The Moth Called Foe

5

After figuring out this terrible tragedy, Foederis felt his senses growing stronger over time. Eventually, it got really hard for him to live in the city since it was so crowded with people.

Even though Foederis became one of his childhood nightmares, he figured out a way to publish all of his amazing work. Before he knew it, he was one of the richest people in Rome.

To become more comfortable, Foederis moved to a gothic palace that he had all to himself. No one would enter or exit the palace, which certainly made gossip around the area.

For countless years, Foederis spent his life alone and in grief. He hated the fact that he had to kill living beings to survive. Instead of killing people, he kills animals. But that doesn't ease his pain.

One day, in 1987, Foederis went for a stroll in the woods near his house. His usual spot to sit and take a breather is a little lake full of rocks and wildlife.

When he got up to the lake, he looked up to see a girl dipping her feet in the water and looking at the lake floor.

Foederis really wanted to talk to her, but didn't know what to say. All of the sudden, he started to hear another voice. Like someone was talking. He looked at the girl, but she wasn't moving her mouth. The voice was saying, "Wow, what a beautiful man. I wonder where he's come from. Maybe he lives in the palace up the road."

Foederis realized who it was as soon as their eyes met. He began to see every thought she's ever had, which helped him start a conversation with her. He saw that her 2 favorite movies were "Rocky Horror" and "The Never Ending Story" which were his favorites too. So, he told her a joke.

Foederis uttered, nervously, "What is Pyornkrachzark's favorite horror movie?"

The girl looked at him in question.

He responded, "Rocky Horror."

They both began to giggle like they've known each other since childhood. Foederis felt like he was talking to a long-time friend, and so did the girl.

Foederis took off his shoes and walked up to the gorgeous beauty across the body of water.

He sat down and asked her, "What do people call you?"

She looked at the handsome man sitting next to her and said shyly, "Pulchritudo. I know the name is a little odd. It was my mother's and my grandmother's."

Foederis flirted, "I think it's beautiful."

Pulch replied with a smile, "Thank you. May I ask what yours might be?"

"Foederis Heu Taciti, but please call me Foederis for short." He replied.

Pulch said in admiration, "Wow, you have three first names? That's cool."

Foederis smiled, "Thank you. My parents were caught with those three names, so they gave me all three."

They sat in silence, but they didn't feel uncomfortable. They felt like they were bonding without saying words.

Foederis asked, "What brings you here all by yourself?"

Pulch said while looking down, "Family complications. I came out of the closet and they weren't very happy." She made a face, astonished that she said that to a stranger."

Foederis said in a delicate tone, "may I ask?..."

Pulch replied, "I'm pretty sure I'm a bisexual. But I don't really know. I like everyone. I think labels are stupid."

Foederis replied, "I contain the same feelings as you. It saddens me that people feel the need to hide who they truly are on account of other people's stupidity."

Foederis and Pulch talk for a few ours until they see the sun setting behind the trees.

Foederis said, "Wow, look at the gorgeous sunset. I hope I haven't kept you from going somewhere."

Pulch replied, "Oh no I really had a good time. I haven't connected with anyone like that in years. Plus, I have nowhere else to go and nothing else to do."

Foederis looked at her with sympathy and asked, "Did you get kicked out?"

Pulch nodded.

Foederis offered, "I know this is going to sound a little freaky, and I won't be offended if you decline, but you're welcome to stay with me for a while if you would like to."

Pulch face lit up with joy and asked, "Really? I don't want to be a nuisance."

Foederis replied with a smile, "Of course. I would love to help any way I can."

Foederis and Pulch make their way up to the Palace and Foederis mind began to wander. He thought about how much he and Pulch connected in such a short time and how absolutely gorgeous she was.

He fought the urge to read her mind again. He didn't want to be nosey, but he wanted to know what Pulch thought about him.

Foederis decided not to read her mind. Everyone's only extremely private place is their own head, so he shouldn't be digging in someone's thoughts just for his own benefit.