CLANG!
Estephen throws open the service shutters. Neon lights hum over the counter. The night air smells like sweet moss and woodsmoke.
"Welcome to the Monster Jamboree!" Estephen shouts.
He taps his cowboy boots. His scales flash electric cyan.
Beside the cash register, Fillbert stands tall.
"First badge checklist ready!" Fillbert chirps.
Outside, a huge line stretches into the swamp. There are fuzzy goblins and polite swamp ogres. A three-headed troll waves politely.
Suddenly, fifty monster bellies rumble together. The vibration rattles the spice jars. The crowd is famished.
Estephen grins wide. It is cooking time.