Work Text:
Tommy was 15, soon to be 16. His rich-ass family practically planned his whole life... He could only wish for more than the picture-perfect image, but what could he do? Run?
Well yeah, he could, but this isn't your ordinary neighborhood. Rich as his family was, no one could escape the creatures that lurked in every shadow and every corner. The cryptids, they say, are dangerous creatures that prey on souls who wander during the night. Prey as in choosing victims and tracking each down to kill and feed on.
Though, that wasn't what Tommy was worried about. He knew exactly how to avoid the cryptids at night. His friend always lent him books. They knew each other as one would know their own brother. Tubbo lent him books about cryptids and ballet. Did he mention? Tommy wanted to be a dancer.
"Ballet? The family heir will not be taking up such a feminine sport," his parents said before, but he didn't listen. He prayed for a better future, a better fate for him that won't end in him losing the one thing that makes him feel alive. He never wanted to give up dancing.
Soon the room was filled with soft melodies as Tommy acknowledged every step he took. He continued to dance to the music until a loud chirping interrupted his flow. As he inspected the source, he discovered it had come from a bluebird outside his window. Tommy ignored the doubt that lingered in the back of his mind and instead curious. He opened the window for the bird and in a quick motion, it flew into his room.
"HEY! I'VE ALREADY LET YOU IN! CALM DOWN" to his surprise, it listened and froze to stare at him. He stared back, stopping the gentle music. It curiously peered at him, and strangely, just like it's blue feathers, were its eyes. The feeling of doubt crept back into his mind as he realized it was very humanlike. Tommy inched closer to the bird and picked it up to place it back outside his window. Soon it was carefully escorted back into the wild and flew away.
Tommy sighed, closing the window, and continued to dance. Unbeknownst to him, the crow stayed around to watch. It chirped happily, soon leaving and finally flying away.
"At 6:12 am, the body of Floris Foxberry was discovered in the park near Prime and Pandora Avenue. His body was heavily mutilated, missing his right arm and a few fingers on his left. It was discovered that he was missing multiple organs, his heart and his kidney. We continue to advise citizens to avoid going out at night. Please mind your children and yourself when going to public parks."
Tommy turned off the radio, sighing. It looks like he won't be able to practice there tonight... No matter. Tommy got up, taking his mp3 player, backpack, and survival handbook. The window was already open as he made sure he had everything to stay alive.
The handbook states:
- Always carry a blunt object. It will be easy to use when fighting off a cryptid and avoids physical contact.
- Walk away if you see someone being attacked by a cryptid. DO NOT try to help.
- Wherever you decide to go, make sure nothing distracts you from your path. Try to arrive at the designated location as fast as possible.
- Avoid contact with shadows or corners. Cryptids usually hide in those places.
- Be back at your home before 2 am.
Tommy picked up his baseball bat and slowly maneuvered himself onto a ladder below his window. Silently, he landed on grass, swiftly making his way to the small hole that lay in the fences around his house.
There was an abandoned warehouse near his home. It was a 10-minute walk, but that time could mean everything for Tommy's life. He walked quickly, feeling eyes observing him from behind. 'No. Ignore them, Tommy, don't get distracted.'
He ignored the eyes and felt the building get closer. He was alive!- and he made it to the warehouse. Tiptoe-ing his way into the building, he quickly locked the doors and shut the blinds, leaving the only source of light coming from the candles around him. Tommy lit all of them up, making sure all corners were visible and in light.
"Jesus...", Tommy relaxed. He took out the mp3 player from his backpack, chose the song; Mellohi, and started stretching. As he stretched his arms, he couldn't help but think about the man, Floris. He was a dancer it seemed. He silently prayed to the gods, making sure that Floris reached the gates of the afterlife.
Tommy danced to "Mellohi," following his own choreography, he knew it wasn't perfect, but he tried. His dirty sports shoes were no match to the quality of pointe shoes. Lost in the music, he danced more, and just like before, the melody took control of his body. At the climax of the song, Tommy smiled. He had finished the piece with a bow.
He stood alone, taking in the moment before claps came from the side of the room. A tall brunette man walked into Tommy's view, "That was quite a performance."
"Who the hell are you?!" Tommy quickly grabbed his bat, holding it up at the brunette. The stranger put his hands up, "Woah, don't worry, I'm not a cryptid." Once the figure was more apparent, Tommy's eyes met a man in a yellow sweater and blue eyes.
"Are you homeless?" were the next words that came out of Tommy's mouth, followed by a choked laugh from the man. "No, sorry? The names Wilbur", the man-Wilbur, extended his hand and Tommy shook it,
"Tommy."