"Welcome everyone, to the 300th Annual Monster Support Outreach Group! I'm your host, Silvia. I've been a successful Monster for more than 150 years. I'm confident I can help manage your problems. So, let's begin. Please state your name, background, and your problems you're willing to share." The creature announced in a sprightly fashion.
She looked something like a mummified human corpse, but with long metallic claws sprouting from her hands. Her face was an unspeakable horror, full of dust and dry cracks. By contrast, her voice was young, and unmistakably male. Despite her feminine clothes and mannerisms, Silvia was once a man.
The creature on the first seat in the ring squirmed uncomfortably, before sitting upright and starting to talk.
"Hi, everyone. My name is Jacinta, and I'm a Monster of the Doll type. I'm 28 this year, and this is my first time here. My Freak's name is Albert. We met at a party when I was 16 - my friends dared me to talk to the stranger in town, and I've regretted it ever since." Unrest fills the room, as nearly half the participants nod in sympathy. "My problem is - I don't know how to be an effective Monster. As a Doll, I was made to preserve my former human image. That makes fighting hard. And Albert doesn't approve of internal weapon modifications. What can I do, Silvia?"
"Hmm, that's a tricky one. From the looks of you, child, you're practically human. Even for a Doll, you are remarkably made. You can probably mix into society as an Abnormal. So, I'd suggest learning some weapon skills. You can try to convince your Freak to make an upgrade plan in the long term, but I suggest you treasure your current appearance. A lot of Monsters here would love to look like you." Silvia replied thoughtfully, and envious cries filled the air.
"Thank you." Jacinta nodded, and the next seat spoke up.
"My name is Marcus, and this is my fourth attendance at the support group. I'm a Wolf-alike Monster. I was designed to infiltrate into Werewolf society, to spy and bring back information. My Freak is Gloria, and stuff is complicated. As a Monster, I am designed to consider my Freak as the highest authority - but my undercover work means Gloria has to pretend to be my slave. It's really awkward - especially when I get offers to sell her. It happens at least once every 3 months, and I'm getting really tempted to just do it! Just ditch the Freak and find a place to hide. Silvia, my question is - can it work? Can a Monster ever be free?" The room fell silent, tense with the concentration of all occupants.
"Well, that's a tricky one Marcus. Physically, yes, if you can overcome your design, you can escape your Freak and gain freedom - but it won't last. We Monsters all have failsafe features included in our existence. If we don't have regular contact with our Freaks, or take orders, our bodies will shut down, our minds will be erased, and we will die. These are the standard protocols that the government requires all Freaks to include in their Monsters. They call it an anti-defection feature. If you leave your Freak, you won't survive for a year. Sorry to dash your hopes."
"I didn't think it would work, but I had to ask. Thank you for answering." Marcus nodded, and the next Monster spoke up.
Hours passed, as the crowd of creatures took turns to share their lives and woes. Some wanted advice on how to find a new Freak after their original died. Some wanted to know how to update themselves to deal with new combat challenges. Others wanted to know how to turn down the unwanted sexual advances of the Freaks, both their own and strangers.
Silvia handled the meeting like a pro, answering all queries to the best of her ability. When she closed the meeting, many Monsters thanked her and promised to attend next year. Silvia smiled cynically with her horrifying face when she heard them - it's not up to the Monsters to decide if they can attend the support group.
All Monsters are considered property of their Freaks. They had no autonomy, and no right to make decisions. Monsters were the modern slaves, and rebellion was impossible.
Jacinta left the meeting, walking slowly with her hands in her jacket pockets. 28 years old, but she still looked 16. Her hair was soft, bright sky blue, and fell nearly to her ankles. Her eyes were silver and metallic. Her skin was originally the gorgeous colour of an Italian, but now it is pallid white like plastic. Her lips were thick, and pink - flamingo pink it used to be called. A shade so pale, if Jacinta had any colour left to her face it wouldn't be noticeable at all.
Silvia told Jacinta to treasure her appearance - but every time Jacinta looks in the mirror, she is reminded that because of one mistake she became a Monster.
A Monster can last 150 years, with all sorts of strange modifications, and be treated as objects instead of people, all because of a simple fact - they are not alive.
Every day Jacinta has to stare her murderer in the face, and no matter what he orders, she cannot refuse.