The werewolf lunged at them, but only succeeded in ripping the padlock open. Hurriedly, they swung their heavy basket at its head, knocking it aside. Then they ripped the pack off and pelted out, and ran and ran, crying for help. From behind a tree, and seemingly out of nowhere, a frail, wrinkled but firm arm grabbed them and yanked them behind, clamping a hand over their mouth. "Quiet, child," breathed the grandmother and she cocked her gun. Before long, the howling of the werewolf was heard, and the muffled galloping of its feet. The grandmother readied her gun. But the werewolf crept forward slowly, having seen the flash of the ruby red cloak. Yet, it did not see their grandmother, concealed behind the tree. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, it sprang! BANG! BANG! went the gun and the werewolf flopped over, howling in pain. The grandmother had shot it in its hind legs. She hurried forward as Ruby watched and shot it twice more, though this time through its eyes. And the werewolf was no more. "I only can hope it did not have children." muttered the grandmother, and turned to Ruby, who stayed next to the tree. "Come, child. We can make use of its skin." And when they arrived home, the grandmother set to work skinning the beast.
"Child of mine," said she, "I will fashion this into a cloak for you, brand new. Yet I ask, is there a name you have, different than now? For I know Ruby is a feminine name." And the child nodded.
"My name is Indie," said they, "Like indigo, for I love the night sky."
The grandmother smiled. "Have you ever wondered why I never said your name? Today is the death of Little Ruby Rider. You are now reborn Indie Eisworth, my maiden name." They buried the beast just beyond the edge of the forest.
"Wherever shall I go?" asked Indie, once all was said and done. "My parents want me dead, after all."
The grandmother only chuckled, "Why, stay with me, of course!" And so, they stayed, and the both of them lived contentedly in one another's company for the rest of their days. The village believed Indie to be long dead, and never found out what had become of the village priest. Luckily, he had had no children. And so, the village went on, as did Indie and their grandmother, living a happily ever after.
THE END
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The Untimely Death of Little Ruby Rider
FantasyIn a small village, there lived a young child by the name of Ruby Rider. Yet, there was something strange about this child. This child was neither male nor female, but simply was. And they were just like any normal child. Tragically, their mother an...
