Beasts of Pennsylvania - | The Nature of the Beast |

“Would you let me go, now?!” Davina shouted out. Dean had been carrying Davina down the road back into the city for the past twenty minutes. She struggled relentlessly from the beginning to get Dean to let go of her. He however didn’t. He only walked in silence, his mind running a thousand words per minute. At least, that’s what it seemed to both Jackson and Charlie. The two walked on either side of Dean, reading everything that went through his head. Dean was frustrated. He didn’t expect anything that happened today to happen. He wanted to scream at Davina for being so careless with her life. He wanted to absolutely tear into her, figuratively speaking. But deep down he knew he couldn’t. Because, if he had been brave enough when he first turned, he would’ve done the same.

“I am serious, Dean! Let go of me!” Davina shouted one final time before Dean finally listened. He loosened his grip and let her feet hit the ground before walking past her, his shoulder bumping her a little harshly as he did. Jackson and Charlie eyed her. She shot them a dirty look before the two beasts fell into step with Dean. Davina folded her arms before following them down the road.

“You guys sensed all of the other beasts there, right?” Charlie asked, turning his attention off of the road and to the two beasts beside him.

“Yes. Nothing felt off about them. Their humanity was still intact. What do you two think of that?” Jackson asked.

“I think that they wanted to be there. I can’t think of why, though.” Dean replied, his eyes remaining ahead of them.

“Did you recognize any of the humans, Vina?” Charlie asked, turning his head back to her. He saw a concerned look on her face as she looked at their surroundings. He didn’t question it for long, however.

“A few of them.” Davina answered plainly, continuing to look around. It stayed silent for a moment between the four before the sound of a shriek made the three beasts turn their heads to the direction it came from. Davina was now frantically looking around in the grassy plains surrounding them.

“Davina.” Dean called out a little harshly, not over his frustration with the young woman. Once he noticed the look upon her face, he immediately became concerned for her. Davina continued to frantically look around. She took a deep breath and shut her eyes, trying to put her supernatural hearing to use. Jackson was the first to notice what she was doing.

“Davina, what is it?” Jackson asked as the three began to approach her. She opened her eyes and looked around once more before turning to the beasts.

“There’s something crawling around in the grass.” Davina spoke. Upon that, the three beasts became alert as well and began to look around.

“It could just be an animal.” Charlie reminded them but remained cautious. The sound of fast footsteps made their heads all turn to the left of them where the noise would then stop.

“I think we’re being watched.” Davina whispered. Dean turned back to her, finding an unsettled look on her face though she tried to hide it. The sound of moans and grunts began to fill the empty plains, quickly getting louder until it was all they could hear.

“We should get back to the compound.” Charlie said in a hushed voice.

“Let’s get going, then.” Dean responded as he began to speed off, Charlie following afterwards. Davina let out a heavy breath, realizing she couldn’t do the same as them. She hadn’t realized Jackson was still there until his arm wrapped around her waist, speeding the both of them off until they reached the forest behind the compound. Both Davina and Jackson stopped, waiting to see if they’d hear the sounds again. When they didn’t, Davina let out a small breath of relief.

“I think we’re safe now.” Davina said before she was knocked off of her feet and flipped backwards, then onto her stomach. She groaned out before slowly bringing herself to sit on her knees. She had noticed Jackson had gone quiet. She turned finding his eyes on something ahead of her. She frowned before facing the direction he was, finding the most terrifying thing she had ever laid her eyes on thus far in her life. It inched closer and closer to her, moaning as it did. The creature before her stood on it’s hands and feet. The creature was pale, had skin that looked of leather, and it’s mouth hung open, revealing some sharp teeth and blood dripping from it’s long tongue. Davina panted heavily, about to let out a scream when Jackson’s voice stopped her.

“Don’t, it’ll react.” Jackson said in a barely audible voice.

“Jackson, please.” Davina said with an almost trembling voice. She wasn’t quite sure what she wanted Jackson to do. Hell, she wasn’t sure if he could do anything. She didn’t even know what creature stood before her. But, she was absolutely terrified and desperate enough to call out to someone she fully trusted, whom she hadn’t known she trusted before this. Jackson continued at his slow pace to approach her, hoping not to upset the creature, whom he had learned in his time of being a supernatural entity, was a ghoul. Before Jackson could reach her at his slow pace, footsteps came running their way and soon, the ghoul before them was tackled to the ground. Jackson quickly grabbed Davina by the arm and dragged her up to him, holding her close to his side as Charlie wrestled the ghoul. It snarled, clawed, and screeched out in pain before retreating. Dean finally reached the group, his eyes landing on Charlie and the ghoul that now stared each other down. Charlie went to wipe his mouth, making Dean’s brows rise.

“Did you bite the ghoul?!” Dean asked in belief, his icy blue eyes now wide.

“It was either bite or get bitten, Dean!” Charlie defended himself.

“Wait, that thing is a ghoul?” Davina asked. She went to approach the two but noticed Jackson’s tight grip still around her arm, making her stay at his side. She wondered why he had for a moment but the thought was quickly pushed out of her head once more snarls began to fill the forest, making her cautiously look around. Jackson sighed heavily.

“We’re surrounded.” Jackson said before more ghouls came into sight, scattered along the ground.

“We can take them. We’ll need to put you up in one of those trees first.” Charlie said, turning to Davina slightly. She frowned.

“What for?” Davina asked.

“To keep you safe, duh!” Charlie exclaimed, making Davina scoff at him. No, she hadn’t ever fought a ghoul before, or even met one. But, she was confident that she could keep herself safe. Dean then let out a sigh.

“We won’t need to.” Dean said as he began to approach what seemed like their leader, standing a few feet away. The ghoul before him then brought itself up off of the ground, standing on it’s hind legs, before transforming into the shape of a human.

“You’ve gotten yourself into some deep shit, haven’t you, Dean?” The voice of the ghoul said, now appearing as a man. Dean click his tongue.

“Was that whole chase thing necessary?” Dean asked, disregarding what the man had said.

“The King should use his legs more often instead of being paraded around in his 17 vintage cars.” The man spoke.

“It’s 18 vintage cars. And a King does not walk.” Dean spoke calmly. The man slowly smirked at him. The other ghouls surrounding them had all transformed into their human forms. Davina hadn’t realized it until she felt the presence of another. She turned to her right, finding a man beside her, his face close to her neck.

“Excuse you.” Davina said with a scoff before moving to Jackson’s left. Jackson’s eyes landed on the ghoul, giving him an intense stare for stepping too close. The man let out a whimper before backing away.

“Your blood. It’s similar to his.” The man said in a creepy, almost frail voice.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Davina asked with a frown.

“Would you mind explaining, Niklaus?” Jackson asked, turning to the face he was familiar with, the leader of the Ghouls and a pain in the ass to Dean.

“Or, did you just come here to disturb my King?” Charlie said in a threatening voice. Niklaus turned to Charlie, a glare prominent on his face. Davina frowned, wondering where the three knew the ghoul from and where these clear, strong feelings for each other came from.

“We’re here because a man by the name of Vincent Archer wants her.” Niklaus said plainly as he pointed to Davina, Dena letting out a sigh. With that, Jackson and Charlie quickly pushed Davina in between themselves.

“Well, too fucking bad! We call dibs!” Charlie exclaimed. Davina rolled her eyes at him.

“You mistake us. You see, the original plan of ours was to come and take her, as you thought. And then we found out who exactly she is. Not only are you the daughter of Vincent Archer, but you are the sister of Colton.” Niklaus spoke. Davina’s eyes widened as she tore herself from Jackson and Charlie’s grip as well as pushing past Dean to get a better sight of Niklaus.

“You know my brother?” Davina asked in a grave voice.

“We knew his mother. She was a banshee.” Niklaus replied. Davina frowned as she turned to Dean. Dean tried not to act much surprised that Davina opened her mind to him, letting him know of her confusion.

“That would make your brother, Colton, a ghoul.” Dean responded. Davina continued to frown, figuring she’d ask one of them about it later.

“His mother was an aunt of mine. Her and I were very close. That is, until Vincent murdered her. And now, he’s taken Colton. I have plans to get him back and have him live with my community where we will teach him how to be his true self.” Niklaus spoke. Davina remembered the conversation she had with Jackson when he asked interrogated her about Colton’s mother. If it had been Vincent who killed her instead, it could’ve also been a great possibility and the report would’ve said the same thing. But something told her Vincent didn’t kill the woman he loved.

“He belongs back with his family.” Davina said lowly.

“The ones that failed to keep him safe? You didn’t even know he was a ghoul until now.” Niklaus replied, making Davina glare at him. She was angry. She would’ve had no possible way of knowing he was a ghoul. Colton himself didn’t even know. And she wouldn’t have known that he needed to be kept safe.

“Or, I can just do what I had originally planned and make a trade. You for your brother. Quite honestly, I think Vincent would prefer it considering everything my fellow ghouls have heard around town about Vincent Archer is that he is desperate to get his hands on his long, lost daughter, Davina Archer.” Niklaus said with a smirk. And with that, Dean reacted. Once minute he stood he stood a few inches from Niklaus, staring him down. The next shocked all. Dean’s claws were now on full display. He slashed Niklaus across the face before knocking him to the ground, pressing his foot into the middle of Niklaus’s chest. The other ghouls went to react but Dean snapped his head in their direction, his red beady eyes glaring at all of them. Charlie smirked, having not seen this side of Dean in a long time. Jackson, however, was concerned. He had known for a while that his King hadn’t been taking care of himself properly; skipping meal time. He had noticed in this visit how exhausted and irritable Dean seemed, more so that usual. Jackson was a little worried Dean would tire himself out if he went ‘full beast’ on the ghouls.

“You lay a hand on her and you’ll have to deal with me, King of the Beasts. And you can go ahead and make that known to every supernatural entity in the state that she is not to befuckedwith.” Dean said loud and clear. He then lowered his head down closer to Niklaus.

“If anybody even attempts it, I will remind them why I am this worlds greatest threat.” Dean said in a low voice. Niklaus grunted beneath Dean, waiting to finally be let go. Dean lifted his foot up, making Niklaus quickly scatter away and to his feet.

“We’ll be in contact, your highness.” Niklaus grunted out in annoyance before him and the others transformed back into their ghoul forms and exited the forest. Dean quickly approached Davina and grabbed her by the arm.

“Hey!” Davina squeaked as she was dragged, unwillingly.

“I don’t want to hear a damn thing from you right now. We are going to the compound and you are staying up in your room until it’s time for you to come down to the lab for some tests.” Dean said angerly. Davina tore her arm away and backed up , making Dean stop in his tracks. He turned to her, and for the first time since they met, he flashed his red eyes at her.

“You just became an even bigger problem for me! I am possibly the only leader of a supernatural community out there that doesn’t want to trade you to ensure my community’s safety! The ghouls have proven there is at least one that’s thought of it! The best thing you can do for yourself right now is to justfuckinglisten to me for once!” Dean shouted.

“I am only a problem for you because you continue to make me one! If you’d just let me leave I can take care of myself and you wouldn’t have to concern yourself with me! I don’t understand why you won’t but it is you who is making yourself so stressed over this, not me!” Davina countered back.

“I have to help you, Davina! Nobody else can! Not any other supernatural, not your family, not even yourself! If I don’t help you, you’re dead!” Dean replied.

“Then let me die, Dean!” Davina screeched, making Dean scoff after a moment.

“This again, huh? Get over your sisters death, Davina. Get over this whole ‘not wanting to be a beast’ thing. It’s hard, yes. But it doesn’t always have to be.” Dean said. Davina didn’t speak. She clenched her fist, trying hard not to punch him. She knew he was right. She knew that it doesn’t always have to be hard. But living a hard life was all she knew. And anything but that, didn’t feel right to her. And it quite honestly scared her. Instead of saying anything else, she pushed past Dean and began heading out of the forest and into the compound. Dean sighed heavily as he pulled a pack of cigarettes out of his jacket pocket.

“I think I’ll go check on her.” Charlie said, waiting for Dean’s approval. Once he gave it, Charlie was off. Charlie could feel himself starting to care more for the young girl, so much so that he wanted to check up on her after she took such harsh words from Dean.

“Well, I didn’t think you had it in you.” Jackson spoke as Dean took a puff of his cigarette.

“Yeah, it’s usually you who doesn’t mind being a dick.” Dean spoke teasingly though it came out more offensive. Jackson however didn’t mind.

“You weren’t being a dick, Dean. Somebody needed to tell her.” Jackson said.

“She’s been through some shit.” Dean reminded him.

“It doesn’t define her.” Jackson spoke, making Dean sigh once more before taking another puff of his cigarette. Meanwhile, Charlie was struggling to find Davina. He had thought she’d go up to her room. Not to obey Dean, but, he figured that was where she’d storm off to. Yet, she didn’t. He couldn’t find her up there. He began to search other areas of the mansion and couldn’t find her there either. He groaned in frustration, his voice echoing down the halls.

“Would you keep it down? It’s late, Charlie!” Catrice said as she began walking down the same all as Charlie with boxes under her arms.

“Oh, Catrice! Would you be so kind as to help an oldfriendout?” Charlie asked as she passed by him. She eyed him upon hearing that word. She didn’t need to be reminded of thespecialrelations him and her had before she fell in love with Lucian. He reached out and grabbed ahold of her hand, stopping her.

“Charlie, I am very busy at the moment.” Catrice replied.

“Please?! It’s very urgent!” Charlie exclaimed. Catrice sighed and turned to him.

“What is it?” Catrice asked.

“I need help finding the human.” Charlie said, making Catrice frown in confusion.

“You mean the Archer girl?” Catrice asked.

“Yes, yes! That one! Come along now, Catrice!” Charlie said as he begun to drag her down the hall, making her drop the boxes. She went to complain but figured it’d be best if she didn’t and just went along with it. What Charlie hadn’t known was that Davina was down in the lab with a needle stuck in her wrist to draw blood. She knew there was no fighting Dean on what he said. She figured she’d at least speed up the process by getting this part out of the way. She thought back to what Dean said. She hated admitting that someone was right. And she hated apologizing even more. She wanted to just forget about it and hope that he would to. She then remembered the night they spent together and how coldly he acted towards her in the morning. Once she remembered that, she knew she wouldn’t dare apologize to him when he hadn’t to her. The sound of someone clearing their voice caught Davina’s attention, making her eyes go to the door to find Lucian standing there.

“Might I ask what you’re doing, ma’am?” Lucian asked in a polite voice. Davina stared at him for a moment before looking down at the bag filling with blood.

“Dean needed it. Figured I’d do it myself.” Davina spoke, making Lucian click his tongue before entering the room and approaching the metal bed she sat up on.

“I sure hope you did it right.” Lucian said.

“How hard can sticking a needle in your arm be?” Davina said with an amused tone.

“Well, not hard at all. May hurt a little for a human. I however meant the prep needed to be done.” Lucian spoke.

“I sanitized the needle and my arm before piercing my skin.” Davina said. Lucian hummed and nodded his head, giving his approval. The two stayed silent for a moment before Davina went to speak.

“Can I ask you something?” Davina asked.

“But, of course.” Lucian replied politely.

“I’ve noticed how you and a few others speak to Dean. It’s much different in comparison to his co-leaders. Why’s that?” Davina asked curiously. Lucian sighed and stood there in thought.

“The three of them are like brothers. It’s a completely different relationship between them three and those that reside in the compound. However, we are all completely devoted to him. Anything he asks of us, no matter how big or little the task, we do it without question.” Lucian said.

“Out of fear?” Davina inquired, making Lucian’s eyes find Davina. He had known very little about what Davina felt for beasts, but hearing that shocked him a little.

“Out of love and respect. I have known Dean almost as long as the co-leaders have. I have seen a side to him that not many here can say that they’ve seen. Believe it or not, Dean is the kindest soul I’ve ever encountered. He is a fair and courteous King and a significant improvement from the last one, his maker.” Lucian said.

“What was he like?” Davina asked. Lucian thought for a moment. Davina could see in his eyes he had many words for the previous King. Eyes that held emotion and secrets Lucian would never share, not even with his fiancée.

“Vicious, benevolent, or as some other supernatural’s would like to call it, beastly. You know, we weren’t always perceived as such until the former King came into power. The witches didn’t detest us, and we weren’t so feared.” Lucian said.

“What’d the previous King do?” Davina asked, unsure if she really wanted to know. Lucian looked down at his feet for a moment, lost in memories of the darkest time in the supernatural world. His eyes then met hers once more.

“The previous King took part in many things stored within your history books. Things that had to be blamed on the people of the world to ensure the safety of supernatural’s all over. The previous King was responsible for some of the most evil crimes known to man. Although, nobody is quite sure what happened to Dean’s maker, I do know that Dean is the one who saved us from him. And us beasts thank him for it. Others like the witches still hold a grudge for what the previous King has done. Dean is still polite and respectful to them, even if they don’t return it.” Lucian said, taking a pause as he thought of Dean, his King. A smile soon graced his face as he remembered how he first met Dean. He was a homeless teenaged boy who grew up on the streets. He did whatever he could to make it by, even stealing from those who were like him. He was discovered by Dean after being turned by Charlie, accidentally. Dean had only meant to clean up his friend’s mess, but something inside him told him to keep Lucian around. Lucian was eternally grateful and knew from that moment he’d forever be in debt to his King.

“I suppose the acts committed by the previous King keeps us safe, even if our safety was ensured by the loss of too many unfortunate souls. We now are the most feared, hated, and disgusted supernatural beings out there. Although, if you ask most of us, we’d prefer it if we weren’t.” Lucian continued. Davina sat there at a loss for words. She hadn’t known about any of what had happened before Dean. And she didn’t know that because of the previous King, they were treated such way. She realized how she had been treating them and how at most times they treated her, as Dean said so himself, courteously. Davina bit the inside of her cheek, feeling overwhelmed with tremendous guilt.

“And it’s like that with of all of you?” Davina asked.

“Everybody within the compound, yes. The connection we hold with our King is special. It is unlike any connection we’ve all shared with anybody else. I daresay our connection is stronger than the connection I hold with my fiancée, Catrice.” Lucian said, taking a pause. “For my King, I’d die if it conveniences him.” Lucian said as a tear trickled down his cheek.

“Vina, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” Charlie said as he entered the lab, finding Davina with her head now lowered.

“What’s wrong?” Charlie asked.

“Nothing.” Davina said. Charlie didn’t pick up on how down she seemed. He did however pick up on the paleness of her face. He then saw the blood bag she was hooked up to, noticing she had filled it up to the point it was ready to burst. His eyes then trailed down to Davina who looked ready to pass out.

“Damn it, Vina.” Charlie said with a tired tone as he went to reach Davina. Before he could, Davina tipped over and lost consciousness.