That Which Appears at Night (jahero x Wolf)

[WolfDog12]

In a small village on the outskirts of a great kingdom, there is a tale of a beast that attacks the town at night. It is a smart creature, fast and powerful. It hunts and kills humans mostly, sometimes livestock. For quite a few years, this creature had come out of the woods on the hill next to the village and attacked in the night. The only night everyone is safe, is the night of the new moon. At the same time, there is no safety on the day following a full moon where the creature comes out in the day light to attack. With no where else to turn, the villagers make the long journey to the capital where they speak with the king hoping to have someone come and kill the beast. YC can either be the prince that sets out to control the beast, a knight sent, or he could just be a random hunter of sorts brought in from another land to solve the problem, just let me know.

 

Anyway, what YC finds is that the beast is actually human during the day and an out of control demon at night. Wanting to help/tame the creature, MC must be removed from the village and tamed in some way whether it be locked up at night or always locked up even when human. Having no control over his transformations or his actions as a beast, he accepts his fate either way knowing there is nothing he can say that will set him free. Of course, He later doesn't want to, having developed feelings for YC.

 

---

[/hr]

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beast form:

 

 

 

Name: Hikyuu

 

Age: 19 or so

 

Gender: Male

 

Species: Some type of cursed beast/human

 

Personality: Hikyuu is actually a very kind human that loves to help anyone where he can. He lives just outside of the village line in the woods but will constantly travel into the village every day just to help the people out. He smiles a lot and has a very gentle demeanor that hides a lot of self hate for not being able to control himself during his beast form. Hikyuu also can't remember anything that is happening while in beast form and only has a vague idea of what happened when he changes back leaving him typically confused and lost a lot of times.

 

 

 

---

[/hr]

 

 

Just outside of the village, just beyond the tree line within the woods, there was a small cabin that looked abandoned. It was old and fairly well hidden but it was the home of an outsider... even though the villagers didn't know the true extent of what made him an outsider. Just as the sun rose, a boy emerged from the cabin and made his way towards the village. He had a sword strapped to his hip and a scarf around his neck. It was a strange look for this place and he certainly stood out, but everyone here knew him all too well.

 

"Hikyuu!!!" One of the villagers called, the boy turning in response. "You headed down to the market? Can you tell Choji at the market that I'll be a little late on my delivery? My daughter was sick yesterday and I couldn't get to the field before nightfall."

 

"Sure thing! Tell Hana I said to get well soon and you stay safe. Don't go out during the night!" Hikyuu called back waving goodbye to the farmed and heading down the hill around his field and into the main part of the village. Most villages would work well into the night just by having lamps set up, however, in this village, as the sun was setting, everyone was hiding. A beast came out just after sun set and always found its way into the village and tried to kill the villagers.

 

Hikyuu got to the market and relayed the message to Choji while helping him with a few of his other items. Of course, Choji understood completely and while it was a shame not to have the corn he'd been waiting for, it wasn't like he could ask that the farmers work into the night. They'd be killed and then there would be no one to tend to the farms.

 

"Oh, Hikyuu, have you heard the news?" He looked at the other curiously. "Well, we sent word a few days ago about our situation and the prince himself is said to come to take care of it."

 

"The Prince?! Wait, he's coming to try and kill the beast?! I thought it couldn't be hurt by human weapons." Hikyuu was shocked and afraid that the prince would come and just be killed.

 

"I have no idea what his method is going to be but we will finally be rid of that demon that lives in the woods... by the way, have you really never seen the beast?"

 

"Where'd you hear that from?"

 

"Come on Hikyuu, nothing stays secret in this village."

 

Hikyuu sighs, "Ya, I hide in my basement every night with all the lights out and locked up."

 

"You should come and live in the village. We work together to try and stay safe from that beast. You're in more danger actually living in the woods with that thing. What if it suddenly decides to come out during the day?"

 

"If that should ever happen then we are all doomed," Hikyuu admitted and said his goodbyes. He continued on helping people around the village as well as getting himself some food. All the while, he worried about what was going to happen when the prince showed up... would he try and face Hikyuu's night form head on or what? That beast was incredibly slick and smart.... taking him down would certainly be a challenge.

[jahero]

Name : Jahero

 

Age : Mid 20s or so

 

 

After a quick three day ride Jahero rode into town on his white mustang. He looked in silence for a moment as the town went about it day working and pushing goods. He removed a piece of paper from his saddle bag to make sure he was in the right town before getting down and leading his horse into town as he began to look for a place to stay while he figured out how to deal with the problem the town was having with a beast killing villagers at night. It had gotten so bad that they needed the kingdoms help because nothing seemed to be working. They had tried to trap it but the beast would always out smart the traps and sometimes in the morning they would find the bodies of the dead villagers in the traps and not the beast they wanted.

[WolfDog12]

Hikyuu walked to a small tea shop nearby and sat down on the bench near a window. He happily chatted with the owner who brought up a point that made the young man jump to attention. "Wait, the full moon is when again?!"

 

"Oh come now, Hikyuu, you're typically the one always keeping track of the moon cycle," the owner said as he joined Hikyuu for a cup of tea.

 

"Ya, I've been working in the fields trying to help farmer Kolmar the past few days.... He hasn't been doing so well...."

 

"I heard he got bit by the beast. I'm surprised he managed to get away with his life." The owner was then called by one of his workers and said good bye as he got up from his seat. "Oh, in two days, it is the full moon so remember to get what you need and stay hidden the day that follows. The beast seems to come out during the day that follows a full moon."

 

"Thanks for reminding me. I should probably go make sure Farmer Kolmar is alright. He was up and about today and yesterday but who knows if he's pushing himself." Hikyuu still staying in his seat for a moment. Finally, Hikyuu got up and walked out of the shop worried about the time it will take for the crops as well as the full moon being on its way. Just as the male turned to head up the hill a little towards the fields, he caught sight of a man leading a white mustang, entering the village. No doubt it was the prince sent by the kingdom to dispatch of the beast.

 

'What is he doing here?! I didn't think the prince would show for at least another day or two...' Just as Hikyuu turned to sneak away, one of the other villagers squealed in excitement that the prince had come himself and brought two knights with him. One was older, clearly an experienced knight known probably for his combat skills and the other was younger probably not a full fledged knight... How dangerous for him to be here... He'd be eating right away.

 

Of course, that drew everyone out to see and the girl pushed the male forwards telling him to go say "Hi". With no escape now, Hikyuu stepped forwards and spoke to the prince directly but clearly was a bit distracted. "Hello, your Highness. My name is Hikyuu, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to our small village. Please, if you need anything just let me know!!! They say I can't say 'no'... to anyone..." He smiled being friendly hoping this prince wasn't some arrogant ass. If he was, maybe the kingdom would be better off if the beast ate him.

 

"I suppose you're here for killing the beast that lives in the woods up there on that hill. The village elder can tell you a lot more then any of us, he is just down this road; an old round building at the other end of the village." Hikyuu didn't want to walk the group there but if he was asked to, he would without hesitation.

[jahero]

Jahero walked slowly taking in the smells and sounds of the village. It took a moment for anyone to notice him which was nice. It wasnt until Barrett and Rayne rode into the village in a load gallop yelling his name that people started to turn and look at the three.

 

" Sir please, I told you not to ride ahead of us. If the beast was out he could have hurt you and I cant have that" Barrett the oldest of the three said as he slowed his large brown horse whom he named Earth which jahero thought wasnt much of a name but the horse seemed to like it so Jahero didnt pay much mind to it. Rayne came in close behind Barrett talking loudly as well as if the whole world had to hear him. Rayne always reminded Jahero of a male lion cub. Also trying to roar like the big guys but still having to grow a little before his roar stopped sounds like a kittens meow. "Prince please stop doing that , it not much of a race if you get a head start" Rayne spoke as he patted down his painted morgan horse. She wasnt a old horse but wasnt new to riding neither.

 

" Barrett , Rayne please not so loud" Jahero began to speak as the villagers circled around the group and a young man was more or less pushed into his face. "Hello, your Highness. My name is Hikyuu, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to our small village. Please, if you need anything just let me know!!! They say I can't say 'no'... to anyone..." the young man spoke out over the talking people around him. Jahero reached out him hand and smiled a little. " My name is Jahero, its nice to meet you Hikyuu. These two are Barrett and Rayne knights sent with me by my parents to help with your problems. " Jahero looked around for a moment and the young man spoke again.

 

"the village elder can tell you a lot more then any of us, he is just down this road; an old round building at the other end of the village." he said pointing the way to get there. "Honestly if you wouldnt mind showing us where to go that would be very helpful Hikyuu. Also is there a stable and a place we can stay while we are here? maybe even an old house or something Im sure we can fix up while we are staying here. It doesnt matter really we dont want to bother anyone, but first to the elder please" jahero finished as his house nudged and tried to push him away from the man a little. " easy boy easy" Jahero said calming his friend as he waited for Hikyuu.

[WolfDog12]

As the other two approached, rushing up to the prince's sides on their horses and began to speak loudly... it was obvious before the young prince said anything that these were his guards. They were louder and more.... out there? than this village was use to. Still, it seemed to be a happy welcome and the people didn't seem to be dragging their feet with their heads down. They were happy and had more excitement than people in their current state would normally have. Though, they had learned to deal with the problems of the beast and while it is sad to lose someone, they are always able to pick themselves back up it seemed.

 

"Of course, I can take you there right away. There is an inn right next to the elder's house and they have prepared rooms for you already. So, you don't have to worry too much. They are always happy to serve after all, not too many come through an even fewer stay the night," he explained. Hikyuu was rather confident in taking the prince's hand and shaking it while giving a bit of a bow. "But the place has great drink so don't feel bad thinking it isn't doing well," he added as he turned to walk.

 

Hikyuu turned away not paying the horse any mind. He understood that there might be a touch of lingering scent from his transformations but generally it shouldn't be too much. Never enough to truly spook the animals. Hikyuu was clearly different from the others. He dressed kind of odd for the small farming village, and his red eyes stood out against his lighter skin and dark hair. Also, he seemed to be one of the only people walking around the village with a sword strapped to his hip. Rarely anyone carried a weapon and yet this... kid walked around with a long katana strapped to him. Despite his difference, the villagers didn't seem to give him a second glance unless calling out to say hello.

 

Hikyuu lead the prince and his attendants down the road, past the small cafe, past a few general shops and past a number of other small homes before reaching the end of the road before it split in two directions. One up the hill to the farm fields and again up to the woods, and the other towards out of town down a road that sort of vanished beyond the hills of the horizon. There, across the street was the round house of the elder and the inn next to it that was a nice tavern. "There it is. Feel free to talk to the elder first or go to the tavern to drop your things off. There is a stable behind the tavern so let them take care of your horses. They are very careful with them," he said. He smiled to the group. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go help an injured farmer tend to his fields," he said softly. "If you need anything feel free to ask. Anyone would be more than willing to help around here," he added once more before bowing and turning to walk away.

[jahero]

The three followed behind Hikyuu and turned their gaze toward the small round house of the elder. The inn and tavern and the other small homes and shops as the made their way towards the elders home. Before Hikyuu turned to leave Jahero asked one more question " Wait Hikyuu where do you stay? In case I need your help again?"

 

Barrett and Rayne took the horses over to the stables and their bags up into the inn to their rooms. The rooms were very nice and it looked as if the village had gone all out to make the three feel welcomed. " Barrett these rooms are amazing!" Rayne said with a tone of happiness from his room on the end. Jahero's was in the middle and Barrett's was at the front of the hallway. "You better keep your room in good shape young Rayne , as a knight we must always show great care. Even of our space. " Barrett said as he was neatly placing each of his items in a carefully place spot. He was kind of a neat freak were as Rayne, well he hadnt mastered order yet.

[WolfDog12]

"Oh.... er.... I live actually just outside the village." He turned and pointed up the hill towards the woods that everyone said the beast lived in and feared, carefully avoiding. "Just beyond the trees some ways; That's where my house is. Though, I'm only up there at night hiding in my basement away from the beast so it wouldn't be of any help heading up there." He turned back to the prince once more with a gentle smile and said, "I'm usually around the village so if you ever need me, I'm probably on the farms or helping someone else. It's a small village ask anyone and they can probably help point you in the right direction." Hikyuu was extra careful with how he spoke, making sure that the prince found it not worth the trouble of going to his house. That was the last place he wanted the prince to end up.

 

The inn keepers were an old couple, the man ran the bar mostly while his wife took care more of the rooms. The two were perfectly in sync with one another and should one be away from their post, the other could easily step in. That was a good reason why everyone loved this place. Then again, this what just how the whole village seemed to run.

 

Hikyuu headed up the hill in the direction of the woods but stopped at the first landing strip of land and headed into the farm of old farmer Kolmar. He got right to work in the fields. He never took off the scarf or the sword from his side and worked his ass off anyway.

 

The elder was sitting in an old chair reading a book when the prince finally arrived. He was slow to get to his feet but made it to the door and had the prince come in and take a seat so he could answer any questions he may need.

[jahero]

"Good morning elder " Jahero started slowly. He had heard may rumors and there really wasnt much information on the beast. "Elder if you could please tell me what you know about the beast and what has been done in trying to stop it from killing your people" Jahero asked with a easy tone. He didnt want to repeat anything that had already been done. He didnt come here to get people killed. He wanted to help as best he could but he needed more information to more forward

[WolfDog12]

"Yes, Yes. The beast is quite fast and very powerful you see. We tried to fight it head on but our swords were of little use. The beast simply avoided our strikes and killed faster than anyone could expect. Not to mention it sticks to the shadows and is more agile than a cat," the old man began explaining. "We tried setting traps but that wasn't of use either. The beast is highly intelligent you see and sprung the traps by throwing sticks and other things at them. We tried fire as well but it didn't seem to care about that... Sadly, we are at a loss now to what to do. We've lost so many we dare not go outside at night anymore." The old man looked really tired but not because of his age, he actually looked rather fit. The problem was that he was out of ideas and tired of trying to fix a problem that wouldn't solve.

 

"I'm sorry we can't be of any more help. That beast is terrifying... It took one of the bear traps one time and moved it carefully in front of the hunter's door... He just about lost his leg from it, not expecting it to go off like that right there at his own door step..."

[jahero]

"Thats dangerous, not to mention that the beast knew where the hunters home was to set the trap like that. So from what your saying it has no weakness? " Jahero said somewhat puzzled about this. What kind of creature could this has been to make these people so scared and in danger. " Jahero thought for a moment. "We are going to have to watch it for lack of a better word" He said under his breath standing up and thanking the Elder for his time and words.

 

Jahero left and headed towards the inn to meet up with Barratt and Rayne, whom he found at the bar eating roman. "That smells lovely " Jahero said as he walked up behind his friends.

[WolfDog12]

"Well we are a small village so we aren't trained with swords. I'm pretty sure it sustained a small cut once but I don't think it feels pain," He explained. "There is only one person I know who is skilled with a sword but he doesn't live in the village and has never seen the beast," the elder added with a sad tone. He clearly didn't like the idea of this individual on their own. "I'm sorry I'm not of more use. It is a creature of the night and we are at a terrible disadvantage."

 

The lady of the tavern came by with more food for the prince and placed it on the table with a bow. "I hope you can enjoy it. I'm sorry we don't have anything better for you, your highness," she said softly. She was so honored he was there that she felt a bit ashamed of it not being so lavish.

[jahero]

Jahero said as the lady of the tavern was kind enough to nice him a bowl of the food that smelled better than the food from the kingdom. " No please, we dont really need everyone always going all out for us. We want people to feel welcomed around us and feel as if we are all on the same team. I am more than my family symbol" Jahero said with a smile as he took a bite of the nice warm food. Barrett and Rayne asked for more already done with their food.

 

"This is amazing ! " Jahero said with the look of bless on his face. " You my lady have a way with food" Jahero spoke in a happy tone enjoying a hot meal after a bit of time on the road. He turned and told his friends about what the elder had told him and they started talking about a plan.

[WolfDog12]

The woman was clearly flattered and actually impressed by just how humble this prince was. Perhaps he would be the one that was able to save the village from this terrible burden. At least, she and everyone else could only wish that he found a way to pull it off. With a grin from ear to ear, the woman scooped up the empty dishes and disappeared for only a moment before coming out of the back again with two new full portions of food for the hungry soldiers. There was nothing better than someone enjoying the meal you cooked and she took great pride in her food.

 

She went back, humming a bit as she worked to clean some of the other tables, as her husband worked on restocking the bar. They didn't have other customers as they closed for a bit, at least to make sure that the prince and his attendants were taken care of and settled in before the mob showed up and began to flood them with questions about how they planned on killing the beast.