This couldn't be real, could it? Van’s head was swimming with rushing thoughts. Was this a dream? Was it nightmare? Would he wake up from it anytime soon? All these questions would go unanswered as he was ripped from his thoughts. By a slimy tenacle tapped the lone human on his shoulder. With a shiver, he slowly turned to look up at a what would only be described as a floating eye ball. It’s large unblinking iris starred almost straight into his soul. A sudden sensation tingled up Van’s spine straight to the base of his skull. Followed up an echoey voice filling his mind.

“I’ll take the drink they call gin.” Looking around the rowdy hall trying to find the disembodied voice. Finally, he turned back to eye ball, shaking.

“W-what?” His voice almost came out in a squeak. The creature rotated its whole body. Which would be probably be its way rolling its eye.

“Gin is acquired for a beverage.” With a galp and a nod. Van slowly stood back to his feet. Taking several steps away from the table, before bumping into another. Turning around quickly to now be face to face with large rat. Easily about the size large dog. Its large but somehow beady eyes blinked at the human before hissing.

“Sorry!” Van ran off to the bar. Sure, a large werewolf was behind the stained wood. But, right now that beast was the only real familiar face... Kind of. Once behind the bar, he dropped to his knees. Breathing heavily, as he gripped at his shirt over his chest. The wolf had just finished pouring, before looking down at the college student.

“Damn kid, breath why don’t you.” sliding down the drink into paws of mothlike creature with large glowing red eyes. Leaning against the bar Warren looked down at Van. “You’d probably be more comfortable, if you just changed forms. Noone in this bar is going to judge you. I mean there some ugly motherfuckers in this joint. Isn’t that right Jerry?” A growling roar sounded from the other side of the bar. Van jumped as he rose to his feet to peer over the bar. An odd shaped monster with the head of a goat and large bat like wings glared at the bar tender.

“Is... Is that the Jersey Devil?”

“Sure is, though don’t call him that to his face. He hates the nickname that humans gave him. Goes by Jerry these days, and has moved far from home.” Pointed to the moth creature from before. “You got Mothman over there, but we call him Mason.”

“So, like Mason County?” Van stood up fully now. Seeming as if all his nerves had been replaced with wonderment.

“Exactly! Hey, you some kind of fan ghoul?” The corners of Warren’s jaws curled up. Van was very much a fanboy. He loved everything cryptid and anything related of the sort. It was the main reason he wanted to be a cryptozoologist so bad. He grew up on his uncle telling him about all the different Myths and legends of the world. And now to think he was in a bar surrounded by so many of them. All right under the noses of the public in a random college town. In fact, now as he looked around. So many of them were standing out. The eye ball before was a mindflare. Then, there was the famous giant rat of the New York City sewer system. It’s then that a great truth hit him. Turning to the werewolf with wide eyes.

“Wait! Is?” he paused for a moment before continuing. “Is BF?”

“Big foot? You didn’t know? Would have thought that’s why you applied. You really aren't from around here, are you?” Oh, more than Warren would ever know. Speaking of which. How and when would he go about telling the tall wolfman that he was not like them. How would they react? The flashing images of Van torn to shreds if not by Warren but one of the other monsters filled his brain. Sending a shiver down his back as the settling sense of fear returned.

“So, hypothetically what would happen if a human found this place.” And without a second thought Warren blurted out.

“We’d kill them.” A wave of dread washed over the outsider. Only to replace by confusion when their deadpan expression turned into a smirk. “I’m fucking with you! We’d have Al hypnotize them, and send them on their marry way. Last thing we need is plain bloods snooping around in search of a missing student or townie.” Pulling up a bottle from under the bar. Warren pours the clear liquid into a glass handing it to Van. Who took the glass and looked up to them confused. “The gin that the lady asked for?” He turned to the mindflare from before.

“How can you tell?”

“Well, technically they don’t have genders. But Vicky there identifies as a woman. And, in hopes of not having your brain scrambled. I’d just not ask question and bring her drink over. But, carful she’s a flirty one.” Van galped slowly returning to the table he once hid under. Placing down the drink on the wood. The creature now known as Vicky took the glass. Same as before a tingle went up his spine and to his brain.

“Much appreciated. You are what some would say with their face holes attractive in my eye. Please, allow me to probe your mind sometime sweet thing.” He didn’t know what weirder. Being hit on by a DnD monster, or just how monotone the voice sounded saying it. All he could do was chuckle nervously and nodded.

“Thank you.” slowly he backed away only to be stopped by another creature of myth. It wasn’t long before Van found himself in a rhythm. Once again, the student’s nerves had calmed down. Now, he was like a kid in a candy story. Getting to converse with those who had once been thought as nothing but story. Everything from Vampires, to Genomes, to a real-life zombie. Most seemingly having normal everyday jobs. Conversing among one another much like most humans. The only thing that set them apart was literally their appearance. He wouldn’t even be able to notice if he had his eyes closed. Hell, he was currently taking an order from a married couple. Well, sort of. It was a mad scientist that had gained two personalities from a failed experiment. So, now instead of just Doctor Horald, it was him and his wife Jackie. One in the same person but two different minds that had fallen in love.

“You sure whisky is a good idea dear? You know how much that gives us heart burn.” The body quickly removed a blond wig to a shiny bold head.

“Get off my back women. It was a long day at the lab! The experiment would have been a success if you didn’t feel bad for the mouse.” The last few words coming out in a mocking tone. “And then proceed to let it escape!” Just as fast as he took the wig off, she put it back on.

“But it was so cute! I don’t think it would have enjoyed having knives for paws.” Van just stood by not really sure how to engage. Would he treat them as one person? Instead of possibly have both personalities turn on him. He opted for just slow retreat, hoping they wouldn't notice. Which worked for perfectly for him, due to the sudden urge to use the restroom hit him.

Heading back over to the bar where Warren and Al were chuckling about something. It was odd to see the vampire actually smiling about something. Sure, he had only known the undead business man for a handful of hours. Yet, it didn't make it any less weird to witness. He didn’t want to ruin the possible once in red moon moment. So, he placed down his note pad, and B-lined for the bathroom. Conveniently not anywhere near a patron of the damned. As, his hand reached for the handle. On the other side of the establishment Warren’s ears perked up. Stopping his conversation with the vampire regular. His head shifted side to side like a dog searching for its ball. Once his yellow orbs rested locked onto Van. He hopped the counter with ease. Pushing his way through the crowd, and trying his best not to harm a patron.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

“Van no! That Bathroom is!” But it was too late. Van’s head turned towards the almost howling bar manager. At the same time, his hand turned the knob to the door. In loud and swift boom. The door to the bathroom busted open in a fury of roars and tentacles. The long appendages thrashed about. Knocking over tables, and slamming guest against the walls and ceiling. Van launched across the room, hitting a wall. Warren slapped his large paws over his eyes with a sigh. The many bar goers made a mad dash either to the bar or out the back door. Warren pushing pass them all the best he could. Having to pick up the occasional Goblin or gnome. Finally breaking through the crowd, he started wrestling with tentacles. Freeing guest or just pushing them back into the water closet. Luckily his insane strength while in wolf form was more than enough to do so. Slowly being able to get everyone back into the bathroom before slamming it shut. With a low sigh in the form of a growl he turned to the now half in ruin bar. It was hard to tell due to the elongated snout. But, a very well-placed frown was worn by it.

“Well, folks looks like we’re going to calling it a night early. You all know drill but now! Pay before leaving or Shirly will rip your face off. And for those taking part in bet. We’ll dish out winnings at the end of the week.” Some cheered while others booed. As they all slowly left through the back. The goblin bouncer was waiting with a large black caldron. Guest tossing in what seemed to be golden coins. One by one the bar got less and less crowded. Till all that left was the four bodies present before they opened. Al was clearing off a chalk board that read “Days since Keren was last disturbed”. What was once an eighty-two, now read zero. Warren was busy flipping tables back over. As well as collecting any body parts left behind. While dear Shirly ran her long boney fingers through the coins.

“And, here I thought we might actually make it to 100 days.” Al snickered shaking his head. Finding his spot back at the bar, finishing off his extra bloody merry.

“She was extra feisty tonight!” the female goblin kackled hopping down form her stool. While it was true the bathroom leviathan is no stranger to killing for no reason. She did seem in a bit of a tizzy when Van opened the door.

“Wait Van!” All three monsters yelled in unison. Scrambling they all looked around the bar.

“Under here!” a muffled voice called out from under some chairs and a table. Warren the first leap across the room. Quickly pulling off the pile of furniture. The blond was holding his head, along with several bumps and scrapes on him. Grabbing him by the shoulders and standing him up.

“Damn, you okay kid?” Van nodded in response as he pulled his hand away from his forehead. A small line of blood running down his temple and cheek. Suddenly the other three froze in place. Their collective nose twitching as they sniffed. In a split second the werewolf grabbed the human by his collar. Tossing him to the side as both Al and Shirly smashed into the mess. “Van basement now! Lock the door as soon as you’re in!” Without another thought, he did as told. Running to the stairway. The sound of crashing, growling, and hissing sounding behind him. He slammed the door shut and locked it. Several minutes passed where a multitude of unhuman sounds could be heard. What was only a couple of minutes, but felt like hours passed. Everything seemed to have settle down as the bar went quiet. Van’s heart was racing as he put his ear against the door. Jumping back and almost falling down the stairs as a heavy knock hit the door.

“It’s all good now kid! You can come out.” He was hesitant at first but eventually opened the door. Before him was Warren Standing in front of Al and Shirly who were tied to a chair. Both panting with embarrassed looks on their faces. The bar manager turned to his new employee with a toothy smile. “So, you’re human huh?” Van chuckled rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

“Umm, Yeah...” He jumped as the werewolf started laughing. Which had a mix of a howl in it. “I tried to tell you before we opened but everything happened so fast. I got scared.”

“As you should of dumbass! You're lucky I was the one who found you. Though to be fair. I thought these two boneheads would have more self-control.” Looking to the two catches of the day. Both laughing as they looked away.

“So, what happens now? You erase my memories?” Shaking his head as their fur swished back and forth.

“Spoke to BF and told him the situation.”

“When, did you do that?”

“Just now?” his thumb pointed to a door. Where a flash of a big hairy foot entered. The door closing right behind it. With a shiny gold plate that read “Manager’s office”. “The boss ape thinks we should keep you on. And, I very much agree.”

“Really? Why?” Van inquired. He was happy to not lose his job, but surprised sense he was human after all.

“Well, one of the main reasons was how you interacted with the customers. You didn’t run and grab an angry mob with torches and pitchforks.” He chuckled leaning against the bar with his arms crossed. “The reason this bar was founded was to give our kind a place to relax. Where we didn’t have to hide who we were. And, here comes you kid. Fully aware of what we all were, and yet you stayed. Treated the guest as if not completely different from you.” Van couldn’t help but smile at the compliment. He was always considered the weird kid so it was something he wasn't use to. It was like an honor among thieves. He understood them because like them. He was different and judged for it.

“So, I can keep working here?” Warren nodded before holding up a single long clawed finger.

“Yes, but we will need to lay some ground rules. Plus, have to deal right away with an obvious problem.” He nodded in agreement, waiting for whatever he had to say. “First, you can’t tell any human about the bar. Second, you can’t tell anyone that you work for the bar. And third, If you brake rule one or two. We’ll eat you.” Van went to laugh but was cut off with a stare from Warren. “I’m dead serious here kid. This was the only way to get these two to agree to this.” He motioned with his head toward the Goblin and Vampire. Van’s blood went ice cold as he gulped.

“Nothing against you sweety.” Shirly spoke up. “We don’t get an opportunity like this a lot. I am rooting for you.”

“I’m not.” Al was kicked in the shin by Warren. “Ow! What? Virgin blood is a delicacy!’ He huffed out before looking away. This turning Van’s face a bright red. The werewolf and goblin burst into laughter. As the laughter died down Warren spoke again.

“Now with those out of the way. Comes the big thing to tackle here. How do we keep the patrons from finding out you’re human. And from tearing you apart next time you take their drink order.” Pushing off from the bar, he started pacing. “I’m not an alpha so I can’t turn you. And, I have a feeling you want to stay human?” Van nodded quickly. “And, that means also a no go for becoming a vampire.”

“We could ask her for some help?” Shirly spoke up. Both Warren and Al turning to her.

“Hell no!” Warren yelled.

“Going to have to agree with furball on this one. Abigail is not someone to ask for favors from. Plus, don’t think either of them want to see their ex.” Van looked between them all before asking.

“Who’s Abigail?”

“A witch.” Shirly said.

“A bitch” Warren chimed in.

“Furball’s ex-wife.” Al finally added.

“No-way in hell are we asking her for help! I’d rather be shot with a silver bullet.” Warren huffed as if pouting like a five-year-old. Van look puzzled once more, looking to the still tied up pair.

“Warren and Abigail were once married. But, got divorced when He refused to allow her to take away his curse.” Shirly informed the human

“But, the real reason he doesn’t want her help. Is cause those two can’t keep their hands to themselves when around one another.” Snickered the vampire.

“Not fucking true!” Warrened howled.

“Yeah? Then’ explain Halloween last year?” Al gave a knowing smirk to his friend. “The bar was shut down for a month due to having to repair it, and disinfect the counters.” Warren pointed a finger ready to fire back but stopped due to knowing it was true.

“Whatever! We are not, and I repeat! Are not! Asking Abigail for help!”

“Help with what?” a soft gentle voice spoke by the back door. Causing Warren and Van to jump turning around. And, the other two to look in the same direction. A slender woman with long black hair tied up into a bun. A long flowing black skirt, and tan tucked in button up blouse Stood. Just then, Warrens phone went off with a text alert. Pulling it out his eyes stayed on what could only be Abigail. Before looking down to look at the message. Which Just said.

“Asked Abigail for help. Play nice you two!” The sent from just had the initials BF. The Werewolf growled as his arms sagged to his sides.

“Just great...”