Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The outlook on the vampires' situation was looking quite grim. Especially for their leader— Scott Goldsmith.

He's been suspected by the townsfolk since day one. Suspected of murdering his roommate over a stupid reason (even if he did kind of do that the next day). Not to mention how he was gossiped about for his olden attire and noble ways. That all was ONLY the beginning! Now he's practically been found out, having been briefly seen by a group who believes in Avid's conspiracy theories. Which are true but he's quite over the top with it all the time.

Enough was enough. The treatment he got there was worse than if he arrived at a truly desolate Oakhurst. It was inevitable that he'll be mistreated further and even exiled with all the information and power those vampire-believers have.

So, he decided to leave.

After corrupting one beacon so his powers wouldn't be any more whittled down than they already were— he hid in the woods, taking an alternative route back to the village. He hadn't quite recovered the strength to transform into a bat just yet but he should be able to buy the time he reaches the walls of that wicked town. It's still quite a ways to go but maybe he can make use of this time...

Scott flipped open his old journal from his pockets. Luckily, It had a quill and ink to write with. He's not sure how, but it sure was convenient.

"Let's see... Since I'm leaving, I don't want them to think I ran away like a coward. It's best to leave a message so they know what I'm up to..."

No one would look for him in this corner, surely. They're still too busy monitoring the beacons or regrouping or something like that. He hid behind a big rock, using some cobblestone of his own to make it a better hiding spot.

"This should do, I should be quick though."

Scott placed down his dusty book and dipped the quill into a small container of ink.

"So as to not be suspicious to them I should write it to Shelby since she was my roommate..."

He placed the book on his lap for better reach.

"I wouldn't want to send the town a notice that I'm leaving anyway. It's too incriminating..."

He scoffed and shrugged at his own words.

"Though I won't have to worry about those idiots suspecting me of my every move anymore!"

"...It still helps to clear suspicion since there's still people that don't believe in vampires."

Scott begins writing his goodbye letter to Shelby and how he's moving out and away into the woods due to how incredibly rude the townsfolk have been to him, not to mention the crazy vampire accusations. So he'll be living far away in some unknown place to not be found again.

Well, that's the short version. If you wanted the real deal, then...

"Dear Shelby, My past roommate.

I am writing this to inform you that I will be moving out of your home and this small town all together. I haven't taken any of my things and I don't plan to. Keep them. I will take care of myself from now on.

If you find yourself wondering why I would do as such then I shall elaborate. The people in this town are insane and extremely rude towards me. People are going around gossiping about me, being suspicious of me when I haven't even done anything wrong. Then there's the night I was accused of your murder just for being your roommate and being me! I've also always been seen suspicious in situations where others have been seen as completely fine! At first, it was just Avid. But as more and more people start to believe him and his vampire nonsense, the more I feel outcast. I don't think it's all so odd that I've decided to abandon this place. I came to Oakhurst in search of experiencing new and fascinating things— not being accused by a madman of being a dangerous individual. I personally think living by myself is the best way to do so. Please tell the others of my reasoning as soon as you're done reading it yourself.

Oh and one last thing. Do NOT look for me. This goes for everyone.

-Sincerely, Scott."

It had been a while since he found himself writing letters but the words flowed to him. He wrote it quite quickly, perhaps the effect of him writing exactly what's on his mind... Just through a more polite filter. If it was his exact thoughts, he'd be much more violent with them. But alas he has to keep up some level of appearances. He tore the page off and folded it up.

"There. That should do it. I better hurry before they gather up at town."

And before he knew it, Scott was able to turn into a bat again.

"Well, it wouldn't hurt to make the journey a little lighter."

He transformed into a bat and took off towards the town. Intending to drop the message towards his fellow vampire's house and making a swift escape into the woods. There was a burden of always needing to be careful around people in such a crowded town... It got a bit lighter. There was a smile on the vampire lord's face.

Even if his face at the moment was that of a cute little bat's.

Chapter Text

After a trip to the castle ruins for some food, Shelby returns. Although she couldn't exactly find Scott to get some information on this whole vampire thing atleast she got her hunger filled. It was... New. Very different. Maybe this is how other creatures quench their hunger too? I mean obviously– creatures like werewolves wouldn't get by with things like plants, they're carnivores! Same with all the other creatures. If the town has vampires then maybe one of them could be possessed by a wendigo OR be a secret werewolf! A whole new world was opened with this revelation. Yes, new also means something vast and undiscovered and it's scary to not know everything but that's exactly what was exciting about it. There's things to explore! She can finally show her findings to the world!

Shelby finally reaches the Oakhurst town. If Scott wasn't out there maybe he's gone back to town by now then?

The red-head swings open the door to their abode. Expecting the teal-haired vampire to be lazing about after converting that beacon. There were two corrupted in quick succession so he probably wasn't alone. What a relief... To be taken away by the ominous note on the ground with no sign of her roommate in their home. Shelby picked up the note and read through it.

It's from Scott. "Past roommate"... He's leaving? After getting to move in with her for just 2 days? Ah right. He mentioned all this stuff often, even at the river they fished at. Guess he didn't mention it being dangerous here with him being a vampire with high suspicion on him since he wanted her to share this with the townsfolk... But still, he left a note but didn't take anything with him? He's really just leaving like that? Past roommate doesn't sound like a good title for them. Shelby frowned.

They're still fellow vampires though– Scott can't just leave Oakhurst like this! He's probably out there by himself and he'll let Shelby into whatever house he's building out there because they're both vampires and they're both friends! He just left because it was getting unsafe and it's nothing personal! It still hurt to see her house empty though. Besides Ren, there's probably no one living by themselves. Well, besides Scott too. But unlike Ren who is right outside of town, he said "far away". Would that mean he's in his castle? His tomb, maybe?? Whatever it was, Shelby knew she needed to go find him. After telling the others about this ofcourse...

Going back out the door to find the others and tell them about Scott's departure, Shelby saw Cleo, Abolish, Legs, Ren, Owen and Pearl in a group.

"Oh, here's Shelby."

Cleo said, giving the girl a friendly wave. Something seemed different about them all. Maybe it was just herself though.

"Yeah uh hey guys! What's going on?"

Shelby asked, it's not that weird to see so many people gathered together especially after everything that happened.

"I was wondering that too, I just came back from the mines?"

Pearl raised her hand which evidently had a pickaxe.

"Well y'see lads it's been quite a frightening night for the folks 'ere, we were preparing for the misfortunes that may befall us and these lands."

Came from the odd old man, Ren. He does seem pretty ready for a fight.

"I'll get you some armour too, Shelby. I've got a LOT of silver."

Cleo went back into the house she shared with Pearl, tending to cooking ores into silver material.

"Are you alright, Shelby? You look a little lost."

Owen asked. Right, he was here. Another vampire now known to her knowledge. He's also close to Scott so maybe he would know where Scott is and they can look for him together!

"Y-yeah I'm just..." Shelby took a breath in, remembering that Scott tasked her to deliver this information and probably clear him of suspicion. She could at least do that for him.

"I found a note that was left in my house by Scott."

Our house would've fit that sentence better but she couldn't say that now.

"Well, what does it say?"

Asked the Doctor looking at the note in Shelby's hand curiously.

"Well... Basically, it says..." Shelby repeated the contents of the letter to herself in her mind before she filters it to the others who took quite an interest in the letter as well.

"Scott's... Leaving. He's not gonna stay in town anymore and he's not my roommate anymore..."

Shelby announced, quite heartbroken by that factual statement.

"What?"

Claimed many but they spoke each.

"Scott's just leaving? To where? His manor?"

Abolish questioned, having been quiet until now.

"No... Actually, I don't really know. He just said he'd go far away and to not look for him no matter what... He didn't even take anything with him."

"Interesting... But odd."

"I think it was bound to happen."

Legs replied to Abolish.

"He wasn't being treated the best and he was pretty suspicious anyway."

Indeed, he's known that for a while now.

"Well, yeah that's the reason he's leaving actually. He said he's been treated like a bad guy no matter what he does and the vampire believers in this town are really rude to him too."

–Shelby's nicer translation of the note.

"But isn't he a noble? If he's still in Oakhurst by himself is he just gonna do all the work by himself?"

Pearl was right, this was Scott afterall... But he did say...

"The note also says that he'll take care of himself so..."

Cleo came back with crafted silver armour for Shelby and some more for Owen. Just boots couldn't suffice, surely.

"Oh please, he'll probably come back once he realizes how hard it is to fend for himself."

Cleo handed the armour to their designated person.

"Here's your armour, stay safe out there."

"I don't think you should underestimate him like that, honestly."

Owen replied, putting on the armour. Shelby followed suit, it's safe for her to wear silver armour if Owen can.

"And why do you think that?"

Cleo crossed her arms, questioning the lumberjack.

"I just do, I don't think you should say things like that and be so sure he'll be back."

Owen didn't want Scott's dignity to be ruined, clearly if he left a note to not look like he ran away, he still wants to keep that. So to help defend him that way would be best. It was true though, he didn't think he'd come back. Especially with how dangerous it is with the vampire non-believers becoming a somewhat minority now.

"You don't think he'll die out there if he's all alone do you?"

Shelby voiced the doubts in her mind. Even if Scott was a very powerful vampire, he was still the roommate she knew. Even if she was turned into a vampire which was partially his fault.

"I'm sure he can stay out there for a bit! If he's still in Oakhurst we can go find him and convince him to come back, right?"

Those words from Pearl were exactly what Shelby wanted to hear.

"Yes, Exactly! He wouldn't just leave like thaatt I know him!"

Shelby cheered. Even though Owen seemed to disapprove.

"I don't know, I think we should let him be."

Owen was doubtful of looking for Scott. If they found him and he refused to come back then surely one of the two would talk about where has and with the others that condemn him and believe him to be a vampire... Oh, he could easily get hunted. Another vampire close to him, hunted. His head spun with memories of that day. The fire, the silver weapons, the roar of victory as they killed his dear friend.

"Do you want him to be in danger?!'

Shelby exclaimed to Owen.

"Ofcourse, I don't want to belittle him but I don't want him to be all alone, you know..."

The rookie vampire said. Ofcourse, ofcourse. She was right.

"No, no, you're right, Shelby."

Owen placed a comforting cold hand on Shelby's shoulder.

"We should go look for him."

Owen smiled, It felt comforting to see.

"Are you sure about that though?"

Asked Abolish, the skeptic.

"With all the stuff about the darkness and the light being pushed back–"

"Oh, it'll be fine! This whole vampire thing isn't real. If you want to go check on him then go."

The doctor interrupted. Abolish seemed stumped about that but since he was still stumped about his beliefs he was stopped in his doubtful tracks.

"It's quite a virtuous deed indeed, to care for ye good friend like that. I admire it."

Ren nodded peacefully, Cleo beside him looked worried though.

"That's good and all but still, be careful. Go in a group. There's something evil out there, I don't know what but... Take care, okay?"

Cleo assured, agreeing to let them go reluctantly.

"Thanks! Who's with us to go look for Scott?!"

Shelby exclaimed, hoping to gather others to find the lost vampire.

"As you know, I'll go. I don't want you going alone and I'm not someone he hates here."

The other vampire stood beside Shelby. Owen held his axe firmly with both hands.

"I'll go! I don't know him that well but like I don't want you guys going alone and I don't want him to be alone like that, you know?"

Pearl volunteered awkwardly feeling a little left out in being the only one not someone close to Scott.

"It is dangerous out in those treacherous woods, don'tcha know? I'd be glad to accompany ye lads in looking yer good friend and protect ye from cursed evils!"

Ren brought his weapon forward proudly. It was a bit threatening seeing how two of them were vampires but he didn't know that.

"I think I'll stay in town, I don't feel safe going out there yet..."

Abolish said, not quite completely sure of his beliefs and what could be going on. But he knew some others didn't either— Legs and Owen. One of them was going out but...

"Good luck on finding him I guess, I'll stay in town and maybe discuss some things and try to figure some things out."

The doctor's eyes go over to Abolish for a second before going back to Owen.

"Thank you, Doctor. Good luck to you as well."

Owen gave him a slight thankful nod.

"I'd offer to go but I think I'll keep an eye on town– can't afford to have all the sane people outside, can we?"

Cleo chuckled, knowing that the "vampires are real!" madman was in town along with his roommate but the others that also believe in stupid mythical creatures would also come back and she'd need to assess everything with those idiots...

"Good luck to you all, I'd give you some more if I could but it's all smelting right now so I can't really do much."

"It's alright Cleo, we'll be safe. You've given us enough!"

Pearl assured and gave her a cheerful reminder.

"Thanks Pearl, be careful out there."

"I will!"

Shelby spoke up after that.

"Well let's not wait any longer– he could be getting mauled by werewolves by now if we're not quick!"

"Oh for god's sake."

Cleo says, in an annoyed disbelief voice.

"Come on, that wouldn't happen. We should catch him before he goes too far though."

Shelby already took off to the gate, Owen walks his way there.

"Very well, Onwards!"

Ren followed behind as did Pearl.

Owen was split between finding out where Scott was and if he should just cancel the search and go rest. These beacons started taking a toll on him ever since all of them were lit up. But with the two new desecrated beacons, he could hold on for a little longer. Especially since if they do find Scott... It'd be three versus two.

Chapter Text

After desecrating that beacon, ever so proudly, Pyro skips back to town as if he was just a bit lost in the woods. Nothing wrong here, just a guy from the wilderness! Though the uncomfortable feeling of the sun reminds him of his vampire form. It's the second day.

Holding his stone pickaxe as if he just got out of a mine and ended up in the woods, Pyro waved to the nearest group of humans.

"Hey guys! What's going on?"

Only then did he notice the atmosphere wasn't so great.

"What are you talking about? That's great news!"

Avid claimed, Drift was beside him who registered Pyro's presence but didn't say anything.

"No, it isn't. You drove him out of town with your vampire nonsense! Clear your head, Avid!"

Cleo barked back at the vampire hunter who stiffened at the volume of her voice.

"Uh... What's going on?"

Pyro interjected, deciding to somehow make peace out of the argument at hand.

Drift decided to summarize the best she could,

"Scott left town-"

But Pyro was a bit too shocked.

"What??"

There was a pause where Pyro realized they should let Drift finish.

"Scott left town to go live on his own elsewhere. Apparently because of people accusing him of being suspicious and bad, like Avid has."

Oh. That made sense. But they thought he didn't care what other people thought about him?

"Oh, so like. Avid calling him a vampire."

"Which doesn't exist and he takes it too far!"

Cleo was very defensive. It was Scott that left town and that probably didn't affect her, maybe she was just really riled up by how Avid insists on vampires.

"Now Pearl, Ren, Owen and Shelby are out looking for him to bring him back to town."

Cleo stated, made more sense why she was a bit more mad than she should be.

"What? No- he needs to stay out of town- Look, I'm sorry to be the one to say this but I think I speak for everyone when I say Scott was kind of an asshole."

Avid defended his case of wanting Scott to be away from here, obviously because the sire tormented the poor hunter.

"I still don't think you should be happy that you made someone leave town."

Pyro replied to Avid and Cleo nodded.

"Avid, I'm sorry about this but they're right. I'm not saying you should stop believing in it, just keep it down more and be less aggressive about it?"

Drift placed a hand on Avid's shoulder to make him understand his wrongs.

"F-fine, I guess you're right, yeah. "

He'd wanted to prove his point again but he was left quite defeated until a group of adventurers came into town.

"GUYS! Guess what we JUST found."

Martyn said, running over to the group of four with Apo and Sausage following close behind.

"What?"

Cleo asked.

Sausage jumped to the reveal.

"While we were out just last night and felt that dark presence coming from the beacon at the ruined castle..."

"We found SCOTT! He was consecrating the beacon or something and then he just left! He ran away like- he just disappeared! Out of thin air!"

Sausage made various hand movements to play out the scenario, the drama queen he was, truly.

Avid, who just backed down from accusing Scott of vampirism, rose again.

"Oh my- that HAS to be proof he's a vampire! It's confirmed!"

Cleo didn't seem to be too surprised with this though. Pyro was quite concerned that they saw Scott.

"Uh.. maybe you saw wrong? Scott left town, afterall."

The group turned towards Pyro. Who was uncomfortably put on the spot.

"He did?"

Asked Apo and Sausage both.

"Yep. He left Shelby a note explaining that he's done with the accusations and such of being a vampire or whatever and he's gonna live out in the woods."

"He did? Huh... Wait where's Shelby?"

Cleo felt really REALLY annoyed that she was left to explain to everyone what happened while Legs and Abolish went off to discuss whatever wherever but they had to do it nonetheless.

"Shelby along with Owen, Ren and Pearl left to go look for Scott and bring him back."

"Aha! A hunt!"

Sausage exclaimed.

"No... I don't think so..."

Pyro awkwardly interjected.

"Well, what happened? Why did he leave?"

Apo asked. They looked to Cleo for an explanation but someone else knew what to say.

"Scott's scared because now we know he's a vampire because he was caught by you guys and I've been onto him from the start!!"

Avid excitedly claimed again, not backing down THAT easily..if anyone believed him ABOUT it'd be Sausage and Martyn. Ofcourse including Ren.

"I- I'm just leaving. If I stay here any longer I'll murder the whole town."

Cleo said, sighing as they rushed back into their shared home with Pearl.

Pyro had to salvage this for Scott somehow, but he was surrounded by atleast three people who are set on persecuting his sire. A tough situation indeed.

"We'll... talk later, you guys go sort yourselves out."

And escaped the fledgling. It's best to wait until Abolish and Legs are back to discuss this since they don't believe in vampires.

"Avid, I thought I told you to tone it down?"

Drift told Avid, he chuckled sheepishly, proving guilty.

"Sorry, hehe. I just got a little worked up. I was right, Drift!"

Pyro leaves the conversation, heading back out into the woods. Whenever they can transform again, he's gonna find and tail that search party. Wherever they are. Town is a lost cause, for now.