Chapter 19: The Thing with Feathers
The idyllic setting of the romantic getaway, a secluded cabin nestled by a shimmering lake, was rudely interrupted by the grim reality of Portland's supernatural underbelly. Nick and Juliette, trying to salvage their strained relationship, found themselves in the middle of a new case: a Cracher-Mortel, an undead-like Wesen, was preying on a young woman who could transform into a beautiful, bird-like creature.
Adam, observing from a discreet distance, grimaced. "You know, Ciri, I always thought romantic getaways were supposed to be about, like, long walks on the beach and awkward conversations. Turns out, they're just another opportunity for zombie birds and relationship drama. My life is officially a romantic horror movie. And not even a good one."
[ New Wesen Type Discovered: Cracher-Mortel. Information added to Library. ]
[ New Wesen Type Discovered: [Bird-like Wesen]. Information added to Library. ]
[ Wesen Behavior: Predatory, Undead. Threat Level: High. ]
Ciri, who had zero patience for anything that resembled a zombie, scoffed. "Undead creatures are an abomination. They must be destroyed. And this 'romantic getaway' seems… inefficient for solving problems."
"Agreed," Adam said, scrolling through the newly updated Library entries. "And this Cracher-Mortel? He's like a bad horror movie villain. All shambling and grotesque. But the bird-girl? She's actually kind of cool. Like a magical avian. It'd be a shame to see her become zombie chow."
Their investigation, a blend of Adam's meta-knowledge and Ciri's sharp tracking skills, led them to the Cracher-Mortel's lair, a damp, decaying cabin that reeked of death and something faintly sweet. The Cracher-Mortel, a grotesque figure with glowing eyes, was preparing to abduct the young woman.
"Alright, Ciri," Adam whispered, observing the scene. "Here's the plan. We stop the zombie bird. We protect the actual bird-girl. And then, acid. Lots of acid. For the zombie bird. Because, frankly, some undead just need to stay dead."
They moved swiftly, Adam's enhanced senses easily cutting through the Cracher-Mortel's attempts at concealment. They found him cornering the young woman, his glowing eyes fixed on her with a predatory hunger.
"Hey, Night of the Living Dead!" Adam called out, stepping into the dim light. "Your audition for the zombie ballet is over. And frankly, your choreography needs work. Too much shambling, not enough pirouettes."
The Cracher-Mortel shrieked, lunging at them with surprising speed. Adam merely blinked, unaffected. He'd even popped a Cat potion for enhanced night vision, just to be extra efficient. His eyes, for a brief, terrifying moment, turned completely black, reflecting the Cracher-Mortel's startled face.
The Cracher-Mortel, used to its victims cowering, stumbled back, a whimper escaping its throat. This wasn't right. This human… his eyes were the void. It was unnatural. It was terrifying.
Ciri, seizing the moment of hesitation, moved. Her silver sword was a blur, disarming the Cracher-Mortel with a precise flick of her wrist. Adam followed up with a powerful, non-lethal strike, knocking the Wesen unconscious.
"Well, that was easier than expected," Adam mused, pulling out his Acid of Dissolution. "Guess he wasn't expecting the 'black-eyed, sarcasm-slinging Witcher' approach." He then proceeded to dissolve the body. "See, Ciri? Less talk, more acid. That's efficiency."
[ Kill Count: 1 Wesen. Level Up! Current Level: 5. Kills to Level 6: 32. ]
"Still Level 5, but progress!" Adam exclaimed. "This is like a horror movie, but with a much more satisfying ending. And speaking of endings, you know, this whole 'romantic getaway gone wrong' thing? It's a classic trope. You ever try to explain tropes to someone who only understands 'hit them until they tell the truth'?"
Ciri stared at him, her brow furrowing. "Tropes? What are these 'tropes' you speak of? Are they a new type of monster?"
Adam sighed dramatically. "Oh, Ciri. We have so much to discuss. It's a long, complicated conversation. Involving narrative patterns, predictable plot points, and a lot of therapy. But for now, let's just say it's why some stories are so… familiar." He grinned. "Now, about those rat people…"
Nick, meanwhile, with Monroe's help, managed to protect the young woman from the Cracher-Mortel. He found the Cracher-Mortel's lair, empty save for a lingering scent of decay and a faint, acrid smell. Another mysterious intervention. Nick felt a growing sense of gratitude, mixed with a healthy dose of unease. Who were these people? And why did they keep cleaning up his messes before he even got there?
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