Sweet Nightmares: A Monstrous Beginning
img img Sweet Nightmares: A Monstrous Beginning img Chapter 4 Caramel: Bloodshot and Drunk [Chapter Four]
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Chapter 6 Mint: Cocoa Butter And Ice Cream [Chapter Six] img
Chapter 7 Caramel: Tablespoon Of Sugar And A Dash Of Icing [Chapter Seven] img
Chapter 8 Cocoa: Gasoline [Chapter Eight] img
Chapter 9 Alice: Pointless Pity [Chapter Nine] img
Chapter 10 Mint: Popsicles And Chocolate [Chapter Ten] img
Chapter 11 Caramel: Cream Cakes [Chapter Eleven] img
Chapter 12 Cocoa: Venom [Chapter Twelve] img
Chapter 13 Alice: No Rest For The Wicked [Chapter Thirteen] img
Chapter 14 Caramel: Fizzy Soda [Chapter Fourteen] img
Chapter 15 Mint: Pudding and Sprinkles [Chapter Fifteen] img
Chapter 16 Caramel: Sugarcane [Chapter Sixteen] img
Chapter 17 Alice: Hell On Earth [Chapter Seventeen] img
Chapter 18 Vanilla: Ink [Chapter Eighteen] img
Chapter 19 Mint: Custard And Fruitcake [Chapter Nineteen] img
Chapter 20 Alice: Booze And Blood [Chapter Twenty] img
Chapter 21 Caramel: Mint Chip and Vanilla Wafers [Chapter Twenty One] img
Chapter 22 Caramel: Mint Chip and Vanilla Wafers [Chapter Twenty One][Part Two] img
Chapter 23 Caramel: The End Of A Nightmare [Chapter Twenty Two] img
Chapter 24 Caramel: The End Of A Nightmare [Chapter Twenty Two][Part Two] img
Chapter 25 Epilogue img
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Chapter 4 Caramel: Bloodshot and Drunk [Chapter Four]

When I awoke from my nap, I was somewhere I didn't recognize. I momentarily jumped before it all came back to me and I set my head back down on Mint's arm.

What are we going to do? This is all my fault, if I had kept quiet, we wouldn't be here.

We couldn't even find the monsters that I had been trying to help either, this is so... Useless. When we get home, I'm going to make Mint whatever dessert he wants!

As I looked over him, it seemed like he was still sleeping, I don't want to wake him up. But this is all my fault, I should help somehow. I pulled myself out as quietly as I could and took a look around. There weren't any super scary monsters, so maybe it was safe to scout out the area, like a soldier!

Plus since I'm a slime, I can change into whatever I want, nobody would suspect a rock or something.

But I felt like I was already walking in circles, keeping my distance to Mint's ditch close.

A sound suddenly caught my attention, like glass shattering.

Another monster? I was ready to change into my rock and peered through the fog, I couldn't really see anything though. That was until an outline of a cave appeared like a spooky shadow.

I could see a movement of a staggering body becoming smaller towards the cave. Would it be a good idea to get Mint first though? I... No, I wanted to be helpful!

Plus it wasn't a super far walk back.

I moved close, as quiet as I could. A small glimmer on the ground caught my attention to look down and spot the source of the noise. A broken bottle had been smashed against a rock and left behind. I'm glad I hadn't been that rock, poor rock.

A twinkle of light came from the cave, urging me onward.

Once I was close enough, the fog seemed nonexistent as I could make out the cave's details. Was someone living here? I could see a table, different jars of colored liquids, a hammock, someone totally lived here!

A good monster? Killer monsters didn't usually live somewhere so nice, right?

That's what I was told at least.

I couldn't see anyone though, yet I was sure I saw a figure enter the cave.

I almost made a move to move in until I felt something odd.

Was I being watched?

"Hello?"

Nope, no answer. I guess I was being silly. I let out a sigh when-

"What are you doing?" A dark voice behind me made me scream out and turn around, though I lost my footing and fell, looking up to the tall monster.

I couldn't stop shaking staring at her. I didn't want to die! I started crying out of fear, but the monster didn't move.

"I-I'm sorry!" I started. "Is this your house? I-I'll leave, I swear!"

The monster narrowed her large eyes and rolled her shoulders.

Her long, thin arms had sharp claws for nails, and she almost looked like a toy.

Her waist was... Split in half, but some sort of gear connected to some pipe rods in the center of her body.

She had shorts and a belly shirt, showing a majority of her twisted body. What kind of monster was this? Was she dangerous? She looked it but she didn't move to attack or anything.

"You don't belong here." The monster spoke again, sliding past me and began shuffling through the bottles on her table.

"I know, I'll leave, I'm sorry for-"

"No, not in my house, I don't care about that." The monster interrupted with a small snap of annoyance. She picked up one bottle and popped the lid off.

"This world isn't yours. You flaunt off that obvious fact like a swan in a murder of crows." The monster brought the bottle to her lips and took a large gulp before hunching over the table and hacking up coughs.

"You're... Not going to kill me?" I questioned after she finished her fit.

"No, I haven't been a killer in years. Not since those damn demons lost interest in me. Now I just sit here and slice the neck of anyone dumb enough to try and attack me." The monster slammed the bottle down, spilling some blue liquid in the process. "Damn!" She hissed. "It's not enough."

I hadn't seen any drink like that before. I tilt my head, moving forward carefully in case she changed her mind about attacking me. "What is that?" I inquired slowly. The monster inhaled and pushed the cap back on.

"Ale. Homemade. Nothing is enough to get me drunk though, not anymore."

I had never heard of ale before, maybe it was a drink only monsters here drank. That didn't make it sound as good.

She didn't speak again until she moved her hand over the odd gear on her side and began to turn it. Her body began to lower itself until her two halves connected once more, making her look like a normal human, aside from her long arms, enlarged eyes, and wooden gear sticking out of her skin of course.

"Well, you're by far the most interesting thing that stumbled into my house in years. What's your story?"

"I came here with my friend, Mint." I began. She seemed trustworthy, kinda. "From the other monster world. Which reminds me, do you know a way back?"

The other monster released an airy chuckle and turned to me, locking her eyes with mine. "You're cute, so I'm going to be honest with you. If there was an exit, your world would be swarmed with murderers by now."

"But doesn't the darkness come from here-?" I spoke without thinking and quickly shut my mouth, but the monster only seemed confused. "What darkness? What lies are they telling you guys up there?"

Lies? I shook my head. Maybe she just didn't know.

"The darkness keeps infecting the monsters up top and they become the turned! Then the mayor has to throw them here with a portal to keep everyone safe!"

She raised her eyebrow in response before leaning against her table and crossing her arms. "Look, there are only three ways to become one of us. You're born as one, the demons possess you, or you sit in this world long enough."

What? I wasn't really sure how that, especially that last bit. I opened my mouth but even as I tried to speak, nothing came out.

The other monster sighed heavily. "It sure isn't a darkness or whatever you were talking about, but this world will do things to you if you're here long enough. You think I was like this when those demons dragged me down?" She stopped to chuckle. "No, this world messed up my body more than it already was. I used to look like a normal human until the demons ripped me in half. I built the gear myself, and this world did the rest."

I looked over her now, suddenly a little more afraid than before. Now we definitely had to get out of here! I didn't want to become that.

"Uh... Can I ask your name?" I tried to give her a smile but I probably showed my fear even more. She turned her head away from me as her voice became quiet. "I used to be called Alice. They call me Broken Bones here though. The damned spineless monster.

The name made sense but that was still kinda sad to hear. I moved closer and Alice whipped her head around to catch me in a glare. "What are you doing?" She pushed off the table, watching me with suspicion. I quickly held up my hands.

"I just wanted to give you a hug!"

"No." Alice huffed. "Don't hug me. Go back to your friend now. I don't want the demons to know I'm involved with you."

I almost objected but her stern look told me it was time to be quiet. I thought everyone liked hugs though...

Why is everyone here so mean?

I turned my back to her and slowly dragged my feet out. Maybe if I'm slow enough, she'd reconsider me staying with her. She seemed strong, and nobody wanted to mess with a strong monster like that. But I didn't hear the call to come back and I finally returned to the ditch, but Mint was nowhere to be seen.

I was suddenly stricken with fear. Where is he? Did the harpy come back while I was gone?

Was he attacked?

Something suddenly touched my shoulder and I whipped around to see Mint standing there. Relief washed over me and I quickly hugged him, and I felt him hug back.

When I pulled back, I looked over his face.

"Where were you?" We suddenly asked at the same time.

"I was looking for you!" Mint frowned as he answered.

"I met this monster," I replied.

He quickly opened his mouth to argue but I hushed him with a finger over his lips so I could explain.

"Look, she's not like the others! She's not a killer, and she seems really strong, but she doesn't want to help us. Maybe if we go together, we can convince her.

He seemed dissatisfied but I gave him the biggest begging eyes I could muster, finally getting the octokin to give in. I took his arm and began to lead him back to the cave, though I could tell by how he was walking that he seemed hesitant. Suddenly he pulled back with a hiss and I looked back to see him holding his foot.

"I-I think I cut it on something." Mint frowned. "I'm bleeding, it hurts."

I kneeled down and he moved his hand so I could see the cut.

His black blood oozed out of the cut on his octopus-like foot. I glanced around and spot the glass still on the ground from the broken bottle. I didn't even see it and now Mint got hurt, oh man, I'm really messing up today!

The sound of approaching footsteps brought my attention behind me where Alice stood, examining us quietly before she sighed.

"You guys are going to die here. Come on, bring him in." She waved and made her way back to her cave while urging us to follow. I looked to Mint, a little unsure how I was going to do that. I wasn't strong enough to carry him but giving me a look, Mint rest his appendage around my shoulder to use me as a crutch, allowing me to lead him to her cave.

He was still a little heavy while leaning on me but if there was anything I can do to help!

I looked up to Alice, who wasn't even looking back to us as she entered her cave once more.

Once we got inside, she pointed to a wooden chair against the cave wall. I moved towards the direction where Mint collapsed on it on his own and held his foot.

He seemed to be doing okay so I looked to Alice.

The monster was shuffling through her bottled before finally sighing and pulling one out. "You're both so irresponsible, can't even notice glass right in front of you..." She began to mutter before kneeling before my friend. "Alright this is going to sting but this can clean your cut." With that warning, and Mint nodding, she popped it open and began to pour it on his foot.

Almost immediately, the cut began to bubble up and Mint and clenched his appendages like they were fists.

"What... What is this-!" He grit his teeth, but Alice didn't seem fazed.

"Homemade medicine. It's cleaning the cut. Just don't move and I'll find a wrap." Once the monster pulled herself back up, I quickly took her place to see how it was working. "Does it hurt lots?" I wondered, looking over the little bubbles. Mint heaved a heavy sigh and shook his head. "No, just that moment. You haven't seen medicine like that, right?"

No, I hadn't.

Slimes couldn't get hurt like this, we don't really bleed, so definitely not. I shook my head, frowning as I did. Mint relaxed his shoulders and leaned back in the chair.

"We don't have it as strong back in our world, but this kind of medicine exists even with humans. I'm not really sure what it's called, but when you put it on a wound, it bubbles up to say it's being cleaned. The bubbles are good."

"Good?" I looked back to the cut and couldn't help but smile. "I see! Good bubbles. Keep Mint's cut clean, 'kay?"

It looked like Mint wanted to speak but was cut off before he could even start as Alice came back, almost pushing me aside. There was a rag in her hand, and two pieces of wood.

"Alright, time to wrap it up."

"What are those?" I nodded to the wood as she began to tie the rag around Mint's foot.

When she was done, the monster held them up. "Shoes. It's sad I know more about your tentacle friend here than you do. Octopus skin is fragile and bleeds more when injured. How do you guys not know this?"

Not waiting for a response, she slipped the shoes on his feet and stood back. "Nice fit. Keep 'em."

Alice closed her eyes a moment before she exhaled softly and turned around. "If you can't even look out for some glass on the ground, you're going to die. In fact, it's amazing you haven't died already."

She seemed spaced off before flinching herself back up and setting the bottle of medicine back on her table.

"Then why don't you help us?" Mint suddenly spoke up. I quickly looked to him, a little worried. I tried asking for help already and she shot me down.

The monster chuckled before moving her hand to her gear and very sharply, twisted it, pushing the two halves of her body apart again. "You ask too much. The moment you leave this cave, those monsters will try to kill you. Not for any other reason than to taste your blood on their hands. It's what they do. You may as well find a hole to live the rest of your lives in because I can tell you right now, two little lollipops won't last longer than a day."

Mint pushed himself off the chair, swaying as he adjusted to the shoes. I reached out to help steady him but for some reason, he pushed my hands away and stepped up behind her.

"You smell like booze. How long have you lived here on your own, drinking yourself to passing out? I stepped on your empty bottle, didn't I? Is this really how you're living your life? Who were you? What happened?"

I almost thought Alice was just going to turn around and stab him with those long nails but she didn't move for a long time. I don't know how much time had passed until her neck twitched and she turned around. Her large eyes were suddenly red. Like, actually red, where it should be white. And... Almost like snake eyes.

She lowered herself down until their faces were almost inches apart where her voice then became quiet. "Ten years, I've been trapped here. The demons made me their toy, forcing me to murder, getting into my head, and then they just abandoned me when I wasn't interesting anymore. You have no idea how I feel."

What do I do?

This is so scary!

I felt like I was going to cry.

Mint didn't break his stare though, "You had a tough past, so what?"

For a moment, I thought I saw a new emotion in Alice's eyes but it vanished as quick as it came.

Mint had to be super brave to talk to a scary monster like that, and without shivering at all! It almost seemed like he had confronted a monster before, but there were no killer monsters in our world!

"Unlike you, we actually have a future to look forward to. We're going to leave, whether you join us or not, but if you don't, you're going to let yourself keep living this way forever."

Alice rose herself to stand back up once more, straightening her body, and not once did her large eyes blink. Her stare was locked onto Mint and me, and a silence fell between us.

It felt like it was starting to get dangerous, this aura rippling in the air.

The stare off finally broke when Mint let out a huff of annoyance and suddenly looked back to me.

"Let's go, Caramel, this monster is nothing."

I didn't want to leave, I really wanted Alice to come with us, I was scared.

Mint grabbed my hand and I decided it was probably best to follow him, but I couldn't take my eyes off Alice, standing like a statue in her cave as we left.

I'm pretty sure Mint didn't know where we were going either but going somewhere is better than going nowhere!

Alice's cave was attached to a mountain, making us have to walk around the base of it. The scene didn't really change all that much. Still dead trees and try grass, and the fog was getting thicker too.

I heard Mint sigh out and he suddenly stopped. I nearly ran into his back but managed to stop in time as well.

"What is it? Another monster?"

I asked, but Mint kept quiet. It seemed like he was listening for something, but I couldn't hear anything at all.

Suddenly he rose his head to the sky where small white particles fluttered to the ground below.

I had never seen these kinds of things before, but I had heard of them! Snow, right?

It never snowed in our world, it was always too sunny and warm for that. But I could see them up close now, and they were actually super cute!

Though... Kinda cold.

Without a warning, Mint quickly pushed me back. "Go, go!" He ordered and I began to run. I didn't know where, but it seemed urgent. Were we being attacked again? What was it this time?!

"Mint!" I called back but got no response. What-?

When I turned back, I couldn't see my friend any longer and quickly halted. "Mint?"

The fog was too thick to see an inch in front of me, and it was getting colder. So cold, I could see my breath in frost.

I listened carefully so I could hear anything telling me where he was, but there was only an echoing squeal, not belonging to Mint at all. The monster? What was it?

Then a glimmer of light crossed my eyes and I tried to peer closer to see what it was. The glimmer got bigger and started to come closer.

Then I could see sharp fangs coming right for me. What do I do? Where do I go? Do I kill it? No, I can't kill! Do I run, where do I run?

All these thoughts only made me freeze in fear.

I thought I was going to die until there was a sound of glass shattering.

It took a second to realize where I was again.

Back... With the monster.

Right...

What... Happened?

Only centimeters from my face, an odd ice creature squirmed and cried out with arrows buried inside it in all directions. I could actually see right through the monster's body, and the arrows led... Behind me.

I turned around, and met a pair of now blue eyes.

I couldn't resist a smile.

"Wraith Ice..." Alice muttered.

She retracted her arrows, moving them back into place on her center spinal piece. The Wraith hit the ground, and the body fell apart into ashes, or perhaps a pile of snow, I wasn't really sure.

"You saved me!" As I moved closer to Alice, I could see under her arm, Mint uncomfortably trying to get away. She dropped him with a light thud but as happy as I was, Alice was frowning.

"You run head first into danger, you freeze when something is trying to kill you. Do you have a death wish!?"

The monster was looking to both of us, but neither of us could respond. It was like being scolded by my mommy all over again.

Alice heaved a sigh and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Look, maybe the demons know how to open a portal. They have a lair a few days distance from here. I can take you there."

Wait, does that mean...?

"You're going to come with us!?"

            
            

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