Red Riding Hood

Nobody knows my true name. They only know me as Red Riding Hood. My true name is Scarlet, not that they'd care. They might care to know it for reasons other than acquaintance purposes. They might care to know who has been spilling the blood of the wolves.

Who's "they"? The people? The authorities? The wolves? I'm not so sure myself. All I know is my purpose for the crimes I committed, my vigilante adventure into the concrete jungle at nightfall. My purpose, to end the lives of all wolves, specifically one but it wouldn't do the world any harm if I thinned out the wolf population.

Mom had told me once to never stray from the path. I hadn't listened to her 5 years ago, and that ended her and Dad's life. So, I'll stay on the path that I know is right. The path that leads me to him, the one who took them away from me so I can end it all. And I know exactly who can lead me in the right direction.

"I'm here to see Mr. Big Bad" I demand. The fur on the guard's skin stands up and his eyes widen.

"My, Miss. What... What a bright red hoodie you've got" the guard stutters between his fangs.

"The better to draw attention, may I enter to see Mr. Big Bad?" My patience is wearing thin.

His eyes move towards my belt "My, what a... big knife you got there"

In one slick motion, I grab my knife and press it against his neck "All the better to cut wolves like you up. Now, will you lead me to Mr. Big Bad or do I have to find my own way in? I don't have all night!"

"My apologies, miss. We don't want any trouble with the Red Riding Hood. Right this way" the guard gestures me to enter.

He leads me through a hallway with rooms on either side, all opened wide enough for me to witness wolves in multiple gambling games and wide enough for the wolves to see me. I'm not surprised by their staring. I am a well known serial killer after their kind and I am currently walking through a building that could be considered my own personal jackpot, but I'm tired of hunting minor prey, I want to get the one that I've been searching for and Mr. Big Bad is gonna tell me.

"This is it." The guard stops in front of large double doors and knocks "Sir!" he calls out "You have a visitor."

"Tell them I'm busy!" Mr. Big Bad yells through the door. Unfortunately for him, his business will have to wait.

I kick down the door and barge in his office, "Sorry but I don't have all night."

"Red Riding Hood! What business does a killer like you have with me?"

"Point me into the direction of one of your wolves. The one known as Skoll."

"There are those who chase the sun for decades, but that does not mean the sun chases them in return"

"I'm not here for useless metaphors, tell me where Skoll is!" My patience is wearing thin once more, I don't have time for this.

"Well, no matter his direction, even one as strong as you can't stop him alone. Though, since you asked, I'll tell you his direction."

"Spill it!"

"Although he has a taste for young red blood, he seems to have a new craving for something a little more aged, and a little more hidden"

"He's after Granny..."

Without another word, I run out and head to Granny's house. The time passes quickly when one's mind is blank. After many blocks through the town and many feet into the woods, I feel I am close to saving her but I am stopped by a tall figure.

"What's the hurry, young lady?"

"Just on my way to Granny's, Officer."

"It's a little late for a young lady like you to stroll quickly through the woods"

"She's... sick and needs me to care for her"

"Would you like an escort? These woods are dangerous to wander alone, especially for someone so young."

"I can take care of myself, I'm stronger than I seem"

"Alright, just know that we officers are available to help when needed. Have a good night, hope your Granny gets well soon"

"Thank you, Officer"

I continue to run after the officer leaves. The conversation delayed me a bit, but I can still make it in time if I don't take any breaks.

After another 10 minutes of running, I finally reach her house. The wolf, known as Skoll is already leaving, looking like he had just finished a good meal. Enraged, I grab my knife and charge at him. He quickly notices me and blocks my first attack. He moves his paw in a quick motion and scratches my cheek once it hits my face. I try to attack once more but the more I attempt a stab, the more easily he can block it. My energy is low, I wasted my stamina on running over here. I trip over my feet and fall on my back. Skoll pounces on me and holds me down. I have one last chance to attack. I grip my knife tighter "Die Skoll!", and stab him in the shoulder.

It is too late, because he already bit into my neck. I can feel the warm blood spill out of me, staining me and the ground under me. Mom had told me once to never stray from the path. I hadn't listened to her 5 years ago, and I guess I didn't listen to her now.