Submission (#1608) Approved

Words: 759

With the blanket of night over her back and the stuttering whispers that caught between the feathers of her left ear, Eclipsa walked through the dark effortlessly. Her footsteps leaving burned patches of forest floor and golden impressions in dirt as her twin tails flicked back and forth in slow succession.

She heard a rumor, such as how these things always begin, about terrifying creatures lost in the mist between hubs. However, she could not decide if she should believe it. Eclipsa liked to believe in mythology, especially that of what the humans fear, but she had the presence of mind to remain doubtful. Humans had overactive imaginations as it was, but this rumor was spread to her by another kebanzu. It might be foolish to believe her own species so easily, yet she wanted this to be real. She wanted to witness monsters that she could only dream about.

Nonetheless, as she approached a weathered tree, she rubbed one of her paws over the cold wood and when one of her claws caught a slight bump in the bark, there was a soft click. She pulled open a secret compartment she made months ago and grabbed a heavy bag out. After her many adventures of exploring between hubs, Eclipsa began to create these pockets of supplies, after all, the world between was a dangerous one.

She unzipped the bag and began to pull out each item to check it for damage. There was a metal lantern, the lamp body worn from years of use, and a sealed cylinder of kerosene with a cap twisted tightly at the top. She set them carefully to the side as she continued through the bag and pulled out a hunting knife with a serrated edge (although she was hopeful, she would not have to use it for anything beyond carving marks into trees she’s passed before). Next was a bundle of corded rope and a metal compass. They were simple supplies and nothing she didn’t need, just what she wanted for hunting creatures in the hopes of recording them as reality.

She tilted her head, pausing when she heard a rustling of bushes beside her, and before she could move, another kebanzu stumbled out of the bushes. She raised an eyebrow in vague amusement if her face looking slightly less emotionless counted as amusement.

The other kebanzu, Spindle, sighed in a relieved breath, “Oh good! It is you, Eclipsa, I tried to find our meeting point earlier, but I got terribly lost.”

Eclipsa shrugged calmly, she was not upset by Spindle late arrival, as she had half a mind to go searching for him before he approached. She raised her paw to pat him gently on the head, Spindle was a good man, if not a little stranger. He was the only one that ever seemed to understand her curiosity as he had a similar one for any bug that he came across.

Even now, as he smiled under her kind gesture, he was quick to speak, “I swore I heard a veppie hive and stepped off the path. I know, I know, that was foolish after the instructions and map you gave me but oh! To see a wild veppie hive, it was too good of a chance to miss.”

Eclipsa tilted her head to the other side.

Spindle sighed, “Well no, I didn’t find it, but I’m sure I was close.” He waved his paws quickly, “Oh but I am here to help you find the creatures you heard about. I’m sorry you know how I get about insects.”

Eclipsa nodded, looking at his spider themed backpack with a curious eye.

Spindle smiled brightly, “I bought all the supplies you wanted me to bring, I know forest survival is very important. Plus, we’ll need these flares if we run into something scary out here, I’m still a little unsure about that part but I’m ready when you are.”

Eclipsa nodded again, before she put her supplies back into her bag and slung it over her shoulders. Things were just easier with Spindle; he knew what she wanted long before she could even attempt to sign it to him. He was scatterbrained and forgot things that weren’t related to bugs, but he was a good friend to have all the same. Even if they did not find the creatures tonight, she was certain they would uncover something interesting before they returned to the closest hub.

With that, the pair walked deeper into the forest.

Sating their curiosity or seeking their despair.