NullTale ~Origins~

Ch2- Oddities

"You know Jade, I wouldn't have believed it." Rachel was instant on calling me early the next morning to discuss the strange events. "I mean, we all read that one book when we were little about Mt. Ebott, but who knew there were actually monsters living under the mountain! Now I want to find the guy that wrote that book and ask some serious questions."

I chuckled at her enthusiasm. "You know that the legend the book is based on is like, centuries old right? And even the guy who wrote the book has been dead for about eighty years or so."

"Yeah, but wouldn't it have been cool if the guy who wrote it could have seen this! Just wow! Speaking of which, how are things over there? Have you gotten to see any of them yet?"

"The monsters? I think I saw one from afar, but I couldn't be sure. A lot of them wear human clothes so it can be kinda hard to tell. Most of them aren't allowed in the city right now anyways."

"What about you? Do you feel safe? If you feel threatened or anything you know you can come here and crash on the couch for a bit..."

"Threatened? I thought they were supposed to be peaceful."

"Well, when they talked to the kid that's what they said. But it's just a kid, so we don't know how true that is. They must be called 'monsters' for a reason. You know how the legends depicted them."

"I don't think you can trust the legends, they've had a long time to be twisted and distorted so they're no longer accurate." Rachel was certain that the monsters meant danger, but I was having a hard time picking a side. Personally, I liked to be cautious. Especially when there was so little information to go off of. However the information that we were getting was frequently contradicting itself, making me even more distrusting.

Some said that the monsters were dangerous, and they needed to stay away from human communities so no one would be harmed on either side. Other people said that they had proven themselves to be peaceful so far, and that they deserved a chance.

I was concerned about the repercussions of either side. If the monsters were kept away from mankind, they would never be given the chance to adapt to our ways. However, both sides would be safe from any violent conflict that might occur from the tension that had already arisen overnight. On the other hand, letting them freely into society could cause chaos on its own. Even if they were friendly, their ways have been separated from ours for too many years to count. There are bound to be major differences in etiquette and customs, and if there are any conflicts... Well, then innocent people or monsters could end up fighting anyways.

"You may be right about the legends Jade, but I'm still wondering how you're not nervous." Rachel continued. "You know their camp is a few miles from your side of town right? I just want to make sure you're safe in case things go sour."

"I told you Rachel, I'm sure I'll be fine. If it makes you happy, I'll keep in contact and exercise extra caution. Is that good?"

Rachel sighed like I was a stubborn child, "Fine. I suppose you can take care of yourself. Just know that I worry about you."

"Thanks Rachel. I'll give you a call later today. I have some things that I need to do."

"Of course! Talk later!"

I hung up and got a good look around the apartment. I had tidied up anything that needed it, and the place was sparsely furnished anyways.

One less day to find work. The pressure was on. Rachel didn't know about my situation because I hadn't bothered to tell her. She worries enough about me, I don't need to add to her stress pile as well as mine. I hate making people worry.