THE MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS SHOW

We cut to somewhere backstage, where The vessel that is Anna Daniels wanders about, presumably searching for Bucky. The goodest of boys has had a wild night of mischief with The Montgomery Twins and he must be tired by now.

She turns a corner and hears the not-so-patient voice of Patience Montgomery. It’s not close, but it is *just* within earshot.

Patience Montgomery: He’s got to be around here somewhere. That mutt’s been making a fool of us.

Several of the multitudes laugh. The Prime simply pinches the bridge of her nose. If nothing else, the Twins are persistent. Anna takes another few steps forward when-

THWACK!

The steel chair connects mostly with her shoulder, just grazing her head, sending The Muse into a walk. Her momentum bounces her off the wall into another sickening shot that connects with her rib area, sending her into the wall again.

We only see a shadow at first as the chair comes down a third time, this time connecting with Anna’s head. The Multitudes fight for control, but the body has sustained too much too fast and they crumple to a sitting position.

???: You give really good advice, Ms. Daniels.

The voice is calm, cold, and familiar. Jacob Mephisto steps into view, tossing his weapon to the side and crouching down so he can look his prey in the eyes.

Jacob Mephisto: Remember, you asked for this.

There is defiance burning in her eyes as Mephisto reaches out and palms Anna by her head, fingers tightening like a vice on her temples. She struggles against his grip, but the chair shots did their work.

Jacob Mephisto: This is me… doing it myself.

Mephisto rockets Anna’s head backward into the wall, cracking the drywall there. The Muse’s eyes go slack and she slumps over.

The Patriarch stands, absentmindedly brushing himself off. His left eye twitches exactly once. He looks around at the empty halls before uttering a loud whisper.

Jacob Mephisto: Medic…

Mephisto stalks away, laughing at his own horrid joke.

THIS.

IS.

PRIME.