Big-Top Scooby Read Free

sure!” Daphne cried.
    The werewolf lunged close again, prepared to attack. Just as Shaggy began to wonder how he would taste in werewolf stew, a brilliant light flashed on. Startled, the werewolf recoiled and fled across the tops of trailers.
    Just as quickly as they’d gone on, the lights went off again. “I thought a little light might help,” Velma said, emerging from behind a breaker box.
    â€œThank you,” Marius said gratefully. “I didn’t introduce myself properly before. I’m Marius Brancusi, the owner of this circus. How can I repay you?”
    â€œWhy don’t you tell us what’s going on here?” Velma said.

I inherited this circus from my uncle last year,” Marius Brancusi began, pacing through his office. It was filled with circus posters and memorabilia — and some popcorn for Scooby and Shaggy. “The Brancusi Circus is world famous. It’s an international circus, with acts from every country. I’ve been working to modernize it. I’ve been phasing out the animal acts, giving it more of a theatrical flair.” He smiled proudly. “Also, I cleaned the toilets, which has been a huge improvement.”
    Marius pointed to the poster for the current circus show. “All of this has led to our latest show … Celestia!”
    â€œThis is so fantastic,” Fred gushed. “Did I mention I love the circus?”
    â€œSeveral times, yes,” Marius said.
    â€œBut what about the werewolf?” asked Daphne.
    Marius looked sad. “It’s terrible. I thought tonight, while all my employees are having a night on the town, I might find some clues about the beast. I’m certain the werewolf must be someone who’s part of the circus.”
    â€œYou mean … in disguise?” Shaggy asked.
    â€œPerhaps it’s not a disguise.” Marius looked even sadder. “It might be a real werewolf.”
    Shaggy gulped. “Like … zoinks!”
    â€œYou see, for the last few months, the creature has plagued us wherever we go. It’s scared off many of my artists. And in every city we visit, it has stolen jewelry!”
    â€œRewelry?” Scooby asked.
    Marius nodded. “Jewelry. It’s very strange. Why would a werewolf want jewels?”
    â€œLike, maybe he’s a lady werewolf?” Shaggy said. The others stared at him like he was crazy.“’Cause girls like pretty things?” They all continued to stare at him. “It was just a thought.”
    Velma suddenly looked excited. “I think I remember a case like this in eighteenth century Bavaria! May I use your computer?”
    â€œOf course,” Marius said, nodding.
    â€œYes, here it is … it was in Ingolstadt.” Velma nodded, pointing to the computer screen. “A werewolf known as Hans collected certain gemstones and used them to increase his power. Normally a werewolf only becomes a wolf at the full moon. But with the right combination of jewels, Hans was able to change from man to wolf at any time. He and the werewolves he created terrorized Ingolstadt for decades.”
    â€œWerewolves he created ?” Marius asked.
    â€œYes, anyone who is bitten by a werewolf and lives turns into a werewolf.” Velma said this as though it were perfectly normal. “Apparently, the Ingolstadt werewolves claimed hundreds before being driven out by Maximillian the Third.”
    â€œWow,” Daphne said, looking at Scooby and Shaggy. “You guys are lucky you didn’t get bitten.”
    Scooby and Shaggy were both thinking the same thing. “Yeah, like, we —” Shaggy gasped, and began to make choking sounds. He clutched at his throat desperately.
    â€œEveryone get back!” Fred cried. “He’s turning into a werewolf!”
    Marius held his garlic up in front of his face again, warning Shaggy to stay back.
    Shaggy looked around desperately as he choked. Finally, he punched himself