The Tears We Cry

six.

Jerome

Circling, circling, the wolf stalks its prey

Closer, closer, the predator awaits

With one leap, you've no where to go

Even a small movement, and you'll find yourself trapped in its jaws

Clever, clever, the fox trots near

Thump, thump, the bear readies his large paw

With one swipe, the victim is dead

Circling, circling, the wolf stalks its own

The weak is the enemy for the strong.

The shadow creature finishes its chant.

"Who are you?" I call out into the darkness.

I am your darkest thought, your most disturbing memory. Your worst nightmare, your childish fear.

"G-get back!" April stammers, clearly shaking.

You think I will obey your shaky command? Hahaha you humans are so stupid.

"Show yourself!" Mitch shouts, showing his bravery.

"We're not afraid!" Delanie follows with courage. After the words spoken, the monster is silent.

W-what are you? I sense no fear from you two... Why are you not afraid? The monster seems unsure.

"We know why you're here, and we're not going to let you kill anyone," Mitch answers.

I could easily kill you right here, right now.

"Prove it," Delanie demands.  The beast falls silent again.

What kind of tricks are you playing?!? Not being afraid is impossible! Only once was there four mundanes who were unafraid, and held the power to put us monsters in our places... They've died since then. Unless... The monster's footsteps seem to be fading away.

You're two descendants of those who trapped us! Where are the rest?

Mitch and Delanie give each other confused looks.

"We don't know," Mitch speaks.

Liars!

"Our beating hearts say otherwise," Delanie counters.

I will kill one of you! The shadow dweller screeches.

In a flash, a gigantic beast rises from the shadow displayed across the forest floor.

Quick like lightning, he slashes his claws across someone. Their body falls with a limp thud to the floor.

"NO!!!!" screams Delanie. Mitch? I wonder, with wide eyes.

"Why! Why did you do that?" Delanie sobs.

"Shh, shh..." Mitch whispers. Phew, I think guiltily. I don't know what I'd do if my best friend died.

"Cheyenne! I'm so sorry," Delanie whimpers.

This will teach you discipline, Fear Seekers. This will teach you loss. This will teach you power.

Delanie looks up at the monster, her face red with anger.

"You fucking bastard!" She raises her fist, and charges towards the great monster.

"Aaaarrrrrggghh!" she screams.

"Delanie! Wait!" Mitch chases after her.

SMACK!Delanie drives her fist home.

Only to be flung at least ten feet backwards.

"Oomf!" she lands.

"Jesus, are you okay?!?" Mitch is at her side.

"Fine," Delanie shrugs him off.

"Babe, you're not fine."

"This, this... this THING just killed my sister! Of course I'm not god damn fine!" she growls. Mitch doesn't flinch, but pulls her into his arms. He soothingly rubs her back, and whispers into her ear.

"Get out of here!" I yell at the top of my lungs. Then, in a normal tone of voice, "You've caused enough shit for today."

Carly

"Get out of here!" I-is that... could it be... Jerome? I shoot to my feet, and begin jogging towards the angry shout.

I'll find you, Shadow Dweller. And I will put a stop to you. I rumble in my mind, pissed at all the damage the thing's caused.

Tyler, I'm coming.