MonsterVille
Thirty Eight

The tolling of the bells. A part of Mellie sagged in relief at the interruption, but another part of her was frustrated. She wanted to fight. Wanted to sink teeth and nails into the uppity rat-bitch. It was suicidal but that growing monster inside of her craved the violence, craved the adrenaline fix of pitting herself in an impossible fight—only she wasn’t so sure it was impossible.

Rat Bitch was an Apex. One of the most powerful, dangerous, predators in the town. Monsters quaked at the sight of her, but Mellie? She was eager to cut loose and take a piece out of that bitch. Her inner monster screamed at her to fight, to kill. There was no hesitation, no conflict, it thought it could win.

Mellie touched her bloodied lip, tasted the blood on her fingers and felt a little thrill racing through her. She closed her eyes and remembered the taste of River’s blood, the way it had electrified her, invigorated her. Analyn had spent years trying to get Mellie to sink her teeth into human flesh, to feel that raw unbridled power that came with devouring their natural prey. For the first time in her life Mellie felt the weight of possibilities. One little bite and she could become something else, something that didn’t cower, that didn’t hide. Every fibre of her being was telling her that with one little bite, one taste, she would never fear the rats again. That she would never fear anything ever again.

But then she imagined that was the same dark voice inside every monster’s head. The same voice that provoked them to feed, to fight, to kill. The same voice that told them they were the monster to be feared regardless of all evidence to the contrary.

A reaching silence descended across the gathered monsters as they took their seats at those long wooden tables. They were loosely arrayed, one for each of the Apex and their entourage, as well as several long tables for the rest of the monsters. Nicodemus guided Mellie to his table, his hands resting on her shoulders as he pushed her down onto the seat.

A week ago the concept of sitting beside Nicodemus would have been unfathomable. A week ago the most Mellie had to worry about was an over ambitious monster mistaking her for human and trying to eat her.

“River, stay behind me.” Mellie spoke quietly, “Sit silently, don’t speak, don’t act. Simply sit.” He complied. Folding in on himself behind her seat. She noted a number of other humans in the same downcast position behind their masters, clearly trying to show they were favoured and not on the menu.

Mellie looked towards that bright spot above the canopy of mist, the burning light of day trying to force its way into the world of darkness. She wasn’t the only monster to cast a queasy gaze towards the sky. Her eyes watered and she averted her gaze. Turing her attention to the six foot silver serving platters that ran the length of the table, platters equipped with garnishes, salads and entrees. There were sauces, herbs, spices, which made the absence of any actual food all the more apparent.

Nicodemus’ hand encompassed Mellie’s and she gave him a surprised look.

“You look famished darling. Never fear, tonight you shall feast.”

“I don’t eat people.” Mellie said softly, but firmly.

He patted her hand reassuringly, “Tonight you will. Or you’ll die.” Mellie froze and he squeezed her hand, “That wasn’t a threat darling, it was an observation.”

“I’ve survived two and half decades without human flesh.”

“Mmm,” Nicodemus murmured, “I can smell the emergence of your better nature. Unfurling to fill this shell, at the moment you exist in a state of equilibrium but the balance is shifting and without sustenance to support your other half you will perish.”

Mellie half turned to give him a hard look, “You’re not what I expected.”

“And what did you expect?”

“Someone more unhinged.”

“A bold statement.”

“I get the feeling you like bold.”

“Does it matter what I like?” he asked.

“It shouldn’t.” Mellie said.

“But does it?” he pressed.

“Why? Why do I care what you think?” Mellie asked, “What is this?”

“Shhh, you’re missing the Mayor’s speech.”

Mellie frowned and glanced towards the Mayor. She stood in front of a table at the forefront of the field, her arms raised to the air as an ominous boom of thunder roared through the day and a streak of sizzling light burnt through the mist. For an instant sunlight filtered into the field; monsters shrieked and ducked away, hid their burning visages and sheltered their watering eyes.

Then the sun went out.

The light blinked out as the Moon passed between the Earth and the Sun. Its cold immense presence bringing darkness, and joy. The assembled monster’s looked up into the darkened day and rejoiced. In centuries past when monsters had lived freely and hunted often they had taken the Eclipse as a good omen, a favourable one, for their kind. Even in the modern world it was a time of celebration, a time to reap the fields, sow the seeds and feast on a bounty of flesh.

The Mayor clapped her hands and the veil of mist fell to the earth, and sunk into its cold depths, revealing the line of naked men and women ringing the edge of the field. They were all young and healthy, their bodies toned with muscle and they had curves in all the right places. They stared vacantly, their eyes forward and their minds empty as they walked forward and climbed onto the platters. Mellie couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t imagine what River was thinking. Dozens of naked humans had just climbed onto serving platters and lay down—to be eaten alive.

One of the women brushed Mellie, her warm breasts casually skirting along Mellie as she crawled onto the table and proceeded to lie down.

“My brothers and sisters, my children. Let us celebrate the Harvest, let us break bread and rend flesh together as we anoint our feast and usher in another year of prosperity, safety and satiation!”

Mellie looked at that woman and the hunger wasn’t just a pang, it was a raw primal cry. She looked at that beautiful young woman with her flawless skin and dazzling eyes, and all Mellie wanted was to savour her taste. Wanted to sink inside of her and know what it felt like for her teeth to graze bone, to chew on marrow and eat out her heart. The wooden table splintered beneath her grasp, shards slicing through her hands as the blood flowed free.

“Don’t fight it darling, eat, let that terrible hunger finally know fulfilment. The honour of the first taste is yours. Slice her, cut her, rip off a limb and gnaw on it. The choice is yours.”

“It’s you,” Mellie breathed out. “You’re doing this to me.”

“Would it be easier if I was? If that’s what you need to tell yourself you’re welcome to. I don’t mind being the villain of your story, if that’s what you need to make yourself eat.”

“Why?”

“Why do I wish you to partake?” Nicodemus pondered. “Call it curiosity, I want to see what you’ll become. I think, it will be something quite special.”

“So I’m just an amusement to you?”

“In this life all we have are our amusements to wile away the hours till our death. Nothing can be more important than occupation.”

Mellie wrenched her eyes from the girl’s body, and gave Nicodemus a hard stare.

“I will not be your amusement.”

He didn’t appear too bothered by her defiance. “Perhaps not yet, but soon your hunger will grow beyond anything you can contain.” He cast a wry glance back at River, “And when it does you will feast on whatever is at hand.” He clapped his hands and four men appeared over the ridge, carrying a loaded silver platter towards the table.

At first Mellie thought it was just a preloaded platter, maybe some hapless human that had gotten Nicodemus’ attention and been set aside for the feast. She gagged when she realised the truth.

The four servitors, clad all in black, set the platter before Nicodemus. Mellie was going to be sick. Several of the monsters at other tables recoiled at the sight while others looked on with grim expressions. It was one thing to hear about the vile atrocities committed by certain monsters, it was something very different to be confronted with that reality. To be forced to watch when all you wanted was to turn a blind eye.

Unlike the rest of the feast this woman was bound and gagged. Her skin was cracked and bleeding, and her usually luxurious hair was brittle and faded.

Nicodemus gestured to one of his servitors and the man produced a small spray bottle that he used to liberally mist the woman. Where the water touched her skin miraculously healed over and filled out, becoming gorgeous enticing flesh.

“I believe you’ve met?” Nicodemus mocked, “If her flesh appeals my original offer still stands, you may have the first bite. You would think she’d have that oily fish taste, but honestly once they’ve dried out a little, they taste like a well crisped bacon. And who doesn’t like bacon?”

Mellie stared down at the bound woman, it was common knowledge that Nicodemus had a pension for their flesh… but seeing one of them on the menu, one that she knew—she was going to be sick.

It was River who said it, River looking over Mellie’s shoulder, reflecting the horror she felt.

“Aura!”

“You can’t.” Mellie breathed out.

“Can’t what?” Nicodemus asked, his crinkled face the picture of innocence.

“You can’t eat her.”

“Oh? I assure you its quite simple. Bite, chew and swallow.”

“I didn’t mean you physically couldn’t, I mean you can’t!”

“Morally?” Nicodemus prompted, “Ethically?”

“She’s, I mean she’s…”

“One of us?” Nicodemus supplied, “A fellow sentient monster? Capable of independent thought and free will?”

“Well, yeah.”

“What you’re going to discover darling is that with sufficient fear, you can do whatever you please.” He looked around at the monsters casting him discrete looks, “They are all thinking the same thing. That if I’m going to eat the mermaid, maybe I’ll turn my attention to them. Some of them want to stop me, but are too afraid. Some wish they could be me because attempting what I do, would be a death sentence for them—truthfully they are beneath my concern, monster flesh is offal. Repugnant for the most part, human flesh is like a fine beef, every monster wants a piece but the mierin are perfection.”

“Jeez I get it, you’re a sick son of a bitch.” Mellie bit her tongue as the words escaped. Insulting a monster like Nicodemus? Not the best strategy for long term survival—not the best for short term either, but rather than beating her down he smiled.

“Such disregard, I approve.”

“I don’t need or want your approval.”

“Oh don’t be sullen darling, it’s unbecoming.” Nicodemus’ gaze flicked to the high table and the Mayor, “Now the real question is, what do you think our precious Mayor will do? Does she let me eat, or does she attempt to stop me. Allowing me to eat her constituents is hardly going to go down well, however making an enemy of one such as I, is also imprudent. What do you think she’ll do?”

“You’re trying to provoke her?” Mellie said, “Are you seriously that bat shit crazy?”

Nicodemus shrugged.

“Right, occupation. Just something to do. You’re stirring the pot for the hell of it.”

A gust of displaced wind swept across the table, and in its wake a small woman was seated across from Nicodemus and Mellie. She wore her perfect human visage clad in a simple black dress. Her expression as she met Nicodemus’ gaze was strained.

“Melanie.”

“Hi Mom,” Mellie replied glibly.

“Walk away Melanie.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said, walk away. Leave this table, leave the Harvest. Go home, do it now.” She sounded concerned, if it had been anyone else Mellie would have said she sounded scared. But Analyn didn’t do ‘scared’, she wrought terror and wielded it like a blade into the hearts of others, but she was never its victim.

“Ah my darling Ana, it has been far too long.”

“Whatever your intentions towards my daughter, reconsider.” Analyn warned.

“Last I heard the two of you had quite the falling out, casting off your protection. All to further position with your Master—” Analyn’s gaze narrowed at the word, but she didn’t dispute it, “—because he is your Master. As powerful as you are darling you still answer to an Apex.”

“But not to you.”

“Oh? Do you think Indreas will protect you if I decided to take a little bite?” He snapped his teeth together. “I don’t think he likes you quite that much.”

Analyn levelled him with a gaze that promised wicked retribution, “And do you think I need his protection?”

“Oh you are dangerous, terrifyingly so for what you are Ana, but you are not me.” Nicodemus sounded amused, baiting Analyn to strike. They sounded like a bickering old married couple.

“Melanie.” Analyn said.

Nicodemus’ hand shifted to rest on Mellie’s arm, his grip was light but she felt the casual strength in those wrinkled old hands.

“Did someone say my name?” Indreas settled in besides Analyn, one arm draped around her shoulders—possessively.

Mellie frowned at it, at the way her Mother stiffened ever so slightly. It was the smallest reaction, the tinniest thing, and yet it sent a chill chasing down her spine. Her mother was uncomfortable. “My ears were burning.”

“Only your ears?” Nicodemus remarked, “Shall I set the rest of you alight?”

“Oooh, scary.” Indreas mocked, “The big bad deathless wants to throw around threats.” Indreas leant across the table, his dark eyes fixed to Nicodemus, “I do not fear you Nicky-boy,” he slapped Aura’s bare ass. “Eat all the monsters you like. Now my dearest Analyn,” his gaze flicked back to Analyn, “we’ll be taking our leave, we have our own feast to attend to.”

“Leaving before you partake of the Mayor’s bounty?” Nicodemus asked wryly.

“I’ve partaken all that I desire of the Mayor for one night.” Indreas’ grip on Analyn tightened, “Let’s go.”

“I’m not leaving my daughter with him.” Analyn stated.

“Think carefully Analyn, you know how I feel about disobedience.”

She gave him a look, “And I am no pet.”

Indreas sighed. A deep resonate sigh that shook Mellie’s bones and rattled the tables, the field rumbled with his displeasure, and the party goers fell silent. “You discarded your child for a reason Analyn, she is weak, a danger to you. She makes you vulnerable,” he stroked a hand affectionately through her hair, “my beautiful Aswang, treasure of my collection. She makes you weak.”

“Funny story,” Nicodemus spoke quietly, for Mellie alone, “he actually told her to kill you to prove her fidelity. Instead she cast you off, trusting you to replace your own way.”

“You don’t know my Mother very well,” Mellie responded resentfully. “She’s never cared whether I lived or died. She’s only ever cared about her place with an Apex.”

Nicodemus looked momentarily surprised.

“And I thought you were bright,” he remarked, “can you not see the depth of her affection—her love—for you darling? You should have died as a child, but she protected you against all comers. You think it was the Wendigo that protected you all these years? She was gone from town too often to be much threat. But your mother? By the bloody demons of hell you should have seen the carnage she wrought on the rats after they dared to lay hands on you as a child. The Wendigo killed many, your mother? Slaughtered them. She turned bloodshed into artistry and sent a message that should never have been forgotten. Why do you think the instant she allegedly cast you off the rats came sniffing around. The Rat-Queen has been aching for retribution for decades—Analyn was always protected by Indreas, but you?”

“You’re delusional.” Mellie retorted. But even as she said the words she was furiously ticking them over. Was it possible her mother had been protecting her? No. It couldn’t be. She had always been so cold, so distant. She didn’t care.

“Monsters are petty, jealous, creatures with long memories and a thirst for blood.”

“Analyn.” Indreas demanded. Blood flowed beneath his hands. Analyn’s blood.

Mellie didn’t remember crossing the table. Didn’t remember much of the next few moments. Just the feel of her palm impacting Indreas. The boom as he was ripped from his seat and thrown backwards, the smell of her mother’s blood filling the air.

Indreas twisted in mid-air to land daintily on his feet.

Silence reigned. The band cut off, hushed whispers died. It was a true absence of sound. All attention riveted to Mellie and her extended hand. She looked down at it in surprise. She never saw him move. In the space of a blink he was in front of her, his clawed hand punched through her chest.

Mellie clutched at his hand. She coughed blood in his face, blood that dribbled down her lips. His extended arm was the only thing holding her up. He quirked his head and wriggled his fingers. She didn’t feel it, couldn’t feel it.

There was an arm embedded in her chest and she felt, nothing.