Chapter Text
“I’m telling you, vampires are real!” Avid yelled, throwing his hands in the air.
Drift winced and placed her hand on Avid’s shoulder to calm him, but he ignored her.
Legs frowned. “Avid, vampires are myths. What people thought were vampires in the past was probably something scientifically based that they didn’t know about.”
Cleo nodded. “Like plague.”
Avid tore away from Drift and paced back and forth. “Look—I’m a vampire hunter! I know about this stuff.”
Drift decided to try to intervene. “Avid, maybe we could—
Owen scoffed and stepped closer to Avid, interrupting Drift. “How do we know you’re telling the truth? That you’re not just making stuff up to stir up conflict? Or that you’re not just a delusional murderer who’s been hunting people who are different, which must mean they’re a vampire?”
Avid stepped back, paling. His hand reached toward his neck, where bandages were wrapped neatly, then dropped his hand. “I–I’m not…” He cleared his throat, and furious determination flashed in his eyes. “Just listen to me!”
Everyone froze. Avid’s voice had a different lilt to it, one that sounded like a note from Drift’s favorite song. It made her feel compelled to, yes, listen to Avid. Clearly, whatever he had to say was important, especially when using such a lovely melodic voice.
Avid continued like nothing had changed, still using that voice. “Some stuff just can’t be explained by plague or allergies or cannibalism or whatever! Maybe some specific instances, but all three? Totally vampires. And I’ve seen and fought and ki—the point is, I have experience! I know what I’m talking about and I’m trying to use this information to keep everyone safe!”
Drift nodded. That made sense. Maybe Avid had a point. Maybe vampires were real! “Yeah… yeah, I see what you mean, bud.”
“I… understand now,” Legs murmured.
Avid looked surprised at this sudden agreement. “You… do?” His voice sounded normal now, to Drift’s relief and disappointment.
Cleo blinked slowly. “Okay. Okay, Avid, I think you’re…” They blinked harder, scowling, and hissed something under their breath.
Owen didn’t say anything but even he seemed mollified by Avid’s explanation.
Avid smiled tentatively. “Are–are you guys willing to hear me out now?”
“Yeah! I always was!” Drift agreed.
“I suppose,” Legs sounded less enthusiastic.
Cleo nodded automatically then looked angry that she was doing it. Owen sighed and said, “I–I’m willing.” He sounded almost… sad.
“Okay, well, great.” Avid still looked a little puzzled at this change. “Does anyone want to go, like, explore the area around Oakhurst some more?”
Drift felt the effects of the voice start to fade, but Avid was still her friend and roommate. “Yeah, sure!”