Iscreama Menstrual - Chapter 8: The Prologue — Page 3

Chapter Three

“That’s right!” The voice screamed out, or belted. It seemed to sing, but yell at the same time. Either way, it was a powerful force.

“But…you…are….”

“Dead? I know. But what I bet you didn’t know is that I am the Devil…”

“…The Devil?”

“…’s advocate. And unlike that ill-acting twink, I go around trying to help lost souls, such as yourself. Poor, unfortunate souls in perdition. I try to straighten out your path on the road of life.”

“But how, why are you in…Hell?” Scri was not sure how to ask this question. She was not sure to whom she was asking it. Or even what she was asking.”

“Well, you think my vocal power is natural? No. I sold my soul to the Devil long ago. A nice bargain, I may add. I get the voice, and in the end, I have a spot reserved in the fiery depths of Hell. Life is good. We have the best tanning salons. But, never mind that yet. We must talk about why I am….sweetie babe, don’t look so surprised! Many people have sold out to the Devil.

“Really?” She began to keep her nerves under control. It must be a dream. All of this: The Merm, the two shady men, the umbrella, the red vile. She must have fallen asleep after her Big Mac. Meat had that affect on her.

“Yes. I mean, how do you think the Yankees do so well (except for last year, when the Devil was taken ill. What a mess!)? Anyway, George Steinbrenner sold out years ago.”

“Those damn Yankees.”

“Speaking of which, so did Gwennie. But she went back on her deal very early on.”

“And what happened.”

“Well, she did get her fame but also a boa feather in her throat. But never mind any of this. I am here for you and to help only you. You are weak and need guidance. You are in love with a man who doesn’t know it. You would ask him to coffee if you could. But you can’t. But I am going to give you a proposition. You scratch my back, and I scratch yours.”

“What do I have to do? What do I get?”

“You get him. You get Espascal. You become his number one Scalion. All the fame and glory bestowed upon you. You will gain talent to sing, dance, and act. Even at the same time! In years to come people will say Kristin Cheno-who?”

“And what do I have to do?”

“Ah, yes. You’d have to perform only a small token to show your appreciation really – a trifle, sweet as a mere dessert truffle.”

“Yes, but what!?” She began to grow impatient. Impatient, scared, and nervous.

“Bring down the Unnamed Producer. He has been the only one in years to trick the Devil out of a contract. And the Devil adheres to deals, despite what anyone may say.”

“But, if he’s the dev….”

“She….Her names Lola. And what Lola wants, Lola gets and Lola wants you to bring down the Unnamed Producer.”

“But if…Lola….” She stuttered awkwardly, “is so powerful, couldn’t She just find the Unnamed Producer herself.”

“Unfortunately, no. They never actually met. I mean, I told her not to trust any cyber deals, you can’t trust people online - but she threw a fireball at me and said to bugger off. Now, to help you on your way, you will be given a very special power. The power of the Flail.”

“The Flail?”

“The Flail!” The Merm belted out loud enough for the sumo wrestlers in Japan to hear.

This was all very confusing to Scri. It would be confusing to anyone, she imagined.

“The Flail is the most deadly of powers. You will feel it when you need it. If you choose to accept Lola’s proposition, drink your red vile. If not, dispose of it down the sink and forget what you saw here tonight.”

With a lightening burst and a loud scream, or sustained note (again, Scri was unsure), the Merm disappeared into darkness. The streets began moving again. The sound was loud to Scri. Very irregular. She looked at her watch. An hour had passed. She looked around her and no one seemed to have noticed what just occurred. It was like she disappeared into the air and no one saw her. She reached into her purse and pulled out the vile. It was glowing even brighter under her touch. She began to untwist the cover. It seemed like a good plan. Easy enough. But what would happen if she couldn’t fulfill her duty? Would she be revisited by the Merm? Would she spend the rest of her life scared and alone? Would she swallow something that could choke her?

But what about the perks? Scal. Love from Scal. Being able to spend every night with him. Live in his room. Sleep in his bed? Shower in his shower and wash in his sink. The possibilities were endless!

She opened the bottle and with one gulp, swallowed the liquid. It was odorless, tasteless. It was like air flowing down her throat. She couldn’t feel anything, but yet, her body tingled. Suddenly red flashes began bursting like fireworks out of the air. It was like a Fourth of July celebration without the drunks and loud noises. The air turned musty and dark. A large contract appeared and without feeling, her arm raised and signed the contract in her own blood. She screamed and this world disappeared.

People on the streets were staring at her as her finger dripped with velvet red blood. A voice echoed in her head, “Welcome Nameless Imp Six-Nine-Ex-Two.” The voice faded away and Scri’s shoulders began to feel heavy. What had she done? She pulled out a tissue from her red tank top and wrapped it around her finger.

Now, how could she help Scal? And what was the Flail? And how could she bring down the Unnamed Producer?

Questions she hoped would be answered in the later chapters of her life.

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