Written for Day Two of the 2018 Advent Calendar Challenge. Today's prompt was "sucker" and came from
friendof_dorothy:
(takes place after
Castle,
Budget Restraints,
Concealment, and
Party Guests)
They met on the third floor landing, beneath a high window that looked out over mist-shrouded mountains, surrounded on both sides by oil paintings of creepy aspect and questionable artistry.
"What did you find?" asked Simon, who was visibly shaking. Undercover may have been his life, but standing guard while the other three raided the upstairs and off-limits rooms of a mysteriously-appearing Dracula castle in the middle of a fancy masquerade ball had him rattled.
Marshall scowled, reached inside his long black cloak, and pulled out a handful of spiral-bound notebooks.
"Poetry," he said. "Thousands and thousands really bad had-written poems, all of them bemoaning his lost love who, by the way, changes her name, hair colour, skin tone and entire personality multiple times across the canon, occasionally in the middle of a stanza."
Dash nodded.
"The room I got was all portraits," he said. "All of them with little placards underneath saying things like 'alas' and 'beloved' and 'lo! torn from my arms by a cruel twist of fate'." He shuddered. "Some of them were on black velvet."
"Oh," said Simon. "Did any of the pictures look like Mrs. Teller? We gotta make sure he's not trying to make her his vampire bride."
Dash thought about it.
"Can't tell," he said. "None of the paintings were what you'd call good. I can say none of the women in them were wearing a cardigan, though, so she's probably in the clear."
The three of them turned to look at Syndi. She shrugged.
"I found a dressing room," she said. "Lot of frilly shirts, frock coats, those little heeled shoes with the big buckles that leprechauns wear. Oh, and there was a butt imprint in the chair," she finished. "I took a photo."
Dash, who at the mention of leprechauns had reached into his non-costume-complaint swag bag for the magnesium flares he'd been specifically told to leave at home, froze. So did Marshall and Simon.
A long silence fell, broken only by the sound of a string quartet drifting from the party below.
"Why?" asked Marshall, finally finding his voice.
Syndi raised an eyebrow.
"Every time we see him he's all wrapped up in that big black cape," she said. "And if he's really a vampire, his body could be made of mist, or rats, or... I don't know, other vampire things. Some kind of blood pudding or something. But if he leaves a butt imprint, then it stands to reason that he must have a butt." She pulled off one of her claw-tipped gloves and unpicked the knot sealing the small black bag at her waist. "Pretty nice one, too. You guys want to see the polaroid?"
"No!" said Marshall. "No vampire butt imprints! Not while we're on the job."
"What job?" scoffed Dash. "So far it's been terrible art, worse poetry and mediocre canapes. Can we go already?"
Simon nodded his agreement, his skin clammy beneath the skull makeup.
"I gotta check in with my folks first," said Marshall. "Mom saw us in the driveway, if we don't go and say hi, her and Dad will think we're embarrassed to be seen with them."
"Your sister's taking photos of ass-prints in the upholstery," said Dash. "They're not the embarrassing parts of your family tree."
"Hey!" said Syndi hotly. "Excuse me for trying to make sure you get evidence!"
"Evidence of butts," said Dash. "And the great artistic legacy of Sad Tepes, a Dracula so lame that Gary Oldman would hang up his boob-hair wig in disgust."
Marshall closed his eyes.
"This is the worst party ever," he said.
Licensing, in which the Mayor hands out some bureaucracy
Light Pollution, in which there is a newcomer in town
Pressure Tactics, in which there are ravens
Food Hygiene, in which Simon stays after school and Melanie and Janet do the same
Maybe, Even, in which Tod has a dream
Belt Match, in which Algernon the Invincible saves the world
Exterior, Garden, Night, in which there is a camp out
Administrative, in which there is a new Things Incorporated product being tested
Inevitable, in which there are moles
Brand Loyalty, in which there are Sky Monsters
Stonewall, Mud Walls, in which Harley is a brutal negotiator
Persuasion Tactics, in which Marshall has an itinerary, and Simon is tired
Unsuitable Substitute, in which there are changelings
Greenery, in which there are hanging baskets
Growth Spurt, in which there are crysanthemums
Temper, Temper, in which Marshall has strong opinions about the World o' Stuff's stock of reading material
Well, in which there is fishing
Swimming Pool, in which there is marine life
Follow Through, in which there is a rag doll
Public Interest, in which Marshall is a concerned citizen
A Credible Threat, in which there is an embarrasment happening at the Eerie Mall
Timeloop, in which Circular Road lives up to it's name
Misdirection, in which Syndi is a tiny bit evil
Downturn, in which there is a Farmer's Market
Concessions, in which there is theatre
Capability, in which Marshall is determined
Euclid by
froodle, in which we meet Mr. Daganfort
Construction, in which there are strange goings-on at the Eerie Cemetary
Tagged, in which there is graffiti
Uprising, in which there are zombies and the Bob brothers and one is worse than the other
Water Burial, in which Mr. Daganfort does some landscaping
A Greeting, in which something has a message for Eerie's groundskeeper
The Paper Witch, in which something would like a word with Sara Sue
Finish, in which there is wood stain
Corrective Lenses, in which Marshall takes eyecare into his own hands
Distractions, in which Marshall and Simon walk home after school
Class of '89, in which we visit Eerie Elementary
Infestation, in which there are pixies
BBQ, in which the Tellers build a bonfire
Dark Messiah, in which there are witches
Refurbish, in which there is dumpster diving
Guardian Spirit, in which Marshall and Simon visit the town dump
Staged, in which Harley is uncooperative
Festoon, in which it is October, and Marshall gets a fright
Trick or Treat?, in which there are teacakes
Display, in which Radford enters the spirit of the season
Haul, in which there are cupcakes
Halloween by
froodle, in which Mars and Simon celebrate a Von Orloff-free All Hallows Eve
Fine Print, in which Simon and Marshall walk the shores of Lake Eerie
Corn Critters 7: Rise of the Super Crop, in which Marshall makes a grave miscalculation
Signals and Signifiers, in which the Eerie PD is baffling
Safety Checks, in which there are reindeers
Decorative, in which there is wildlife
Surveillance, in which the boys must pick their moment carefully
Robin, in which Simon is startled by the local birdlife
Animatronics, in which the boys go to the Eerie Mall
Concert, in which Eerie's canine population temporarily set aside their struggle in favour of a singalong
Visiting Santa, in which Simon and Marshall take Harley on a trip
Weaponised, in which Christmas is a-coming
Pantomime, in which the Tellers take in some traditional Christmas entertainment
Frost Spiders, in which Eerie's winter decorations are possibly a little too beautiful
Surprise by
froodle, in which Mars tries to make sure Simon's birthday goes a little better this year
Informed Shopper, in which Simon contemplates a purchase
The Glade by
froodle, in which Simon and Mars visit a place that only exists on February 29th
Mostly Void, Partially Stars, in which we see the Space Thing prior to it's arrival in Eerie
Parking, in which Marshall does not want to help with the yardwork
Road Trip, in which there are aliens
If You See Something, Say Something, in which Marshall is questioned by Sergeant Knight
Postal, in which there is gunfire, and letters
Drive, in which Edgar has a convertible, and is filled with fear
National Garlic Day, in which there are vampires
Stormfront, in which Simon and Marshall eat takeout
Confectionary, in which there is baking
Blue Apron, in which the Mayor contemplates expanding a town by-law
Egg Hunt by
froodle, in which Simon and Mars partake of some traditional Easter activities
Truth in Advertising, in which Marshall has buyers remorse
Lost Sock Memorial Day, in which there is solemnity
Cooking Class, in which there is baking
Rubber Duck, in which there is a race
Blood Rain, in which it is Beltane
The Flower Beds, in which there is gardening
High Speed Sanitation, in which there is glitter, and garbage
Litterbug, in which Marshall gets even
For Charity, in which there's a bubble run
Rules of War, in which there is a water fight
Targeted Marketing, in which Syndi works a summer job
Spoiled for Choice, in which there is ice-cream
Ecosystem, in which there are mudsnakes
Municipal Maintenance, in which there is a fresh coat of paint
Lady in Red by
froodle, in which Simon experiments on the old-fashioned radio in the Secret Spot, and horror ensues
Boardwalk by
froodle, in which Simon and Mars are swayed by radio advertising
Fowl Deeds, in which there are ducks
Ducks on a Lake, in which there is Nick and Eddie
Grocery List, in which Marshall is a bad son
To Serve Birds (Right), in which Marshall and Harley have a bonding moment
Charitable, in which there is a pop-up shop and Marshall is suspicious
Dish of the Day, in which there is an old playground
Summer Vacation, in which fun in the sun requires some preparation
Foghorn, in which there is limited visability
Tour Group, in which costumes are worn and menus are hand-lettered
Upgrade, in which change is afoot at the Eerie Library
Hungry, in which the Mayor is unimpressed
Cheese, in which there is a continental market
Research, in which science requires sacrifice
Waiting In by
froodle, in which there is an ice-storm and a handyman does not arrive
Seafoam by
froodle, in which Simon and Marshall go to the seaside
A Night at the Circus by
froodle, in which a carnivale comes to town, and Marshall and Simon do not enjoy themselves
Taking a Break by
froodle, in which Simon and Marshall enjoy some much-needed R&R
Vacant, in which there is a store front
Model Railway by
froodle, in which a new business prepares to open in Eerie
Shoreline by
froodle, in which Simon and Marshall investigate strange happenings on the shores of Lake Eerie
At the Seaside, in which there is a storm
In the Bleak Midwinter, in which there are goings-on at the lake
The Lake at Night, in which it is midnight
Precipice, in which there are seals
Parade by
froodle, in which Mars takes issue with the Eerie Beekeepers Association's choice of mascot
Marketing, in which Eerie's honeybee population grow their brand
And Introducing... in which Dash X makes a powerful ally
Untouchable, in which much dismay is caused by Eerie's fauna
Drive In, in which there is a movie screening
Nature Study, in which there are dusk sprites
Homestead by
froodle, in which Marshall finally gets something useful out of shop class
Hound by
froodle, in which Simon makes a friend
Slyboots by
froodle, in which a certain corporal of the infernal regions comes to Eerie. Crossover with Johannes Cabal the Necromancer.
Sugar Rush, in which there are baked goods
Usual Suspects, in which there are things in the duck pond, and nobody is surprised
Festival by
froodle, in which Eerie's local businesses celebrate the summer
Strawberry by
froodle, in which there is unauthorised hubbub in Eerie
Not Welcome, in which there are gremlins
Sundae, in which the World o' Stuff has a new menu item
Read the Sign, in which the City Council means it when it says no swimming
Shrubbery, in which there is greenery
Prohibited, in which there is dairy
World Chocolate Day, in which there is a heatwave
Wildlife by
froodle, in which Simon and Marshall go to the beach
Cookout, in which Marshall and Simon go camping
Facilities by
froodle, in which the Eerie Bus Station and Supper Club has a problem with the men's toilet
Phonebooths, in which a call must get through
Anticipation by
froodle, in which Simon and Harley look forward to the Equinox
Castle by
froodle, in which there is unexpected architecture in Eerie
Budget Restraints, in which Simon and Marshall's disguises are somewhat lacklustre.
Concealment, in which there is a costume party
Party Guests, in which the costume party is attended
Dressed for the Occasion, in which Syndi needs help
Disaster Recovery, in which Marshall is a late bloomer
Art Lovers, in which Marshall has questions
Bag for Death, in which Radford is a born salesman
Observations, in which there is activity on Wolf Mountain
Prognostication Engine, in which horoscopes are frustratingly vague
Visitor in which Marshall's grandma comes to stay
Reading Room, in which Marshall infiltrates the Loyal Order of Corn
Crafting, in which Syndi graduates from college
The Hut by
froodle, in which Simon takes on the forces of Eerie solo
They, in which Marshall leaves for college, and Simon is left behind
Milestone, in which Tod McNulty turns 21
Mail Theft, in which the Eerie Postal Service ups it's security
Neighbourly, in which Marshall does a good deed, possibly
Errands by
froodle, in which Simon has a to-do list
Long Awaited, in which the Sorcerer's Bible finally makes an appearance
Rain Day, in which there is weather
Waterlogged by
froodle, in which Eerie experiences heavy rainfall
Riverbank, in which there are kelpies
Househunting, in which there are realtors
Housekeeping, in which there is a cult, and things get awkward
Hostage, in which Syndi is the sister, not the sidekick
Realtors, in which there is househunting
Mixed Media Messages, in which there is mail
Replacement Service, in which Marshall visits the Eerie Bus Terminal and Supper Club
Presentation, in which Chisel has an edict, and Simon has a plan
The M-Word, in which the cone of shame must be used
First Date by
froodle, in which a young Edgar Teller shows off one of his earlier inventions
Breakfast Conversations, in which Syndi and Marshall are very small, and very much themselves
Under the Bed, in which Syndi has a friend over
Popcorn by
froodle. Friday night is always movie night in the Teller household.
The Toll, in which a parcel arrives and there is a fee to pay
Charitable, in which there is fundraising for... something?
Door Prizes, in which here is a cake tin
Fountain, in which Marshall has an excuse, and Edgar does not agree
Belt Match, in which Algernon the Invincible saves the world
Volun-Told, in which Marshall takes preparation very seriously
Shears, in which Edgar is concerned for the contents of his garden shed
Parking, in which Marshall makes a hasty exit
The Teller Home for Displaced Youth by
froodle, in which Edgar harbours some doubts about his new home town
Lawn by
froodle, in which Marilyn Teller contemplaces some yardwork
Back to School, in which Marilyn visits the Eerie Mall
Distractions, in which Simon and Marshall walk home from school
Product Testing, in which Marshall and Syndi have input in the latest Things Incorporated invention
Film Festival, in which there is breakfast at Tiffanys, and much carnage
Cake Day, in which it is Marshall's birthday
Prestidigitation, in which Syndi poses as a fortune teller
Camoflage, in which Fifi has a plan to infiltrate the Teller household
Preventative Measures, in which Syndi and Marshall clash over a facemask
Gallery, in which Syndi and Marshall clash over art
Tornado Day, Revisited by
froodle, in which Syndi learns exactly what it means to be Miss Tornado Day
Induction, in which the role of Miss Tornado Day comes with yet another hidden catch
Classes, in which Syndi trains for her new role
Competing Traditions, in which Dash and Marshall wait out the Easter weekend in the Teller's garage
Easter, in which Marshall receives a note
Truth in Advertising, in which Marshall is in trouble, and Radford is confused
Shampoo, in which Syndi is troubled by soapy residue
Wildlife by
froodle, in which Simon and Marshall go to the beach
If You See Something, Say Something, in which Marshall is questioned by Sergeant Knight
The Party Fowl, in which Marilyn goes to some lengths to ensure Syndi keeps to curfew
The Party Fowl Cometh, in which the titular beast makes an appearance
Return of the Party Fowl, in which Syndi makes it home safely
Capability, in which there are Bigfoots
Nursemaiding, in which Syndi is much put-upon
Culinary Delights by
froodle, in which Syndi's terrible cooking may or may not have been an accident
Confectionary, in which Syndi has been baking again
Pirates, in which there are pirates
Rules of War, in which there is a waterfight
Exterior, Garden, Night, in which there is camping
Camping by
froodle, in which Syndi cannot sleep
Co-Defendants, in which Marshall seeks revenge
Artist in the Family by
froodle, in which an immortal creature takes a liking to Syndi
Virtual Reality, in which Things Incorporated branches out into the realm of home entertainment
Dressed for the Occasion, in which Syndi's weather goddess duties require a certain look
Without Due Care and Attention by
froodle, in which Syndi finally becomes mobile
Road Safety, in which Marshall does not
Typewriter, in which a familiar peacock logo makes an unwelcome reappearence
Golf Course, in which a reseeding does not go well
BBQ, in which the Tellers have a bonfire
Giveaway, in which Marshall buys a milkshake
Spa Day, in which Marshall has a gift for his sister
Prognostication Engine, in which horrorscopes are insufficiently detailed, and Marshall is cross
Hangover, in which Marshall drinks too much and makes a terrible enemy
Castle, in which there is unexpected architecture in Eerie
Concealment, in which there is a costume party
Party Guests, in which a costume party is attended
Waiting In by
froodle, in which there is an ice-storm and a handyman does not arrive
Harmonic Resonance, in which Syndi's craft table is disturbed
Spoiled, in which the Tellers are menaced
Postal, in which there is gunfire, and letters
Drive, in which Edgar has a convertible, and is filled with fear
Food Aggression, in which Lisa-Marie comes to visit, and the Tellers sibling dynamics have not changed
Statistically Possible, in which Marshall has the figures
Misdirection, in which Syndi is a cunning and treacherous foe
Targeted Marketing, in which here are illuminated signs on taxis
Rare Appearance, in which there are egg rolls, and also ghosts
Brunch by
froodle, in which Marilyn does not appreciate Edgar's help in the kitchen
Winter Picnic, in which there is snuggling
Corn Critters 7: Rise of the Super Crop, in which Marshall makes a grave mistake
Advent Calendar, in which Marilyn prepares for Christmas
Weaponised, in which Simon, Syndi and Marshall prepare for Christmas
Handmade by
froodle, in which the Tellers receive a Christmas package from Marilyn's mother
Window Paint, in which Harley helps Eerie Elementary decorate for the season
Pantomime, in which the Tellers enjoy some traditional Christmas entertainment
Decorative, in which Eerie's wildlife get into the spirit, and Marshall is worried
Dinner Conversation, in which Marshall and Syndi revive an old argument
Poor Life Choices by
froodle, in which Syndi loves her brother anyway
Public Spaces, in which there is a vampire, and Mayor Chisel appreciates municipal art
Lillian by
froodle, in which Marilyn's mother has concerns
Visitor by
froodle, in which Marshall's grandma comes to stay
Nap by
froodle, in which Marshall has a quiet moment in the Secret Spot
Underwater, in which Lillian travels to another timeline, and has a much-overdue conversation
Cygnet, in which Lillian and Harley visit the lake
Auction, in which a clear-out is happening
Hand Me Down/Keepsake, in which the clear-out continues
Administrative, in which Things Incorporated's latest invention is very sad
Sickbed, in which Marshall has an upset stomach
War Zone, in which Marshall is sad, and Syndi is a good big sister
Salvage Rights, in which Lillian and Harley return to the lake
Housekeeping, in which there is a cult, and things get awkward
Hostage, in which Syndi is captured, and is very displeased
Hometown by
froodle, in which Mars and Syndi visit New Jersey
Deterrent, in which there are pigeon spikes
Crafting, in which Syndi is about to graduate from college
Mixed Media Messages, in which there is glitter
Fresh Sheets by
froodle Product Testing, in which Things Incorporated's newest beverage is... something.
Tradition by
froodle, in which Dash and Marshall decorate a Christmas tree
Civic Duty, in which the Ladies Society for the Beautification of Eerie take up their posts
The Craft, in which the Ladies encounter the all-female wolf pack from Trick 'r Treat
A Time for Giving, in which it is Christmas, and Danielle comes back
Eww... in which Simon is making bad relationship choices
Freelancing, in which Sara Sue does graphic design
At the Dinner Table, in which an invitation is extended, and Dash is suspicious
Presentation, in which the Mayor has an edict, and Simon has a plan