Compatible Monsters - 4

Her claws sink deep in Chuck's bewildered face;

She's overcome, consumed by mindless rage,

Chuck's skin shredded in bloody ribbons,

Screaming at her to get off of him,

Her eyes dark and empty, bloodthirsty,

Looking into them, Chuck begs for help, 

But the laughing man is quite impressed --

He thinks the whole scene is beautiful.

Inside her head, her demons howl and cheer,

Dancing in the flames of their passion,

Coaxing her to rip and shred and slice.

She revels in it, caution tossed aside,

Chuck's blood soaks her dress, clots in her hair,

Splashes walls and floor in red freshets

And still she punishes the orderly;

He's only got a few more minutes left.

Chuck's no longer recognizable.

Screaming tapers down to whimpered moans.

His face is cut to ribbons, soaked in blood;

A crimson pool in which floats his left eye,

Two teeth and wet clumps of his hair.

"Please," he begs the laughing man, "help me--

This crazy bitch will kill me, don't you see?"

"Oh yes," the man says calmly, "I see that."

"I would help you, Charles -- you know I would.

We've always had a fairly good rapport,

And you've never been disrespectful,

But we both know, Charles, just what you are;

Please don't insult my intelligence

By pretending your motives were pure;

You bit off far more than you could chew.

How did you think this was going to end?

I could stop the girl at any time.

One word, and she will go straight back to bed

As if nothing's happened here at all. 

I won't, of course - that would be unfair;

She's been violated quite enough,

I can't deny the poor thing her revenge,

Could I? What kind of friend would I be?

Besides, she's an artist, don't you think?"

A moment as Chuck's good eye widens, scared,

As realization of his doom hits hard.

Pain and terror take their awful toll;

He can't escape her - he's lost too much blood,

Lying there as she sits on his chest,

He begs her not to kill him, let him go,

"Too late," she hisses. "I'm done listening."

And with one final slice, opens his throat.

The laughing man springs off his metal cot.

"Quickly, darling -- grab that ring of keys."

His voice is calm, almost comfortable,

At home amidst Chuck's blood and gurgling noises.

Slowly, she stands, hair clumped 'round her face,

Predatory eyes, reptilian and dark,

Her gaze hollow, staring at nothing.

"Grab his throat and hold it shut, my love.

We can't let him bleed out on the floor."

"Why not," she growls, "the damage has been done.

You know this piece of shit deserves to die!"

"Yes," comes his reply, "but darling, please.

You're of no use in solitary.

Besides, you're not a killer. Not just yet --

Unlock the door, and slide him over here."

She grabs Chuck's keys. He grabs her by the arm.

"Oh God, please -- don't leave me here with him!

I made a mistake. I see that now,

And I would rather snuff out my own life

Than be left alone at his mercy.

I am a monster, absolutely, 

But you don't know what he's capable of. 

She snarls at him. "Let go of me, asshole."

She hesitates before she approaches.

"If I let you out, you swear to me

I won't have more blood upon my hands."

"Absolutely, love. You have my word

I will be on my best behaviour,

But we mustn't dally, little one;

Slide the keys, and I'll do it myself,

And you and I will leave this horrid place.

She slides the keys across the crimson tiles,

And as he picks them up, he sees the blood and smiles.

----

- © Jackson Cambridge, 2015.