MANIC MONSTER DISPLACEMENT

Chapter 10 - THE CONTORTIONIST

Avoidance. It was an easy thing to do, maybe not the best option in the long run, however. It’s been a few days since Cain revealed himself to Rocky, to Shax, and Bram was slightly pissed that Cain acted so carelessly. But, Cain hadn’t gotten killed yet, right? It’s not like he could do much more after the incident with Rocky.

Whatever the reason, it appears that today was the day that Rocky got enough courage to confront Cain, gently dragging him into an isolated part of the school; much to Cain’s surprise. “Oh, uh, hey?” Cain muttered, waving a little as Rocky descended the stairwell with him in tow. “… Uhm, Hey? I wanted to talk to you,” Rocky awkwardly said, still seeming a little uncomfortable. They reached the basement, a very popular location for Cain at this point. “… So,” Cain drew out, crossing his arms. “What did you want to talk about?” Cain asked, already knowing what they’d be discussing. “… Well, how??” Rocky simply stated, confusing Cain. “… How… I’m here?” Cain asked with an eyebrow raised, Rocky nodding in confirmation. “A portal,” Cain responded plainly, not leaving much room for imagination.

Rocky blinked, scratching his chin a little. “So, uh, what was it like, before? Like, before you got… here?” Rocky said, not entirely understanding, more so coasting by. “I mean, it wasn’t… TERRIBLY different? Just, humans, instead of monsters,” Cain said, glancing around the empty basement. “How… do you feel about it? You kind of ran away when I told you,” He said, reminiscing about that fateful day. It felt like ages ago, but, it was really only a few days ago. Thinking about it, he’d only BEEN in this place for around 2 weeks or so at this point. “I’m not sure,” Rocky whined out in response. “I never thought you could be a human, and, I didn’t really ever think I’d MEET one, either!” Rocky exclaimed, waving his hands around. “When you told me, I… I thought you’d hurt me, or something, so I ran,” Rocky said, seeming a little ashamed. Tail tugged between his leg.

“But you didn’t, you just stood there,” Rocky said. “And, I dunno, everything I’ve been told about humans, I guess I didn’t know what to expect,” Rocky went quiet, thinking hard. He was clearly lost in thought, wondering what to do, or how to behave. “I’d still like to be friends, but, that’s also kinda against the law… But, sometimes laws are stupid! That’s what Cecelia said, so,” Rocky shrugged, putting his hands on his hips. “I don’t think you’re a typical human, and even if you were ‘lying’ before… You told me the truth, even when It put you in a lot of danger,” Cain smiled a little, happy he didn’t lose a friend in the end. “I’d be happy to stay friends, too,” He responded, making Rocky cheer up a little. “Uhm, just as a little heads up? I MIGHT’VE told Shax, too? Oh, and Bram, but… Bram found out by accident, somewhat? He was the first one to find out,”

Rocky seemed shocked when Cain told him that he willingly told Shax, even more shocked that he was even standing in front of him at that moment. “And you survived!?” Rocky yelled, dying to hear more. “Somehow, yeah,” Cain said, a little surprised himself. “It’s a little complicated, but, we got stuck in an arcade all night, and… Bonded? I guess?” Cain shrugged, not knowing the best way to describe what happened in its full. “He revealed a lot of stuff about himself, and… I thought he would have appreciated me doing the same, and he did,” Rocky listened intently, nodding along with each word. “Strange!” Is all Rocky had to say, which was somewhat understandable.

“I’m learning about all sorts of things about everyone today, aren’t I?” Rocky said, laughing a little. At least he’s in high spirits, again, Cain hated seeing him so depressed. Cain nodded, awkwardly laughing back as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, It’s all a little new, right? It is nice though, having more people to confide in, even if one IS a previous bully,” Rocky enthusiastically nodded, pulling a bundle of strange, colorful tickets out of his pocket.