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MOON CURSE
Greetings My Friends,
this short story you are about to read, is very different than what I usually share on Myspace.
It is in someway a tribute to the likes of Vincent Price and other great actors/authors of the classic Maccabre genre. This was the genre that gave birth to my love for TRUE INTELLIGENT HORROR!
It was a great test for me writing this, for it is also written in the 1st person, which is extremely hard for me to do. I thought it was a MUST to write it in such a way however, for I really wanted to capture the true growing MADNESS of the character...so I wrote it through his words.
I hope it is enjoyed!
CHAPTER ONE
I awoke that morning to the chime of the tower clock down the street and, opening my eyes, looked down at my body to see a sight I had seen before...and one I feared.
Dressed in no more than my torn slacks, my bed sheets were soaked from perspiration...and then of course, the crimson stain on my chest and hands.
A great feeling of weakness had come over my entire body, but I managed to force myself up and over to the small circular table where a half bottle of rye rested atop.
Taking it up in my hand, I consumed more than an excessive amount down my throat.
The reflection of myself in the mirror, caught my eye...
A torn image of the man that had existed, not long before stared back. I had lost at least fifteen pounds, which I surely hadn't needed to. My skin was without any colour, and rings of darkness surrounded my eyes.
I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to ease myself.
When I then reopened them...
That slicing pain cut through my head!
As clear as could be,
The visions appeared...
The thunder cracked in the sky, as a heavy rain shower poured down.
I moved closer, gaining speed.
Now I could see that I had been noticed, but she would not be able to evade me.
The thunder boomed high above, as my body propelled forward and easily took her's to the ground.
The girl screamed out in horror, only to be silenced as my teeth tore into the moist flesh of her throat. The satisfying red life juice flowed into my mouth, relieving the craving!
THEN...
Blackness, absolutely no memory of anything...
Until I awoke just moments ago.
The hellish migraine now ceased, and I stared once again at my reflection in the mirror.
There was no longer any use in trying to deny it. These were not nightmares, there where undeniable reality. Something that I had heard stories of as a child, something I always thought was the most far fetched of fiction...was what i had become!
Then came the sound of three pounds from the door knocker downstairs...
Trying my best not to move the curtains anymore than absolutely necessary, I looked through my window to see who it was at my front door.
"Katherine!" I said aloud.
My stealthy movements had not succeeded in keeping my presence hidden, for she must have noticed the curtains move slightly...
"Tharius!" she cried up at my window, "Come down and let me in, I know you are up there!"
What was I to do, she was aware that I was there.
She had every reason to be annoyed with me as well, for I had evaded her for most of the past three weeks.
Moistening a towel, I frantically began to scrub the blood from my chest.
I paused, frozen in time...at the sight of a framed picture on my reading desk...
"Katherine, what is happening to me?" I said to myself, becoming mesmerized by her photograph.
Not even a month ago, I could barely go a few hours without her by my side. And a mere two months ago, I had proposed to her.
I shook my head in disgust of myself, for how I had been treating my own fiance...the only person I had ever truly cared for.
Her voice now screamed up at me, with a true sadness in it, "Tharius, come down here PLEASE!" I heard crying as she stopped momentarily, "Why are you doing this to me?"
I walked over to the window, opened it wide and gazed down at her. It had been the first time we had seen each other in over a week, my heart ached to see the tears rolling down her face...
"I-I am coming, just give me a moment!" I stated to her.
Quickly discarding my slacks for another pair and a shirt, I made my way down the twirling staircase to the first floor of my mansion.
I had no idea what would be of any significance to say to her, but I reached out to open the door...
As the double doors opened, she now stood before me.
How I had nearly forgotten how beautiful she was, her shoulder length dark hair and brown eyes...which I was guilty of causing to cry at that moment.
She smiled briefly, as if to allow me to know she was relieved to see me.
Walking inside, she looked me over slowly, no doubt shocked at my current state.
Then our eyes met, she came a little closer...
And stung my face with a firm slap.
"How could you do this to me?" she questioned, with tears now beginning to return in her eyes, " What has happened? Just please tell me what I have done!"
I held my arms out and took her by the shoulders...
"Katherine, you did...and could never do, anything that would effect me in a way that wasn't wonderful!" I replied.
The puzzled look in her face was tearing away at me. I had to tell her something, through my split second thinking...I came up with the only thing that could explain my absence and appearance...
"I...have, been ill!" I hated myself for saying it immediately, but what else could I say?
Her usually soothing eyes looked at me in disbelief...
"Has the whiskey I smell on your breath been helping aid you?" she said.
I hung my head down in shame.
"If you are going through troubles, why didn't you come to me?" she asked, "We use to be able to talk about anything."
"I..." struggling to say something in a positive reply, I gave up, "I am sorry!"
"Well, that is just great!" she replied, "Just to let you know Tharius, you are not the only one with problems. I now have the joy of planning for a funeral in the next few days!"
I stared up at her in question...
"Sharla, my best friend's niece...was murdered last night!" Katherine said, "Th-they found her with her throat torn out!"
My blood went icy at her words.
Katherine looked at me once more, "So, " she said, getting ready to leave, "Enjoy your whiskey Tharius. I hope it brings you more happiness than I could!"
"Katherine, do not leave!" I called after her.
"I have always been here, and you have not wanted me recently!" she cried back.
"I have always wanted you Katherine, please allow me to..." I yelled back.
She held her hand out to signal a taxi carriage to stop for her.
She turned back to look at me once more, "Goodbye!" she said, through glossy eyes, "You broke my heart Tharius...you were my first and only one!"
She climbed into the horse drawn carriage and vanished down the street.
Now only the vast emptiness of the hallway was there.
I owned a mansion that was left to me in my parent's will. It was a gorgeous structure, and truly the envy of over the half the town. Even if I was never to work another day in my life, there were close to priceless ornaments and artwork that my father had collected from around the world in his travels. Selling even some of the lower value ones would bring me small fortunes.
All this meant nothing now, for I had single handily forced the one person that had ever love into my life...away!
I hadn't any other choice though, how could she be punish with my burden?
I am sorry, for I realize that things are being explained in pieces here...
Well dear reader,
in order for you to get some idea of my situation, I must first tell you my story.
I am, or that is...have become, a creature that has caused nightmares in the minds of many.
There is a great misconception with werewolves, the belief that they transform into there monstrous other side with the presence of a full moon.
I can assure you from first hand experience...this is not entirely true.
When I became infected,
for the next three days I felt terribly ill.
On the fourth night...
I became the beast for the first time. Almost every night for the past three weeks, my body has been affected this way. I am not sure why there have been a few nights were I did not make the transformation, or perhaps I still did...there was just no evidence of it.
To the most extent, the moon does not have to be full, even the slightest glow from it will cause my horrific inner demon to tear out.
At first,
I really thought I was just imagining things. There is no way to hide the truth now, however.
I know that the visions is see, are an actual reality.
When I become the wolf,
it is as though I am in a dream.
My mind is still there,
but I cannot control my actions.
I only view each wrath in fragments, clips like watching a slide show.
I am not sure if I always kill every night, but am quite aware...
That I have already sacrificed, more than a few.
In the past three weeks, the reports of sixteen being brutally murdered. with over half of them being young women...is all the proof needed!
I ask myself, "Who am I to have such a valuable life? I should be putting a bullet into my brain!"
There is something that is forcing me to continue on. I am also ashamed to admit, that I seem to have very little remorse. Such a form of insane emotions is uncanny, but mind does now possess them.
However...
I am a man of science,
so my belief is that somehow a cure can be found to rid myself of this never ending agony.
I have worked in the organic chemistry field for over half of my life. I feel if I have been plagued with this demonic conditions, and if I find a way to eliminate it...I may be able to help others who are unfortunate enough to be stricken with it as well.
Or perhaps, I am just using that as an excuse.
I will not allow this condition to consume me, for I had too good a life!
She may have walked out today, but I will get her back.
The first thing I have to do though...
Is simply survive another moonlight!
CHAPTER TWO
It was now the early hours of evening.
I had indulged in more than a few glasses of Shiraz, numbing myself of the painful memory of what had been with Katherine and myself early that afternoon.
It was becoming much more common for me to talk to myself inside my head recently. Always reassuring myself that I was in the right.
"Find a way to cure myself?" I laughed aloud.
These words sounded like those of some mad scientist in an old horror movie.
"Maybe, at least a way can be found to control it however?" I thought, taking a long sip of the strong red liquid in my glass.
The night began to grow later, as I fantasized of having the ability to actually turn my ability on and off.
While in my deep thought, I had poured myself another glass.
Then shortly, filled even another.
With an empty bottle on the table, I took a walk over to the cabinet were my spirits, wine and whiskey where kept.
"Ahhh, yes!" I said again out loud, "A fine shot of rye, and the view of a soothing full moon on this lovely night!"
Chilled by my own words, the shot glass slipped from my fingers and blew apart into dozens of shards as it hit the oak floor.
Wide eyed, I stared out at the glowing white circle that hung in the sky.
The ticking of the century old grandfather clock in the corner of the room, seemed deathly slow compared to my rapid heart beat.
Slowly a moment went by, and then another...
I then found myself bursting out into laughter...
"Not tonight, I assume!" I bellowed out.
At this point, I very much knew I was intoxicated by the liquor. Regardless, I was still standing...and in my own flesh.
I filled a crystal tumbler with rye, and continued back to my chair.
Just one more drink, then I could look forward to a good nights' sleep...which was something my mind and body sincerely needed.
Barely halfway through my drink, my eyelids began to feel heavy. Reaching to the end table beside my chair, I placed the tumbler down.
"Yes...just...a good...nights...sleep!" I mummbled out.
After recalling a brief period of blackness, I then found myself observing a scene of delightful beauty...
A vast garden, containing multitudes of flowers in all colours of the rainbow.
The fountain of a small pond trickled water down, causing the patter of tiny drops over the pool.
All was so peaceful, then appeared the image of a young woman. She was down on her knees, calmly adding more flowers to an empty part of the lovely arranged collage.
Her image began to grow closer, then...
She turned her head around...
Her sudden scream was shattering to the ears.
The woman stumbled to get to her feet...
"No, please...not again!" my inner voice cried out to me.
She is running now, but I gain ground much quicker.
"C-can't stop myself! Must resist!"
Up a twisting pathway she flees, soon crying out to another. There is the presence of a man not far ahead, a large man chopping wood with an axe. I sense the fear wash over him, though hesitating for a mement, he then comes forward to assist her.
He is far too late though, for I am within striking distance .
Only within a few feet away now, the woman turns back to see her attacker...
The swipe of a huge haired palm strikes her down on her, splashing her fresh flowing blood across the flower clusters.
Sprinting forward, the man thrusts a downward chop of the axe. I then view an entire monstrous arm swing out, ripping open his chest, and dropping his freshly torn corpse.
Total darkness again...
Then,
I awake in my chair!
Heavy breathing, and my heart pumps blood at an extreme rate.
Through the curtains, I see the moon fading away as morning begins to take over from the night.
"No, I am still in my chair. This one was most certainly a nightmare, and nothing more than that!" I told myself.
I leapt from the chair in horror as I looked down to see a gash in my left pectorial, a wound that would be perhaps that of an axe chop. Before my eyes, the sore started to heal itself.
I was shaking now, trying to make any sense of this.
"No, this cannot be. It is time to put an end to it!" I cried out aloud.
I took myself down into the cellar, and unlocked the gun chest.
"There is only one way to free myself and this world from my hellish condition!" I stated.
Removing a long barreled pistol, I inserted it into my mouth...and pulled the trigger.
I had closed my eyes when doing so, but...nothing!
I opened my eyes, in confusion.
The gun had went off, but had unharmed me.
"These must be bizarre hallucinations!" I told myself.
Placing the gun right between my eyes, I fired a second blast...
NOTHING!
A third time my finger triggered a shot, with again no results.
Throwing the gun to the ground and shaking my head in great frustration, I then turned around.
My eyes where glued to the back wall of the cellar in shock...
Three bullet holes in the bricks. It was as though they passed right through me.
This curse upon me, it would not let me self sacrifice!
CHAPTER THREE
The rest of the day and beginning of that evening consisted of plenty more whiskey, to numb my frustration. I couldn't make up my mind regarding which pain was worse, this demonic curse that was consuming every last ounce of my sanity or the extreme agonizing loneliness of missing Katherine.
I did let out a chuckle at the thought of how my favorite monsters to hear tales of growing up, is now what I had become. Over the years, I had collected many books building myself an even larger library than my father had. I ran my fingers across a section of books, coming to a pause at a title that read…
The Secret Curse of Lycanthropy
The book was covered in a thick sheet of dust, it probably hadn't even been opened in my lifetime. I felt a slight chill, after grasping and pulling the book out of the shelf, afraid of what I may read within it.
I then returned to the comfort of my favorite reading chair. Looking to the clock mounted on the wall, I saw that it was only 6:13pm. There was still plenty of time, tonight I would not allow this creature inside me to have it's way…I had worked on assuring that during the day.
My basement had walls that were three feet of brick and a door that nothing could break down. I would lock myself down there tonight. Being quite sure that I had no real common sense when I was in the monster state, I would tie a long string to the key of the basement door and then slide it under the door…to pull it back in the morning and release myself!
"Yes, I am sure that will work!" I told myself.
I then poured myself another tumbler full of rye, and prepared to research my book.
The first paragraph read...
A WEREWOLF:
A human being infected with the disease of lycanthropy,
A condition which causes a bizarre reaction for certain chemicals in the brain to become maddened under moonlight, as well as the body usually being overcome by a vast transformation.
The infected take on the look and behavior of a dog like animal.
Ancient folklore speaks of the origin of the disease:
Tales of a practitioner of maleovent black magic, is said to have put a curse on a male who had angered her. She had created a deadly spell that involved sacrificing the heart and brain of a wolf. Those who believe the tale, say that she used those two main ingredients to form a potion.
The man was said to be of an enemy village to her people, though it is said he had fallen in love with the women. She used this advantage to the best purpose she knew.
Adding the concoction to a drink, she then served it to the man during their dinner.
When he later returned to his village that night, he was affected as she had planned during the full moon. Slaughtering his entire village in the night, it is believed that certain victims where also infected by the disease, instead of being killed.
The tales say, they spread their numbers across the country and world.
No actual evidence of a werewolve's existence has ever been found.
Sipping back on my drink, I explored through other pages in the book…
THE ALLERGY:
All tales of both folklore and fantasy which involve werewolves, describe them as nearly invulnerable, besides one single weakness…
It is not known why, but most often when those infected by lycanthropy are spoken of, it is told that they have a fatal allergy to silver. The oldest of folklore tales suggest, that the women who cast the curse on the FIRST WEREWOLF…gave him and all he infected a severe weakness. She did this so she could defend herself if she was in time a potential victim to one.
Though disturbing to me, the book was very interesting.
Before I knew it, the grandfather clock struck to the sound of nine o'clock. The moon was still not up yet, but it would rise soon.
I closed the book, leaving it on the chair as I stood up. Then I left the library and descended to the basement…
Locking the double sided deadbolt, I then pushed the key underneath the door, with the string hanging down on the first step.
My thoughts were these…
"Down here, I cannot see the moon. So maybe I will remain unaffected. Or even if I am, there is no possibility of me escaping!"
It wasn't long before the alcohol and the strenuous day I experienced, caused my eyelids to grow heavy. I just wished for a peaceful night!
CHAPTER FOUR
At first it was a strange feeling, awaking in the basement. It had been a far colder night than those in my own bedroom. Looking at my pocket watch, a sigh of relief came out of me…
It was morning, and there seemed no signs of a transformation last night.
Racing to the top of the basement stairs, I found that the key had been untouched as well.
"Have I really done it?" the words came into my head, "Could it be, that since the moon could not be seen down here…the curse was escaped for the night?"
A feeling of happiness that had not been felt within me for quite some time, was now present.
Reaching for the string with the key on the end of it, I then placed it into the deadbolt.
The basement door opened releasing a stream of morning sunshine down upon me.
A new feeling of hope had come over me, after being cramped up inside for nearly ten days now…
I decided that today was the time to venture out into the real world again.
After a decent breakfast, I went to choose one of the best suits in my wardrobe.
Making my way down to the main floor, I went to fetch my keys…
When an open bottle of rye came into sight.
"No, not today!" saying to myself, then observing a pair of shoes by the door that belonged to Katherine, "Today…I will win her back!"
The simple smell of the fresh morning air seemed to give me a certain high, as I made my way down the front steps and toward the street.
Making my way up the street, a positive feeling was within me.
It was quite misty out, with the last signs of the night's fog dying out.
The streets were mostly bare, other than the few early risers making their way to work.
Then my eye caught the image of a young boy, no more than eight or ten years old. He was just setting up his corner, with a large bag full of newspapers.
He looked up and saw me, then quickly went to pull out a paper and offer it to me…
"Morning paper sir?" he said holding out his small hand for payment, "Today's issue is one not to be missed! Front page…"
He need say no more, for my eyes were already fixed on the caption…
BRUTAL WRATH, SOON TO END
With eighteen unexplainable deaths in less than a month, authorities have made the decision to bring in an expert. Unfathomable to most, the bizarre circumstances of the death toll has convinced certain officials to call on a foreign specialist of such matters.
Today, the arrival of a ferry boat will also include the passenger of Dr. Van Helsing.
Van Helsing is quoted to say "I will hunt the hunter!"
I did not read anymore, for this information had hit me hard enough.
My head began to spin,
I was very much aware of Van Helsing. Most considered him a man who lived in a bizarre world of fiction, trying to make others believe in crazy things.
Throwing the paper to the pavement, I walked away in a daze.
"Hey there," cried the child after me, "Cheap skate...'tis only a mere knickle!"
My first instinct was to rush back to the safety of my mansion...BUT NO!
It was meant to be,
to Katherine's house I needed to go.
All this madness swirling around me,
her sweet smile could ease it.
SEVERAL BLOCKS LATER
Approaching the gate of a yard that use to bring me such happiness, now brought an overwhelming feeling of fear. Her house was only a few steps away now...
"Katherine, please forgive me. Just one more chance is all I ask!" the voice inside me said.
The gate squeaked open, as I made my way up the round stone path.
As soon as a small amount of hope came into me, it quickly faded with the appearance of Katherine's grandmother standing at the door.
She was a cruel woman, and had never liked me. Now she bared an evil grin, as if truly indulging in my pain...
As I stood before the front step,
the old woman swung open the door.
"Good morning Professor Holden!" she spoke in raspy voice, " Taking time out of your busy day was uneeded. For I assure you that my grandaughter wants nothing to do with you!"
A mixture of my dislike for the woman and the present circumstances, had me finding myself lash out rudely at her...
"Just tell Katherine I am here Woman!" I commanded.
"How dare you, what do you think coming to MY HOUSE and telling me what to do?" she replied in a near yell.
Footsteps making their way quickly down the stairs, could now be heard.
And then...
"Grandmother...who is it? came the voice of my love.
The old woman turned her head, and cried back, "No one that is of your concern child. Go back upstairs!"
My voice shot out without my realizing it, "Katherine, it is I!"
The old woman was now slightly pushed aside, to reveal the sight of my glowing Katherine. At first she stood staring at me, my throat clenched up not knowing what to expect. She was all dressed in black, I had forgotten that today was the funeral.
My lips tried to speak, but with no success. It was not necessary however, for within a moment...she was running towards me.
"Oh Tharius!" she cried out, as she leapt into my arms.
I had her in my arms again, and never intended to let her go!
CHAPTER FIVE
It was the most extraordinary day one could ever imagine.
After our reuniting embrace at her house, Katherine and I had went off together.
By my third apology to her, she finally told me to stop...
"I know you have been going through troubles Tharius, I only wish you had called on me to help you through them," her face then smiled as she planted a kiss on my lips, "If we are to be married, we should share everything!"
"Yes, I agree my love!" I replied, holding her close to me.
"Good," she replied," I know you would never hide anything from me, Tharius!"
A feeling of shame came over me, but it was not shown. I kissed her softly on the forehead, as we sat down on a bench in the town square...
We ended up back at my mansion and for the first time in nearly a month, we were intimate. Being so physically close to her again, I found myself wanting to open up to her so much.
Quickly though, my instinct reminded me not to be a fool, having just gotten her back in my arms, I wasn't going to chase her away with my current conditions.
I would find a cure, at the moment things were under control. It would just take time to overcome the illness.
The long stroll we had taken earlier and the wine consumption aided me greatly, in having Katherine fall asleep at an early enough hour.
As much as I wanted to be with her through the night, it was not an option. The moon would be up soon, hopefully she would sleep full through the night. I could then arise and come back up from the basement before she noticed anything.
Quite tired myself, after reaching the basement and locking the door with the key on a string, my eyes became very weary.
How I wished I was upstairs in Katherine's arms, but just through the night we would be alone. My pocket watch was set to chime at five am, long past the moonlight, but still early enough to return upstairs before she awoke.
For now…a decent night sleep would make everything better…
NIGHTMARE OR REALITY
From out of nowhere, I found myself standing under the glowing moonlight and at the gate of Katherine's house. My eyes were staring up at the round illumination that shone down on me, wondering why the transformation had not taken place. Then, all troubles in my mind ceased…
The door of her house swung open, and Katherine came running out in a glorious wedding dress. She leapt into my arms and pressed her soft moist lips against mine.
"Oh Tharius my love, today we will finally be one!" she whispered in my ear, "Since I was a little girl, I have awaited my prince charming to come and fetch me. Today, we will be married, my prince!"
"Yes," I said, finding myself surprisingly tightening my hold around her waist, "Together…forever!"
She began to push away from me, but I would not allow it…
"Th-Tharius…you're hur-hurting me!" she whined out.
"Why is she trying to free herself, is this not what she wants?" my voice came into my head, though it did not seem like my words.
"Tharius, please…st-stop!" she was now in tears, and then she looked up into my eyes, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, let me go!"
Trying to stop myself, I could not…
Her neck was so…sensuous…I had to indulge!
A pool of blood surrounded her body, as she lay there…with her torn open throat.
"NO! Katherine!" I screamed, then…a chime.
Rising in the bed that was located in the corner of my basement, looking down at my pocket watch…
It was morning!
No, there was no way what I had dreamed was reality!
Leaping up to my feet, I reached the top of the basement stairs quickly…and pulled the key towards me, placing it inside the key hole and opening the door.
Though every instinct in me wanted to rush towards my bedroom, I crept slowly…fearing the worst.
Then, reaching my room, I opened the door and fell to my knees…overcome by relief .
Katherine lay on my bed sleeping soundly, it had only been a nightmare this time.
Pulling the covers open softly, I climbed into the bed and lay next to her.
CHAPTER SIX
Awaking to the smell of food, I opened my eyes to find myself alone in the bed. Making my way out of my room and down the hall, I soon came to see my beloved Katherine preparing what looked like a fabulous breakfast in the kitchen.
I tried to reach her before she noticed me, but once within a few feet she spun around gracing me with her heavenly smile...
"Good morning my love!" she said, while planting a soft kiss on my lips.
The warmth of her arms enclosing around me and the sweet smell from the open window, had me thinking today would be one of the best in awhile.
We had only sat down to enjoy the bountiful feast Katherine had prepared when there were three raps from the door knocker.
Katherine quickly got up and went to answer it. I heard the familar voice of a young woman, followed by a young man.
Two of my students from the university, April and Jack had come to see me. It had been three months now since I had taken a break from my teachings. Even though I wanted to indulge in the time alone with Katherine, they had always been my two favorite students...
"Professor Holden, good morning!" came the voice of April as I appeared beside Katherine at the door.
"It's good to see you again sir!" added Jack.
"It is very nice to see you as well kids, how have things been with you?" I asked.
"Oh very well indeed professor!" April replied, she seemed very excited...they both did.
I then found out why...
"We truly hope you don't mind sir, but we brought someone with us. Someone I think you would be very interested in meeting." April stated.
Before I had the chance to ask who, an older man smoking from a pipe appeared from around the corner...
"Hello professor Holden!" the man said, after extinquishing his pipe, "During my lecture at the university today, a lot of the students renowned you. My name is Dr. Abraham Van Helsing, and it is a pleasure to meet you!"
Before I could even respond, the hostess she was, Katherine invited all three of them inside. So much for our relaxing morning alone.
"Why don't you take Dr. Van Helsing into the library my dear, the kids and I can get some tea and scones ready!" Katherine suggested to me.
The two of us made our way to the library. As I opened the door, I immediately noticed the mistake...of leaving a certain book in clear sight on the table...
Van Helsing walked over and took up the book...
"Lycanthropy?" he said, "Quite an interesting choice of reading materials, especially with the tales that have been going around this town. It has peaked an interest in you, has it professor?"
I found myself reaching for my whiskey as I reached my chair. Van Helsing nodded in agreement as I gestured weather he wanted a glass or not.
"So, I must admit professor Holden, I came here more than to just say hello." Van Helsing stated, as he took the tumbler of whiskey, "The high amount of bizarre murders recently, have all been in the close vacinity of this neighbourhood. From what I have been told, this is usually not a violent place."
"It is...troublesome to think!" I replied.
"More than that, I would say!" Van Helsing half chuckled, "I mean...victims with their throats torn out?"
"I suppose there may be some rabid dogs around, I don't know!" I found myself saying, quickly realizing how foolish that sounded.
"Dogs? I very much doubt that professor!" Van Helsing said, "A rabid dog would attack all sorts of prey, but this killer is quire particular with it's victims...with the majority of them being beautiful young women. Do you not agree?"
My mind went blank, without any thought of a response.
"What most of your citizens find to be old fairy tales and such, I have much belief in!" he said, gazing back at the book.
Now I looked up at him, "Are you actually suggesting that werewolves exist doctor?"
"No, I am not suggesting...I AM STATING IT!" he answered, "I have seen, and dealt with things most never even imagine in nightmares even."
"So, " I found myself hesitating for a moment, "You have come to kill this WEREWOLF then?"
"Track it down, and yes...it's elimination is my objective." he said.
"BUT HOW!" I cried out, then relaxing my tone...I continued, "I-I mean, it states in this book that they cannot be defeated."
"Oh, but professor...what of the chapter regarding THE ALLERGY? Have you not come to that part yet?" Van Helsing asked.
Before I could say anything, Van Helsing took a small case out from his pocket and placed it on the table.
"The werewolf is known to be very strong, but a simple device can set it free of it's curse. By setting free, I mean kill!" he stated.
He opened the case and held something tight in his fist, so I could not see it...
"This tiny object can be the key to destroying those infected by lycanthropy." he said, and simultaneously reached out and dropped the object in my hand.
A searing pain flowed through my hand as I gazed down and one single SILVER BULLET. Within seconds, a feeling of nausea also followed.
The older man set his gaze on me now, there was a coldness in his eyes...
"What is the matter professor, you suddenly seem disturbed?" Van Helsing questioned.
I had never been so happy to see Katherine followed by the boy and girl that were my students enter the room.
"My dear, are you alright?" Katherine said, rushing to my side.
Van Helsing stood up, with a slight smirk on his face...
"Perhaps..." he stated, glaring at me, "Too much whisky consumption early in the day."
He looked into my eyes, as he went for his coat.
"May you feel better professor, I however must be on my way." he said, turning to Katherine, "It was a delight to meet you miss. Thank you for the overwhelming hospitality!"
"Good day Dr. Van Helsing!" April said, "We all thoroughly enjoyed your lecture on lycanthropy today!"
"Yes, funny you should bring it up," Van Helsing replied, "Remember...tomorrow is a full moon!"
CHAPTER SEVEN
The next morning, a pounding headache greeted me after awaking. So many hours later, and the effects of the silver STILL had me feeling ill.
Forcing myself out of my bed, I made my way down the hall...
Walking past my living room area, there I saw Katherine sleeping soundly on the couch. Then, the clock caught my eye...my jaw dropped!
It was nearly 8:00 pm, and I had slept through the entire day.
Van Helsing's words echoed in my head...
"Remember...tomorrow is a full moon!"
The last few days had went by without a transformation, but a feeling came over me that I should not take any chances tonight.
Bending down slightly over her, I kissed Katherine softly...
"Forgive me my love, I will get through this curse shortly...good night for now!" I said.
Then, I turned and made my way to the cellar.
Still feeling quite weak from the allergic reaction, it took only moments for me to fall asleep.
A PERIOD OF PURE DARKNESS...
Then,
my eyes open!
A bizarre feeling was within me, I did not feel sick anymore...actually, quite energized! My body felt so strong, more so than ever before. Under the dim light of the cellar, very little could be properly seen...but my body seemed larger somehow.
"What time is it?" I thought to myself.
Now on my feet, I observed how elements of the cellar seemed different. The ceiling for one, seemed much lower. Such a strange feeling rushed through me...a surge of energy.
Walking slowly over the floor, I crossed in front of a tall mirror that resided in the corner...
The reflection that shot back at me, was not of a man...
A BEAST, horrific in appearance glared back at me.
At first it was shocking, though shortly...I became impressed by the image!
How strongly built I was, not far from seven feet.
It felt like a crazy dream, but this time...I felt much more THERE, than the dreams of the past few weeks. A feeling of control was with me this time, but then...
My head turned and my eyes stared at the door up at the top of the cellar steps. Suddenly, a feeling of great hunger came over me. Not a hunger for the usual things a human would eat however, a craving for much more!
Now, I was making my way up the stairs. I needed to fulfill my hunger, but...
"NO!" I cried out, though my voice released only as a growl.
The reality came to me...Katherine!
Yes, she lay only a short distance from the cellar door.
My mind seemed to have a sense of sanity, knowing what was right and wrong...but the body I was stuck inside, cared nothing for my morals at that point.
Now I was just before the door, hoping desperately that this beast I had become would not have enough sense to go for the key on a string stashed underneath the door. Made of thick oak, there was no worry to me that even in this form I could get through the door.
The key was not attempted at all,
BUT I WAS WRONG!
The beast that had taken me over, tore through the door as though it were mere cardboard!
Such power, my blood seemed to flow with it now.
It felt as though there were two souls with in me, like a Jekyll and Hyde. The brain was trying to talk sense to the body...but my body would not listen!
Katherine was only a short distance from me now, my heart pumped faster from both fear and excitement...
"Pl-please someone, something st-stop me!" my inner voice said to me.
I tried assuring myself this was not happening, but I was very aware that this was no dream. It was like after not taking any victims in several days, caused me to hunger greatly.
THE LIVING ROOM
There she lay, so peaceful...so heavenly beautiful!
Standing in awe for a moment, my nostrils then took in the smell...
"Ahhh, sweet pure blood! How I long to taste what lies beneath her soft delicate flesh. Her crimson juice trickling down under her bust!" the voices echoed all around me.
I began to move closer now...
"No! Must resist this...sh-she is the woman I love!" my positive side (as I referred to it at that moment) cut in.
It seemed futile to fight what was happening, but still a large portion of me would not give in...
Closer still now, saliva dripped from my gaping mouth at her alluring image.
"Ummm, such a delicacy she will be!"
My largely built frame knocked against a table, sending a vase smashing to the ground...
Katherine jumped up on the couch, and at first looked about...
"Tharius, what happ..." she then looked up at me, "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!"
In terror, she climbed from the couch. Trying to move away from me...she seemed too afraid to turn her back.
"G-get away from me!" she cried.
Still moving backwards, Katherine then tripped and fell. She was sprawled on the floor with her ankle obviously hurt...
"N-no...get up Katherine! Run, please get away!" I tried to scream out.
She began to crawl slowly, sobbing and trying to call out my name...
"Th-Tharius, were are you? Help me!" she cried.
Her defenseless body trying to evade me, made my blood rush with adrenaline...
Such elegant flesh, awaiting to be torn open by my hungering teeth!
Though, she seemed now too precious to simply devour...
"But wait!" my mind asked itself, "If I merely slash her...as I was slashed by the paw of that creature on the night of my infection...then, just maybe she would become like I! We could then be together forever!"
Even closer to her, I now crept...watching her pale body shake in fear.
"Fear not my love, we will be together soon!"my voice came once again into my head.
Extending out my long arm, I grabbed her leg in a strong grasp. She kicked back against me with her other leg, frantically struggling to free herself...
My mouth watered as I beared my teeth, raising my paw up to strike down upon her.
Then, the smallest amount of my human self returned to me...
"St-stop this...please someone kill me...save her!"
There was nowuse, she was prey to consume...and I craved her!
BANG....
SMASH
The shot of a pistol, followed by the shttering of glass came from behind me.
I turned around...and a shearing pain shot through me!
The figure of Vanhelsing could be seen, standing outside the shattered window sill. I looked down to see a smoking hole right through my left pectorial...straight through my heart.
Within only seconds, my legs gave out and I collapsed to the floor. Stepping in through the window, Vanhelsing first rushed to Katherine to confirm that she was unharmed.
She nodded to him in assurance, but then her eyes grew overwhelmed by shock as she looked at me...
I could feel my body shrinking, the thick fur on my arms vanishing.
"Th-Tharius?" Katherine cried out, "No! How can this be?"
Vanhelsing now stood over me...
"I knew it was you ofcourse professor...even before we first met!" he stated, "There is, only one cure for the victime of lycanthropy infection...that cure, is DEATH!"
Katherine crawled over and put her arms around me. The last feeling I had, was the dripping of her tears on my chest.
Her image than began to fade...
"No, don't leave me Katherine, you are all I have left!" I wanted to cry out, but no sound came from my mouth.
Then...absolute darkness.
I still feel alive, though were I am...is unkown. To hell, I presume, is were I am going to pay for my moral crimes.
Not long ago, I had it all. More money than I could count, a priceless antique mansion, a promising career working with students who thought the world of me.
More than anything though...Katherin! I had been her first, she was such a venerable young woman. I always thought she deserved far better than me. She would say on many occassions that I was everything she could want in her life...but now I have lost her.
All because,
of that bizarre life altering night.
It wasn't long after I had proposed to Katherine, that myself and several of my long time friends had went to the local tavern to celebrate on my behalf.
After too many mugs of ale, we decided to call it an evening. One of my friends offered to share a taxi carriage with me, though I declined. Overcome with happiness...I desired to have a soothing walk home.
When I was close to the middle of the park near my house, I paused. Taking out my flask, I toasted to Katherine and took back a generous portion. I then lit a very fine cigar that my friend had given to me that night, and decided to seat myself on the park bench.
Gazing up at the brillant sight of the large full moon, I could not have felt more content!
"Oh Katherine, my dear sweet love," I said aloud, " I thank the stars above for bringing you into my life!"
The gusting wind created strange sounds itself, but I could have sworn I had heard something very out of the ordinary. The large amount of liquor in me, convinced my mind that I had just been hearing things.
Moments later, a strange presence came from behind me. I looked back and saw only the empty park. Turning my head back, I saw a large blurry object standing before me...
and a forceful blow came down upon me!
I awoke sometime later, lying on the park path. My jacket and shirt were torn open...but my chest was unharmed.
Disorientated, and very puzzled at what had just taken place...I managed to get myself home after a short period.
Several days later, or should I say...several nights, I transformed for the first time.
That night in the park, robbed me of a near perfect life!
If only I could have lived a moment longer, to tell her...
"I love you Katherine...please forgive me, you were everything to me!"
THE CURSE OF THE WEREWOLF,
IS A LIFE OF PURE INSANITY!
The End
9:12 PM
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