There are monsters here, there are And they're wrapped in cotton wool The faces I once knew They're fake And I walk alone

There are monsters here, there are And they wake here by my side The ones I long to see They're lost tonight To them my world falls blind

Get no sanctuary with my eyes closed Get no sanctuary at all

"Monsters" by You&Me https://youtu.be/YLrkaah6-V8

Just a few months earlier, which felt far longer in many ways. . . It was a rare spring day in the city of the dead. The humisery was low, with the heady scent of confederate jasmine and southern magnolia lingering heavy in the air mingling with the subtle notes of gardenia and rose. A mellow perfume so common in the Garden District where old antebellum homes clung to their dignity, even in the face of inevitable decay. The array of color that spilled forth with the coming of spring was nearly dazzling with the bright white and soft pinks of the Dogwoods to the soul inspiring azaleas that lined many a walkway with every season. Today the sun was bright. The clear sharpness of light brought everything into focus under that ever so perfect blue, blue sky.

It was a slim delicate form, which stood hesitantly upon the steps of the grandiose sweeping marble steps. To see her standing there, one was instantly reminded of a bygone era. A memory of crooners and of torch song singers and reminiscent of aged, dog-eared magazines such as Vogue or Vanity Fair could be brought to mind upon the sight of the elegant woman. Blond curls in an elegant bob many called "Retro' worked well with the chiffon and lace dress of off white that drifted dreamlike around her legs.

Her skin was the perfect porcelain with hints of peaches and cream, near flawless and a perfect frame for deep blue eyes of a sky at dusk. Ruby lips were pursed in contemplation, as she appeared to be waiting. In one lacy encased hand a small parasol was held. Some said she was sensitive to the sun and rarely braved daylight hours.

The hunter was still unconvinced. Watching from some distance where he bided his time. Wondering if the woman planned to moved. Would she remain safe under the shade of the circular pavilion that acted as a porch with elegant columns had held it secure for centuries"

He didn't have long to wait before a car paused at the end of the steps down to the oak shaded street. She hurried down and was soon slipping inside with the aid of her driver. Settling back into the cool comfort of a powerful cooling system.

Behind the stalker followed.

Day gives way to night On the storefront mannequins The audience with Mona Lisa grins Moonlight builds emotion As the players scuttle in Pull the curtain back and let the show begin

Moon of mischief Under low light discipline Here the tiny monsters hunt for harlequins

"Tiny Monsters" - Puscifer https://youtu.be/iw-f5ehOvZk

"He may not yet be convinced." The elegant twin stated before her own features started to melt, returning to their normal configuration. Brilliant azure eyes and inky black hair took the place of the blond elegance of just a few moments earlier. She also shrunk, losing that extra bit of height her client carried.

Simone reached for a worn pair of jeans and dropped them into the winged back chair. Carefully she removed the airy concoction that was the dress. "I can see why you like wearing such things. I felt most ladylike in it."

Shimmying into her own denim, she glanced at the silent figure across the room. A beringed hand was taking up a large black tee. "You may want to stay in for a few days doll. Rawls made sure you're all stocked up so you won't starve." A sigh and Simone yanked the shirt down over her head.

"This one is more persistent than most. Do you want me arrange for permanent removal?" The changeling asked as she tucked the tee into her snug jeans.

"No." Cerise responded as she lowered her hand from the lace curtain. "I want to know who hired him."

"I am working on that, Cerise cher. He's a cautious one so few have managed to get close to him. So, I use other means." None of which she planned to share. A girl had to keep some secrets in this business.

"I have Pax coming to stay with you a few days. I already let Rawls know." Pax was a demon Simone had found one evening in a Bourbon Street Dive. He had needed a job and she had needed muscle. That was some 25 years back actually and he remained on her payroll ever since. As for Rawls, he was Cerise's manservant if you will. Her keeper in general as many of her kind did have such companions or Ghouls if you like. He had left this night to take care of a few more details, but would be back soon enough. "I want to make sure that hunter doesn't decide to come visit you in person."

"I am hardly weak Simi. I have managed more than a few decades on my own as well." A small smile touched the ageless features of Simone's friend.

The dark haired fae just shook her head with an equally thin smile of her own. "Cerise cher, you lean towards being passive really. You have your few toys. You have for decades, but I can't recall ever you killing anyone."

"One doesn't need to kill to survive Simi." The tone held a certain somber resignation to it. "I get by without taking a life. It suits me best this way."

Simone didn't actually know how Cerise had become one of the undead. She had never asked, as most were not fond of sharing such a traumatic memories with many.

Now on the other hand, Simone had indeed taken a life, more than a few. When it came down to them or herself, there wasn't any other option but to come out on top.

Brushing the bangs out of her azure eyes she gave Cerise a reassuring smile mere moments before there was a knock on the door. Down below, Pax was soon entering. His large form taking up a great bit of the foyer as he stood there looking around. "This be the place boss?"

"Yes Pax. This is Cerise, the lady you will be guarding for a few nights." She made the introductions and then after getting her man situated she was heading out. She had a hunter to hunt.

To Be Continued. . .

Folks come to her, from miles and miles around, She sure know how to put that, that voodoo down. To the voodoo lady they all would go, The rich, the educated, the ignorant and the poor. She'd snap her fingers, and shake her head, She'd tell them 'bout their lovers! livin' or dead.

"Marie Laveau" by Dr. John https://youtu.be/Lb8DlC3utYE

"Still terrifying the tourists I see." Words colored with warm honey and summer evenings. Soothing the tone of a woman used to singing and chanting.

Glancing up, her azure eyes dimmed faintly, taking on a more normal glow. A smile tugged them upon Simone's wine tinted lips. "Of course. One has to have their pleasures after all, terrorizing tourist does fall under one of mine. Thankfully I don't work for the Travel and Tourism board so I don't have to be friendly to pushy Tourists."

"Always a pleasure to see you Celeste." Simone then added with a hand inviting the mulatto woman to join her. "What would you like to drink?"

"Purple Haze if you please." That directed towards the tender before Celeste settled herself down beside the changeling.

Celeste was one of the best Voudoun Priestess's in the city. Simone had known her since they were children; they were in fact, blood sisters, a childhood binding that had been an unexpected exchanging of gifts. Both had come to New Orleans at the same time. The pair also still maintained some strong ties to their small hometown back in Plaquemines Parish. "Did you find out anything for me?" Simone asked, idly toying with the straw in her cup. To the observer it was your usual girly drink with fruit and a little happy umbrella. It was a mere illusion, as there was only cherry cola within.

"I know where he is staying if that helps. I couldn't learn little more as it feels as if he is under some sort of protection." Celeste replied. Taking up her own drink for a savoring sip of the potent brew within.

"What kind of protection?" Careful to keep her voice modulated in a calm tone, Simone could not help the fleeting expression of annoyance that danced upon her own pale face.

"Feels like some God is watching over him. I am unfamiliar with whatever deity he is associated too. Feels old Simi. Might be dangerous as well." Celeste's golden eyes looked at Simone with concern. "I have a bad feeling about this one. Your client may never know who sent him. He does not feel right. As if he is out of time or place."

To be continued. . .

It came as no surprise You bring me back to life Believe me "You bleed for me, I'll bleed for you? I caught you walking through walls Drowned with applause From the world that makes me crazy

We are We are the shaken (Shaken) We are the monsters (Monsters) Underneath your bed

"Monsters" by Matchbook Romance https://youtu.be/yFdLSM8zVVI

He was a tall man this Andrian Latham. Taller and broader than expected, but Simone was not concerned. She had taken down larger. Of course, she did recall Celeste's warning. Therefore, her first swing was designed to knock him out, but it failed. A tussle ensued, with her trying to break free from a shockingly strong grip. Thrown up against a wall, with an arm pressing into her throat, he growled. "Who are ya and who sent ya?"

Simone had little choice now. That old saying an echo in her head, "Kill or be killed" and she wasn't about to be killed. So, a hard boot came down on heel first on the top of his foot followed by an even harder kick to his shin, and the second his hold loosened, she was taking a deadly swing at him, the blade a momentary flicker in the darkness.

The result, he went down hard and fast by what she could see. Blood was pooling under him and she gave a shake of her dark head. This was a mess. A quick riffling of his body and she had found a letter that was in an inside jacket pocket, which she took of course. He was still and unmoving. Taking out her cellphone, she sent a message to another associate. "Need a clean-up at the Royal room 408. Now."

Taking the guise of her victim now, Simone slipped out a side door of the hotel and in a matter of minutes vanishing into dark streets of New Orleans.

Five minutes later her cell vibrated, alerting her to a call. Striding past several drunken Tourist near St. Anne, she swung down a side street and right into deep shadows. There she reverted to her normal form and answered the cell.

It never failed to amaze her how some calls felt impatient while others seemed to take on a more relaxed note. This night, the buzzing seemed almost panicked.

"Yes?" Simone snapped with a glance around and casually moved into the light of a nearby street lamp. Feeble light but in the black of this night it seemed brighter than usual.

"He's not here." The disembodied voice of one of her cleaners made her pause.

"What"! I fucking slashed his throat!? The now very agitated fae hissed vehemently into the phone. Voice pitched low, hushed even while her eyes glowed a fierce blue in the night. Her penetrating gaze darting about cautiously, or perhaps nervously. The missing body gave her a reason to feel suddenly stressed. Add on unknown elder gods and Simone suspected she had somehow unleashed a whole lot of unwanted trouble upon herself.

To be continued. . .

Afraid to lose control And caught up in this world I've wasted time, I've wasted breath I think I've thought myself to death

I was born without this fear Now only this seems clear I need to move, I need to fight I need to lose myself tonight

"Come With Me Now" by Kongos https://www.youtube.com/watch"v=Gz2GVlQkn4Q

Like most old graveyards, St. Louis no.1 was rife with twisty and meandering paths, without much in the way of order. Some said it was about controlled chaos. Here one found ragged edges of deterioration and smooth marble mingled amidst the lingering sense of age, mystery and death.

The only way to see this specific historical site was to join a tour group these days. It was no longer safe to wander such places alone for the city had it's issues that tended towards a violent nature. Graveyards through the ages seemed to be places that attracted the worst of living evil. New Orleans's Cities of the Dead were no different.

Built in 1789, it was the oldest existing City of the dead in New Orleans. While the vaults and tomes were not as ornate as other locations it was still an interesting place to visit. It was said that many of it's residents were famous. From the oft defaced Glapion tome said to be the resting place of the famous Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau, to the first African-American Mayor of the Big Easy, Ernest N. "Dutch" Morial. Old rumors that even one of Jean Lafitte's pirates was interned within. An early Chess Champion, Paul Morphy, was laid to rest among the marble edifices. Even one of the most vile of New Orleans old society, Delphine LaLaurie was said to be resting within the walls of St. Louis No. 1.

It was here Simone located Christophe. He was just exiting with a large group of tourists from the wrought iron gates and talking. "No, this was not the first cemetery. The first was St. Peter, but after the fires of 1788 the city was redesigned and St. Louis no.1 became the oldest."

It was instantly apparent to Simone that he had the virtue of patience as he fielded more questions from this batch of tourists. "No, the idea of the vaults was from the traditions of the French and Spanish. It was simply lagniappe that it worked for the extreme water table that plagues New Orleans to this very day.?

Several young ladies in the group stood silent, transfixed by the tall, elegant young man talking. He had that soothing, lyrical cadence enhanced by a faint Cajun accent that enchanted the listener. Simone could see why he was one of Celeste's friends. He was her type from his inky dark hair, caramel colored skin, warm golden eyes and brilliant smile. Not only that, but he was obviously intelligent and wealthy if the chatter about him were to be believed.

To be continued. . .

I can feel the storm above The rain is coming now I can hear the train ahead Tonight I'm leaving town And today is the day That I break free from these shades So won't you come and save me From this war that I've been living in

"Before the Storm" by Shelby Merry https://www.youtube.com/watch"v=W9NMAXemKLA

That scent of damp earth hung in the air carried in on gulf breezes, alerting all to the coming storm. Off in the distance the sky was a flickering of colors. The light show on display a warning of a coming angry tempest. The heavens darkened in the dusk of evening. Creating an eerie glow as light from the nearby downtown projected a radiance upon the cumulus clouds gathering above. Simone paused to gaze upward. Radiant blue-green eyes carrying their own luminous sheen as she watched lightening dance across gloomy heavens in a threatening exhibition of electric.

Storms in New Orleans were common but often dramatic and intense due to the placement of the city, resting as it was at the mouth of "Old man river", the Mississippi. Water was much a part of life here from the food to the recreational activities that many locals participated in. For Simone, everything in her beloved city was beyond compare. Even the weather here was unpredictable and capricious at best.

It seemed that the climate this day was following her mood. The breeze was already picking up, carrying an array of scent. That ocean essence along with the multitude of floral and green that was heavy in the garden district. As there was a colder feeling creeping in, fog was a likely effect which delighted this particular Fae. Simone loved the mists after the rain for it brought it's own sort of magic to an already mysterious city. Noir Sorcery she called it. Often fed by the nexus point of crossing dense ley lines. Many found themselves lost when the deeper fog rolled in, as most no longer had any sense of direction. Not to mention how it tricked the mind. Some often saw ghosts roaming within the hazy veil.

Celeste's home had been in her family for generations. A grand French inspired house that had been gifted to a mistress, whose descendants still treasured and cared for it. It boasted a expansive garden that reflected it's past. While the "Garden District" was known now for the elegant architecture, it had earned it's name from the lavish gardens on display when this area was first founded. Around Celeste's home there was was a subtle herbal scent of sage and rosemary mingled with roses, magnolia, jasmine and more. Having a green thumb, as she still maintained the garden of that era with passionate regard to history and preserving many heirloom plants and herbs that might be otherwise lost to the ages.

Christoph and Simone walked towards the elegant porch, taking in the view of tall ornate edged cream colored columns and restored wrought iron scroll work. Pale Stained wood spread across the entrance of the old home. Even before they reached the door light spilled across as the lamp that was reminiscent of when it was built was switched on. "There you are. Come in, come in." Celeste called out cheerily.

"I didn't have time to cook so you will just have to deal with the nearby Pizza Kitchen's excellent fair.? She said as she led the way towards the kitchen that had been renovated recently by the look of it. Yet, it lost none of the country charm it had originally been built with.

To Be Continue...

These wicked games that we play Kill the lights Better hold on tight Out for blood Better run and hide Feel the dark creeping up on you Better say your prayers before I make my move These wicked games that we play

"Wicked Games" by The Hotdamns https://youtu.be/Ergbd1bfkDE

An eerie blue glow radiated from the coin in a manner that had the trio moving back cautiously. Celeste's eyed the item for a few moments then peered at Chris. "You ever seen something like that before, Cher?" She was making the sign to ward off unknown evil as she spoke.

"Nothing like that, but I have heard of some magics that behave in a similar manner. From what I can make out of the symbols, I suspect this is Vampiric." Came the instant reply with another glance towards Simone. "Know anyone who might specialize in such areas of arcane?" That question startled Simone nearly as much as that booming thunder and she sort of stammered a bit. "Um well I um, might know a few folks that have interest in such. . . supernatural areas besides. . . Celi there." Taking up her glass, the ruby red liquid shimmering in the candlelight and took a fortifying drink, all the while she regarded that creepy coin. A crinkling of her nose followed and a quick flash decision made.

Celeste obviously trusted this guy, which should be enough for Simone as well. Just something about him did make her nervous. She wasn't able to put her finger on it, but felt he wasn't all that seemed. So, in typical blunt fashion, she took a breath and stared pointedly at the man, her aquamarine eyes taking on their own luminous shine in the soft light. "What exactly are you? Yes, you 'seem' human enough but as one that 'seems" human as well, your something more. I can feel it."

Her best friend started laughing. "I told you she would notice eventually." Celeste said before she also followed with a sip of wine. "I have known Chris since I was a child actually Simi. He is a very old family friend. Believe me, he is has seen more strange then either of us have put together."

"I was once married to her great-Mamere, Leondrea. I believe I was the 3rd out of her six spouses actually." He wore a straight face as he spoke. Golden eyes just watching the play of disbelief and bafflement that danced across the expressive Fae's fire-lit features.

"I call macaquerie on you both!" Using an old childhood term that suggested he was spouting foolishness. Simone huffed the and just gave a quick shake of her head. Unsure but still suspecting they were attempting to pull her leg.

"Oh cher, he is not lying or playing with you. It's the truth. Chris is the product of a human and a demon." Just like that, her best friend in the world spoke and all Simone could do was gape at her.

"Dit mon la verite'!" Demanding the truth and when both just gazed at her. Lacking the teasing light she had been expecting Simone frowned for a moment and then sighed. "Quoi d'autre?" Simone fully expected more, so she asked.

"I have no idea what more I can say, other then it's true enough. Celeste has told me what it is you do Simone and I may have need of those skills one day myself." A wry turn of lips, and Chris glanced again towards the fae. His eyes glittering like gold metal in the warm glowing light. "I have lived and died more then a few times already, and I am not adept at it yet."

"Just how old are you Chris?" Curious as ever she placed the empty glass down, shooting a sideways look towards him.

"200 hundred years mostly."

All Simone could do was stare for a minute and then with a quick release of breath. "Wow! You don't look a day over 25!"

To Be Continued. . .

Monsters stuck in your head We are, we are, we are Monsters under your bed We are, we are We are monsters oh, oh We are, we are, we are monsters oh

Ah ah oh ah ah - one misstep, you're mine And you better stay clever if you wanna survive Once you cross the line You'll be wishing you would listen when you meet your demise Ah ah ah oh

Your heart hits like a drum, oh, oh oh The hunt has just begun, oh, oh, oh

"Monsters" by Ruelle https://youtu.be/ig0L32drTLk

"It is my belief that the weather here is much like the very city herself. Sometimes violent and vicious, with the winds lashing about and the very sky roaring with rage. Then, comes the lulls with gentle patterns. The soft scent follows; That of damp earth alit with diamond droplets scattered across the foliage. Then, that perfect moment of total silence once it all settles for a brief respite as if taking a deep, long breath. Some mornings you can see the remnants of its spent fury painted like bloody streaks upon the horizon. It's just a brief glimpse before the sun eats it away in its brightness." Her voice was soft, like velvet as she spoke. Tones cultured yet that drawl that was ever-present with the history of this city, floated against Simone's ever sensitive ears.

For Simi, Amelia had always seemed a rather poetic soul. From her ever-elegant fa"ade to the slow, languid movements and her manner of speaking, she was the very essence of her heritage. She also believed that was one of the many reasons Liss, Simon's sister had been drawn towards working for the lady in question.

"You are in a very whimsical and fanciful frame of mind I see, but I do agree." Simone replied, while shaking out her damp jacket and sent a quick smile towards the dim silhouette drifting closer. "Our home is certainly unique and we would have it no other way."

"All too true, Mon Petite. So, what is it you are needing my help with?" Light flickered, sparking shadows all around them, before they finally decided to remain on, for now anyway. None could be called bright, but they spread a warmth throughout the room that was welcoming and soothing upon the senses.

Her coat found a hook near the door before she turned, and held the box out to Amelia. "Can you take a look at this" Celeste had a friend she trusts, one into unique antiquity and history, check it out also, and he believes it to be something of a "vampiric" nature."

Those words seemed to draw Amelia closer, her features having taken on a most inquisitive expression. Taking the box from Simone's hand she opened it carefully. Crystal blue eyes glittering faintly in the softly lit glow as she inspected the curious coin. One delicate brow rose after a few moments before those penetrating eyes rose. "How did you come to have this Simone?"

"Well. . ." Simone launched into the tale of her earlier troubles and before too long was sitting on an antique settee with some cold tea in hand. True southern ice tea at that. Perfectly chilled and sweet as only a state on the south side of the Mason/Dixson line could make.

"I agree that this is dangerous." Amelia said as she stood near the fireplace. The warm glow there aiding in her review of the coin. "I sense it was likely crafted by a very powerful being, but who it was created for is far more a concern." Glancing up while brushing an errant curl of silky gold back from a too-pale cheek. "This was made for a hunter and I suspect it allows them to travel by the energy it radiates." "Travel?" Putting her glass down on the coaster nearby, so the condensation from the ice didn't cause harm to the deep waxed shine of the pecan wood coffee table. Rising Simone stepped over to take another look. "What do you mean?"

"I have only read about such items. It is said that some groups and organizations use coins, rings, pendants and the like to allow their personal hunters to travel realms and distances instantly. These conclaves, if I recall from my research, are both pro and con regarding a variety of creatures from Vampires, weres, demons and some even hinted at angels."

She paused, with just a slight canting of her head, obviously recalling information from memory in a fashion Simone rather envied. "This item may require a trigger, most of them do, such as a word or circumstance to activate." Amelia stated, while a cautious finger moved to touch the cold gleaming surface.

Simone had suspected her prey earlier might be a possible Hunter, even if he didn't act like a crazy. For a start, the man she had fought with hadn't seemed to be a vampire obsessed lunatic or an ultra-religious sort with delusions (real and or imagined). Those having been all she had faced prior to this night. Amelia's words now chilled her. She had a few clients that over the years she had become fond of them. What some might call "monsters" she called friend and the idea that any or all could be exposed and threatened, didn't sit well with the fae.

"How can you be sure?? Without even thinking, Simone reached out to remove Amelia's hand from the potentially deadly trinket and the moment their skin touched, the both blinked out of sight. The clattering sound of the box that had held that dangerous coin landed and bounced upon the floor and then....silence.

An hour later, it would be Simone's sister, Liss, who would enter the eerily silent house. In no time at all she realized something was very wrong and the search began.

To Be Continued...