Oct 20, 2020
Oh hey! Asshole and Fang Bitch have come round again! I remember being so angry that I had trouble sleeping.
I’m both apologetic, and not sorry at all, as I’m seeing that as quite the compliment 💕
seen from United States
seen from Türkiye
seen from Syria
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seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from Maldives
seen from United Kingdom
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seen from Yemen
seen from Malaysia
seen from Russia
seen from Germany
seen from Malaysia
seen from Türkiye
seen from Yemen
seen from Germany
Oh hey! Asshole and Fang Bitch have come round again! I remember being so angry that I had trouble sleeping.
I’m both apologetic, and not sorry at all, as I’m seeing that as quite the compliment 💕
Spooky Season Story
To make things easier than reblogging all the parts, here is the entire collection for my Vampire!NWTB Ego named Mercer.
Smoke and Blood - One Shot
Count The Teeth - Sequel to ‘Smoke and Blood’
Part One - Part Two - Part Three - Part Four - Part Five - Part Six - Part Seven - Part Eight - Part Nine - Part Ten - Part Eleven
Count The Teeth - Part Eleven
I am just. I don’t even know? I swear I remember posting this final chapter last year with the whole series, I swear I did, but as far as my tumblr account can tell, it doesn’t exist.....I hate tumblr sometimes, I really do. So if this is already in existence, then let’s just roll with this being an odd duplicate.
I’m not going to post all the prior links here, as I’m setting up another post that will have EVERYTHING on it, including the original one shot ‘Smoke and Blood.’
I can’t even remember if this was edited. Regardless, enjoy this random end chapter XD
It had been the oddest thing when you left NateMare licking his wounds.
You’d gone to the driveway and found a taxi waiting for you. The driver said the fare had been taken care of and he was to take you wherever you wanted. When you asked him who had covered the tab, he said a well spoken gentleman had done so.
Seeing your disheveled appearance in pajamas, the taxi driver became curious as to why you were there.
You went with an elaborate story. It was your birthday, and your asshole brother had kidnapped you and brought you here for a spooky adventure. You’d gotten fed up with his childish antics and had decided to leave. You added that it was likely your brother’s friend that had paid the taxi driver.
When you got home, you took a long, luxurious, hot shower and collapsed into bed. Your exhaustion was deeper than you’d thought, leading you to sleeping for a straight 12 hours.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 months later…
It had taken him a month, but Mercer had kept his word. He’d found each of his victims that had been put into a coma, and brought them out of it. When questioned about what had happened to send them into the coma, they all had the same story. They’d been out at night, and they came across a man looking for directions. After they sent him on his way, they’d become dizzy and passed out.
Authorities believed that the victims had been distracted by the man asking for directions, then jumped by a second person that knocked them out and then drained them for blood. Reddit was running rampant with theories about a team collecting blood for the black market.
You supposed it was better than them getting freaked out about a rampaging vampire. The last thing the city needed were civilians taking up guns, pitch forks, torches, and stakes to go after people that were innocent.
In the following months, you remained on alert. NateMare’s promise of retribution had left a fairly strong impression. Armed with the knowledge of something to use against him, you’d set up a collection of weapons throughout the apartment.
In the kitchen, you had a bucket of blessed water by the sink. In the living room, you had a Super Soaker loaded with the stuff and in your bedroom, you had a spray bottle at the ready. You knew it would annoy and delay him at best, but at least it was better than just standing around and letting him curse you again.
You were so intent on watching for hints of a smoke cloud, you didn’t think to watch for any bats.
Which was how Mercer caught you off guard.
You’d spent the day out with one of your friends, and had lost track of time. It was dark when you made the walk home. The night was overcast and the wind was much colder as winter was settling in.
Despite your thick jacket, you still felt the chill. Your hands were stuffed into your pockets and your shoulders were hunched up to your ears. Your attention darted between the people walking towards you on the sidewalk and the people that were walking parallel to you across the street. Leaving no room to focus on your surroundings behind you.
An arm went around your shoulders, pulling you in against a tall frame. Startled you made a noise that was barely a word and some kind of squeak.
A familiar voice chuckled, making the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. You didn’t dare look up, not wanting to get caught by his eyes.
“What are you doing here Mercer?”
Mercer’s arm squeezed a little tighter, guiding you forward to keep walking.
He was greatly enjoying himself. You could tell from his voice as he replied, “Well hello to you too. Can’t a friend just come around for a visit now and then?”
“We’re not friends.”
“Oh, you wound me.” He lamented, without an ounce of actual dismay.
“Did you come here to get some payback for soaking you?” It was the first thing that came to mind, and you were kicking yourself for not bringing your tiny spray bottle with you when leaving earlier.
You caught sight of Mercer’s hand as he waved that thought off, “Not at all. I’ve gotten over that little trifle. As I said, I’m just here on a friendly visit.”
“At what point between you and NateMare trying to kill each other, did you and I become friends?” You could see your apartment building up ahead, and at this point, you were just utterly perplexed as to what was happening with Mercer right now.
He ignored your question, “I had some time to think while I went from hospital to hospital, and I’ve come up with a fun idea. One that I’m sure you’ll see the benefits of.”
You knew it was stupid, you could hear yourself calling it stupid, but when you both stopped in front of your building, you looked up.
The bugger was genuinely amused, smiling brightly and in all innocence. There was no glow to his eyes and you didn’t feel any part of you go numb. He was playing nice. For now.
You shrugged off his arm and moved around to stand in front of him, “And what idea is this?”
“Well, as we’re both aware, my dear, baby brother is all in a huff about you letting me go. The set of lungs on that boy, I swear. My ears were throbbing for an hour after his hollering.”
You winced, but you weren’t surprised Mercer had caught that.
“I was thinking to myself about how much trouble you and he were, going around and messing about in my handiwork. Good job on digging up the family history by the way. Anyways, I thought I should probably keep tabs on my brother, make sure he doesn’t come barging in on me at some point unexpectedly. The only problem is that I’m terrible at tracking idiots.”
You shuffled on the spot, getting colder by the minute. Mercer was clearly intent on dragging this out, and you doubted he’d just let you walk away. But you had no intention of inviting him inside.
“So I came to the only logical conclusion: You! I knew he was bound to come knocking on your door at some point and figured I’d keep watch. I tell you, watching a mortal for a month is boring. Which is why we’re having this chat. Much more engaging than just hovering about bored out of my mind.”
Your blood pressure rose at his declaration of stalking you for the past month. You thought you’d felt eyes on you, and it made you twice as jumpy. Knowing it was this nuisance didn’t make you feel any easier.
Processing everything he was saying all together, you just about threw your hands up.
It was the same damned position you’d been in 5 months before, only now it was reversed!
“Clearly you two are related.” You grouched stomping your feet. The cold was seeping through your boots and socks, making your feet ache.
“I am not helping you find NateMare. You are not hanging around here to wait for him to show up! And I’m not getting involved with either of you again!” You didn’t care if the neighbors heard, for all they’d understand, it sounded like a romantic issue.
You spun on your heel and stomped up to your apartment door.
Just as you put the key into the lock, a decent sized bat flew around you and clung onto your chest. You looked back over your shoulder and saw no sign of Mercer. Glaring down at the bat, you hissed, “You are not coming inside, let go and go away.”
The bat merely wiggled its ears, and much to your chagrin, he nuzzled against your coat. Even worse, it was adorable.
You heard people, more tenants that belonged to your building, coming up behind you.
Suppressing a frustrated scream you unlocked the door, and kept your body turned away from the approaching people.
You wrapped your arms around yourself, concealing Mercer as best you could, and made a beeline for the staircase.
Huffing up the stairs you swore at him, “You’re in so much trouble. I have a bucket filled with holy water in my kitchen and it has your name all over it buddy.”
The impudent bastard gave a tiny squeak. One that conveyed no distress in the slightest.
A glance down and there was no mistaking a smug smile, even on a bat.
You didn’t stop until you were inside your apartment, at which time you were breathless and sweaty under your coat.
“You make one damn comment about me being out of shape, and I will seriously drown you.”
“I’d very much like to see you try.”
You’d been locking your door, putting your back to the living room.
It hadn’t been Mercer that had replied.
Stiffly, you hit the light switch next to the door frame and peeked over your shoulder.
NateMare lounged back on your couch. His body was relaxed, but his expression was one that read murder.
The sound of dripping drew your eye to the kitchen. Your bucket of holy water was on the floor, along with a puddle of water and some that was dripping off the sink's cabinet doors.
“NateMare-”
“Shut it.”
He got to his feet and stalked towards you, “You should consider yourself very lucky. Had I gone after you that same day, I would have happily ripped your esophagus out of your throat.”
You swallowed thickly.
“But I took some time to calm down, recover, and think about it. I changed my mind.”
He stepped closer, leaving two steps of distance between you, “I’ve come to realize that I enjoy having a minion doing my bidding. Unlike some other… people… I could name, I don’t have a host popping out brothers every damn holiday. Plus, you’re already semi-trained.”
He smirked and held up a hand. Smoke gathered in his palm, and formed a thick section of chains.
“Hell. To. The. No.”
You’d done this song and dance and you were not doing it again.
Turning to face him, you pried Mercer from your chest and shoved him into NateMare, “Here, talk to your brother. Take it outside!”
Stunned, NateMare had dropped the smoke chain and grabbed Mercer on reflex.
Unprepared, Mercer didn’t have a chance to resist being shoved into NateMare’s hands.
The two stayed frozen and dumbstruck to the spot while you threw off your coat and went to get your mop and bucket.
There was another second of silence until you heard, “WHAT THE FUCK?!”
There was enraged squeaking, a bit of scuffling, the sound of a grunt, and then silence.
When you returned to the kitchen, you found the two were gone, and your balcony door wide open.
You were in the clear. For now.
Count The Teeth - Part 11
Guys. I am genuinely wanting to dance. It took me over a YEAR to finish this story idea for an OC NWTB character, AND NOT ONLY DID I HAVE SO MUCH FUCKING FUN WRITING THIS LAST CHAPTER. I AM JUST SO STOKED THAT SOME OF YOU REALLY GOT INTO THIS. (Apologies if the ending feels rushed.)
I sincerely hope you all enjoy this last segment. Please do let me know what you thought of the whole all together. Please let me know how I can improve. What do you want to see more of in these stories? Any feedback is appreciated <3
This chapter is not edited (because I was too excited to wait)
PART ONE / PART TWO / PART THREE / PART FOUR / PART FIVE PART SIX / PART SEVEN / PART EIGHT / PART NINE / PART TEN
It had been the damndest thing when you left NateMare licking his wounds.
You’d gone to the driveway, and found a taxi waiting for you. The driver said the fare had been taken care of, and he was to take you wherever you wanted. When you asked him who had covered the tab, he said a well spoken gentleman had done so.
Seeing your disheveled appearance in pyjamas, the taxi driver became curious as to why you were there.
You went with an elaborate story. It was your birthday, and your asshole brother had kidnapped you and brought you here for a spooky adventure. You’d gotten fed up with his childish antics and had decided to leave. You added that it was likely your brother’s friend that had paid the taxi driver.
When you got home, you took a long, luxurious hot shower, and collapsed into bed. Your exhaustion was deeper than you’d thought, leading you to sleeping for a straight 12 hours.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
4 months later…
It had taken him a month, but Mercer had kept his word. He’d found each of his victims that had been put into a coma, and brought them out of it. When questioned about what had happened to send them into the coma, they all had the same story. They’d been out at night, and they came across a man looking for directions. After they sent him on his way, they’d become dizzy, and passed out.
Authorities believed that the victims had been distracted by the man asking for directions, then jumped by a second person that knocked them out, and then drained them for blood. Reddit was running rampant with theories about a team collecting blood for the black market.
You supposed it was better than them getting freaked out about a rampaging vampire. The last thing the city needed were civilians taking up guns, pitch forks, torches, and stakes to go after people that were innocent.
In the following months, you remained on alert. NateMare’s promise of retribution had left a fairly strong impression. Armed with the knowledge of something to use against him, you’d setup a collection of weapons throughout the apartment.
In the kitchen you had a bucket of blessed water by the sink. In the living room you had a Super Soaker loaded with the stuff, and in your bedroom, you had a spray bottle at the ready. You knew it would annoy and delay him at best, but at least it was better than just standing around and letting him curse you again.
You were so intent on watching for hints of a smoke cloud, you didn’t think to watch for any bats.
Which was how Mercer caught you off guard.
You’d spent the day out with one of your friends, and had lost track of time. It was dark when you made the walk home. The night was overcast, and the wind was much colder as winter was settling in.
Despite your thick jacket, you still felt the chill. Your hands were stuffed into your pockets, and your shoulders were hunched up to your ears. Your attention darted between the people walking towards you on the sidewalk, and the people that were walking parallel to you across the street. Leaving no room to focus on your surroundings behind you.
An arm went around your shoulders, pulling you in against a tall frame. Startled you made a noise that was barely a word and some kind of squeak.
A familiar voice chuckled, making the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. You didn’t dare look up, not wanting to get caught by his eyes.
“What are you doing here Mercer?”
Mercer’s arm squeezed a little tighter, guiding you forward to keep walking.
He was greatly enjoying himself. You could tell from his voice as he replied, “Well hello to you too. Can’t a friend just come around for a visit now and then?”
“We’re not friends.”
“Oh, you wound me.” He lamented, without an ounce of actual dismay.
“Did you come here to get some payback for soaking you?” It was the first thing that came to mind, and you were kicking yourself for not bringing your tiny spray bottle with you when leaving earlier.
You caught sight of Mercer’s hand as he waved that thought off, “Not at all. I’ve gotten over that little trifle. As I said, I’m just here on a friendly visit.”
“At what point between you and NateMare trying to kill each other, did you and I become friends?” You could see your apartment building up ahead, and at this point, you were just utterly perplexed as to what was happening with Mercer right now.
He ignored your question, “I had some time to think while I went from hospital to hospital, and I’ve come up with a fun idea. One that I’m sure you’ll see the benefits of.”
You knew it was stupid, you could hear yourself calling it stupid, but when you both stopped in front of your building, you looked up.
The bugger was genuinely amused, smiling brightly and in all innocence. There was no glow to his eyes, and you didn’t feel any part of you go numb. He was playing nice.
You shrugged off his arm and moved around to stand in front of him, “And what idea is this?”
“Well, as we’re both aware, my dear baby brother is all in a huff about you letting me go. The set of lungs on that boy, I swear. My ears were throbbing for an hour after his hollering.”
You winced, but you weren’t surprised Mercer had caught that.
“I was thinking to myself about how much trouble you and he were, going around and messing about in my handiwork. Good job on digging up the family history by the way. Anyways, I thought I should probably keep tabs on my brother, make sure he doesn’t come barging in on me at some point unexpectedly. The only problem, is that I’m terrible at tracking idiots.”
You shuffled on the spot, getting colder by the minute. Mercer was clearly intent on dragging this out, and you doubted he’d just let you walk away. But you had no intention of inviting him inside.
“So I came to the only logical conclusion: You! I knew he was bound to come knocking on your door at some point, and figured I’d keep watch. I tell you, watching a mortal for a month is boring. Which is why we’re having this chat. Much more engaging than just hovering about bored out of my mind.”
Your blood pressure rose at his declaration of stalking you for the past month. You thought you’d felt eyes on you, and it’d made you twice as jumpy. Knowing it was this nuisance didn’t make you feel any easier.
Processing everything he was saying all together, you just about threw your hands up.
It was the same damned position you’d been in 5 months before, only now it was reversed!
“Clearly you two are related.” You grouched stomping your feet. The cold was seeping through your boots and socks, making your feet ache.
“I am not helping you find NateMare. You are not hanging around here to wait for him to show up! And I’m not getting involved with either of you again!” You didn’t care if the neighbors heard, for all they’d understand, it sounded like a romantic issue.
You spun on your heel and stomped up to your apartment door.
Just as you put the key into the lock, a decent sized bat flew around you and clung onto your chest. You looked back over your shoulder and saw no sign of Mercer. Glaring down at the bat you hissed, “You are not coming inside, let go and go away.”
The bat merely wiggled its ears, and much to your chagrin, he nuzzled against your coat. Even worse, it was adorable.
You heard people, more tenants that belonged to your building, coming up behind you.
Suppressing a frustrated scream you unlocked the door, and kept your body turned away from the approaching people.
You wrapped your arms around yourself, concealing Mercer as best you could, and made a beeline for the staircase.
Huffing up the stairs you swore at him, “You’re in so much trouble. I have a bucket filled with holy water in my kitchen, and it has your name all over it buddy.”
The impudent bastard gave a tiny squeak. One that conveyed no distress in the slightest.
A glance down, and there was no mistaking a smug smile, even on a bat.
You didn’t stop until you were inside your apartment, at which time you were breathless and sweaty under your coat.
“You make one damn comment about me being out of shape, and I will seriously drown you.”
“I’d very much like to see you try.”
You’d been locking your door, putting your back to the living room.
It hadn’t been Mercer that had replied.
Stiffly, you hit the light switch next to the door frame and peeked over your shoulder.
NateMare lounged back on your couch. His body was relaxed, but his expression was one that read: murder.
The sound of dripping drew your eye to the kitchen. Your bucket of holy water was on the floor, along with a puddle and some water that was dripping off the cabinet doors.
“NateMare-”
“Shut it.”
He got to his feet and stalked towards you, “You should consider yourself very lucky. Had I gone after you that same day, I would have happily ripped your esophagus out of your throat.”
You swallowed thickly.
“But I took some time to calm down, recover, and think about it. I changed my mind.”
He stepped closer, leaving two steps of distance between you, “I’ve come to realize that I enjoy having a minion doing my bidding. Unlike some other...people...I could name, I don’t have a host popping out brothers every damn holiday. Plus, you’re already semi-trained.”
He smirked and held up a hand. Smoke gathered in his palm, and formed a thick section of chains.
“Hell. No.”
You’d done this song and dance, and you were not doing it again.
Turning to face him, you pried Mercer from your chest and shoved him into NateMare, “Here, talk to your brother.”
Stunned, NateMare had dropped the smoke chain and grabbed Mercer on reflex.
Unprepared, Mercer didn’t have a chance to resist being shoved into NateMare’s hands.
The two stayed frozen, and dumbstruck to the spot while you threw off your coat and went to get your mop and bucket.
There was another second of silence until you heard, “WHAT THE FUCK?!”
There was enraged squeaking, a bit of scuffling, the sound of a grunt, and then silence.
When you returned to the kitchen, you found the two were gone, and your balcony door wide open.
You were in the clear. For now.
Count The Teeth - Part Ten
GUYS. THIS IS THE SECOND LAST CHAPTER. THE END IS NEAR. I FEEL MY FREEDOM FROM THIS PROJECT FINALLY AT HAND!
Because I’m too excited about sharing, this has not been edited. If you spot mistakes, such as accidental gender specific nouns, please let me know!
PART ONE / PART TWO / PART THREE / PART FOUR / PART FIVE / PART SIX / PART SEVEN / PART EIGHT / PART NINE
When the force of the water ebbed, and you didn’t feel like you were holding a fire hose anymore, you opened your eyes.
You put the cap back onto the flask and laid it gently on the ground. Whatever it was, it had some serious magic juju.
Everything in front of you for a 60ft radius was drenched. Water dripped from trees, puddles littered the ground, and the crater that the two men had been standing in was nearly filled with murky water.
‘Crap, did I just drown them both?’ You didn’t think it was actually possible. A vampire that old should surely know how to swim, and NateMare being whatever the fuck he was, could have just smoked through the water.
“Gods damnit that shit stings.”
You squeaked and spun to the left. NateMare, back to his human appearance, lay on his side. He was soaked from head to toe; with steam, not smoke, rising from his body. With roughly a foot of distance between the two of you, the bruises on his visible skin were much more apparent. He’d really taken a beating.
As much as you despised NateMare for all his bullying, you were still relieved you hadn’t killed him.
He rolled over onto his back, groaning with the effort and the pain, “Where the hell did you get that much holy water?”
Holy water? That whole geyser was holy water?
Given NateMare’s condition, you didn’t see any reason not to tell him, “I didn’t get a look at him, but some guy named Count slipped it to me over in the graveyard.”
Your eyebrows rose to the top of your forehead as NateMare sprung into a whole spew of curses.
“Friend of yours?” You asked, mildly amused.
“No. He’s another leech. I’d heard from the magician there were more of them out there, I didn’t think they’d be hovering around.”
While he spoke, the bruises began to fade from his skin. When he’d been swearing, you’d heard some wheezing to his words. Now he spoke clearly.
‘Must be nice being able to heal right away.’
“You should really be grateful he stepped in and helped. Even in your Ghost Rider form, you looked like you were having a hard time with Mercer...Speaking of...Did I liquefy him?” You turned in a circle, trying to spot another soggy body.
“No, but you did render him powerless for the next little while.” Mare sat up, and held up a hand, showing a squirming bat he was holding by the wing. It thrashed and attempted to grab hold of Mare’s wrist.
You inched closer to NateMare, and could spot differences between this bat and the one you’d been affectionate to earlier. For starters, this bat was massive. It’s wingspan was the same as your hands next to each other with your fingers spread out. It’s fur didn’t appear to be coarse, and the shade of brown was the same as NateMare’s. The biggest tell, once you moved around behind NateMare, were its eyes. They were a deep shade of red.
“Wow way to fall into a cliche Mercer.” You squatted down next to NateMare and watched Mercer glare at you. It wasn’t intimidating in the slightest.
NateMare gave Mercer a small swing, causing him to squeak out in pained protest, “In this form, I can easily finish him off. I think a good couple stomps should do it. Or I can just break his tiny neck. You know what, I’ll be nice. Since you managed to get him like this, you can decide how he goes.”
As NateMare made each suggestion of how to murder the bat, your stomach twisted into knots. At the offer to let you decide, you gaped at him as if he were insane.
“I don’t want him dead, I want him to fix his mess. There are scores of people dying in a coma because of him. If we kill him, we don’t know if that will wake them up.”
Now it was NateMare’s turn to look at you in disbelief. He shook Mercer, “It was probably some magic he did that put them in a coma. If we kill him, that spell should end. Easy peasy.”
Mercer squeaked, and shook his tiny head back and forth. It was a bit unnerving to see a bat do something human. You pointed at him, “See! He says it’s not magic. Even if it were, what the hell do you know about magic?! You had to see a magician friend of yours to get a location!”
“Just because he’s saying no, it doesn’t mean its true. He’s just trying to save his skin.” Irritated, NateMare got to his feet and grabbed hold of Mercer’s other wing. Stretching them both out he snarled down at Mercer, “You’re not getting away with anything. I’m just going to rip you in half and be done with it.”
He pulled on the wings, and Mercer began to squeal in agony.
Fed up with NateMare, and not worrying about repercussions, you got up behind him and swung your foot up between his legs.
He gave a choked gasp, and crumpled back to his knees.
You managed to grab Mercer before he could squirm out from NateMare’s loosened grip. You pinned his wings to his body and moved away from NateMare.
But you weren’t giving Mercer a free pass. You walked over to the crater still filled with the expelled water, “Here’s my offer Mercer. You either wake all those people up from their comas, and swear to only take blood from animals or blood banks. Or I dunk you in this water, and hold you under until you decide to cooperate. Nod if you’re going to help.”
Mercer glared back at you, and gave a small attempt at escaping your hold.
“Fine then.”
You knelt next to the edge of the crater and lowered Mercer slowly into the water. He shrieked and thrashed in your hold the second his lower half touched the water. Steam rose up, carrying the smell of sulfur.
You didn’t have the stomach to hold him in it for long, but you were certain it got your point across.
“Are you going to help, or do I lower you in a bit further?”
Mercer was shivering, the part of his body that had been dunked had lost hair and the skin underneath looked sunburned. He glanced down at the water, then gave a small head nod.
You weren’t naive enough to trust him just on an agreement like that, “Do you swear you will wake up the coma patients today? And only take blood from animals?” That got you another glare. He’d definitely been betting on you being an idiot.
When he didn’t nod, you began to lower him back towards the water. He shrieked and nodded his head vigorously.
Smiling smugly, you walked away from the water, “There. Was that really so hard?”
From his spot on the ground NateMare growled, “Don’t you dare let that asshole go.”
You looked over and met NateMare’s enraged eyes. You held his gaze as you did just that. You let go of Mercer.
He caught himself before hitting the ground and took off into the air.
You’d done what you’d wanted. You’d helped those people. It felt amazing to have accomplished something like this. So if NateMare decided to cook your ass, you’d have no regrets.
Even with rapid recovery abilities, you figured NateMare wouldn’t be able to move for a good while.
Flipping him the middle finger you spun on your heel and started the walk back to the front of the mansion. It was going to be a very long walk to the road, and possibly all the way back home.
“WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU, YOU’RE GOING TO WISH YOU’D NEVER DONE THAT!” His roar sent sleeping birds and bats flying.
You didn’t look back.
Count The Teeth - Part Eight
Ok, so I’m cheating here a little bit. This part could be merged with the next part. But I am the sick, and sick brain no want to write. So I’m buying myself some time ^^”
Edited by @the-wild-ego
PART ONE / PART TWO / PART THREE / PART FOUR / PART FIVE / PART SIX / PART SEVEN
You’d walked through the first two rows of gravestones, noting with a touch of empathy, that the names on the stones had eroded off. Only a couple had some letters or dates on them still.
Your new friend had been content lying beneath your hand and having his-- her?-- their head lightly petted with the edge of your thumb. As you approached the middle of the third row of graves, they began to squirm.
You paused and lifted your hand, not wanting to get bit for making the sky puppy feel trapped.
It tugged it’s claws free from your shirt, and let itself fall then swoop up into the air.
It chittered as it flew off. Squinting against the light coming from the moon, you could see a stream of bats were flying back towards the way you’d come from.
“I don’t think that’s a good sign.”
You knew that bats stayed in colonies, and it was easy to see that the bats flying over head were the same type as your friend. But the way they were massed together, and all headed in the same direction, gave you the sense that they weren’t out flying for the sake of feeding. It was more like they were headed to a specific location.
You looked back to the hedge doorway you’d come through. If there had been trouble, wouldn’t you have heard it? It was so quiet, and in such a flat area, any noise would definitely carry over to you from a distance.
Of course. That was thinking in the logical sense. What could you even consider to be logical anymore? You were there to hunt down a vampire for frick sake!
A slight breeze brushed against you, and any worries of distant trouble were gone. Replaced with the reminder that you were cold, tired, and overly irritated.
Grumbling you decided you better head back to where you last saw NateMare. Maybe he’d found and killed Mercer already, and you could get back to sleep.
You took a single step forward, then froze.
The hair at the nape of your neck had stood on end and your gut was telling you that someone else was there. Right behind you.
Self preservation said to run and not look back.
Curiosity said to stay there and just be ready to run.
Your hesitation was the newcomer’s invitation.
Cold metal and the familiar texture of paper was pressed into your right hand.
You couldn’t say how long you stood there, locked between flight or fright.
Eventually, your sense of awareness edged you to peek back over your shoulder.
The space was empty behind you.
When you looked down, you found your were holding a rather large metal flask. It was plain in its design and could be easily overlooked if left laying around. The paper, to your perspective, was much more interesting.
It was the same kind of paper that had been in the journal you’d ‘found'. Yellow and curled at the edges, but thick in its quality. Exactly how you imagined scroll paper to feel.
Unfolding the paper, you weren’t surprised to find elegantly written words that would match to the journal’s writing.
‘This should help with your pest problem. You should only need a little bit for your curse. My regards - Count.’
At the name Count, your immediate thought was ‘Count Dracula?’
You shake your head at yourself, immediately dismissing the idea. The fact that the stranger had only included Count, which meant that that was their name. They would have put in another name if Count was meant as their title.
Tucking the note away, you unscrewed the lid on the flask and tried wafting the scent from inside to your nose. Not picking up anything in particular, you cautiously poured it into your hand. What came out seemed to just be water.
He’d said you’d need only a little bit for your curse. Seeing as it couldn’t make anything worse, you lifted your hand and dripped water onto your neck. You felt it sizzle on the chains, you could even see smoke, or steam, rising from it. Elated you put another small portion of water into your hand and dabbed it against the other side of your neck. There came more sizzling, more steam, and then.
‘Chhlng’
A weight you didn’t realize you’d been burdened with lifted from your shoulders. You didn’t have to look in a mirror to know the chains were gone. That sound you’d heard, or thought you’d heard, sounded just like a thick line of chain falling to the ground.
You were free from NateMare. You could leave right then and there, and start making your way home.
It was all you’d wanted for the past month and a half. To just go back to your daily grind and not worry about a living smoke bomb ruining your free time.
As badly as you wanted this, you knew you couldn’t walk away. Not when people were still in comas and their families were suffering for it.
Mercer had to be confronted, if not for yourself, then at least for them.
Your resolve in place, you screwed the cap back onto the flask and took off for the opening in the hedge.
Count The Teeth - Part Seven
I am SO SO SO SO CLOSE TO FINISHING THIS!!! If I’m correct, I have only two or three more chapters to write. I’ve been sitting on this for a YEAR, and the original concept was so simple!!!!! *wails in agony over my own procastination/lack of inspiration*
In other news, in this chapter, I thought I’d play around with NateMare and give him a...different...side. I was seriously excited about this, so I hope you all get a bit of thrill from it too ~
WARNING: Some of the descriptions are in the gore category.
Edited by @the-wild-ego
PART ONE / PART TWO / PART THREE / PART FOUR / PART FIVE / PART SIX
There was a tiny ‘POP’ and the rest of the world came back into focus.
The little bat clung to the front of your shirt, it’s claws lightly scraping against your skin. It’s ears twitched and swiveled, catching the noises all around it, even as its tiny black eyes peered up at you.
Disoriented, you reflexively rested a hand on its back and used your thumb to brush over its head. It gave a squeak, and raised its head to rub against your thumb, encouraging you to continue.
This lessened your unease as you looked around and took in your surroundings.
You had somehow managed to walk out of the garden, and right into a graveyard.
The hedge wall, and the opening you’d come through were just behind you. In front of you, were a collection of headstones and grave markers. None of them looked recent, and were well marked by age from the grass growing around their edges and the cracks that had formed. You guessed there to be at least 20 graves.
“Why, oh why, little friend, did you bring me here?” you couldn’t get yourself to speak louder than a whisper. With vampires and Phantom Sirens being a thing, you didn’t want to learn if zombies could be a reality too.
The bat squeaked, but gave nothing else in lieu of an answer.
Looking towards the opening you’d come through, you muttered, “I should probably head back and find NateMare, he’s going to be livid.” The thought of NateMare’s temper, and the heat that came with it, made you shudder.
If he was going to be mad, then why rush off to get punished?
“I’ll just, take a stroll and see if there’s any clues here first.”
That settled, you tiptoed towards the first row of graves.
-/-/-/-
He was enjoying himself.
In the past few centuries, he’d made minimal contact with other beings like himself. He’d found they were too troublesome, or worse, sentimental. Their prolonged exposure to humanity, or just the base of their creation, had made the newer generation softer.
There were four strong ones that held potential, but Mercer would leave them be.
One had a penchant for stabbing anything that moved.
One would want to dissect him at the first given opportunity.
One would enjoy nothing better than to fight him for the sake of the fight.
And the last one, well, he had a few too many tricks up his sleeve that Mercer didn’t feel enticed to learn about. Particularly not when he could send an entire army of deranged brethren to swarm him.
He couldn’t even bother with the two others of his generation. They’d forgone their base nature, deciding to befriend humans instead of feeding off them as the food source they were. The three had agreed to not interfere with each other’s business, so long as their boundaries were respected. Mercer had made it a point to know exactly where those boundary lines were, lest he have to deal with the headache that was a lecture and possibly a slap on the wrist.
He had almost thought his little brother, NateMare, to be one of a sentimental nature as well. Having interrupted his feeding, and nearly blowing them both up in that garage.
He’d been delighted when NateMare had proven him wrong.
Mercer had been keeping tabs on NateMare this past month. He’d watched as he kicked around the human he’d saved. Going even as far as putting a collar on them and forcing them to do his work for him.
Mercer had gotten a good laugh out of their discovery of his origins. He’d nearly forgotten that love letter he’d left on his host’s home. Oh the terror on their faces had been delicious.
Licking his lips, he allowed himself the quietest of chuckles.
NateMare didn’t hear the rustle from the tree behind him. He was too intent on scorching some sense into the oblivious human.
He could only blame himself for his carelessness.
He grunted from the force of the impact as he was smashed into a tree. The tree’s trunk splintered and broke, falling to the ground.
NateMare turned to smoke in order to break from Mercer’s grasp, before he rushed around to try and get behind Mercer. Unfortunately, his smoke form was dark enough that Mercer could track his movements.
Showing his elongated canines in a grin, Mercer laughed, “I was wondering if you were going to come sniffing around at some point. But I didn’t think it would take you this long.”
“It wasn’t like you left us a bunch of bright, neon arrows to point out which way to go.” NateMare quipped back as he reformed and made a swing for Mercer’s face.
Mercer danced out of the way, “That would have taken all the fun out of the hunt. I do appreciate that you brought a little snack for me, that was very considerate of you.”
Mercer dodged a few more punches, then took up the offensive. When NateMare didn’t turn to smoke, he managed to pepper in blows to his body. He didn’t hold back, making sure each connection was felt. With a particularly strong uppercut, Mercer sent NateMare sailing back again.
When he landed, Mercer listened to the air rush out of his lungs.
Barely touching on his speed, Mercer was beside him, his hand wrapped around NateMare's throat and squeezed to cut off his oxygen, “Really, little brother? Is this all you can manage to do? I was hoping for a good and proper sibling brawl.” Just to ignite NateMare’s ire, Mercer pouted down at him.
NateMare was certain he had at least two ribs broken that were trying to heal. He didn’t remember taking a hit to his face, but his nose was definitely broken. At least three of his teeth had cracked from that uppercut. He barely registered the taste of his blood as it trickled over his tongue and down his throat.
The term ‘little brother’ was a grater against his temper. Yes, this asshole was technically his elder in the chain of their creations, and yes, Mercer was winning so far, but he would be damned to give up and let this leech think he was the superior.
He didn’t touch on his source often, hating the recovery afterwards. It would be a lot of bed rest and aching muscles for days. Regardless, there was no better time than now to let loose.
Mercer’s brow furrowed, feeling a bead of sweat trickle down the nape of his neck. Had it gotten warmer?
NateMare clamped his hands around Mercer’s wrist. The sound of sizzling and the stench of sour meat mixed with smoke filtered into the air.
Mercer had a high pain tolerance, and flames had never been an issue. Yet he could feel the sting of his skin blistering in NateMare’s grip. His lips drew back in a pained, irritated snarl.
NateMare finally forced Mercer’s hand loose. Drawing in air he grinned, “What’s wrong? Not bothered by a little Hell fire are you?”
Mercer cursed and ripped his hand free. Leaping back to keep some distance Mercer inspected his wrist. The skin was blackened, and blistered. Already his powers pulsed to the injury to repair it. Letting it fall to his side, Mercer tsked, “I’ll admit, I didn’t think your nature ran so deep. Here I was thinking you were all hot air and smoke, now I see. You’re a pretty little onion, with a shiny smooth skin concealing the rotten layers of darkness underneath. You call yourself a Phantom Siren, when in reality, you’re a Hell Banshee off it’s leash.”
NateMare grunted as his ribs snapped back into place. The cartilage in his nose returned to its original form, and his teeth filled themselves in. Rapid healing was always a bitch.
While his given injuries fixed themselves, the rest of his body began to burn away.
Fat from his right cheek bubbled, forcing the skin to rupture and allow it to melt freely to the ground. The muscles along his jaw cooked, dried, and flaked away from his skull. His eye made a sickening pop as it burst and emptied the socket.
Slowly NateMare got to his feet, leaving puddles of his liquified fat on the barren earth. Staggering a bit as his body adjusted to redistribution of his weight, he flexed his right hand and gave it a shake. This caused more skin, fat, and muscle to fall from his bones. Bones that were black, and reflected light from the moon.
His remaining eye burst into blue black flames, his empty socket smoked from within. Those same flames sparked and caught his hair. In an instant it was impossible to tell if his hair was on fire, or if the fire had become his hair.
NateMare rolled his shoulders, and breathed out a plume of smoke. His lips stretched into a grimacing smile, his voice was raspy and hollow as he spoke,“ I really shouldn’t be surprised that you know that name. I will admit to being a bit disappointed that you didn’t react more. Now how about a rematch, Big Brother.”
HALP ME WITH MERCER
Alright, so I’ve made a couple posts regarding the soon to be released full story for *points to Mercer lounging in a corner* that mofo.
Mercer: Are you incapable of using the proper English language now?
Me: Shush, I’m appealing to what I think is my audience demographic.
Mercer: This is why I feel no sympathy while I drain you people dry.
*Ignoring him now*
Anyways, I’m at a point in the story where I just feel like some music would do some good. For my imagination/motivation, and possibly to insert into the fic.
So I was wondering if you guys had any recommendations for music for him.
To those unfamiliar with Mercer, you can refer to my fic HERE and to @the-wild-ego break down HERE