Donbavand - Terror of the Nightwatchman

Mr. and Mrs. Watson were terrified when their son, Luke, first transformed into a werewolf. But that was nothing compared to their terror at being forcibly moved to Scream Streetand discovering there was no going back.

Determined to take his parents home, Luke enlisted the help of his new friends, Resus Negative, a wannabe vampire, and Cleo Farr, an Egyptian mummy, to find six relics left behind by the communitys founding fathers. Only by collecting these magical artifacts would he be able to open a doorway back to his own world.

Just as Luke and his friends finally succeeded in their quest, Mr. and Mrs. Watson realized how happy Luke had become in his new home and decided to stay on Scream Street. But the newly opened doorway was becoming a problemSir Otto Sneer, the streets wicked landlord, was charging normals from Lukes world to visit what he called the worlds greatest freak show.

To protect Scream Street, Luke must try to close the doorway by returning the relics to their original ownersalthough he and Resus will have to embark on a terrifying rescue mission first.

The vampire ran as fast as he could. He could see the house up ahead, dawn sunlight shimmering off the roof tiles. Gritting his teeth, he leaped into the air and twirled his cape. In a burst of black smoke, the vampire changed into a small bat.

The bat pumped its wings and sped on, screeching, catching the high-pitched echoes with its sensitive ears and using them to navigate the dead trees that lined the road.

When it reached the house, the bat perched on a branch that overlooked a bedroom window. Although it was blind in this form, the creature knew that inside a boy lay asleep, blood pumping through his veins. The bat licked its tiny fangs and launched itself from the tree straight into the window.

Smack!

With a screech, the bat bounced off the windowpane and, in another cloud of smoke, involuntarily transformed back into a vampire. Stretching up, he just managed to grasp the brickwork under the window. Then he hung there by his fingertips, not daring to look down.

Luke Watson jumped out of bed at the noise. Hed been dreaming he was at some kind of bizarre circus, complete with tap-dancing crows. His friends, Resus and Cleo, had been performing too, their hilarious antics causing tears of laughter to pour down his face

Help!

Luke dashed to the window. He opened it and peered out. Hello?

Hello! answered a voice.

Luke looked down to see a familiar figure grinning up at him. Kian! he exclaimed. What are you doing there?

Im a vampire! declared his young neighbor.

Luke grabbed Kian by his wrists and dragged him into the bedroom. I know youre a vampire but they dont usually throw themselves at second-floor windows.

I didnt throw myself at it, protested Kian, brushing brick dust from his cloak. I was a bat. I flew into it.

I thought bats had that sonar thing to stop them from doing that?

Kian nodded. They do, but Im not very good at it yet.

Its not a problem. Luke smiled. I like waking up to the soothing sound of something slamming against a pane of glass. He picked up his watch from his bedside table and peered at it. Kianits four-thirty in the morning! Whats going on?

Resus sent me to get you as soon as I could, explained the vampire. Theres a problem.

Luke yawned. What kind of problem cant wait until a more reasonable hour of the day?

Cleo is missing.

Luke raced across Scream Streets central square, pulling on a T-shirt. Kian followed. Cleos house was on one of the roads on the far side of the square, and Luke skidded to a halt as he reached the gate. He saw that the front door had been smashed in.

Dashing inside, Luke found the house beginning to fill with residents. Cleos father, Niles Farr, was deep in conversation with Resus. Luke hurried over. Thank you for coming, said the giant mummy.

No problem, Luke assured him. My mom and dad are just getting dressed; theyll be here soon. What happened?

I do not know, explained Niles. I woke to hear a smash, and when I went to investigate, Cleo was no longer in her sarcophagus.

The smash must have been the front door, said Luke.

Or the door to Cleos room, added Resus. Thats been kicked in, too.

You didnt see anything? Luke asked Niles.

As I ran down the stairs I thought I saw movement, replied the mummy solemnly. But it was only shadows.

It must have been the normals! cried a phantom. Theyve taken her!

Theres been nothing but trouble since that doorway was opened, added a gargoyle. Several residents turned to fix Luke with accusing stares.

We dont know who took Cleo, said Dr. Skully, the childrens skeletal teacher. And until we do, lets keep an open mind. Now, I shall team up with Twinkle to search house numbers one through ten for any sign of her.

As the skeleton continued, Scream Streets three resident zombies arrived. Bella will assist Doug and Berry in searching eleven through twenty; Eefa, Turf, and Alston will take twenty-one through thirty; and thirty-one through forty will be handled by the Crudleys and the Watsons.

Whos searching Sneer Hall? inquired Alston Negative.

Ive sent the Movers there to rouse Sir Otto, Dr. Skully replied. That way, we have the whole street covered.

Who should Resus and I go with? Luke asked.

The skeleton frowned at him. You two are going straight back to bed, he ordered. Kian, too. We dont want any more missing children tonight.

But Cleos our friend! protested Luke.

And the grown-ups will find her, said the teacher firmly.

Ill stay here with Niles, offered Tibia Skully. I think he could do with a nice cup of lotus-flower tea.

That would be very kind of you, my dear, said Dr. Skully, smiling at his wife. He turned back to the others. And, finally, if anyone finds the girl they should immediately send word to Miss Everwell.

The witch nodded. Ive got a spell ready that will light a beacon on the roof of the emporium as soon as we know shes safe.

And if no light appears? asked Alston.

We meet back here in two hours, said Dr. Skully. Now, lets get out there and find Cleo.

The house quickly emptied as the residents set off to search.

Luke turned and headed for the stairs. Come on, he hissed to Resus.

Where are you going? asked the vampire.