MANIC MONSTER DISPLACEMENT

Chapter 12 - HIS SIREN SONG

Things have been weird, lately, weird. But nice. Having told practically his entire friend group the truth, he’s felt as if a large weight was lifted off of his shoulders. There was a hint of concern, regarding whether any of them would spill or not, but, Rocky’s not told anybody yet. And, If he hasn’t, nobody else will. It’s been around a week since the carnival fiasco, that ended up in the news, of course, but nothing ever came out of it. Surprisingly. It appears that they did want to keep the human search under wraps, as none of the surviving clowns actually explained WHY what happened… Y’know, happened. Simply, that an unknown gorgon came and beamed everyone to high hell for fun.

Cain didn’t mind, though, he was slightly perturbed that he WAS kidnapped and almost found out. Luckily, he had friends who actually cared about him and his well-being. Ever since Bram had found out that Cain was a human, he’s been trying his best to research everything he could, trying to find him a way back home. Only problem was, not many books in the library had topics regarding humans. And, the only books that had portals, were fiction. Today, on the contrary, Bram had heard of someone that could possibly help through the grape vine.

Cain, curiously, waited throughout the day. Wondering what exactly Bram had discovered, and how it could help him. During free period, they could finally meet up in the library, where to Cain’s confusion, Jack was waiting there too. “Hey, I’m here, obviously,” Cain greeted, walking over to the large, wooden table they were sitting at. “Great, just in time,” Bram smiled, nudging Jack, who set down some old, dusty book he was reading. “It’s a person, I assume he already told you. His name is The Sea Devil,” Jack said, waiting to see Cain’s reaction before continuing. Cain seemed a little confused, raising an eyebrow. “… Is he… An actual sea devil? I don’t want to deal with any evil people!” He exclaimed, having his fair share of evil entities after Miss Chance and her posse of creepy clowns.

Jack shook his head, before pausing mid-shake, shrugging awkwardly. “There’s been… Speculation,” He said, through unsure teeth. “He’s been ‘banished’ to the sea for a reason, but… A large majority of the sea creatures in town have said he has… MOSTLY good morals,” Cain didn’t LOVE how unsure Jack seemed, as did Bram. “I thought you said he could help???” Bram said, gritting his teeth ever so slightly with anger. “I did, and he can. Just, with some caveats,” Jack simply stated, picking his book back up. “It’s not my fault, you won’t even tell me what he’s having trouble with,” Jack added, with an extra bit of sarcasm tossed in for extra pettiness.

“… Whatever, It can’t hurt trying,” Cain sighed, standing up. “Actually, it can, you’ll want a guide,” Jack interjected, making Bram groan. “Not only do you have to make it down into the ocean, you have to deal with the sirens,” Jack stood up, sliding an open book over to Cain. He read the page, which essentially explained that sirens are… somewhat feral when in the sea. “Some of them do it intentionally, because they like eating people,” Jack said, somewhat too casually for the topic. “Others accidentally stumble in, and have a hard time leaving,” Bram, aggressively, rubbed his face, turning to Jack. “You didn’t TELL me it’d be this dangerous.” Bram said, glaring daggers at the fish.

Jack seemed a little offended, huffing. Crossing his arms. “Do you want his help or not? Ever heard of, don’t shoot the messenger? Just find a guide, and you’re good,” Bram, to Jack’s surprise, grabbed a hold of Jack’s shoulder. Lifting him out of his seat. “I already found one,” Bram said, sternly. “I never agreed to that,” Jack said, matter of the factly, before wincing at Bram’s grip tightening. “That wasn’t a yes or no option,” Jack growled a little before rolling his eyes, tugging away from Bram. “Fine. Gods, you’re such a petulant child,” Jack grumbled, stomping to the other side of the table. Where Cain was.