Monsterstruck

CHAPTER V: The Becoming

         Growing up, Vygnet knew that there was a thin line between the clandestine world of monsters, spirits, and humans. She was thrilled at the very first time she discovered her gift. She choked on the word “gift”. No, it’s a curse for me.  A curse that will doom me forever, curse that no one can break— not even…true love — just like in fairy tales when the wicked witch used to cast a spell on the protagonist, and the only thing that could break that curse was TRUE LOVE. She wished that it was just as easy as that. But life was no fairy tale; it was a whirlpool of tragedy for her, not until she met Craig Samuel Davis.

              “Freak!”

              “They said that she was only adopted”

              “Ha! Maybe her biological parents don’t want her”

              These snarky remarks and verbal attacks were always hurled at her during her grade school days. But she had to keep a wide stretch of temper, or else they wouldn’t like it when her temper flared up. No one must know her newly discovered gift—those ordinary humans couldn’t afford.

              “Are you okay? Don’t mind them, you can sit with me at lunch if you want too,” said the then eight-years-old Craig and smiled warmly at her.

              Too stunned to speak, Vygnet just looked at him through the screen of her hair.

              “I’m Craig Samuel Davis,” Craig introduced himself as he extended his hand to her.

              Vygnet fumbled when their hands entwined.  In that crystal clear moment, she felt the sense of belongingness she had been yearning to feel. He was like sunshine— blotting out the gray clouds, lightening up her dim world.

              And from then on, Vygnet started to relive his fancies about flying dragons, prince, and princesses. She grew up with his company. She knew that many girls were swooning over him, but she had lived on that thought that they were destined for each other.

              “Craig… what if I’m a monster? Would you still be friends with me?” Vgnet asked in a hesitant voice as they lay on the grass.

              “No. I’ll fight you off with my laser sword!!!” hooted the childish Craig as he held out his fancy laser sword and started to run after her.

              The playground was filled with boisterous laughter as they goofed around. Somewhere in the corner of her mind, an unwanted voice suddenly resonated.

              “You are different, kid. If he found out that you are not like them, he wouldn’t want to be friends with you, anymore. He will be just like every kid out there, hurling verbal attack on you. Might as well, don’t get too attached on him.”

              At some point, the voice was right. But a part of her wanted to cling on the thought that Craig was different—he’d still accept her no matter what she is. ‘No! I’ll fight you off with my laser sword’

With grave air, Vygnet heaved a deep sigh as she stared at him, brandishing his fancy laser sword, poised to run after her again.

              “Monster!” Craig shrieked buoyantly, sprinting towards her.

              Hearing that, her heart suddenly rammed violently as her knees wobbled.  With that, she fell on the grass.

He just called me a monster!

              ‘Yes, you are, little girl’ echoed the voice again.

              Pinning her with the blade of his fancy sword, Craig threw her a victorious look.

              ‘See? He just called you a monster! He’ll kill you if only he knew!’ warned the hushed voice and let out a raucous laugh.

              Grimly, Vygnet rose and ran away from him, teary-eyed. Baffled, Craig called after her.

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               “Don’t cry, Vygnet. I’m always here or you.” Verona crooned as they settled themselves in a boulder.

              “You don’t understand,” she croaked out, wiping off her tears.

              “I know what you are, Vygnet. I’m your aunt. We belong in the same bloodline as well as your mom.” Verona pressed as she offered a hankie to her.

              Surprised, she stared at her aunt incredulously.

              “You and mom have a power too?” Vygnet mouthed, dazed.

              Smirking, Verona braced herself and transformed into a vile looking creature. She crouched low and hoisted Vygnet at her back. In no time, they were droughting in midair.

              Vygnet’s buoyant laughter filled the air as she relished the beauty of the blur of greenery underneath them. After five minutes, Verona sprang back in the big boulder as she shifted back to her human countenance.

              “You are not alone, Vygnet. You always got us, no matter what.” Verona asserted as she kissed Vygnet’s forehead. Hearing that, a smile played on Vygnet’s lips. No matter what happens, she will always have a family to lean on.

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              Mr. Davis was a strapping man. He was a well- known botanist in Tagaytay City. Many people hobnobbed him whenever he passed by. He was genuinely nice, modest, and downright smart; no wonder her mom was nuts about him.

              “Please...Adela I don’t want to ruin the friendship between us and with our children for God’s sake…stop flirting with me.” Samuel pled in a low husky voice

              “Don’t you love me anymore?” Adela simpered, tracing his lips with her fingers.

              Frantically, Samuel shot a glance around the perimeter of the botanical garden, cautious that someone might see them.

              “What we had before was now a smidgeon of memories…memories that aren’t worth remembering for. Now, let’s call it a day,” he retorted acidly, leaving her teary-eyed.

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              “We’re now friends, aren’t we?” Craig asked in a diffident tone.

              “I guess so,” Vylet retorted and went on scanning some albums in the rack.

              “Here check out this one,” he said, handing her a Lifehouse album

              “Man, that’s not my jam,” she snorted and shook her head.

              “Give it a try, gothic girl. This is my favorite album of them. It’ll make you feel February all over again,” he beamed.

              Vylet pouted her lips. “Knowing you’re a frontman of a hardcore band, I didn’t know that you’re into this kind of jam,” she retorted as she flashed a lopsided smirk.

              “What’s wrong with that? Lifehouse is an alternative band. I dig all kinds of genres. I’m not a music racist unlike the other cocky rockstars out there,” he countered with a scoff.

              She stared at him, bemused. As she got to know this man that she used to despise, it felt like all those unwanted feeling of hate was gradually dissolving. He wasn’t who she thought he was. As a matter of fact, he is a nice guy.

              “Ok, I’ll buy this. Thanks.” Vylet considered, grinning at him.

              “You should put some brighter shades of your music preferences. It would be way healthier for you,” he cooed.

              “What are you talking about?! I’m healthy as a horse.” Vylet shot back.

              “Well, the healthy kind of mind frame is what I’m talking about,” he replied, and let out a soft peal of laughter.

              “Excuse me? How could you say that my mind frame is unhealthy huh?” Vylet prompted as she crossed her arms.

              “Because you aren’t getting out of your comfort zone.” Craig remarked.

              This hit her, he was profoundly right. She felt like she’d been stuck with the things she used to do, and she wasn’t inclined to try new things.

              “Know what, I can’t believe you’re right.” Vylet quipped, throwing her arms in the air.

              “So why are you like that?  Were you really dropped as an introvert?” Craig asked quizzically.

              “I’m always an introvert. I mean, I have no circle of friends and I only have this one friend and that is Blaze, and yeah, I forgot, I also considered my cousin, Skylar as my girl buddy. Aside from them, I have no other friends. I hate people and the thought of being around them, with their dull and shallow airs is what ticks me off. People are nasty, some of them are not. But in the end of the day, I still hate them.” Vylet countered in a tad sour voice.

               Hearing that, Craig’s amusement with her has reached its toll.

              “Well upon hearing that, I give you this Anti- social award!” Craig lauded in daze.

              “Thanks, but I’ll try to be less anti- social freak next time and maybe start this healthy mind frame you’re talking about.” Vylet retorted with a smile.

              “Less anti-social huh? Well, try to be more of a pro- social Miss Amarillo. Because hating won’t get you anywhere.” Craig chastised laughingly.

              Suddenly Craig’s gaze shifted to a familiar face along the corner. There she was, wearing a floral skater skirt with a denim vest draped over her white tank top, paired with studded flats. She was busy scanning some DVD’s. He noticed that she did dye her hair back to its natural color, black.  He really missed her.

              “Vygnet?” Craig mouthed, barely a whisper.

              Craig felt the urge to talk to her, but he held back on that thought as he recalled on how she was in a deep s**t because of him.

              “Craig? Are you okay?” Vylet snatched him away from his thoughts.

              Craig nodded vehemently, with his gaze still fixated on Vygnet’s direction.

              “Do you know her?” Vylet asked quizzically, following his gaze.

              “Yes, she’s my friend.”

              “Then why don’t you holla at her?”

              “Can’t,” he mumbled.

              “What? But why?”

              “None of your business,” he replied wryly.

              Vylet seemed to be disgruntled by his abrupt rudeness.

              “Okay, just so I thought we’re already FRIENDS.”   Vylet replied coldly and bolted away from him.

              “Just because we’re friends doesn’t mean you have to know everything about my personal life,” Craig shot back mindlessly.

              “Fine, Mr. Davis. I’m sorry for being nosy. Here take this to your junk!” Vylet taunted as she handed back the CD to him and stormed off.

              Craig didn’t see this coming. Why did she get mad?  Was it just because I refused to tell something about me and Vgnet? Damn it, I never knew she’s that shallow!” Craig scoffed and rolled his eyes. I guess we’re back to bickering game again.

              “Craig?” called a dearly familiar voice.

              Craig quickly whirled around. Sure enough, it was Vygnet.

              “Hi… Vygnet.” Craig stammered and smiled sheepishly at her.

              Smiling tentatively at him, Vygnet hovered beside him.

              “I miss your natural hair color. Glad it’s back,” he beamed as he was referring to the shiny black hair cascaded over her shoulders.

              “Thanks. I miss you too,” Vygnet mumbled thoughtlessly. “…I mean, I miss my black hair too,” Vygnet backpedaled as she gazed down.

              An awkward silence suddenly sizzled. Finally, Vygnet broke off the deafening silence.

              “Uh huh. Look, I’m sorry Craig about last time… I was acting like a retard. Ughh. I shouldn’t have shut you out like that. I was dealing with a lot of…”

              “Vygnet,” Craig cut her out “…I’m the one who should apologize for what happened last time, sorry if I’ve turned you down. It’s just that I don’t want to ruin what we have,”

              “I know. But Craig, I’m not gonna lie. I meant what I said.” Vygnet countered heartily, smiling ruefully at him.

              Craig suddenly pulled her close and hugged her “I miss you Vygnet, I’m sorry if I didn’t bother to text or call you. I was afraid that you’re still mad at me and you won’t talk to me,”

              Vylet saw this picture-perfect scene from the window of the CD bar.

              Perfect. They looked good together huh. Is she really his friend? Why do I feel like I have seen her before? She hated Craig for making her looked like a nosy sleuth whoever that he loved to call a FRIEND.  Funny how lately he was talking about a healthy mind frame wherein he was the one who was being a total jerk a while ago.  Crabbily, Vylet decided to head home, still pissed by Craig’s abrupt rudeness.

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              “Oh really, then you’re friends again with Craig?” Paul asked, stifling to conceal his disappointment.

              “Yes, I’ve realized that maybe he didn’t yet realize then that he loves me too. It’ll make sense to him soon,” Vygnet beamed, sipping her strawberry juice.

              “But Vygnet, what if he’s really not into you?” Paul asked feebly.

              “Hah, that won’t happen again,” she snickered.

              “How sure are you?” 

              Vygnet just threw a contemptuous look at him, who was always raining in her parade.

              “Sorry, I just don’t want to set your hopes high so much,” Paul mumbled apologetically and swirled the straw into his iced coffee.

              “Because I love him so much that’s why I set my hopes high that much!” Vygnet interjected.

              “Okay. Goodluck then,” Paul curtsied.

              “Why can’t you be happy for me? I thought you’re my friend!?” she bristled and grabbed her sling bag and stormed off.

              I don’t want to stay as your friend, Vygnet. I want to be more than that. And it breaks my heart everytime I hear you gushing over him. He did break your heart once, and you still love him? I’ve been here all along, but all you see is Craig, through and through.

              Paul wanted to profess all the pent-up blissful emotions clawing inside of him.  But everytime he tried he was having a cold foot though. Someday you’ll love me too Vygnet. He hit on a plan, his heart must be given a time to wind up, some solitary places he used to go with his acoustic guitar. He relished his solace, thinking about this one girl who perennially runaway his heartbeat, Vygnet. They met some years ago, back when he was still the lead guitarist and the back-up vocalist of Craig in the “Clamor” band. Unknown to the other members, Paul did quit in the band because of Craig. He couldn’t stand anymore seeing Vygnet all over him. But Craig seemed to be dense with Vygnet’s affection towards him. Clearly, Paul’s reason might be shallow, but he couldn’t care any less.

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              Vylet was walking into a dimly lit street impassively. She wanted to savor this solitary moment for being all alone. Oblivious to the dark road stretched before her, she wrapped her arms all over her, vying for warmth since the weather is quite chilly.

              “Hey miss,” called a husky voice.

              Instantly, Vylet was taken aback and spotted a tall, heavyset guy, in his mid- 30’s, wearing a gray tank top and a ripped-out jeans. He was grinning sardonically at her. She suddenly felt the fear bursting into her veins as she mentally noted all the self-defense mantras, she had learned during her college days.

              “What do you want from me?” Vylet asked with her clenched fist.

              The guy treaded his way towards her. With that, Vylet felt the sudden urge to pace back with each step he took.

              “How can someone beautiful like you walking all alone at this time? You never know what danger lies ahead of you in this dimly lit street,” he said, plastering a wicked grin.

              “I don’t need your ridiculous concern, hypocrite,” she snickered.

              The man mumbled something indecipherable under his breath and closed the gap between them.

              “Hah, you lovely lady, you never know what you’re getting into,” he hissed as he leered at her.

              “Hmmm…you’re such a tease huh,” he clipped, grinning devilishly at her.

              Vylet was clearly aware that retaliating was her only resort at times like this.  Just as she was about to give him a solid underhand jab, she felt something different— a surge of power running in her veins.

              Vylet felt her blood boiled hot.  Then, everything happened in a flash. Her human visage was slowly transforming; her flaxen eyes telegraphed hostility meshed with revulsion. Her torso started to elongate and stubby spikes started to form on her upper back.

              “Ahhhhhh!!! Holy s**t! You f*****g piece of hell!” The guy shrieked and flinched away from her. His face turned into pale white —a deathly pallor.

              Without a second thought, Vylet scooted his body with her claws and scratched his face.  In a jiffy, blood oozed from the poor man’s skin as the gash of wound formed a V- pattern.

              “Guess let’s call it a night you sleazeball. You’re right; I don’t know what I’m getting into until I got into you. Can I have your brain as my dinner? I’m already starving,” she purred with a wicked glint in her eyes

              “No…. Please… I won’t do it again…just spare me… I promise I won’t do it again...to anyone,” he pled weakly.

              Suddenly, a gray skinned creature lunged at him and mercilessly ripped his head off and ravenously ate his brain. The sight was unsettling for her. She felt a loophole twisting in her stomach. The mutilated limbs of the man fell flat on the ground as its opaque eyes bore lifelessly into them.

              “Who are you??” Vylet asked, unnerved.

              “I’m your savior,” he retorted as he gazed at her darkly.

              “Why did you kill him? I’m about to teach him only a lesson!?” Vylet protested.

              He scoffed. “Humans, they’ll be the death of us. And you still want to save him?” He sneered as his eyes gleamed fiercely at her.

              “I don’t know… why I turned into a monster….” Vylet mumbled in a morbid tone.

              “Don’t feel sorry for him, Vylet. You’re now embracing what you are. You did it for self- preservation. Welcome to YOMANITY.” He countered fiercely.

              “Yomanity? What in the world is that? And how did you know my name???” She asked, mystified.

              “I told you, I’m your savior,” he reiterated and launched himself and flew into the gathering darkness.

              Vylet was left there disconcerted. Who was that guy? Then it hit her like an oncoming truck, —she just turned into what she was afraid to be, a hideous monster.  She appraised herself and her fear increased exponentially as she saw the changes; her fair complexion turned into rotting moss green. Her catlike eyes were way fiercer than before. She could feel the sharp edges of her pangs and claws, craving to devour some prey. The nightmare she had last time had cranked to life.

              With spastic breathing, she shot a quick glance around her.  She felt horrible for she didn’t mean to do that. So, this was it, the anticipated event that the monster inside her head was wishing for.  She was now a miserable wrench, a monster.

              The light that emanated from the sartorial glow of the moon cast her morbid countenance on the ground. In the darkest crevices of her mind, Vylet heard again these hollow voices that haunted her every waking moment.