Patrick began cracking his whip. The horse reared up, neighing and kicking out with it's front legs. "We cannot stand back much Lark. These mutts have it coming!"

He held up his head, making a good head count of the werewolves.

Please allow me to introduce myself, I am a man of wealth and taste. Nice to meet you, hope you can guess my name.

Hoffmann Manor

Hildegard put two fingers in her mouth and blew, releasing a sharp whistle.

"Hello. My name is Hildegard Hoffmann. You might already know who I am. A lot of you have beaten me up."

She paused for effect. Nobody laughed.

"Anyway. This has all been a misunderstanding, I promise. Please, take your packmates home. We have no intention of harming you. That being said, if you attack anyone without good reason, Captain Ironfoot will be forced to take you into custody. And that goes for non-werewolves as well." She punctuated her last statement with a glare at Patrick.

---

"Cool it, Brom Bones," Sloane hissed. "If you want to fight people who way outnumber you, do it where other people can't get in the way."

edited 31st May '17 11:14:14 AM by emilyorthoclase

Upon spotting not just the dragon, but also now a giant, ALL the werewolves stopped.

Then Lady Hoffman made a plea for a peaceful resolution. This wasn't in the beast-men's nature- they wanted blood- but they knew they had no option here.

One werewolf helped the one carrying her mate, and then the whole pack turned around, and quickly vanished into the night, soon leaving the city altogether and returning to the forest.

Hoffman Manor

Rallos had yelped in surprise, the dragon crashing to the ground as something grabbed his tail. He had rolled, almost crushing Ironfoot, before hopping back to his feet, wings flared and teeth bared. Not in that order.

His eyes narrowed when he spotted the giant. "What the hell was that for?" He asked angrily, his jaws steaming with white mist. He wasn't normally a violent person, but something inside him made him want to fight this guy.

Rallos's anger had dissipated when he realized that the werewolves were leaving. Brushing off dirt from his scales, he kept a close eye on Karl, but he didn't move to provoke him anymore. After all, even if he really, really wanted to get at him, there were smaller people in their midst. A fight, while also legally dubious, would undoubtedly hurt others.

Wooze looks at Glass with a 'please take her away' look

Outside Hoffman Manor - Jules Verne, Eat Your Heart Out

The dragon's roll forced Karl to let go, stumbling back and making sure his shoulder-saddled passenger wasn't sent flying, "Godverdomme!" The giant cursed in surprise, at least happy to see the wolf-like creature jump free of its clawed grip. The snarling teeth of the dragon and confronting stance made something boil within him, black eyes narrowing and stony teeth bared in return, "Paardenlul, sterf aan kanker!" He swore at the dragon, taking a few antagonistic steps forward before he could even think, "You..." Karl tried to breathe and quell his cyclopean rage, "You were attacking that little wolf!" The Child-Eater explained, watching the werewolves leave with some satisfaction - a booth bath avoided for the night.

Karl couldn't bring himself to apologise for assault the now calm dragon but did take note of the other, smaller beings nearby - he recognised two of the hunters, "Wait, you are the hunters I met earlier..." The jötunn scratched his beard, not recognising the others. He was regaining something of his usual kindliness, "I heard the howls and roars from across town! Are you always so quick on the heels of danger?" He smirked, "What is happening here?"

“Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?”

Hoffmann Manor

"Pretty much, big guy," Sloane replied. "Long story short, werewolves attacked, we took two of them into custody, their pack showed up and probably would've killed us all if we hadn't let us take them back. Also, Ironbutt and his strike team showed up because some rando planted bombs around our house. Hildegard's mom got rid of them, so we're safe."

Hildegard stepped between the giant and the dragon. "Yes, we're safe now. Let's give everyone a chance to disperse. It's pretty late and I'm sure everyone would like to get some rest. Anyone who doesn't have a place to stay or doesn't feel safe walking alone at night is welcome to stay here."

Once she was sure they wouldn't attack one another, Hildegard made her way to Ironfoot.

"Captain Ironfoot, it was a pleasure working with you tonight, and I hope that our teams can continue cooperating in the future. I should warn you - two members of the Van Helsing family have arrived in San Lorenzo. We have reason to believe they may show up at the opening of the Transformed Humans Rehabilitation Center tomorrow, and that they might try something questionable."

Patrick was listening to everything with a slight curiosity. He didn't exactly care much about it, and was rather pleased that the werewolves had been driven off. So now, he just kept an eye on the giant and dragon.

Please allow me to introduce myself, I am a man of wealth and taste. Nice to meet you, hope you can guess my name.

Lark, The Manor

Lark blinked, surprised at the werewolves just leaving. It wasn't what she had expected, based on what she had heard. Then again, she wasn't the strongest monster here (which was a change), and you'd have to be stupid to take on a giant and a dragon. She turned to Sloane, seemingly pulling her notepad out of nowhere again.

-I'd prefer not to have to go back to my apartment. It's on the edge of the Crypt.-

She paused for a moment, tilting her head in a very birdlike fashion.

-Have you guys had dinner? I could cook you something.-

[TOP SECRET]

Seawell had nervously been watching events develop from one of the Mansion's windows. He was REALLY scared when it looked liked the dragon and the giant were about to fight, and was about to jump out and run away (again!)

-but then Lady Hoffman calmed everyone and the werewolves left. Huh.

He sighed in relief, and then heard about the offer for anyone to stay the night. He immediately ran downstairs and went, "Ahem. Yes. I graciously accept your offer, Ma'am. Truly, San Lorenzo's streets are not safe at night."

And hearing someone say something about dinner, only made him smile all the more.

Patrick coughed. "Got anywhere for my horse? I need somewhere to put him where he can't be causing any trouble," he explained, hoping they would understand.

He did hear about the Van Helsings being around, but didn't take the thought to seriously. He was more interested in having a place to stay for the night.

Please allow me to introduce myself, I am a man of wealth and taste. Nice to meet you, hope you can guess my name.

'Hoffmann Manor

"That "little wolf" was attacking these people earlier," Rallos informed the giant as calmly as he could. "And it was a werewolf- I don't know what you know about werewolves, but you undoubtebly know about humans, considering that there is a good likelyhood that both of us were once... not what we are."

"And humans are fragile," he stressed. "One bite from that little wolf and things wouldn't have turned out very well. I was trying to avoid a fight- especially since a good portion of the people here aren't immune to werewolf bites."

In truth, Rallos was annoyed. The giant had grabbed him and, while it was somewhat understandable, he had done it right next to a bunch of humans- if Rallos had slammed into any of them, they could have been hurt. If they had fought, people could have been hurt.

When everything had calmed down somewhat, Rallos answered, "Considering everything that's happened, I hope you wouldn't mind if I slept outside your manor tonight. From what I've heard, someone planted bombs here, and you were almost attacked by a pack of werewolves. While I don't doubt that you can protect yourselves-" he stressed that last part- "I'd feel a bit better if you had another set of eyes watching for danger."

Wooze looks at Glass with a 'please take her away' look

Hoffmann Manor

"You're welcome to use the kitchen," Hildegard told Lark. "I can't say we have anywhere to put your friend's horse."

"He could look after them," Sloane said, jerking a thumb at Rallos.

Hildegard considered it. The dragon had offered to keep a lookout.

"Alright. We have a mission tomorrow, so we're turning in for the night."

Sloane grinned at Hildegard as she and her partner made their way inside. "I didn't know you could whistle like that."

Hildegard grinned back. "There's a lot about me that you don't know. I'm full of surprises."

Sloane draped her arms around Hildegard. "Oh? Feel like surprising me some more?"

"Ahem."

Both of them turned to see Myrna standing in the hallway, eyebrow raised.

"Just make sure you don't stay up too late."

With that, she left the two alone.

"So..." Hildegard asked. "Do you still want to -"

"The moment is dead."

"Yeah. Yeah, it is."

Patrick looked between the two girls. "I'm.... going inside."

Please allow me to introduce myself, I am a man of wealth and taste. Nice to meet you, hope you can guess my name.

After that, Ironfoot ordered the SWAT team back into their vehicles and they left. He seemed to be only too happy to leave.

Seawell and the other "guests" had a sensational dinner at Hoffman Manor (even the ones who had to sleep outside.) After that, everyone retired for the evening, and had a restful night.

The Next Day

Seawell thanked Lady Hoffman for her kindness, and this time called a taxi and had it take him home. This damn city was too risky even during the day.

Man, what a night I had! I really have to relax today.

The taxi dropped him at the entrance to his tenement. He walked up the stairs to his apartment.

Hmm. How to pass the time? he thought, as soon as he entered. Let's see there's that thing at the Society for Transformed Rights- Meh, don't care.

Maybe make a music video? Oh yeah, it had been a while since he had made one. Now there's a fulfilling, safe hobby!

But first, he checked his agenda. What did he have to do today? Oh right, pick up his new pants . Better to call first thought. He picked up his phone and called the Centaur Seamstress' number.

edited 16th Mar '17 10:29:40 AM by Sijo

San Lorenzo, Cornelia's Store

Cornelia suddenly woke up as the telephone rang. She had seemingly fallen asleep while doing her inventory checks. She yawned slightly before slowly getting to the telephone - on the plus side it was also on the ground floor so at least she didn't need to go down the stairs now. "Hello, Cornelia's Medieval and LARP store, Cornelia speaking, how may I help you?"

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

The Transformed Human Rehabilitation Center

The building that was currently the Transformed Humans Rehabilitation Center had once been a mall that had shut down over a series of vermin infestations. Now, it was a state-of-the-art public facility, hopefully without the small army of rats living in the walls, Sloane reflected as she watched through binoculars.

Neither she nor Hildegard were wearing armor. This was semi-undercover work, so for now the important thing was to blend in and not attract any attention to themselves.

Hildegard was in the crowd, looking for the Van Helsings. Sloane wasn't worried at all; Hildegard could take care of herself and she'd been doing this for years and Sloane wasn't worried for her at all. Really.

Lark, Manor

Lark awoke bright and early, as was her custom. The cafe opened at about 7 each day, so she needed to be there by 6, sometimes earlier. She rolled onto her stomach, or tried to. There was a weight on her left wing.

"Ow."

Turning back over, she noticed Patrick? What? She knew she had gone to sleep in a different room to him, so why was he here? Maybe he sleepwalks? Moving quietly, she tugged her wing out from under him and got out of bed. She was still in her clothes from last night. Leaving the room, she headed down to the kitchen, planning to make her hosts breakfast.

She started with an omlette mix. Chives (fresh, happily) cheese and bacon, mixed together, ready to be cooked as people came down. Then french toast, with cinnamon sugar and lemon juice. With those prepped she waited.

[TOP SECRET]

Patrick has been having a good time actually. He had enjoyed the dinner, and had decided to sleep outside with his horse.

However, the horse had other ideas. It made him dream, made him sleepwalk with old magics. He got up, and went to wherever Lark was. Patrick laid down next to her, still sleeping. When they woke up, it would be in each other's embrace. Just as the horse wanted.....

And when Patrick did wake up, he found himself inside. Odd. He had been sleeping outside. He got up, shirtless really, and went downstairs, yawning. He didn't sleepwalk. At least, he thought he didn't.

edited 16th Mar '17 3:35:49 PM by Vampireandthen

Please allow me to introduce myself, I am a man of wealth and taste. Nice to meet you, hope you can guess my name.

Karl's Warehouse, The Next Day - A Study In Monsters

Karl, having his own preferred 'bed' and not wanting to impose his impress appetite on a human-sized kitchen, had politely declined the offer to stay last night. Moreover, he was still more than a little irked at the dragon if only due to his jötunn blood. Whilst his presence may not have been particularly helpful in the situation the giant did, however, overhear Hildegard's confirm that the Van Helsings were in San Lorenzo. He thought of the two mysterious hunters at the docks who departed so quickly, and this morning felt it important to record their appearance - Karl painted their likenesses to the best of his ability on a make-shift canvas of weathered boards. It was quite accurate in many respects, though with a few expressionist and fauvist inclinations towards the feeling of dread they gave him.

The rime giant was shaken out of his artist reflection with the grumbling of his stomach - it sounded like a disgruntled lion. He would need to find some meat and in large quantity to silence it but Karl was a little reluctant to do so within the city. Apart from lacking money to order that kind of bulk from a butcher, he preferred not to draw that kind of attention. He also recalled the opening of the rehabilitation center was today, deciding to stop by there first.

The Transformed Human Rehabilitation Center

Karl van der Aajehof wandered towards the new center with a little trepidation, unsure if there was anything to be done for an unemployed giant with a meat craving. Nevertheless, he would at least have no trouble seeing the spectacle over any crowds - one of a benefits of his condition. The downside was having to be very careful where he stepped, keeping a good distance from any humans beneath him as he observed the new center.

“Isn't it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?”

Seawell's

"Hello, Miss? It's Mr. Huntly, the Faun from yesterday." Uh, she sounded kinda sleepy, did he wake her up?

"So, uh... how are the pants going?"

As he spoke on the phone, his other hand darted across his computer keyboard with practiced ease. But this wasn't work, it was for fun. OK, first he needed the right song for the video. Then he would edit in fitting images. Then he would upload it in his Utube channel and with any luck, would soon have a viral hit in his hands. But which song? A pop balad? Naah, too many of those. A happy song? Hmm, somehow he wasn't in the mood for that. Maybe his experiences last night were still affecting him.

Then he smiled. That was it!

edited 16th Mar '17 7:24:32 PM by Sijo

San Lorenzo, Cornelia's Store

Cornelia quickly rubbed her eyes with one hand "Ah right, I have finished them already, they are ready for pick up here at the store, although if you'd prefer I could also deliver it to your home, in this case it would be there around midday."

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Hoffmann Manor

Jonathon woke up to the sound of a taxi driving away and the smell of something cooking. Why was it so early? The kitsune just laid there for a while in his quest for the return of sweet sleep. His not-journey was cut abruptly short when he attempted to roll over and found himself receiving the sharp wake-up call of nearly falling off of the manor roof. Catching himself with a yelp, Jon scrambled back up.

Welp, since he was awake anyway: Jonathon gathered his pouch, took a quick look at his to-do list and made his way down to the ground.

Argue everything you can argue. Doubt everything you believe. Ask every question you have. Argue, doubt and ask. Through this we learn.

"Umm, no its OK, I'll go pick them up myself, thank you" Seawell responded to Cornelia. "I'll pass by your shop later."

He then hung up, and went back to his music video. He took the song "Hail and Kill" [1] and set it to images of werewolves, dragons, armed people, bombs- pretty much everything that had scared him last night. He giggled. This was better than therapy. Cheaper too.

He set the video to upload itself to his Utube channel (GoatFX) then went off to take a shower, then got dressed and went out.

The Transformed Human Rehabilitation Center

Barbara Addams arrived on a white limo. She didn't care much for appearances but knew the value of publicity for a good cause. She stepped out to a cheery crowd, mostly human but with many Transformed also visible.

Right after her, two Ogre bodyguards also got out; she never went anywhere without them, though it would be more correct to say they never let her her go anywhere without them.

The funny thing was, only one of them had actually been a thug before his Transformation; the other one had been an accountant. But they looked fierce, and the was what mattered.

She smiled as she walked towards the center, waving at the crowd. Today was an important day; they were celebrating the mutual acceptance of "normals" and Transformed. Nothing could be allowed to go wrong today.

And of course, that's when Seawell's video finished loading.

-*Ping* a teenager's I-phone sounded. He recognized it as his U-tube Alert, letting him know one of the channels he was subscribed to had gotten a new video.

He could watch it later, but why wait? The speech was still a few minutes off. So he turned it on-

-listened for a few seconds-

and screamed.

-"YAAAAAHHH!!!" he shouted, "THEY ARE COMING! THEY ARE COMING TO KILL US!!!!" and he ran away, dropping the phone and knocking everyone in his path out of the way. He was running blindly.

"What-?" Barbara tried to ask, but before she could, her guards were already tackling the boy. It was pointless; he continued to struggle and raved like a lunatic.

And soon more people in the crowd were affected.

All around San Lorenzo, everyone who saw the video also panicked.

Worse, the rumor of a 'cursed video' spread even faster, and many STUPIDLY looked it up, causing the panic to multiply.

Seawell had however, yet to take notice.

edited 22nd Mar '17 7:42:23 AM by Sijo

San Lorenzo, Cornelia's Store

"Understood, thank you for calling and good bye." Cornelia hang up, yawning and stretching again. Only now did she lreaize that she still had her pajamas on. As such she decidded to shortly check-up on the slime-girl before taking a quick shower and properly dress before opening the store again. Slowly she went up the stairs before knocking at the door of the guest room, not loud enough to wake the girl up should she still sleep.

edited 22nd Mar '17 2:56:28 AM by Sergey_Smirnov

"One may feel fear in the face of danger so long as one banishes fear when danger actually arrives"

Cornelia's Shop

Suddenly, the front door was knocked down by a bunch of panicked people. "LET'S HIDE HERE FROM THE MONSTERS!!" one of them screamed.

San Lorenzo PD

Ironfoot cursed. "What's going on now??" he asked a subordinate.

"We-we don't know sir!" the latter responded. "Half the city seems to have freaked out for no reason!"

This was some monster's doing, Ironfoot just knew it. But until he could find out who, there was only one thing he could do:

"Send out the riot squads!!"

A San Lorenzo street

Seawell took in a deep breath of air, which for once wasn't smoggy. In fact, the morning sunshine was rather pleasant. Perfect day for a walk.

A sudden breeze, however, momentarily blew his cap off, revealing his goat horns.

"Whoops!" he said, but quickly caught it, and put it back on. Hope nobody saw that...

But someone did: a teenager only a few feet behind him. With a rather panicked expression on his face.

ONE OF THEM! he thought. He saw a lead pipe in a trash can, picked it up, and prepared to bash in the unwary faun's head.

And then Seawell started whistling. Its a Beautiful Day After All, to be precise.

The punk froze in place.

He looked all around. The fear vanished from his face, and smiling, he mumbled,

"Yes... yes it is..."