To The End

Tales

The door slammed shut on the cottage and she was gone from sight. Victoria took a moment to think over what happened. For being a rumored dangerous creature, Jade was pretty nice. Well, not nice, but definitely not vicious. She did get an odd feeling from her though, as if she somehow knew she was in the presence of danger. Victoria wandered back into town, deep in thought. She was pulled back to the present when she came upon the town's oldest resident and local storyteller, Sikowitz.

He was supposedly the last of those who witnessed any proof of the creature. He was joined by a few others, all of them gathered around the central fire to hear him speak. She was surprised to see a few children among them, because his stories weren't exactly tailored for them to hear. Which was why the young adults favored them. Victoria took a seat next to one of the town's shop owners and looked to Sikowitz, ready to hear what he had to say today.

"You're out late," the man next to her commented. She nodded. It was true. She was. She wasn't usually out at this time. Her father didn't like any of his family members out late, for fear of the creature getting them. They didn't know much about it, besides having a connection to the family they outcast. The only real fact they had was that it tore living things to shreds and came out at night. Was it because it was averse to sunlight, or was the cover of night aiding its hunt? If people learned and understood more about it then maybe something could be done. But they didn't want anything to do with it.

"Yes."

Her reply was simple and even, letting him know that he was correct, but that she wasn't planning on heading home anytime soon. He sighed.

"Don't let your father catch you during perimeter check," he cautioned. She nodded, eyes still on the storyteller. He had just finished a tale she didn't bother to listen to, seeing as she missed most of it already. But he was starting a new one. She was disappointed when it was just about the foundation of the town. She heard that one too many times before. Especially since her father was the mayor.

"Excuse me," she stated, raising her voice and her hand. She got Sikowitz's attention as well as the whole circle.

"Yes, Miss Vega?" Sikowitz responded. He looked to her with a bit of a knowing smile. She had been known to be far too curious for her own good and he was one of the few who knew all too well. With everyone's eyes on her she fidgeted nervously, but it wasn't going to stop her from getting answers.

"Can you tell the tale of the creature that stalks these woods?"

People gasped, some shook their heads, and the kids stared with wide eyes. Only the young adults her age looked interested. Sikowitz hummed thoughtfully before nodding.

"I haven't told that one in a while. All right! I would be glad to!"

He seemed excited to share, while the older townsfolk stood to leave. With more open spots available, she sat with her peers to hear better.

"Good one, Victoria. I've been waiting to hear this one for a long time, but my parents won't tell me," said the young man next to her. She smiled. Beckett Oliver. He was training to be a hunter and protector like his father. His best friend Andre was sitting on his other side. He was also in training. The two had grown up inseparable since they were children. The only other two left were Robert and Catarina. They were a ridiculous couple that married as soon as they could and bickered over the most foolish things.

But they still loved each other and were still together despite it. Victoria liked them because they weren't like the other adults in town. They retained a sense of immaturity that kept them young and lively. She was the local seamstress and he was the local baker. Their dog Rex was the only domesticated animal around, besides the livestock. He was very loud and always energetic. It made him somewhat of a nuisance unless Robbie put his foot down.