Unhappy Medium: Between the Devil and the Deep, Dark Sea

EVERYTHING'S OUT OF CONTROL

"Niko? Niko? Are you alright?"

Niko opened his eyes to a monster. It had black fur, the head of a goat with great horns that curved backward. Its chest and arms were human-like, connected to the head with an elongated neck. On its abdomen were many small, round red eyes and a mouth with anglerfish teeth. There were four bat wings and four spider legs with fine hair and sharp claws. He still had the same arrowhead tail.

Niko froze, not knowing what nightmare he was in.

"Relax, it's just me."

"Change back then! What's stopping you?"

Mallomor changed to his usual self once Niko asked. Niko sighed, relieved.

"Alright, alright. That's good. Do you know where we are?"

"Hell. Vivalda's place. She'll be here soon."

Niko relaxed, lying on his back. "What's your relationship with her?"

"She's three times my superior. And likes me, thankfully."

Niko titled his head. "Romantically?"

"No, just she just thinks of me as a friend of hers. But she will flirt with you and me, so keep that in mind."

Niko sat up and stared at Mallomor directly. "Can you tell me why the hell I'm here? Y'know, in Hell?"

"Your paintings of monsters have gotten the attention of the hell architects. Just make do what they say and stay on their good side."

Niko went quiet, thinking of what to do about this. Mallomor held Niko's hand.

"Don't worry. I'll be here for you."

Surprised, Niko asked "What can you do? You're not a high-status demon. And how do I know your attraction to me isn't just lust?"

Mallomor gave Niko a devilish grin. "If I wanted to use you, you'd have known by now. Likely on the night I shared a bed with you, the one where we first met."

Niko couldn't argue that. Lustful people are hardly patient.

Mallomor sat next to Niko. "I know you don't entirely trust me, I don't most of the time either, but you could've voiced your concerns earlier."

Niko blinked. "Shit, I really should've done that."

"Never mind that, Niko."

Mallomor put an arm around Niko's shoulder, pulling him close.

"This is better than I thought. Thanks." Niko put his head on Mallomor's shoulder.

"You're welcome."

Mallomor's desire flared up again. He grabbed the tongue of the second mouth so it wouldn't lick Niko. He was certain that Niko wasn't human, but he still didn't want his demonic nature to drive him away.

Mallomor looked at Niko's skin, so smooth and such a nice color. So...kissable.

There were sounds of a door unlocking behind them. Mallomor got off the bed, turning to face the door. Niko sat in the same place, not noticing it much.

Out of the door came Vivalda. She had the head of a bee, horns of a longhorn steer, the body of a woman segmented like an insect's, the hind-quaters of a deer, gossamer wings, and a long, arrowhead tail.

Niko was shaken by the sight, holding onto Mallomor in his fear.

Vivalda's compound eyes were full of glee. "Oh, this must be the boyfriend Donnatello told me about! It's so nice that you've gotten a boyfriend, and a handsome one at that!"