reminded me of when I was a kid I would play air guitar in my room for hours. This time I am jamming in my new living room, wearing my boxers, with my new best friend the magic mirror.

“Maybe it’s not too late to learn how to love, and forget how to hate.”

 

Confused about what is going on? Well, let me catch you up on all that has happened since last time. I quickly learned that Moonlight Falls is not like any other place in the world. And things that I once thought didn’t exist ​actually do exist; like witches, vampires, and talking magical mirrors. Once I accepted these truths, life became easier.

I understood that there were supernatural elements outside my door, and although these newly found truths didn’t scare me, I didn’t have any desire to leave my house. I was glad to have the magical mirror after all, even though he can be a sarcastic jerk some most of the time.

I found it creepy to have that face in the bedroom watching me while I sleep at night, so I moved him into the living room. That magical mirror became someone to talk to; the only someone to talk to. But, I couldn’t keep calling him My Magical Mirror.

 

“Why don’t I call you…. Marvin?” I asked him one morning, “Marvin My Magical Mirror.”

“You have some nerve, you know that?!” Mirror reacted in offense to my question. “You can’t just name me. I’m not your pet!”

I didn’t mean to upset Mirror. It wasn’t my intention to be rude. He is just being overly sensitive. On the other hand, I was in no position to offend my only source of communication. If I didn’t have the mirror to talk to I would go insane. I needed to make things right, for my own sanity.

“I am sorry if I offended you,” I turned on the Charming Charm as I faked my way through the apology, “I didn’t mean to make you mad when I decided to give you a name. I don’t want to call you just Mirror.”

“Whatever,” Mirror saw right through my fake apology, but accepted it anyway. “You need to know that I am more than just a face in the mirror. I had, I mean have, a name. A long time ago I was referred to by the name of Bertwalten.”

“Alright then, I’ll call you Bertwalten.”

“No, I’ve always hated that name. Just call me Bert instead.”

 

That is how my friendship with the talking mirror Bert all started. I figured that it would be safe to tell Bert about my past so I told him all about the events that brought me to Moonlight Falls. He is a man who got trapped in a mirror by a gypsy’s curse, so who is Bert to judge me? Still, when I asked him about whoever owned this house before me Bert quickly changed the subject.

And that leads me here, dancing around with my air guitar while Bert sings backup.

“Mental wounds not healing. Life’s a bitter shame” I sang as I danced. “I’m going off the rails on a crazy train.”

“And now it is time for my badass drum solo,” Bert made drumming sounds that sounded almost like the real thing, “bam ba da da ba da.”

 

Bert finished his drum solo, and said, “I gotta tell ya, this is the most fun I have had in a very long time, but… don’t you want to go outside the house and meet people?”

I swear, Bert can be such a buzz kill at times.

“Oh come on, my singing isn’t that bad, and don’t complain about the boxers. So what if I happen to like comics,” I joked hoping to avoid the subject, “We can play ​Thunderstruck next. I know how much you like that song.”

“​Thunderstruck does show off my amazing drumming skills, but the point remains that you need to get out of the house. It has been what, three weeks since you got here? Not once have you opened that front door.”

“That is not true, I open that door every time the pizza delivery guy leaves. And I opened the door to pick up my packages that I ordered on Simazon.”

“That is not what I meant and you know it. Opening the door after the pizza guy leaves the pizza on the front step, does ​not​ count.”

I accept the fact that Moonlight Falls is the home to all different kinds of supernatural creatures that I never knew existed until now. But I am not one of them. I am a beastly looking freak who was cursed by a jealous psycho witch. I just recently made Moonlight Falls my home, and I really don’t want to be driven out of town by a torch wielding angry mob.

 

Bert was somber and serious when he spoke, “I get that you are nervous, things are scary out there. Osiris and his thugs own the night, but you need to think of Moonlight Falls as the supernatural Island of Misfit Toys. No one in this town is perfect, and they might be not as freaked out about how you look as you might think that they will be.”

I know that Bert means well, but he doesn’t know what he is talking about. I don’t wantto leave this house, and thanks to the internet I don’t have to. Everything that I need I can order off of Simazon and have it delivered to my home. From food, to XXL clothing, and even giant, thick, dark green curtains to cover all of the windows. I am perfectly happy right here.

“I’m not saying that you should visit the Seasonal Festival or anything like that,” Bert could tell that I was still anxious, and he was trying his best to be supportive, “start out small. Why not go to the library? You wanted to find out more about the spell that you are under, right? Well, the old library is the best place to start. Besides, no one ever goes there.”

Bert got me there. Any hope of breaking this spell lays outside of these walls. I conceded with a sigh, and tried to mentally prepare myself for going outside the safety of my house. Bert displayed a map of Moonlight Falls that showed me the quickest way to the library. No more stalling. It was time to man up (or should I say beast up), and venture outside.

 

Bert was right, no one ever goes to the library. Aside from the librarian working the front desk, who gave me a strange look but didn’t say anything, I was all by myself. I walked up and down the aisles of books searching for something that might give me any insight into the curse Becca used on me. I wasn’t too optimistic about finding a book, but soon I realized that my search was going to be less like finding a needle in a haystack and more like finding a needle in a hay silo.

Most of the books were in an ancient foreign language that I didn’t recognize. They looked older than dirt, and I feared that they might disintegrate when I touched them. I was quickly getting frustrated, and fought to keep my composure. The last thing I wanted to do was make a scene, even if there was only one other person here with me.

I berated myself for letting Bert talk me into coming to this stupid library. What did I expect to find; a book titled Reversing Spells 101 or Spells to Cast on an Ex-Boyfriend, and How to Break Them?

 

I was on my way out when I was stopped in my tracks by a familiar sounding voice. It belonged to my annoyingly cheerful neighbor. I peeked my head around the corner to watch her interaction with the librarian.

“I would like to check these books out please,” my neighbor said in her signature upbeat tone.

“You checked these same books out two week ago,” the librarian sneered. At least I am not the only one who finds my neighbor insufferable.

“I understand that,” my neighbor was relentlessly optimistic, “but I have read everything in this place.   Now, I am going back and rereading my favorites.”

I looked around the library. It wasn’t as large as the one in Twinbrook, but there must be about a million books in this dusty old place. And my neighbor has read them all. What a nerd!

 

“Why don’t you just keep the stupid books then?” the librarian spat. His attitude went from slightly annoyed to downright nasty in a matter of seconds. “That way I don’t have to have your Immundus infecting my library.”

I admit that the overly cheerfulness can be obnoxious for sure, but there was no need for such a hateful attitude change. My neighbor tried very hard not to let those comments get to her, but I could have sworn that I saw a tear escape her eye. She ran out of the library, leaving the books on the desk, before we could see any more tears fall.

What made the librarian become so hostile like that?  I really felt bad for the poor girl.  Crap, now I feel bad for when I yelled at her a few weeks ago. And for calling her a nerd. I could hear both Bert, as well as Grandpa Ryan, telling me to run after this girl and apologize. Without saying anything to the librarian I grabbed the books off his desk and ran out the door to catch up to my no longer upbeat neighbor.

 

“Hey, wait up, you forgot these,” I called out when I caught up to her a few blocks from the library. “Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine,” my neighbor smiled, but I could tell that she had been crying.

Her nose was red and her face was puffy. Despite her sad looking appearance I couldn’t help but notice her captivating rainbow colored eyes. I have never seen rainbow colored eyes before. Those were the kind of eyes you could get lost in.

If you were into that sort of thing, which for the record I would like to say that I am not.

“Do I know you?” she asked when she felt I had been gazing at her eyes for too long.

“Kind of,” I said sheepishly. I have never been good at apologizing, even on the rare occasion when I have meant it. “You and your friends came to my door a few weeks ago. I have to say sorry about the way I yelled at you. I was just having a really bad day that day.”

“Apology accepted,” she smiled at me as she took the books from my hands, her cheerfulness starting to return.

 

“Well, now we can properly introduce ourselves. My name is Mira. Mira Crumplebottom.” Mira held out her hand for me to shake, but I was nervous about her touching my furry paw. Instead I shoved my hands in my pockets.

“My name is Linc…Ryan. I am Linc Ryan.” I didn’t want Mira to know my real name, because I didn’t want her, or anyone else, to know who I really am. Besides, what if she knows Becca and her family?

“So, how do you like Moonlight Falls so far, Linc?” Mira tried making conversation. If she was put off by my standoffishness she didn’t let it show.

“It’s fine, I guess. To be honest I really haven’t been out much.”

“Really? Well then, why don’t you come out tonight with me and meet some of my friends?”

 

Meet her friends?!?! I couldn’t do that. I look like a beast. I should avoid crowds at all cost.

“There are a few people you should meet.” Mira smiled at me. Her rainbow eyes were pleading with me to say yes. “Just say that you will think about it.”

“I don’t think that is a good idea.” I said as I tried to think about what would happen if I met Mira’s friends.  All I could picture was an angry mob.

“Well, the invitation is always there,” Mira didn’t let my rejection of her tarnish her smile. “Here is my number just in case you change your mind. And you know where I live. Stop by anytime.”

I watched her walk up to her house, but before she entered she turned back around to me and smiled. Those rainbow eyes shining in the sun.

 

“You got her number?” was Bert’s reaction when I told him all that had happened, “Way to go stud!!”

“Be serious,” I was in no mood for Bert’s sarcastic jokes, “still, there is one thing that I don’t understand.”

“What is it?”

“Bert,” I asked with all seriousness. “What does Immundus mean?”

“Sit down,” Bert’s demeanor changed from jovial to stern once I said that word ​Immundus. “There are some things that I gotta tell ya.”

 

Side Note: ​Just in case you weren’t sure, or if you haven’t read it already, I posted a special chapter explaining the history of Moonlight Falls, and some of the residence of the town. Bert tells Lincoln all about the history, and the current conflict between Grendel & Osiris against the Immundus. Basically, the same thing that I have already outlined for all of you.

I am excited that we get to meet more characters in the next few chapters. I didn’t want to overwhelm the chapter by introducing too many people all at once. I wanted to show Bert as Lincoln’s confidant and advisor. While Mira is a way for me to introduce some of the other characters. If any of this is hard to understand, let me know. It all makes sense in my head, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it makes sense on paper.

And did you recognize the librarian? Well, if you are a fan of Neverdoitagain, then you may have recognized my favorite Rosenthal, Dellie, playing the part of the librarian. I cannot say enough nice things about Jowita and her amazingly awesome story. Thank you for allowing me use Dellie for my story. 🙂

And as always, have a great day or night depending on when you are reading this.

 

 

 

Tiny Update

It has been over a month since I posted a new chapter, and I want to reassure everyone that no I did not fall off the face of the earth.  As many of you know about me (and most of you are this way as well) I am a perfectionist.  I spend way too much time making sure that even the smallest detail of these chapters are prefect.  And Generation 3 has been no exception.  Mainly the new photo filters for Moonlight Falls.

I have been stressing out so much about these filters that each and every picture gets edited about at least a dozen times.  I want to make sure that every picture to not too dark, or too light, and I try very very hard to make sure that they are consistent across the board.  That is why it has taken me over a month to post a new chapter.

Things have gotten so bad that I have been ignoring WordPress in general, and for that I am truly sorry.  It is not like me to not keep up with stories, but I have fallen so far behind on my reading as well.

However, not all is lost.  I think that I have found a happy place with my photos.  Plus, I am feverishly catching up on missed chapters.  I will try to be all caught up by the end of the weekend, but don’t hold me to that.

In fact, I am going to leave you with a picture from the next chapter.  Again, if it is too dark please let me know.  And as always, have a great day or night depending on when you are reading this.  🙂

 

Chapter 3.11 There is Nothing Awesome about Moonlight Falls

 

It was still dark with the early morning sun not yet peering over the snow capped mountains when I found my way to my new, yet temporary, home that Autumn had rented for me. The walk from the train station was spent in total quiet. Not even the sounds of crickets chirping. Nothing but sounds of silence.

Back home in Twinbrook it was warm and sunny as spring was transitioning into summer. But here in Moonlight Falls there was a chill in the air. A thin layer of frost clung to the blades of grass and hung from the trees that were starting to change color. I should have been cold, but my newly acquired fur kept the chill away.

Just thinking about the fact that I now have fur made me sick. But I couldn’t focus on that right now. I didn’t want to think about the past 24 hours, and how everything had changed so drastically.

 

All I wanted to do was crawl into bed, and sleep my cares away. I was so exhausted that I didn’t even bother pulling back the bed covers. I just passed out on top of the bed, which to my delight was surprisingly comfortable. Who knows, maybe when I wake up I will discover that this was all just a horrible nightmare. In the morning I will find myself back in my nice safe bed, in my own room, with Captain still asleep by my feet.

No such luck.

I was rudely woken up by loud, and very annoying, banging on my front door. No one knows I am here. Who on Earth could be at my door? And what could they possibly want?

 

I stood at the door and demanded to know, “Who is there?”

I looked through the peephole to see three people standing at my front door. One was a female bride of Frankenstein looking sim; I guess you could call her a ragdoll. She had blueish grey skin with scars from stitches all over her body and face. To the doll’s far left was a male fairy. That is not a comment on his sexual orientation. I mean to say that he was a literal fairy, wings and all. In the center of this intruding trio was a female. She looked human enough, but in a place like Moonlight Falls who’s to say otherwise. In her hands was a giant wicker basket wrapped with a variety of foods and other useless trinkets.

“We are your Moonlight Falls Welcome Committee,” the middle human female sang as she talked. She was way too perky for it being so early in the morning. They have said only seven words to me, and I already hate my neighbors.

“Go away,” I growled.

 

“We are here to welcome you to the neighborhood,” the ragdoll added in almost perfect harmony of annoyingly upbeat enthusiasm.

“We have a welcome basket for you,” the female human chimed in.

“Are you going to come out or not?” the fairy was not as patient as his female companions. Either way, I was not going to open the door.

“I don’t want your stupid basket,” I growled louder, “just go away.”

“Well,” the female human didn’t let my roar dampen her positive attitude, “I’m just going to leave the basket here for you. I live two houses down, so feel free to stop by anytime.”

“I said leave me alone, and GO AWAY!!” I let out such a loud roar that it surprised even me.

Without saying another word the trio left the basket at my door and walked away. But before leaving the fairy turned around and flipped me the bird.

 

Finally, I can go back to sleep. My bed was looking softer and more comfortable the closer I got to my bedroom. I was proud of myself for yelling at my neighbors, so they will never bother me again. No more stupid interruptions.

Or so I thought.

“Well, that was rude.” a voice reprimanded.

I looked around the bedroom, and found no one else there with me. Don’t tell me that not only do I now look like a beast, but that I am slowly going insane and hearing voices in my head?

“Who’s there?” I demanded.

“It’s me.” the voice said, “I am over here.”

I frantically looked around the room. I looked under the bed and in the closet, but no one was there. I double checked the bathroom, but the source of the voice was yet to be located. I peeked out the window, but there wasn’t anyone outside either. There was not a single person to be seen.

“You’re getting warmer. No, stupid. Now you are getting colder.” the infuriatingly obnoxious voice directed me as I searched the room once again.

Plumbob, I really am going crazy. “I seriously need to get some sleep.” I moaned.

 

“Try looking in the mirror dumbass.” the voice was getting short with me, which was not called for. And looking the way I do, the last thing I ever want to do is look into a mirror. But I was too tired to argue, and too exasperated to play anymore games. So, I did as I was told and looked over at the mirror.

The mirror could have come from a medieval gothic castle, it looked that old. The mirror stood tall, almost as tall as the dresser, and had ornate carvings all around the glass. But what really caught my attention was the giant floating mask looking back at me. “Hello there,” the mirror smiled at me. Of course the house that Autumn picked just ​had to have a taking mirror. This is just my luck.

Wait, what am I saying? A talking mirror? There is no such thing. This is all just part of my dream. There is no face in the mirror talking back at me. There is no such thing as a magical mirror. On the other hand, 24 hours ago I would have told you that witches and fairies don’t exist either.

 

“I know that you are new to Moonlight Falls,” the not real talking mirror continued speaking to me. “But trust me when I say that you do not want to piss off your neighbors. Especially not with Grendel in charge.”

“Who the fuck is Grendel?” I asked the magical mirror of my sleep deprived hallucination.

“That doesn’t matter now,” the mirror replied. “Right now you need to go to that poor girl’s home and apologize for being so rude. But you can’t go dressed like that.”

Before I could utter one word of protest the all too real mirror magically transformed Grandpa’s old rags that I was wearing into a stupid looking suit.

“There, that is so much better.” the face disappeared, but the voice remained so I could see myself in the reflection.

“I look ridiculous.” I complained.

What the plumbob have I gotten myself into?!?!

 

Side Note: There are only a few notes this time around. I am not sure how many of you read these chapters from the Reader in WP, or from the blog site itself. But just in case you missed it, I updated the site header to show Beast Lincoln.

For this chapter, and for the others going forward, I am adding different lighting and filter effects to the photos. I was going for a reverse Wizard of Oz type of effect where everything in Moonlight Falls is dull with dark tones. After all, Lincoln certainly isn’t in Kansas anymore.

Please let me know what you think of the effects. Is it too dark or not dark enough? Are detail getting lost in the edited photo? Please be honest. I am a big girl and I can take criticism (as long as it is constructive). It won’t hurt my feelings.

And as always have a great day or night depending on when you are reading this.

 

Special Chapter: The Scoop on Moonlight Falls

 

I’m sure that most of you know Moonlight Falls as the world that comes with the Supernatural EP. I haven’t spent much time playing in this world, or with the different supernaturals in general. However, all that changed when Lincoln decided to call Moonlight Falls his new home (or at least his home until he can find a way to break the spell that he is under).

I wanted to make an interesting history for Moonlight Falls, and hopefully this special chapter helps you understand the town, the people/various supernaturals that inhabit the town, and the rising conflict that Lincoln has inadvertently walked into the middle of (ooh foreshadowing).

In the end, my hope for you is to have a better understanding of the back-story of what was going on before Lincoln came to Moonlight Falls, and how that past affects his present.

 

Time for a History Lesson

Moonlight Falls was once the hotspot for all things supernatural. Any supernatural being could be themselves without fear of rejection, discrimination, and most importantly without the gawking eyes of humans. Humans have always known that these supernatural beings actually do exist, although most details about them were shrouded in mystery. Humans didn’t understand them, therefore all things supernatural were feared and avoided at all cost. But as time when on, and supernaturals became ingrained into pop culture, they became less scary and more of an obsession for humans.

For an example of what I mean we can take a look at vampires. The old legends and even old black & white movies show vampires like Dracula as scary, blood sucking monsters who will come at you at night and terrorize your village. Contrast that to how vampires are viewed in today’s culture. Remember the vampire craze that followed the ​Twilight series? Or notice how ​Hotel Transylvania portrays Dracula as the comedic goofball? All stories have vampires, but in today’s culture vampires are considered sexy or funny, and not at all scary. That, in a nutshell, is how Moonlight Falls went from a supernatural haven to a sort of zoo where humans swarmed into town to gaze at the beings that they didn’t fully understand.

With the integration of humans and supernaturals mixing, of course biology takes over. You have humans and supernaturals making offspring. When a human mates with a supernatural there is a 50/50 chance that the child will be supernatural or not. If the child does end up being a supernatural, they are not as powerful as their fully supernatural parent. It is like when you make a copy of a copy. It is never as clear as the original.

As you can imagine these human/supernatural offspring are not well received by either humans or the supernatural. A human child with a supernatural parent can usually get away with integrating into “regular” society (look at Brandon & Ivy). On the other hand, a supernatural child that is also partly human is looked down upon as less than. The supernatural community has a term for these not as powerful offspring: Immundus, which comes from the Latin word for “unclean”.

 

The Residents of Moonlight Falls

That brings us to the present day Moonlight Falls, and the start of the conflict. In order to fully understand the different sides of the battle we have to have a better understanding of some of the families that currently call Moonlight Falls home.

We will start with the Saavedra Family, a powerful, ancient, very well respected wizarding family. Think of them as the supernatural versions of the Kennedy’s or the English Royal Family. Grendel is the head of the Saavedra Family. He also happens to be the mayor, or more accurately he bestowed the title of Supreme Town Commander upon himself. This new title puts him and his family at the center of the conflict. His wife is Hecate and together they have a daughter, Thera, and a son, Alcander.

I feel like I should also mention that supernaturals age differently than humans, and at a much slower pace. Grendel might not look that much older than his son, but at the same time it is not wise to talk to him about the grey hairs that are starting to show up either.

 

As the “mayor” Grendel has decided to exterminate the humans from the town, which also includes the Immundus. But he knew that he couldn’t do this alone. Grendel needed the backing of another powerful family. His best option was to align himself with Osiris Petrov, the most powerful vampire in Moonlight Falls. By Osiris’s side is his wife Reina (she is just as scary/feared as Osiris, maybe even more so). Grendel & Osiris ordered their thugs, a gang lead by Alcander (who gave himself the title of Chief Enforcer), to drive out the humans and their Immundus offspring. Only a few Immundus currently remain in Moonlight Falls and, for the most part, are treated like second class citizens.

 

One such family is Mira Crumplebottom and her father Euclid. You might recognize the last name, since various Crumplebottoms have made appearances in all of the sims games since the very first one. In Moonlight Falls, even, there is a premade family of three Crumplebottom sisters. Right now all you need to know about those sisters is that they are Mira’s cousins, and the three of them are all fighting for Alcander’s attention.

Anyway, every family has a Black Sheep. The one person who has to go against the grain; the family embarrassment. Euclid isn’t the Black Sheep because he spends all of his time in his basement tinkering with his invention workbench. It’s not because he talks in frantic incomprehensible sentences. Euclid became the Black Sheep when he, a powerful warlock, married a human. Yes, that means that Mira is an Immundus.

 

Vampires and witches are not the only supernatural beings to call Moonlight Falls their home. Fairies have looked to Moonlight Falls as a safe haven away from the greedy humans who want to use the fairy dust for their own personal desires. As for the Saavedra & Petrov Families versus the Immundus battle, most fairies fall in line with the powerful wizard & vampire families. However, we will meet one fairy, Flint Blumenfeld, that takes sides with the Immundus. He is best friends with Mira, and is quick to come to her defenses.

 

My Moonlight Falls is also the home of several supernatural beings that are not part of the Supernatural EP. One such sim was not created by me. She was “assembled” by her “father” Frank Enstein. After many trips to the cemetery, and more than a few failed science experiments, Renatta was “born”.

Since Frank was a human, he was driven out of town by Grendel’s goons. Renatta isn’t technically an Immundus, but she is not supernatural either. The goons were not sure what to do with her, so they just left her in the house (after they tore it apart of course). She was all alone, scared, and didn’t know what to do. As luck would have it her neighbor, Mira Crumplebottom, happened to check on the house and found the poor doll. Mira helped the frightened girl, and they have been the closest of friends ever since.

 

Last, but certainly not least, are the werewolves. There are more than a few packs that reside in Moonlight Falls and the surrounding forest, but the main pack in this story is lead by Ryker Silas. His #2 in the pack is a female, which is uncommon but not looked down upon. Her name is Camilla Maynard. There are several other members of the pack (but because I am lazy I have yet to name them).

As you may or may not know, Werewolves and vampires have had a long standing battle going on for centuries. I could do a whole other post on this feud, there is just so much history there. For right now I am just going to concentrate on what is going on in Moonlight Falls.

Werewolves have never had any problems with the human kind. Out of all of the supernaturals, they have always been the most welcoming of humans into the mix. So, when Osiris started pushing the humans and the Immundus out of Moonlight Falls, the werewolves tried to fight back. However, they were no match for the Vampire/Wizard Alliance, and the werewolves were quick to surrender without much of a fight.

 

So, that is pretty much it. You are all caught up on everything you need to know about Moonlight Falls and it’s rich and interesting history. I could go into a lot more detail, but I will wait for certain things to be revealed as Lincoln learns them. Plus this history lesson and character introduction has become much longer than I had intended.

I am excited to know what you think. This is the first time I have ever gone into this much detail about a world and the residences that I have created. Is there anything you are confused about? Did I leave any details out? Is there something, or someone that you would want to know more about? Any feedback would be helpful.

Lastly, but certainly not least, I have to give a very big THANK YOU to Louise of NotJustaBook. I reached out to her asking for her guidance and as an editor for this special. Louise graciously accepted, and was very helpful in her feedback. Again, Thank you.  🙂

And as always, have a great day or night depending on when you are reading this.

Chapter 3.10 A Beastly Turn of Events

 

Waves of panic flooded over me. What the hell just happened to me? What did Becca do to me? What am I going to do now? Where am I going to go? I can’t stay in the park all night. Yet, I certainly can’t go home either. What the hell am I supposed to do?

Without any better ideas of where to go, I headed to the only place I always knew was safe; my grandparent’s old house. No one had been in the house since Grandpa died, so I knew that I would be alone. Plus, it was far enough away from the main house to ensure that I wouldn’t be seen by anyone either. The door was locked, but I climbed in through the back window to make sure no one could see me.

The next thing I needed to do was talk to someone smarter than me who could help me figure out how to turn me back into my former awesome self. After several failed attempts (my stupid claws kept fucking up the letters on the phone) I finally was able to send Autumn a text to come to the house.

 

 

I was hiding in the shadows when Autumn entered the home.

“Don’t turn on the lights!” I roared and with my new gruff voice I sounded madder than I actually was. I could see Autumn was starting to get frightened. I had to keep her clam, but I also needed to prepare her for what she was about to see. “I didn’t mean to yell, but you have to promise me that you are not going to scream when you see me.”

“Lincoln, is that you?” Autumn didn’t recognize my new beastly voice. “Where are you? What is going on?”

I couldn’t put this off any longer. I sighed as I stepped into the light so Autumn could get a look at her twin brother.

 

 

 

To her credit Autumn was shocked when she saw me, but at least she didn’t scream. She stared at me with her mouth gaping open, too stunned to say a word. It took her a few minutes to understand that the monster that stood before her is her once awesome brother.

I told her the whole story making sure to not omit any of the horrific details. She was patient as she listened, saving her obvious questions until the end of my story.

“So, what happens now?” Autumn asked the million dollar question. To which I replied, “I was sort of hoping you might be able to help me with that.”

 

“I was thinking that you might be able to create some sort of potion using that chemistry set of yours.” I was hoping Autumn could find a way out of this. She is the genius of the family after all.

“I don’t know if that will work.” Autumn said skeptically, “this was caused by a powerful supernatural force. I think that only the same type of supernatural power can undo this.”

Great. So I’m stuck like this forever?! What did I ever do to deserve this?

Autumn’s genius brain was working overtime trying to come up with a plan. Meanwhile, I was starting to itch. God, please don’t tell me I have fleas!!

After racking her brain, my awesome, super smart sister came through with a plan, “Let me do some research, find out what I can about magic spells, and witches, and about Becca. In the meantime I will tell Mom & Dad…”

I interrupted her to reiterate, “tell them, in fact tell everyone, that I moved to Bridgeport. I bought a cake, aged up, and moved to Bridgeport to be a Rock Star.”

 

Autumn was gone for most of the day doing her research. While she was gone I tried to find clothes that fit me better. Grandpa Ryan was not a big man, but he was athletically built. I managed to find a few pieces of clothing that helped cover up my fur. I don’t think I will ever get used to saying that; ​fur. Hopefully, with Autumn’s help I won’t be like this for very much longer.

While I waited for Autumn to return I tried to stay positive. I wouldn’t be stuck like this forever. My life isn’t totally over. Autumn will come up with a cure. Even if she has to drag Becca back here by her hair, Autumn will find a way to help me. Autumn will come through. She has to. I don’t have any other option.

I was starting to feel less hopeless, but when I saw the disappointed look on Autumn’s face when she returned, all hope I had managed to muster was gone in an instant.

“I went to Becca’s house,” Autumn recapped her day, “but there was no one there. The house looked like it had been ransacked and whoever was there had left in a hurry.”

 

Autumn’s news didn’t end there. She went on, “So, I went to school to hack into their records to see what I could find on Becca. It took a while since I didn’t even know her last name. I found out that her family moved here from a place called Moonlight Falls. And there is more. You are never going to guess who her older brother is; Aaron! Remember him? From elementary school?”

To be perfectly honest I never really got to know much about Becca and her personal life. I never asked her anything, because I never cared. It even took me a while to remember who Aaron was.

“That lead me to a dead end, since Aaron had to be sent to boarding school.” Autumn continued explaining what else she had discovered. “I did some more searching and found out that Becca’s dad worked at the old elixir shop in the swamp. Without any other options, I went to the shop to see what information I could find. At first the clerk seemed hesitant to talk to me. I finally managed to convince him that I was a friend of Becca’s and that she was going to help me with a spell, but I hadn’t heard from her in a few days. When I asked him about Moonlight Falls he said that, ‘it wasn’t a place for ​my kind’ by that I guess he means a human. Anyway, when he talked about Moonlight Falls he said that it used to be a haven for the supernatural, but since those ‘silly Twilight books’ more and more humans have been flocking to it. He ended with, ‘hopefully their new mayor can set things right’.”

 

So, that was my answer. Any hope I had at finding a cure would be found in Moonlight Falls, but I wondered, “how do I get there?”

Autumn answered my question before I could finish asking, “you know how there is a Dark Web? Well, did you also know that there is a Supernatural Web as well? I used the enchanted computer at the Elixir Shop to do some more research, and I was able to book you a train ticket to Moonlight Falls leaving tonight at midnight.”

Autumn handed me a small envelope and explained, “your ticket and directions on how to get to the supernatural train station are in there. I was also able to rent you a small house for your stay, however long that may be. I also took some money out of my university fund for you. It is not much, but it is all I have.”

Wow, Autumn had gone above and beyond anything I could have expected her to do. I can’t take Autumn’s college money, but she insisted, “I have enough scholarships that I don’t need the money. I want you to have it instead.”

Autumn came close for a hug goodbye, but I couldn’t let her touch me. I can’t be touched right now. Plus, I don’t want to risk what might happen if there was any physical contact; who knows what supernatural voodoo might rub off onto her. I wanted to cry, but my new beast eyes wouldn’t let me. Instead Autumn did the crying for both of us.

Tears fell from her cheeks as she said, “You may look like a beast on the outside, but deep down you are a good person Lincoln. I can’t think of anyone who loves his family more than you do. You may have done some things that were misguided, but I know that your heart was always in the right place. Whatever you are looking for in Moonlight Falls, I hope you find it.”

 

Before I left for the train station I took one final look at the house I grew up in. Wondering if I would ever see it again. I asked Autumn to tell Mom & Dad that I was sorry, but this was something that I just had to do. To tell Willow that it is her job to take care of Thor, and that I know she won’t let me down. To tell George that I wish him all the best in life, and tell Grandma Cindy that I love her more than anything.

On my way to the train station I stopped to say one final goodbye to Grandpa Ryan. Then I made my way to the train station to start my new life in Moonlight Falls.

 

Author’s Side Note:  I am sure that most of you already know this, but just in case, I had the honor to be interviewed by the super talented, and just all-around good person, Kymber.  You can read the interview HERE.  I cannot say enough nice things about Kymber and her story, which inspires me on so many levels.  If you are not currently following her blog, then you are missing out!

And again, thank you so much for asking me to do the interview.  I enjoyed it so very much.  🙂

Chapter 3.9 From Disaster to WTF

Side Note Warning: As you may have guessed from the title, there is swearing in this chapter. Lincoln isn’t totally hopeless yet, but most of the time I can’t get him to control his mouth. There is also one picture that NSFW. Hopefully this is nothing too offensive.

 

I was still beyond pissed off at my parents when I sent Brandy & Mandy a text to meet me at the outdoor amphitheater. It was an unusually chilly night for it being almost summer. I started a small fire while I waited for them. The more I poked at the fire the angrier I got.

I was mad at everyone. I was mad at Mom & Dad for not supporting me. I am their only son, and they should want what is best for me. I was mad at Autumn for trying to talk me out of leaving. I know that she meant well, but she has no idea what it feels like to be me. I was even mad at Grandpa Ryan for dying. If he was still here he would have had my back and talked some sense into my parents. I was starting to get mad at Brandy & Mandy for taking forever to show up.

Where are they?!?!

 

“It is about time.” I said as I heard rustling in the bushes.

I was expecting to see Brandy and/or Mandy when I looked up from the firepit. However, standing in front of me was a frail, wrinkly old lady whom I had never seen before. She was wearing a pale yellow nightgown, with a matching headscarf trying to cover her thin grey hair. She was still standing several feet away from me, but I could smell her old lady stink from here.

“Please, sir,” the ugly old hag said, “please let me stand by your small fire. It is so cold outside, and I have nowhere else to go.”

What was I supposed to do? What would The Twins think of me if they saw me standing by this old fruitcake sharing the fire I made for them? In a firm tone, with annoyance and anger in my voice, I told her, “NO”.

“You would turn away a poor old woman?” she wailed. “You would say no someone asking for your help?”

“Listen you old kook, I don’t know who you think you are, but how dare you talk to me that way. You are starting to piss me off” this old bird just made the list of people I was mad at tonight. “It is not ​that cold out here, you’ll survive. Go find someone else to bother. I am waiting here for someone, so you need to go away now.”

 

The old hag took a step back and asked, “Would you be so rude if I looked like this?”

In a puff of smoke the old lady was gone. She had morphed into a young, hot, sexy woman wearing a see-through gold bikini that left nothing to the imagination. All of a sudden I wasn’t missing Brandy and Mandy anymore. Who needs those two when I have every man’s fantasy standing right in front of me? She took a few steps closer to me (unfortunately is was not close enough). She swayed her hips and flaunted everything in all the right places.

“Can I stand by your fire now?” she asked, her voice sounding as seductive as Marilyn Monroe.

“Why make yourself look like that crazy old lady when you can make yourself look hot?” I asked the almost naked bombshell. “Looking like that you can do more than just ​stand next to me.”

“I made myself look old because I wanted to see what type of person you truly are.” the sex kitten purred as she blew me a kiss.

 

To my dismay nothing happened between me and my sex goddess. Instead she changed form once again. She didn’t turn back into the old hag (thank plumbob). This time she took the form of someone I knew all too well; my ex Becca.

“What the fuck is going on here?” I demanded to know what happened to the sexy super model? “What kind of fucked up game are you playing here?”

 

“I told you, I wanted to see what type of person you really are.”, Becca smiled as she spoke to me, although I couldn’t understand why. She was acting like she was privy to a joke that only she thought was funny.

These games were starting to get on my nerves. I had a few questions for my ex that needed to be answered right now. Like how the fuck did she know I was here, what the fuck is she doing here, and what the fuck is up with her not so funny magic trick? Before I could ask these questions aloud Becca chimed in with her responses.

“I put an enchantment on Brandy & Mandy’s phones. I have seen every perverted, disgusting sext you have sent them, and all of the gross sexts they have sent to you. I knew that you had asked them to meet you here tonight. I also made sure that they would not be able to read your message, so you can stop wondering where they are. The Slut Twins aren’t coming. I needed to get you alone.” Becca’s response only added more questions.

“But why?”

“I need the world to see you for who you really are Lincoln Charming.” Becca’s ridiculous smile was replaced with anger (another look that does not look good on her). “I want the world to see you for the monster you really are.”

I guess that I can be man enough to admit that I haven’t always been perfect all of the time. I’m not the model student that my parents want me to be. But to call me a monster? What did I ever do to her? Who does this bitch think she is?!

 

“You are rude, selfish, arrogant, mean, and selfish” Becca was madder than she was during Prom. So mad that she was having a hard time putting sentences together. “You are…you are… you are nothing but a beast!”

I had heard enough of Becca and her stupid insults. I wanted to walk away and leave this psycho behind me, but I couldn’t go anywhere. As hard as I tried I couldn’t get my feet to move. Becca had put a spell on me using some supernatural force that was beyond my control.   Before I knew it, she had my feet off the ground, lifting me a foot into the air. I kicked as I tried to fight my way out from under her spell, but all of my efforts were useless. I knew wasn’t going anywhere until she had finished her rant.

 

“You are a beast, and soon the whole world will know it.” Becca still had me under her control. She had me suspended off the ground, unable to run away.

But even then I wasn’t worried. What is the worst this girl could do to me? I am Lincoln James Charming. Nothing can hurt me. As she spoke I just laughed at her.

“I can see that you are not taking this seriously, but soon you will.” threatened Becca. She uttered some words that were not from this world, and a bolt of lightning shot out of her fingertips and pierced right through me.

For a split second nothing happened. I was about to laugh at her again, but then an immense pain suddenly shot through me. I felt like my skin was being poked with a million tiny needles. My insides felt like they were on fire. I became numb and yet fully aware of the pain all at the same time. I was involuntarily convulsing, but even then my feet wouldn’t fall. I was still supernaturally stuck in place as the lightning sent painful shockwaves up and down my body. It was a billion times worse than anything I could have ever experienced. My skin began to itch and burn, almost like it was melting off. The excruciating pain was getting so intense that I lost my vision. All I saw was white hot pain. After it was all finally over I found myself on the ground gasping for air.

 

Even through the pain I could still hear Becca’s words loud and clear.

“I am not done with you yet, Lincoln. I don’t know if it is my curiosity, or my need to make you suffer. Maybe it is a little bit of both. But I am going to leave you this rose as to remind you that even the most beautiful things can hurt you. And as a fun little bonus for me, I am going to add a little clause to this spell. If, and only ​if​, you can learn to actually truly love someone, ​and ​have that person love you in return; only then will this spell be broken.   Maybe you can change. Maybe you have learned your lesson. But who am I kidding, you will never love anyone but yourself. And who could ever learn to love a beast?”

 

After the pain subsided enough to allow me to stand, I tried getting my bearings. I knew where I was, obviously I was still at the outdoor amphitheater. Yet, it all looked different. It smelled different. Sounded different. I even felt different, and not just from the pain caused by the bolts of lightning Becca shot me with. I looked down at my hands and….

WHAT THE FUCK!!!

 

Author’s note: So there you have it. After 9 chapters we learn that this generation’s fairytale will be Beauty and the Beast. This story, however, will be told from the point of view of the beast. I am excited to show off the rest of Lincoln’s new look (I went on the CC Hunt to end all CC Hunts), but that will have to wait until the next chapter. 😉

I am dying to know what you all think. I would love to hear any feedback. I tried very hard not to leave too many hints about the fairytale reveal. Did any of you have any ideas about Lincoln being The Beast before reading this chapter? Let me know.  

And as always, have a great day or night depending on when you are reading this.

Chapter 3.8 From Prom-tacular to Disaster

So much has happened since prom night. Let me catch you up. First off, much to my utter dismay, no romantic connection formed between Autumn and George. Maybe it is all for the best though. Autumn will be going to college earlier than expected (she is just that smart). She has her pick of any top university that she wants to attend. And it is a known fact that long distance relationships don’t work.

On the plus side, Autumn & George seem to have become the best of friends. Autumn, George, and I have known each other since we were all toddlers growing up together. For the most part though, George was my friend while Autumn enjoyed playing by herself. Autumn has always been very shy and had a hard time making friends. She had been too shy to eat lunch with me and my entourage. So, I’m glad that she now has a friend in George. He has taken over my job of helping Autumn document her findings over the telescope.

 

I ​am ​happy to report that I haven’t seen Becca since prom night. Can you imagine how humiliated she must feel about how insane she acted when she saw me dancing with the Castor twins? She went bat shit crazy on me, and is probably too mortified to show her face out in public.

That, and I am sure that Becca is heartbroken beyond repair because I dumped her so publicly. I didn’t want to dump her in front of the entire school, but in the end she really left me no choice. Seriously though, what did she expect from me? Becca knew that we were never serious. Or exclusive. I can’t help it if she fell for me. It is not my fault that I am so devastatingly handsome and charming. Becca knew the risks. Sometimes when you play with fire, you get burned.

 

I, on the other hand, have been having the time of my life! Mandy & Brandy Castor sure know how to make a guy feel special. And boy, do I feel special. So much so that I completely forgot about the university entrance exam that I was scheduled to complete.

It is something that every high school student has to go though. We have to meet with one of our school counselors so they can administer some sort of test looking at all of our skills, our GPA, and our personality traits. The test is suppose to determine what area of study would be best when we enroll in the university of our choosing, and sets up any scholarships if needed. I couldn’t care less about missing the exam, because I have no interest in attending university. But Mom was not going to be so forgiving if she ever found out.

“How did the test go?” Mom asked me. She cornered me in the living room, and wouldn’t let me go.

I didn’t know how to answer her question. I didn’t want to lie to my mother, but I didn’t want to start a fight with her either. And I knew that if I told her I missed the test it would start World War III.

“It was fine.” I decided to lie.

“I guess I don’t have to ask which part of the test you excelled at the most.” Mom flashed the same ridiculous smile she does every time she thinks she is being clever. She meant that I was a shoe-in for the music program.

“Nope, you sure don’t” I said quickly, hoping that would be the end of the conversation. I was not so lucky.

 

“Lincoln James Charming,” I could tell Mom was super pissed because she very rarely uses my full name. “I know for a fact that you missed the exam. Your counselor called. Why didn’t you take the university exam? Why do you feel like you can lie to me?”

I didn’t know how to answer those questions either. What is it with parents asking questions that they already know the answer to?!

“If you knew that I didn’t take the stupid test then why did you ask me about it?” I was trying to beat Mom at her own game.

“I was giving to a chance to explain yourself.” Mom responded, “Are you sick, nervous, anxious about the results? Whatever it is you can talk to me about it.”

“No,” I was starting to seriously get offended by my mom’s constant interference in my life. She is always doing this to me. Always putting her nose into my business when she just needs to butt out! “Why don’t you just leave me alone? Just because you are crazy and have to see a therapist, doesn’t mean that I am messed up like you are!”

 

Let’s clear something up right now. I don’t take it back, and I don’t regret what I said to Mom. I know that she talks to a therapist once a week. She has been going for as long as I can remember. But seeing a therapist doesn’t mean that ​she has the right to psychoanalyze ​me. What I do regret is saying it loud enough for my dad to hear. He came charging out of the kitchen, faster than a charging bull, and he was just as pissed off.

“Do not speak to your mother that way.” Dad reprimanded me.

I don’t know if he was trying to scare me or what, but I was not backing down without a fight! “I don’t want to go to any stupid university, okay!!” I finally came clean. “I want to move to Bridgeport and be a Rock Star just like Leo Capra!”

For the next few moments both my parents stared at me in silence. Trying to comprehend what I was saying. They both looked at me as if I was speaking a foreign language. Like me being a world famous Rock Star is so hard for them to fucking believe. Then my parents recovered, and all hell broke loose.

 

“You think that you will just step foot off the plane, and what?” Mom and Dad questioned me like it was the Spanish Inquisition, “someone is going to run up to you and hand you a contract? Life doesn’t work that way. You need to go to university to hone your skills. If you want to be a rock star, then of course we support that. But why not go to university to train to be the best musician you can be?”

Mom thinks that she is so smart. That just because she went to college everyone has to. Well, I had a comeback for her stupid logic. “Not everyone ​has to go to university to be successful. What about Grandpa Ryan? He became a professional racer right out of high school.”

“Your Grandfather was recruited after high school. He also trained everyday and worked very hard to become as successful as he was. And I’m sure this Leon Capra is also very talented and works very hard at what he does as well.” Mom tried her best to calm down, but she doesn’t understand how dumb she is sounding right now.

Mom can be so stupid, she has no idea what she is talking about. So, I had to put her, and Dad, in their place by saying, “First off, it’s ​Leo​ Capra, and he is the greatest musician of all time. And his band, Accidental Therapy, is the best band of all time! I am going to Bridgeport to meet him, and be like his protégé. I will be the opening act when the band is on tour. And Leo will introduce me to all of the important people in the music business. I’ll be famous, you’ll see!”

 

“That all sounds fine, in theory.” Dad was not as mad as he was before, but he was still pretty upset at me. At least he stopped yelling. “But how do you plan on making that happen? When you are at the university you will make all sorts of connections. The University of Roaring Heights has a great music program. Why don’t you just at least talk to their admissions rep?”

The truth was I didn’t have the slightest idea how to get a meeting with Leo Capra or anyone associated with his band. It’s not like their phone number is listed. I couldn’t just Google it. But there was no way in hell I was going to tell my parents that.

“Grandpa believed in me. He always told me to follow my dreams.” mentioning Grandpa over and over again was a cheap shot to try to get Mom more upset. I figured that if I mention him it will distract her from asking me any more questions that I didn’t have the answer to. It didn’t totally work. Mentioning Grandpa made Mom sad, which made Dad mad at me again.

“Your grandfather set aside a college fund for you. He started it the minute you and Autumn were born. He has an account for Willow as well. Why would he do that if he didn’t want you to go to a good school to get a good education?”

I had heard enough. My mind was already made up. I am going to Bridgeport. I am going to be a famous rock star. I am going to have millions of adoring fans. And I will NOT let anyone stand in my way. “I don’t care what you say. And I am not going to stand here and listen to your stupid bullshit.”

“Do NOT curse at us, Lincoln James Charming. You are grounded for a month!”

“I can’t wait until I become a young adult. And then I can do whatever the hell I want. And you can’t fucking stop me!”

“that is enough!  Go to your room and don’t come down until you can stop being a smart ass!!”

 

I was so pissed off I stormed up to my room stomping my feet and making as much noise as possible. I didn’t come down for dinner. And I sent Willow away when she brought me up some leftovers a few hours later. I was still mad as hell, and I couldn’t stand being in that house with those hypocrite parents of mine for a minute longer. As soon as everyone was asleep I snuck out my bedroom window. I wanted to go meet Mandy & Brandy so they can make me feel better. I was in the backyard about to make a break for it, when I heard Autumn asking me to stop.

“How did you know I was out here?” I questioned her although I already knew the answer. The psychic twin connection can come out of nowhere when you are not expecting it.

“Go back into the house and talk to them.” Autumn pleaded with me. “You know that Mom and Dad love you. They just want what they think is best for you.”

“There is no reasoning with them.” I wanted to shout, but I had to whisper to make sure no one else woke up. “I can’t be here anymore. I need out now.”

“That fight between the three of you got way out of hand. Just take the night to sleep on it and tomorrow you all will be calmer and you can talk to them then.”

I should have listened to her. I should have gone back up to my room, and taken the night to cool off. I should have not let my emotions get so out of hand. I shouldn’t have let my stubbornness get so out of hand. I should have done all those things, because what happened next changed my life forever!