Vespidian, Arc 5, Chapter 8

It was rather hard to sleep with the bumping music coming from downstairs. So help me god, if I hear What's New Pussycat one more fucking time! How the hell do people stomach this crap? Why?! I thought this was a strip club what is this music selection? I am going to kill the DJ! It would not be so bad, but they have speakers hooked up to blast that shit over the whole damned street too. No more, no more. Is this some sort of psychological warfare, it has to be right? My antenna writhed as another repeat began. That's it! All at once a tingling filled my legs. My talons opened and closed, good.

'We fixed,' said Sub. 'So, what you wanna do?'

“Hey, Nibbles,” I said lowering the battered helmet over my face.

She looked away from the tv, her cheeks stuffed with food. I thought they were supposed to be rationing? Well, not like I care. She chewed hastily before gulping, “What is it?”

“Take me to see Glitter Kitten.”

“She is dancing right now, you can tell by the music. Besides, I don't feel like dragging you all the way down there.”

“I might kill myself if I hear that song one more time.” I stumbled to my feet. The suit was broken and most of the mechanisms were not functioning. Joints were seized and it made me move like a zombie.

“Holy shit! You can walk already?” she looked scared, but I do not really care right now.

“Take me to see her. I will go without you if I have to.”

She relented, “Alright, alright, just follow me and please don't cause any trouble.”

We stood gazing down at the main floor from a high balcony. Lights flashed over the empty stage it looked like they were taking a short break. Smoke thick enough to get lost in billowed out from a fog machine down below. It made it impossible to see what was going on in the crowd, there were a lot of people here. Honestly, I never would have thought this place would be so popular. I guess sex sells and as far as I cared to know these were some kinky kitties. At the least that is what Medavac was saying. Surprisingly the lower we went the clearer things got, granted, there was a layer of smoke making this place seedy.

Nibbles led the way. I held her hand like a lost child, first time I had been in a place like this after all. Something told me that I needed an adult. Although, it was a little odd that I was looking to her in this situation, I think I am older than her. This place reeked of sex and wet animal, it was rather musky. Way too many people all sweaty and smelly, grinding together in what I can only assume was supposed to be dance moves.

It just looked like they were dry humping to me... Oh, never mind some of them are doing a lot more than just that. Directly in front of us one of the cat girls was yowling while some guy was railing her on a table. Needless to say, she was enjoying it. Should I be looking at this? Jesus, those two are going at it. Get a fucking room will you? I should feel ashamed that I can't look away. Then again, if they did not want to be looked at then they would not be doing it, here, right in front of everybody. It was sort of hypnotic the way her tits sway back and forth. Those were some perky nips.

A tug on my hand made me look away from the incessant thrusting, Nibbles wanted something. I looked around a little confused when an announcer spoke up, “Welcome to the Sparkle Kat Cafe, where every night is one for the Kitties. Without further ado. You know her, you love her, hell a lot of you have felt the pussycat first hand, she scratches, she bites, and she will make you feel oh so right. Everyone's favorite Pussycat. Give it up for Glitter Kitten!”

The lights glared and suddenly Glitter Kitten appeared on the stage. I am not even entirely sure how she got there. She looked downright predatory. Her green cat eyes brimming with confidence and a sly smile left you wondering what she was thinking, nothing family friendly that was for sure. Black leather stripes across her fur and there were six heart shaped nipple tassels. The leather cut in between her legs giving her a serious camel toe, it did not look comfortable. Honestly, it reminded me of my own suit how it rode up my ass. Seriously though, it is like a perma wedgie. She must have gotten used to it since she did not seem to even notice.

There was a little bell tied to her tail and it jingled every time it flicked. Her ears rotated perking up, lithe form flaunting across the stage and grasped the pole with one hand. She spun and her toes curled around the metal shaft, lifting herself upside down all the while still spinning. Glitter Kitten orbited the pole to the point she was reaching reentry speeds.

It was mesmerizing to watch her. At some point or other I had taken a seat and just stared. She scurried up the pole and her ass hung out as she slid back down. Slowly she ground against it, casting a sultry look over the audience. Her tail danced jingling and jangling. Not gonna lie, popping a lady boner here. If I had money I would be throwing it at her right about now, just like all the others. There was a veritable hail of bills and coins hitting the stage.

I wonder how she would look in a slutty nurse outfit? French Maid, though, definitely better. She crawled down the catwalk, hands grasping at her from all sides. When she reached the end a large ball of yarn sat waiting. Yarn?! She pounced wrestling with it and getting tangled up. Well played Glitter Kitten, well played. Not only was it the most adorable thing I had ever seen, it was strangely arousing. Sub wanted some of that kitty. Damn it, I just wanted to slap a collar around her neck and take her home. Oh my god, I want to dress that bitch up so bad!

“What's new Pussycat? Woah, woah. What's new Pussycat? Woah, woah. Pussycat, pussycat you're so thrilling and I'm so willing to care for you.” I had almost been able to tune out that music. Yet there it was, boring a hole through my brain. No more, I can't take it any more! “Pussycat, Pussycat I love you, yes I-” My fist slammed into the old jukebox, cutting off the music. I was not lying when I said I was going to kill the DJ, just like video killed the radio star.

There were a few confused looks, especially Glitter Kitten. Ah shit. Why did I do that? The realization of what happened dawned on her and the hair stood up. She hissed, “Why the fuck did you break my jukebox, Nyah!”

Against my better judgment, I yelled back, “Get some better fucking music Jesus Christ! Stop looping songs and make a playlist for fuck's sake.”

She growled, bouncing off of the stage and landing right next to me. I jumped back. “I treated you with respect and this is the thanks I get? That jukebox was a memento from Butch. Give me a good reason not to rip you limb from limb!”

I shrunk away from her. I did not think she was going to be this mad. “Am I the only one who was getting sick of that song?”

Grunts of approval started resounding through the room. Glitter Kitten looked around, puzzled. “Wait, you guys did not like the music nyah?”

“No,” said Nibbles.

“Why the fuck did nobody tell me?” she asked, scratching her head.

“We thought you would hit us,” replied Nibbles.

“Alright Titus get your phone hooked up and start up a playlist,” she glanced over to the bar and there was the black version of Mr. Clean. His head was so shiny, I wanted to rub it for luck.

Titus plugged his phone in and funky music started playing. It seemed that things were looking a lot better. Granted, now that the groovy stuff was on I could not help, but get the feeling that this place was about to become a veritable hotbed of lust. Everybody was smiling except Glitter Kitten. She sadly poked at the hole I had punched into the jukebox. Guilt started getting to me about that, I mean I could have just unplugged it. Slowly she looked over at me and then frowned. Chills ran up my spine. Oh dear. I don't like the looks of that.

“As punishment for breaking my things and seeing as how you can walk, I want you to get up on that stage.” she tugged on my arm dragging me closer to the spot.

“Wait, you want me to be a stripper? I am a super hero, not some floozy. This is going to ruin my reputation.”

She gave me a cold look, “I was not asking. What reputation? You are a nobody and no one is going to give a flying fuck if you get up there and shake your goods.”

I looked away. “I don't feel comfortable or confident enough to do that.”

“Now you are getting shy?” she laughed, jabbing me in the side and I nearly toppled over. “Listen, it is rather empowering and fun to do some dirty dancing. How about this I will duo it with you, just follow my lead.”

“I really don't think this would be good. I mean, if this got out the press might go crazy. They are already kinda gunning for me.”

“Do they know what you look like under that suit?” She asked.

“No, why?”

“Problem solved. Take the suit off in the back and then you can join me. No need to sully that oh so precious alter ego of yours. Besides, it looks a little stiff.”

“That is a terrible idea,” I pulled my hand away from her. “I am so fucking ugly. Everybody in here would lose their shit and try to kill me.”

“Oh please, nyahaha. It is not that bad,” she smirked gesturing out over the room. “Look around you. None of us are human and yet all these people are throwing money at us. They like us for what we are.”

“That might be, but you guys were growling at me and shit earlier.”

“Force of habit. Your scent was rather unique we did not know what to think about it. How about this, if anybody tries to hurt you, I will fuck them up.”

“Every time somebody promises that they fall through and I get fucked. I don't even trust you.”

“Think about it this way. You are going up there it is only a matter of willingly or not. Now tell me, do you want to go up as Mecha Fairy or as what was your other name?”

“There is no reasoning with you is there?”

“Nope.”

“Fine. Where can I change?” I asked, hanging my head. This felt an awful lot like Molotov's head games. I get the feeling there is something of a pattern here. Am I just naturally inclined to attracting these people?

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

She dragged me back up to her room. “Nyahaha glad you see it my way. You will not regret this, you might even find yourself enjoying it.”

The servos were a mess and the auto release function was broken. It had to be done manually, taking off the boob plates so that I could pull the opening mechanism. The suit lifted off and got stuck halfway, so I had to force it all the way. Yeah, definitely not going to be able to wear that again until it is fixed. I fell forward. My chitin exposed and glistening with moisture, it had been hot in that thing after all. The climate control had been damaged. It was rather hard to move and it felt nice to be free, to feel the air on my shell. My abdomen bulged out with a gurgling sound and Glitter Kitten stood back. All the hair was standing up on her, while she sniffed the air. I can't really blame her for being cautious, I mean, look at me, I am a fucking freak.

“Your whole body was like that. Interesting. So you are an out and out Subhuman just like us. I knew you were one of us.”

“I am not one of you. I am something worse, at the least you guys are mammals. I would be a cat girl over this shit in a heartbeat. I am a bug for god's sake.”

She circled examining me. Her hand tugged at my wing spreading it wide. “How pretty. I wish I had wings.”

“Not all that it is cracked up to be.”

“You are really pessimistic aren't you. You ready to go out there?”

“No,” I frowned.

“Smile, smile it is fun,” she replied with a glazed grin.

I grouched back, “Let's just get this over with.”

We reemerged and she led me along a different route. The stairs led to a side room where all the dancers were messing with their outfits or combing their hair. Some were mutually grooming each other. There was a rather large assortment in here. A wererat was standing in front of a mirror, her large rounded ears flopped slightly. The hairless tail wagged back and forth while she hummed. She, like all the others was wearing fishnet stockings, a rather revealing bra and a g string. Beside her was a werewolf granted she was smaller than Den Mother.

There was a whole troop of werecats throwing balls of yarn at one another and inspecting one another by groping breasts or pulling tails. Several were licking one another in rather private places. I did not want to make eye contact with one purring while getting her carpet munched, that would just be awkward. It was bad enough that several looked up from licking themselves. When we entered all of them turned and their fur stood up. A few growled, but tucked their tails when Glitter Kitten snarled back. They looked away, avoiding confrontation.

“Alright, lets get you all dressed up. What sort of image did you wanna go for?”

“Dressed up? I can't wear clothes like this.”

“Sure you can,” she dismissively waved.

She rummaged through varied clothes and before long there were several mismatched outfits arrayed before me. I never really thought about wearing clothes before, seemed a little weird. Not that I don't wanna wear clothes, but they don't really fit anymore and I would probably just tear them up. On the other hand, most of these clothes fit animal people, so they probably fit me too. I guess I will give it a shot, better than walking around naked at the least.

The first was what I recognized as the a typical whore outfit. Fishnet stocking, low cut mini skirt, g string and a white tube top. Next was a cheerleader, complete with silver pom-poms. Oh fuck, that thing is Bronson High uniform. It had long socks, flashy red skirt that was only a little bit longer than the mini skirt, the jersey sported a big B H in white letters over a blue base. Then there was the stripper outfit. Nothing too special about that, not even sure if it should be called an outfit. It was literally a pair of stockings, nipple tassels, and a g string. Last was an Angels of Hell biker outfit. Not sure why it is here. Jean shorts, tank top, a slightly singed leather jacket with the Angels of Hell logo on the back, black skull faced bandanna, and fingerless gloves. I did not bother to look at the head gear or footwear since none of it would fit. It was a real shame too, since I really liked those boots. Oh damn it, I just realized I can't wear shoes! Oh the humanity, man this fucking blows.

Fuck me. So I gotta choose between looking like some hooker or a gang member? Should I just go out there as I am? No, that is way too embarrassing. I would go with the cheerleader, but something tells me that would just look scary as hell. Seems like something out of a bad horror movie. Why don't they have like Cosplay here? Where is the nurse outfit, sexy secretary, magical girl or the dirty cop? Guess it is the biker outfit for me. Better cover up as much as I can.

Glitter Kitten would not stop hovering around me with those expectant eyes. They lit up when I uneasily took the tank top and tried to put it on. It fit, surprisingly, though I had to fold my bottom arms along my stomach, since they would not fit out the holes. I shimmied into the shorts and was even given a belt, since they were a little loose. I did not exactly want the fishnet stockings, but they were handed to me none the less. I had to clench the claws so that they would not get tangled up and the bottom part was cut open since I don't have feet. The jacket was actually a little small, not really surprising with how tall I am. It took a moment to wiggle my claws through the glove holes. I tied the bandanna under my chin since it sure as hell would not reach the back of my head.

Now for the moment of truth, I looked in the mirror. What stared back was one scary mother fucker. Those black lifeless eyes. This is not good. Hmm or maybe it will work out since if I can scare people I will probably get sent back upstairs. My abdomen hung down and the wings draped out from under the jacket. My head almost looks like some weird helmet. I could make this work, what is the worst that could happen? It seemed that Glitter Kitten realized I was done.

“What did you want to be called by the way?”

It took a moment to think. Well, I am the only wasp woman around, so it is not like someone who knows me is going to mistake me for somebody else. “Vespidian that is my name.”

“I will be back in a moment, so wait here,” smiled Glitter Kitten as she swaggered out of the room.

I looked around feeling out of place. I had certainly ruined the mood. They were avoiding eye contact. All these people wanted to inquire more about me, but fear of Glitter Kitten was keeping them from even looking at me. Could be worse, could be circling me like rabid animals, could be throwing things at me and of course they could be ripping me limb from limb right now. I get the distinct impression that I would not win a fight against twenty super villain strippers. Now I know how the Moon Sailors felt, it was rather intimidating and I don't even have any bros to have my back. At the least they were not space strippers led by Evil Queen Bambi.

It did not take very long for her to return. She led me to the other door and the stage sat there expanding out into the spacious room. For some reason it looked a hell of a lot larger and that much more frightening from this side. All those lights and the murmurs of a crowd. Second thoughts were bounding about and I started to bitch out.

It felt like if I stepped out there a familiar thing will occur. I would be aware of their hatred and revulsion. It had happened so many times before, damn it. I should have just worn the suit. Those eyes judging me, mocking me. Sure, I had grown a thick skin, sure I was used to it already, but doesn't make the pain go away. It just buries it and lets it fester inside like a cyst, until it rots your soul. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words leave deep psychological scars that never heal. Mom's face appeared, I could hear her rebuking me, calling me a monster. What the fuck do you know about how this feels? No one has ever looked at you with such disgust. My mandibles ground together, making a clicking sound.

The announcer's voice broke through my muddled delusions and I looked up. “And now kitties and gentlemen, we have a special show tonight. A new debut with Glitter Kitten to show her the ropes. Found in our very own basement. Put your hands together for Vespidian!”

She was smirking and I latched onto the door frame. There was no way in hell I was going out there. She scowled tugging at my arm, I could tell she was holding back since she did not want to tear it off. This was not going anywhere fast. Glitter Kitten relented and walked out on the stage. “She is a little shy, so show her some Slum love!”

A chant started up and hands pounded on the tables. “Vespidian, Vespidian, Vespidian!”

You think that is enough to get me out there? She was eyeballing me and raised her hands up. “Nyah! I can't hear you.”

The Denizens of the bar chanted louder and I could see them seething with anticipation. “Vespidian! Vespidian! Vespidian!”

Glitter Kitten scowled, seeing how reluctant I was to go out. She rolled her eyes and charged towards me. Scared out of my mind, I balled up clinging to the door frame. It took a few moments to gather the courage to look. It was strange, I did not feel anything. She had passed me by and grabbed something from one of the dancers. Is that a bottle of tequila? She loomed over me with an unhinged smirk and grabbed my neck. The bottle ended up in my mouth and she massaged my throat to make me swallow. It burned, oh god it burned! It was like drinking rubbing alcohol or something, was that really tequila? It was emptied and tossed away. Glitter Kitten was not done yet though, and extended her hand behind her. A jug of some clear liquid appeared. Oh dear. This won't end well. She held my mouth and I was too scared to bite, something tells me that I would lose my head. I could not throw it back up and I choked down the contents.

“What the fuck,” I coughed. I feel sick, my stomach might as well have molten lava in it. “At the least give me some salt and lime. What are you trying to do to me?”

“Liquid courage since you are being a sissy about this,” she laughed, prancing back to the stage. Standing before them all she leaned forward. “Let's try that again!”

“Vespidian! Vespidian!” roared the crowd.

Did they really want to see me that badly? Jesus, what the hell is wrong with these people? They only sound that excited because they don't know what I am. Unconsciously my grip had loosed, and before I could react, Glitter Kitten had pounced. She shoved me out there into the glowing mist and the stage, where there was no where to hide. I stumbled and she stood over me, offering a hand. When I did not take it, she tugged me to my feet. Wearily I looked around and all the uproar had died. They stared and it felt like I was about to throw up. I really wanted to, but it would be kind of mortifying to puke in front of all these people. This is about what I expected. Not even surprised in the least. Look at them so shocked they can't even change their faces to horror. Why the fuck should I care what a bunch drunks think?

“Hey, that is that thing that escaped from the Hero League Headquarters like a week ago. You remember, the one that was eating pets,” said one of the cops pointing at me.

There was a little bit of a murmur going around. Hmm, that guy looked a little familiar, oh yeah, I contemplated killing him at one point. I pointed at him. “I don't eat pets. What kind of sick fuck eats cats or dogs? Why does nobody believe me about the pets? Is it because I can do this?” My mouth gaped wide open, unhinging to the point that my head was hitting my back. I could imagine that it looked weird from under that cloth, but hey, if I can just scare these fuckers I will get kicked out of here.

“Freak!” yelled the guy and my heart started to sink, words still hurt, you know?

Glitter Kitten snarled back, “You know the rules, no caterwauling the girls! Get that son of a bitch out of here!”

A large mass stood up from the bar, it was Den Mother. She quickly cornered the man with help from the rest of the crowd, they had turned on him. He was lifted up and bashed against the wall, I think I heard a few bones break. She drug his unconscious body out the door and after a few moments she returned empty handed. She maintained a vigil over the room by standing cross armed next to the door. It was a clear message to everybody. Play nice or you are going to be next. I had some seriously mixed feelings about this. She just fucked up a cop, sure the guy was a douche canoe, but I don't think he deserved that. The thought did cross my mind to beat him up, but that would not solve anything and it certainly would not earn me any brownie points with Fire Chief. At the least she did not kill the guy, as far as I knew. No telling what she did with him.

Glitter Kitten pat me on the shoulder. “See. No one messes with my Kittens and gets away with it.”

I gawked at her, a little light headed, “Is eh... Is that guy dead?”

She dismissively waved her hand. “No. He is being carted off to be dumped at the check point. It is what we do with drunks and the injured. You see we have a nice little arrangement with the cops. We don't kill their people or other patrons for that matter, and they leave us alone for the most part, so long as we restrict our movements to the Slums of course.”

“Wait, but then why does everybody act like you guys are monsters?”

She gave me a shallow smirk, “We are monsters. Every full moon, we go into heat and lose our shit. Up until a few years ago we did not really know what to do about it, it just happened. To make matters worse, we don't remember anything we did during that time. We have started taking countermeasures to limit the damages, but there are some who refuse to cooperate. Then there are the ferals who lost their minds permanently, we kill them whenever we find them. They give us a bad name after all.”

My mouth gaped a little. “You kill your own kind?”

Glitter Kitten had a sad look on her face. “They are nothing more than animals reduced to their basic instincts. You won't understand unless you see it first hand. They can't be reasoned with and the only thing that will make them submit, is a show of force. At best they could be tamed, but it is honestly not worth it. Trust me on this, I have tried. It is more humane, just to put them down. Look you are harshing my meowellow let's talk about this tomorrow when you show me where the stash is.”

“Fair point,” I said weakly. Damn it. I was trying to drag this out, so that I would not have to dance. Looks like there is no avoiding it, well, I could pick a fight, but I don't exactly want her to nearly beat me to death. I know she won't kill me since she needs me, however, that won't stop her from dismembering me and keeping the limbs. I can't grow that back. It is bad to test your captor's patience.