Monster of Monsters #1 Part Two: Mortem's Contestant

by Kristie Lynn Higgins

  Shukujo glanced in the direction where all the Kumo'usagi gathered, considering what the human had warned her of, and then Shukujo told her, "I believe you are right about that point. I have been down here too long, and for pointing this fact out to me, I will answer one of your earlier questions I refused to answer." Shukujo moved away from the Kumo'sakai and deeper into her lair as if she was afraid to face something, and then she turned and said, "I once deeply cared about two humans, and they betrayed me. They betrayed me in a way that I couldn't forgive them, and so I made them suffer in ways that I deemed fit for their treachery, and then I killed them."

  "Are they why you're here?" Kein questioned her.

  Shukujo started to answer, but then she just said, "Who is to say?"

  Kein turned, but then faced the Kumovon and said, "I was right. You didn't hurt your Kumovon child."

  "Did not and could not are two different things. Remember that, baka," Shukujo told her. "It would seem with the amount of lessons I have given today, I do have an annoying student," she stated, and then she asked, "Are you going to give me a new name? Perhaps you will call me sensei?"

  "You have seen the pain of my past," Kein spoke. "Do you really want to be called by a name I intended to give to the lady to show her I meant no disrespect?"

  "No, I do not need a name associated with pain."

  Shukujo went deeper into her lair, and Kein watched her leave until she couldn't see her anymore, and then she went and lay against her pillow in the corner. Kein sat there for a long time as she battled the demons Shukujo brought up with her tormenting and teaching. She also tried to ignore the grumblings of her stomach. Kein kept thinking about the bowl of cherries Labaron had sitting on his coffee table, and finally, she couldn't take it anymore and went to his room. The werewolf pup was still nowhere in sight, and Kein was finding it odd that he hadn't appeared.

  Chapter Eight

  If Wishes Were Fried Fishes

  Controller's room...

  All five coaches were present on the feeds as Controller continued with another session.

  Green Serpent smacked the palm of his hand on his desk as he spoke, "I thought there would be more threat to the contestant's life."

  "She does seem to be fairing well against the Residents," Blue Wolf stated.

  Red Phoenix restated, "You mean she is not dead yet."

  "It is only her second day," Yellow Dragon said.

  "Still," Green Serpent spoke up. "I would like to increase the level of threat against her."

  "In the past, we have agreed to such things," Purple Rose added. "But that was against a Resident and only with permission from their Coach. Controller, since Kein is a contestant, what do the rules dictate against such a request?"

  "This has not come up before. I will need to consult the Mortem Masters," Controller answered. "If you all will excuse me, I will go consult with them now."

  Controller's feed went dark.

  "I also will take this opportunity to take a break," Purple Rose said. "I will return shortly."

  His feed went dark.

  Sometime later...

  Both Controller and Purple Rose feeds returned.

  "I have spoken with the Mortem Masters, and they have said that they will allow it as long as at least three of you Coaches agree," Controller stated. "Green Serpent, tell the others of your plan, and as long as two of them agree with you, your higher threat level may be granted."

  "My plan is very simple," Green Serpent stated. "I only want to grant one of the Residents their wish."

  "Are you talking about your own Resident. I like that idea," Red Phoenix spoke up. "This Mortem needs a little more excitement."

  "Yes," Purple Rose agreed. "We should give one of the Residents one of their wishes."

  The vampire's parlor...

  Kein entered, and Labaron was nowhere in sight. She looked to the bowl of cherries, and the bowl was nearly full. She wasn't about to steal them, so she wasn't sure why she had come. She had nothing to trade with the vampire, nothing she was willing to part with, so Kein turned to leave when...

  "Ma chère, you came back, good... I can tell you the story I promised you."

  "I actually didn't come for the story," Kein told him as she stared at the door, a little afraid to look him in the eyes.

  "You have finally admitted to yourself that you can't resist me, so you have come to fling yourself at me."

  She turned around, but kept her gaze away from his as she replied, "I'm not sure why I would throw myself at you like I would a knife, but..." Her stomach grumbled again as she finished, "...desire as brought me here."

  "Really... come then," Labaron urged her as he walked over to the couch and sat. He patted the cushion seat next to him and said, "Come here and tell me all your desires."

  Kein moved to the spot she had stood in the last time she was in the parlor as she admitted, "I don't know if I'm ready to go that far. Baby steps and all."

  "I promise, I'll be gentle. Come... Come..."

  "Gentle about what?" she asked.

  He studied her seemingly bashful demeanor and couldn't tell if she was playing a part to get what she wanted or she really was unlearned to certain things of the world, so he questioned, "Are you really a lamb? This wolf would love it if you are a lamb."

  "I thought the werewolf pup was the only wolf here," she stated. "Or do you refer to one of your familiars?" Kein thought about it some more, and then she asked, "Or could it be what I had heard during my schooling is untrue... Are there creatures that are half-born? Are you a werewolf and a vampire?"

  "Heed this warning, ma chère. You should never speak of such vile and detestable creatures. Chimeras are only legend. There are no half-borns. The mingling of certain infections, as you put it, is impossible, and the pairing of different creatures can produce no offspring. I'll take no offense in you calling me as such for I believe no offense was intended. Others wouldn't be so understanding, and they would instantly rip your head off." He allowed a few moments to pass so that his warning sunk in, and then he said, "When I referred to myself as a wolf, I was merely... No, I believe your ears are too young to hear of such things just yet. I will educate you slowly."

  "I already have a harsh teacher," Kein told him as she instinctively wiped her eyes as if they were full of tears. "I don't know if I need another."

  "Harsh..?" Labaron repeated as if offended. "I would be no such thing. When I teach you things, they will be very pleasurable. My teachings will take you to heights of ecstasy."

  "I think we're talking about two different things, and I'm not sure I want to know what you're talking about especially if it has to do with your vampire mojo. Could we get back on subject, and I mean the subject I was talking about?"

  "Yes, of course. We were talking about your desires, but first... Did you not make me a promise?"

  "A promise..?" Kein repeated as she finally made eye contact.

  Labaron motioned to her feet with his head, and she glanced down at them.

  "Oh, right. I had forgotten," Kein said, and then she took a step forward. "Okay, I did it, now... You have something I want, and I'm not sure how to ask for it."

  "We'll make it a game then. Don't speak with your mouth, ma chère. Let your body do the talking," he told her.

  "I'm really not sure what you mean, but I'll try," Kein replied, and then she lifted her arm and pointed her finger at the cherries.

  From his perspective, it looked like she was pointing at him, so he said, "Now I'm the one who really doesn't understand. Your body needs to give me another clue."

  "I was never good at these types of games," she admitted. "Couldn't I just tell you what I want?"

  "The game has just started," he told her. "Don't ruin it with impatience."

  She pointed again at the cherries and then to her closed lips.

  "I'm imagining many things, but I believe none of them are what you intend, ma chère. I believe you need to throw your soul into expressing your desir
es."

  Her stomach growled real loud, and then she smiled and said, "I don't know about throwing my soul into it, but there... My body speaks."

  "You're hungry?" Labaron questioned as he realized his guessing was nowhere near her actual appetite. "So your desire is for..?"

  She pointed at the bowl again and answered, "I would like to trade for your cherries."

  "Of course you would. What else would I have that you would desire?" he spoke somewhat disappointed. "I have thrown out my allure at you many times, but it seems to have no effect on you. I have encounter only one other creature that is immune."

  "Are you talking about Shukujo?"

  "You have been paying attention. You're a very good student," Labaron told her, and then he asked, "What are you offering for trade?"

  "I have nothing of value or anything that you would want," she answered.

  "But you do have something that I want," he stated. "You can't be that naive as to what a vampire wants."

  "I know you crave blood, it's just... I've been taking these supplements, and even when I don't take them, they stay in my bloodstream for about three to four days. I just don't think I'll taste good."

  "I now understand. I once feasted on this woman who took garlic and well... I was sick for a week." Labaron questioned, "Is it the same thing?"

  "You could say that," she replied. "Is there anything else that I could trade with you?"

  "What I was thinking of before, but I think I'll wait till your garlic free. Even just the thought of it puts me out of the mood."

  Her stomach rumbled again, and she pleaded, "There has to be something."

  "Maybe you could help me with a problem," he said as he stood, excited about the idea. "I notice you've been spending a lot of time with... Shukujo, you call her... I'd like you to..."

  "No," she interrupted. "I won't do it, and if that's the only way I can..."

  "You haven't even heard what I want you to do," Labaron spoke angrily.

  "Of what I know and understand about you two's relationship and how the Mortem's played, I imagine you want me to do something Shukujo won't like."

  "I would have thought you'd jump at a chance to get back at her after what she just said to you."

  Kein muttered as her face flushed slightly, "Nothing's a secret here."

  "Not unless you have one of these red buttons," Labaron told her as he motioned to his.

  "I'm learning that slowly... Is there anything I can try to acquire for you that you want in trade for the cherries?"

  "How about your time?"

  "What do you mean?" Kein asked.

  "I want you to come sit by me on the couch while I tell you the story of Labaron and Lafayette."

  "I don't know. The idea sounds a little dangerous to me."

  "Let's strike a bargain. I will never harm you in any way while I tell you a tale, and for every two minutes you stay with me, I'll give you one cherry."

  "It is a deal if you will also include ten minutes after your tale is over that you can't harm me, harming me includes taking any of my blood or trying to use your mojo on me, and you give me a handful of cherries to start with." She added to explain her added conditions, "I want to be able to enjoy your tale and soak in your story once it's done without fear of a vampire's bite, and I'll need my strength if I'm to give you my full attention."

  Labaron replied, "A bargain has been struck."

  "A bargain has been struck," Kein spoke.

  "Come now..." Labaron urged her as he once again patted the cushion seat next to him. "Come and sit."

  Kein went and sat so that she faced the vampire, then he allowed her to grab a handful of cherries, and Labaron began as she greedily munched away.

  "Once there were twin boys born to Baron Henry Bayard and Baroness Mary Bayard. The twins both had hair dark as the night just like their mother's, but only one of them shared her eyes."

  "You're not identical twins?" Kein interrupted.

  "No, we were what you call fraternal twins, and please, don't interrupt my tale."

  "Sorry, I'll stay quiet," Kein said as she went back to eating the last of her cherries in her hand.

  "Sit back and relax," he told her. "For our story goes like this... In 1888, outside of New Orleans, Labaron and Lafayette were born into privilege... one might say they were born with a silver crawdad in their mouth. They grew up as close as brothers could be, closer when their loving mother passed on. Their father didn't have much to do with Labaron, and even less to do with Lafayette who reminded their father of their mother. The time their father did spend with Labaron was to teach him the ways of the family business and the ways of wayward men, not that Lafayette lacked experience with women. Far from it... The boys grew into older teens, and Labaron became curious with the occult and all things related to the night. Lafayette also enjoyed the night, but only what pleasures food, wine, and women could bring him. When they turned twenty-one, their father passed on and left them all of his wealth. Labaron and Lafayette didn't squander their wealth, they invested it, and hired a manager to take care of the family business so that the Bayard Twins could indulge in other matters. They were well known for their parties and threw one nearly every night."

  "I don't mean to interrupt again, but I've been dying to know since you mentioned it," Kein spoke, and then she asked, "What color were your mother's eyes? You mentioned it and then forgot all about it."

  "You do like details in your stories. I'll penalize you for interrupting my tale again, and I'll make you answer a riddle to discover the answer. Here's the riddle. Some believed I was made of cheese, not so. I come in threes in a season, but if four should appear, I am the third one in a row. What am I?"

  She had no clue what three things appeared in a season, so she focused on things once believed to be made of cheese, and she knew of one right away, but instead of returning to the part in the riddle about the seasons, she took a guess by adding a color to her conclusion.

  "A blue moon, for once in a blue moon," she replied. "Your mother had blue eyes."

  "She did," he answered. "Now allow me to continue my tale. Labaron became intertwined with this mysterious woman that he always made excuses as to why he never introduced her to his brother. Labaron began to spend less and less time with his brother at their parties, and Lafayette feared that maybe his brother's bachelor ways may be coming to an end. Lafayette one night followed his brother while he went to rendezvous with his lover. Labaron became angry when he discovered Lafayette followed him. The mysterious woman, Ms. Felicite Yvon became interested in both of them, and she wished to throw a dinner party for both of them. Later that night when the brothers returned home, Labaron told Lafayette he didn't want him to come to the dinner party, that he wanted Felicite all to himself. Lafayette agreed that he wouldn't attend the dinner party the next night. Lafayette went to bed, but he couldn't sleep. He thought about how his brother had changed. Labaron was never around when it was day, and he had become very pale and ate little. Lafayette became concerned for his brother, not because of jealousy, women could do that and had come between the brothers on occasion, but Labaron wasn't acting like himself. He was crazed in a way, obsessed like a mad man, so Lafayette broke the promise he made his brother and went to the dinner party. Lafayette hid himself away from the two lovers, hoping to hear something that would explain why his brother had changed so. Needless to say, he overheard something that caused him to have an argument with his brother in front of Felicite. The brothers took their argument outside of her manor, and they ended up at a cliff high above the ocean."

  "Umm... I know I'm going to be penalized again, but are there high cliffs in Louisiana. The cliff you speak of I can imagine maybe somewhere in New England, but I can't imagine a huge cliff in Louisiana. It would be like you telling me you stood on a mountain in Florida."

  "You right... you will be penalized again for interrupting my tale. There might not be tall cliffs in Louisiana, but there was one on the back of her manor. Now...
if you don't stay quiet, I will nibble on your ear."

  She made the zipper across her lips motion and waited for him to continued his story.

  Labaron spoke, "The brothers ended up in a fight, and one of them fell off the cliff to his death. The other mourned for his brother's death, but ultimately he received his wish from Felicite."

  Kein sat there stuffing cherry after cherry into her red stained lips, devouring his entire bowl as she waited for him to finish his story, and when he didn't, she asked, "What happened then?"

  "That is the end of that tale. I have many tales. Would you like to hear another?"

  She finished the last piece of fruit, then licked her cherry flavored lips, and said, "It's getting late. I guess I'll be going."

  "Before you go," he started. "I'll let you have half of these cherries every day if you can guess which of the brothers I am."

  "You haven't given me much to go on so far," Kein told him, and then she realized she had less than ten minutes to figure the truth, and she did want the reward. It would guarantee her much needed nutrients during the Mortem, so she peered into his face, hoping some slight expression would give away the answer, and that's when she noticed, that's when it clicked in her head, and she answered, "You must be Lafayette."

  "I should have never bargained my cherries over something you had half a chance at guessing at," the vampire stated.

  "Yay! I'll have cherries every day now I don't have to worry about starving to..."

  He covered his face with his hand as if defeated by her, and then he started laughing as he spoke, "I can't believe you actually believe me. You think I'm Lafayette."

  "Don't lie to me. I know your Lafayette."

  "I am not," he said. "I am Labaron, and I have always been curious about things of the night, and here over a century later, I'm one of those things."