EDIT 2019: I corrected most of the mistakes, and added a few things here and there. I know it is a wanky, perhaps cringy story, but I wish to keep it like that to see the progress I make throughout the years. Still dedicated to my friend Marianne, who inspired the character of Mantis!


Somewhere secluded in cool springtime Finland, five monsters got out of the taxi, their luggage in hand. The taxi left them in front of a great manor, which was their home. After the tallest of them paid the driver, they hurried themselves inside and sat loudly on the sofa, sighing deeply.

Amen: Oh all Egyptian gods, it's good to be home!

OX: You don't say.

Hella: The Tour was exhausting yet wonderful, here are some good memories. And now, we have three whole months of holidays.

Mr Lordi: What about we celebrate the beginning of our holidays? I invite you all! Where do you want to go?

Amen: Strip-tease club!

Hella: In your dreams Amen.

Amen: Oh come on! Nobody turns away a nice pair of-

Mana: Hey! What about that cabaret like place called "The Cherry" that opened recently? There's a foreign singer that'll sing there tonight at 20:00.

OX: Who?

Mana: She goes by the name of Mantis.

Hella: I know her, she's well known in Germany and Austria. She sings different styles but tend to stick to the metal registry. Lady Awa saw her and told me she was great.

Mr Lordi: At least she has good taste in music. Well, I'm okay for The Cherry tonight. Are you all in?

Mana: Fine with me.

OX: Sounds good.

Mr Lordi: We're gonna take my car.

Amen: Are you sure you want to drive?

Mr Lordi turned to him and roared.

Amen: Nothing! I said nothing at all.

They all got in the car, Mr Lordi on the driver seat, OX next to him, and Hella, Mana and Amen squeezed on the back seats. Knowing the ride would be the stuff of nightmares, they grabbed each other. They took the road to Vantaa where The Cherry had opened a few weeks ago. This was to be expected, Mr Lordi drove in an awful way. There were often accidents and people killed because of him driving. Once arrived in Vantaa, he parked the car and they got out. Feeling nauseous, all the monsters except Mr Lordi were walking slowly, and Amen mumbled he'll never be in the same car than Mr Lordi ever again.

Of course in Finland, every single person knew about the monsterband Lordi, so as the band walked in the streets to the cabaret, they gave autographs, greetings and they posed for pictures. When they entered the palace, everyone allowed them to get to the front of the queue, and the waiter didn't believe his eyes.

Waiter: Mr Lordi! It's a great honor to have you all here. What can I do for you?

Mr Lordi: Give us the best seats and the best drinks for tonight's show, don't you think?.

Waiter: Very well, follow me.

They followed him to the VIP space which was just in front of the scene. They sat in the sofas, where a little girl was already, drinking some orange juice. She said a little "Hello" when she saw them, not scared one bit. The barman came and the waiter left.

Barman: What do you want to drink?

Boys: Beer!

Mr Lordi: Whisky. And Pepsi Max. In two separate glasses!

Hella: Lemonade please.

Barman: Understood. And you Mélissa, something else?

Mélissa: Another orange juice and... toasts!

He nodded and left with the orders. Mr Lordi and his friends wondered what that little girl was doing alone in the VIP space. She was around 8 or 9 years old, and wore a lovely navy blue dress. Heck, this was probably an adult only place because of the alcohol, so what was she doing here? She pushed her drawing away, and didn't seem afraid at all when she came towards them.

Mélissa: Are you all here to see my sister sing?

She gave them a genuine smile. Mr Lordi was a bit uneasy since the little girl was standing a bit too close to him, while the others were quite curious.

OX: Yes little one.

Mélissa: My sister told me about you, she always wanted to go to your concerts but she'd never been able to do so. Oh and… Miss Hella, are you a real doll?

Hella: Yes my dear, I am a Scarbie.

Mélissa: I love dolls! That's why you're my favorite band member.

Hella: Oh you… You're such a sweetie!

Amen: Coming from a little girl, that doesn't surprise me…

Hella: Hush you Mummy! Don't be sarcastic with this child! Tell me, who's your favorite monsterman here?

Mélissa: Mr OX, because he's awesome.

OX: Hear the very truth guys! You're adorable you know?

Mélissa blushed and oon after the barman came with the drinks and the freshly made toasts.

Barman: Mélissa, please don't bother the band.

Mr Lordi: Leave her be, young fella. She can stay with us.

Barman: Very well, here is the addition.

Mr Lordi paid him and the monsters cheered with little Mélissa, who was now sitting next to Hella, munching eagerly on her food. As they put down their glasses, the lights went off and everybody applauded.

Man: And now ladies and gentlemen, may we present you tonight a lovely lady and promising talent. Please welcome Mantis and her band!

The curtain lifted to reveal a woman with black curled hair, fair skin and grey eyes. That detail confused Mr Lordi as this was an uncommon eye color for humans. They watched her approaching the microphone and the drums began to roll.


Little Mélissa cheered when she saw her sister. This Mantis girl appeared to be quite extravagant. Her stage costume, with all these feathers, must have taken hours to make. She took the microphone and looked at Mélissa and the monsters with surprise. The crowd was cheering and whistling. She clapped her hands to the rythmn of the music and everyone did just like her. Little Mélissa got up and stood right before the scene, sparkles in her eyes.

Mantis: If the world stood still a day, would you look at me quite same? The winds would find their way, not the same like today. Falling still would hurt, is the pain still the same if the world stood still a day?

She tapped her foot against the floor as the guitars took their places and raised her arms with the sound growing louder. Mélissa had climbed on the sofa and started air guitaring, under the watchful and worried eye of the Scarbie doll.

Mantis: Would you've forgiven, and stopped caring if the world stood still a day? Shall I start singing or dancing if the world stood still a day?

She looked at the crowd in front of her, breathing calmly and her hands on the microphone again. From the VIP room, little Mélissa was looking at her sister joyfully and she gazed back at her tenderly. One could feel the bond between them, so strong. The monsters sensed there was something more between the two sisters, something unreal.

Mantis: Could we know it's just a day, would you pray for a change? Now being on my way, should I stop reaching my aim? Have trust and love and faith for the next day, if the world stood still a day.

She was singing the chorus again, accompanied by her child sister, when Amen slapped lightly OX's arm.

Amen: Wow, that chick is hot!

OX: Amen, no such words before the kid.

Amen: She didn't hear... Come on OX, isn't she nice to look at?

OX: Yes… I suppose.

Amen: You suppose?!

Hella: Shut up boys!

The bridge was playing, and Mantis came right before the VIP room. This time, she looked at the monsters, and her eyes blackened for a second. Mr Lordi also could have sworn he saw the tattoo she had on her arm move. While singing, she was grinning playfully.

Mantis: Could I be, should I be still dancing? Laughing, laughing full of tears?

She moved back to the center of the scene, singing the last refrain jumping around, and she seemed to be normal again. Mélissa waved her hand at her sister, who returned her a wink. Mr Lordi turned to his fellows.

Mr Lordi: Did you see that, her eyes and her tattoo?

Mana: Oh don't worry, we did. Believe me or not, but this woman knows what we truly are, simply because she isn't human herself.

Hella: After what we saw and heard, we believe you Mana.

Amen: But if she isn't human, then what is she?

Mr Lordi: I don't know my friend.

Mantis: Oh how could we know?

The song ended and the crowd applauded, Mantis bowed down smiling. Then another song played in the background and her voice accompanied it again. Mr Lordi and his friends watched the whole show with care, expecting her to show other signs of her true being. The concert ended under a thunder of applauses, and Mantis gave a sweet look at her sister before leaving.

Hella: She was great!

Amen: And hot!

OX: (slaps Amen in the head) Amen, shut up.

Mélissa: One day I'm going to play guitar so I could compose music for her.

Amen: Very good idea, guitarists are the best.

Mr Lordi: Hush your pride, I can see your ankles swell.

Mélissa: Please come with me to see my sister, she would be so happy!

Mana: Well... It would be a polite thing to do…

Mr Lordi: Yes little one, we follow you.

They followed the little girl to Mantis's dressing room. Mélissa knocked.

Mantis: Who's there?

Mélissa: Sister! It's me. I'm bringing you some company. You'll be surprised!

There was a silence for a few seconds, and then Mantis answered.

Mantis: Mélissa my dear, please come in.

Mélissa opened the door to see her sister Mantis, combing her black hair that was loose on her shoulders. She had changed into her regular clothes, her scene dress hanging on the door. The woman turned to them and ran to hug Mélissa.

Mantis: Here you are my little princess… Did you like the show?

Mélissa: A lot! It was so cool to see you up there! By the way, look who wanted to see you!

Mantis rested her gaze upon the monsters and smiled. This sent shivers down the monsters' spines. It really didn't seem like a true smile. There was something mischievous about it, with a hint of haughtiness. The band kept their distance with her, except… one of them.

Mantis: So it was indeed you I saw in the VIP space! Your visit enchants me. I always wanted to see one of your gigs but unfortunately I've never been able to come. I'm sure your shows are on a completely different level than mine.

Hella: Whether it's the case or not, I really liked it.

Amen: Oooh… Me too...

OX: (slaps him again) Please excuse his behavior.

Mantis: Hehe. No harm done. I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves tonight.

Mr Lordi: Believe me, we did. It was interesting to wonder about how your tattoo did move on your arm.

Mantis turned to him and smirked slightly, malice printed on her face. Mélissa, who was very much oblivious to the hint, came towards her sister and tapped her leg gently.

Mélissa: I got some toasts but I'm still hungry, can I go and ask Markko for dinner?

Mantis: Of course sweetie. Go and don't forget to thank him.

The little girl giggled and closed the door behind her. After a few seconds, to make sure the child was gone, the monsters got into their attack stances. Mr Lordi raised a hand in the air and a silver axe materialized in his palm. He held it tight and stroked the blade with his long fingers.

Mr Lordi: You do know about us, woman, and this I don't like one bit. I'm sure everything you are and do is scenery. Please confirm my suspicions.

Mantis: As you wish.

She raised her hands and shadows twirled around her. Like vines, they crawled towards the monsters and encircled them, preventing them from moving anymore. Even OX and Lordi, who were the strongest, had a hard time trying to free themselves from those shadows. They struggled, but there was nothing that would have worked without causing a commotion at the club. They were caught.


Mantis chuckled lightly, delighted of the scene. With barely any strength, and the presence of a hundred innocents playing at her advantage, she had the legendary Lapland's Lords under her control. Mr Lordi stared at her, his red eyes burning of anger.

Mantis: Well… Happy now?

Mr Lordi: Necromancy! I should have known. Aren't you supposed to be locked in the Temple like the others of your kind?!

Mantis: My dear mother was banished from the Temple, therefore I've been too. The Order has no grasp on me. I'm entirely free to do whatever I want. Free to avenge her murder and the murders of my kind the way I want.

Mana: Her murder? But that's impossible!

Hella: Why? I don't understand.

Mr Lordi: Necromancers are neither alive nor dead. So technically, no one can kill them, unless…

He gasped at the thought, not finishing his sentence. Mantis smirked and watched the monsters' looks go stunned.

Mantis: I see you've all understood why I was searching for you. Yes, only the Lord of the Dead can kill a Necromancer. Usually, it never happens. But nine years ago my mother was murdered anyway. Being a true born Necromancer, only one person could have killed her. The Unholy Ghost, known by the likes of you under the name of Kalma.

Everyone stared at her as she walked slowly towards OX, the snake tattooed on her arm moving towards her hand and materializing into a flesh and bone animal. It hissed when she placed it next to his throat. The Hellbull, just like his fellows, couldn't die a second time, but he was nonetheless vulnerable to pain and here, to snake's venom. He backed up slightly.

Mantis: Luckily for me you're here, OX. You know, I only want to make sure that what happened to my mother won't happen to my sister. As she didn't inherit any powers it's my task to protect her. Now Son of Death, please tell me where your little brother is.

OX: Kalma did nothing!

Mantis: I'm not asking your opinion.

OX: And yet you should! Nine years ago it was me who was in charge of the Dead, not Kalma.

Mantis: Interesting… Then maybe I don't have to search anymore since the monster I'm looking for is right in front of me.

OX: I didn't do anything either. My job was to take care of souls and lead the Kalmageddon, nothing else. An agreement had been signed between the Temple and the Kalmageddon centuries ago.

Mantis: Specifying that the Kalmageddon would not attempt anything against Necromancers, and the other way around. But it seems that someone broke that agreement, and as I heard, not only once. The Temple is unstable right now. You know the consequences it would have, don't you? If it's not you or your brother who did this, then who can it be?

Amen: How is he supposed to know? You can see clearly that he wasn't aware of this!

Mana: Lady, I know you have the power to do that. Look into his soul and dare tell us he's a liar.

Mantis thought for a moment, then looked straight into OX's eyes, her own turning completely black. He felt awfully cold for a few seconds, and then went back to normal after she stopped looking at him. The snake returned to her upper arm and immobilized as a tattoo again. She chuckled lightly as an interesting thought lit up in her mind.

Mantis: Mr Mana, thank you for this suggestion. Darling OX, you are no liar. However… now you do know about the whole situation and my predicament, and that may play on my behalf and maybe on yours too.

She snapped her fingers and the shadowy vines retrieved. Free to move again, Mr Lordi and Amen tried to seize her, but OX impeded them.

Amen: What are you doing? She tried to get rid of you!

OX: She has a point. Guys, someone who is pretending to be Kalma slays Necromancers, and if the agreement is broken then it'll be war.

Mana: The Kalmageddon would lose all its credibility and power, and mortals would be involved against their will. The balance between monsters and humans would be lost.

Mantis: Ah! Finally someone who's got a grip! I praise your wisdom, pastor. Well, I won't get rid of you OX, you might be indirectly helping me after all. We share now the same goal, we want this impostor taken down.

Mr Lordi: Do not listen to her!

Mantis: I'd be helping you, and then we'd have what we wanted, peace and justice done.

Mr Lordi: Don't trust a single word of hers, she'll betray her promise at the very end.

Mantis: Mana, it was your job once to tell if one is lying or not. Please tell them I'll be a good girl.

The Pale Pastor stared at her for a moment, and his mandibles clicked several times. A tiny insect flew to the woman's eye, and burrowed its way into it. A short time later, it came out of it, with Mantis showing absolutely no sign of pain or discomfort. The insect allowed Mana to swallow it whole.

Mana: The insects never lie. She's telling the truth.

Mr Lordi and Amen did not respond. Mana had never been wrong once about these things. They had to admit that Mantis's intentions were true. But no one could remove the distrust they felt towards her. OX walked to face the Necromancer, towering her with his impressive height and large frame.

OX: Very well, you'll go with us. But still I don't trust you, prove that you won't do something against us.

Mantis looked at her arm and the snake came alive again. It crawled on her arm and rested in her hand like a little black egg. Her skin became slightly paler and her eye color changed to an ordinary brown.

Mantis: This snake is my totem, the main source of my powers. It concentrates all my abilities. Without it, I am like any Necromancy beginner. Is this enough?

OX reached for it and carefully placed it in an inner pocket of his coat.

Mantis: I'd like to ask one more thing from you.

OX: Go on.

Mantis: Please… Don't say a word of all of this to Mélissa. She is innocent. The less she knows, the better she's protected. She'll have to come with me. I'm everything she has in this world.

OX: I think we can do this. Hella will look after your sister.

Hella: No problem.

Mr Lordi: But let me warn you, Mantis. If you try to attack us, I'll be delighted to send you to the Monsterican Dream.

Mantis: We have a deal, then.

At that moment, Mélissa entered the room with two bags with their dinner in them. The monsters tried to look as friendly as possible not to frighten the child. Mantis smiled and kneeled in front of her.

Mantis: Dearest, I have spoken with the band and we thought about something great. Would you like it if we spent a few days with them?

Mélissa: Yay! I'd love to!

Mantis: Then eat and prepare your things.

The little girl ran behind a curtain and Mantis smirked to the monsters.


NOTE: The song Mantis is singing is "If the World Stood Still a Day" by Lacrimosa.