Cryptid Hunting Association

Operation 2.1: Father Nature?!

It was nice that they were all back to normal. After the whole Tatzelwurm incident, the trio went back to their normal routines. Well, not so much for Avery who was grounded for the next two days because he didn't do his errands, but that was still normal. And Ivy liked normal, it was something that she was comfortable with and also meant that everyone was safe. Everything was normal and didn't include monsters.

Or so she thought until she came in contact that night with the Tatzelwurm and its baby. Just thinking about that night makes her wonder if it was real or just a dream. Well, she knew that it was real because of the fallen trees that surrounded the tree and the fact that Avery got in trouble with his mother because he was chasing after the monster. Honestly, she felt bad for her friend, but also knew that he deserved it. If he didn't want to get in trouble, he should've just done his errands before tailing after the giant monster.

Or not tail after it at all, maybe that was the better option.

No matter what, the ballet dancer was happy that her friend was okay and that he was talking to them again. But she also knew that things were going to change after that moment, especially when Avery texted the two after he was off punishment to meet him in the hideout.

Reaching the top of the tree and entrance way of the tree house, Ivy pulled herself up and looked up at her two friends who beat her there. "So what's going on Avery?"

Avery was standing at the corner, hands stuffed in his pocket and his green kanken bag sitting beside his foot. He looked nervous, she wondered why. "Since we're friends again--"

"Did we ever stop being friends?" Joked Hugo, causing the other boy to lightly laugh.

"True, true, uh." he paused for a few seconds before opening his bag and dumping out the contents. A bunch of notebooks, markers, pencils, pens, and his monsters guide book all fell out on the wooden floor. "Wouldyoubothhelpmewithrewritingmyguideandhelpmewithfindingmoremonsters?"

"Excuse me?" and "I didn't understand anything you just said." were said at the same time. The two confused by what he was asking. Ivy couldn't even pick out the few words that he had said.

It wasn't until Avery sighed, bending down to pick up the guide book. "I'm still serious about finding more monsters that may be in Crowe Town. After finding the Tatzelwurm and its baby, I'm sure that there's more out there that we're unaware of. And yeah, I could do this all alone, but we all know that that's not a good idea. We saw how I was yesterday." The two nodded their heads, understanding but still didn't say anything. "Plus, I would love it if we just did this together? Like the good ol' days."

The two didn't say anything for a couple of seconds. Processing what he just said. While Ivy did appreciate Avery inviting them to help him and knowing that it could be fun, she couldn't help but think about how dangerous it might be. The monster that they saw last night was ready to kill them, but only stopped when its baby was returned to it. What if they ran into another monster that wouldn't let them off that easily? One that would murder them in a heartbeat or even try to eat them? Oh God, did she want her and her friends to put themselves in such a position.

"Alright, I'll help you." Shocked, Ivy and Avery stared at Hugo. "At first, I didn't believe that monsters were real and just thought you were acting childish. But after last night, it makes me think about what other secrets that are here in our little town. That and I don't want you to get hurt. At least I can be there to protect you."

That was... strange. Usually, it was she who would agree and help someone out, not Hugo. He was supposed to be the calm and reasonable one. The adult out of the three who questioned any idea that Avery set out for them. Yet here he was, agreeing to help the other boy out before the two could even persuade him.