OK, here it is, hope you like how this starts off.
Numbers of the Night: Manhattan Math.
Chapter 1.
The Count von Count walked down the hallways of his castle home, his footsteps falling softly upon the plush wine red carpeting as he roamed his home pensively. He wore a clean white-pressed shirt, red vest with diagonal yellow lines, gray coat, dark gray pants and belt, black dress shoes, and his newly-washed bright green cape. Yes, he was dressed for a night on the town. But those happy thought seemed so distant in his mind now. Being that his castle was located in New York City, it made it easier for him to attend the night's gala dinner celebrating another season for Sesame Street. The usual gang was there, from grouches to humans to large and little birds to monsters of all kind, dressed in their formal ware. Even Grover wore his tux when he handed the bill to one Ms. Ganz-Cooney. But the Count had other matters on his mind that night, since he was preparing to open up his castle to summer tourists this year.
His head hung a little lower while pacing through the corridors of his home, pausing only briefly to admire the workings of his spiders upon the underside of various sbookshelves. "Penny for your thoughts sir?" rung an eerie voice that would chill unsuspecting wanderers. "Oh hello Uncle Deadly", answered the Count. The numerian vampire was greeted by a blue dragonish creature, wearing a ragged white shirt and black pants, sheltered by his own grayed tattered coat. Uncle Deadly worked at the Count's castle as a consierge of sorts, and so, it was no surprise to see him there in the late hours of the night.
The Count: "It's just... I'm not sure vhat I vant to do vith the castle."
UD: "But it's going to be opened up to the tourists tomorrow, isn't it?"
Count: "Yes, of course. The plans haven't changed. It's just that I feel it's sort of incomplete somehow. Though I love to count, and have counted the seconds to the Grand Opening, I can't help but feel that there's something missing as part of the attraction."
UD: "Well, why don't you sleep on it. I'm sure that things will look bleaker in the mourning."
The Count broke into a weak smile, Uncle Deadly's humor spoke to his own, and it eased his mind a bit.
Count: "Yes, I think I'll turn in for tonight."
UD: "So will you need my services?"
Count: "No, you can leave if you wish my friend."
And with that, the blue dragonish creature gathered his things in his carrying coffin and left for either the Muppet Theater or Muppet Boarding House. We were never sure where he lived, but he always went there after being dismissed each night from the Count's castle.
So now it was only the Count von Count and his pets living within this dark structure... That is, except for the newest tennant. Edward Grimness was a brilliant man, and he had struck up a deal with the Count to live here in the darkness of the vampire's abode. Mr. Grimness was a man of about thirty years, black hair and black eyes (or at least he liked to think that though it was really chocolate brown), of a fair stature and dressed neatly. Tonight, Mr. Grimness was downstairs in the workshop where he set himself preparing creatures for the castle's tours, and for the castle's occupants late-night counting parties. Mr. Grimness was watching a bit of television when the Count came in, knocking on the door first.
Mr. Grimness, dressed in his casual clothes asked who was there, since he was partially as blind as the bats up in the towers.
Count: "It's me Edvard, everything OK in there?"
Grimness: "Ah, yes, come on in Count. These beauties will definitely help frighten our tourists tomorrow."
As he opened the door, Mr. Grimness could tell that the Count was a bit apprehensive.
Grimness: Don't worry, I know how you feel, not quite satisfied with what we've got and we need something else."
The Count smiled that weak smile of his again. He knew that Edward and he shared their thoughts sometimes, and it wasn't hard to conceal them from each other.
Grimness: "All I'll say is, if you need me, my door is always open to you. But I'd recommend you go count the numbers before going to sleep. That might help you as you drift off to a peaceful night's rest."
The Count knew that Edward was right, his advice was always most welcome and helpful.
Count: "Thanks, needed that."
And with that, the Count went upstairs to his master bedchambers.
It didn't take the Count that long to change into his pajamas, light pale yellow with faded brown bats printed over them. A brown bat descended and landed upon the Count's shoulder.
Count: "Ah, Batty, vas vondering vhen you'd come down. Let's go and see the numbers, shall we?"
Soon after, the two entered the master vault where all the Count's treasures were kept. Upon the pedestal, he spied what he was looking for. Ten white marble numbers lined up in perfect order. Yes, they were all there: first 1, followed by 2, then 3, 4 was in its place, 5 quickly after, 6 in plain sight, and on to 7, or 8, coming up on 9, and finally 10.
Count [softly]: "Ten vonderful numbers. Such vonderful memories, and to think my friends from Sesame Street gave them to me as birthday gifts. Yes, I do thank them, these are amongst my most prized possessions. Come Batty, I can sleep better now."
Finally, the Count was happy as he lay back in the bed and counting the numbers up and down again and again, soon found himself fast asleep. But all was not quiet within the castle.
The next morning the Count awoke with a startled notion. He rushed back into the vault only to find...
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