#talonfang

Stumbling into the house you dragged your tired feet across the wood tiled entryway, slumping off your sopping shoulder bag and coat along the way, each step causing the floors to creak in the old house. You were thoroughly drenched and utterly miserable. You slowly shuffled your way upstairs for a quick bath to warm up and attempt to wash the day off before you head to bed.

You sigh as you turn on the faucet, replaying the events of the day through your head. Both of the times you were yelled at were not your fault, but your coworker’s, who always push the blame to you. You were getting increasingly frustrated with their actions, but knew your boss wouldn’t listen. 

Turning the faucet off, you strip yourself of your cold, wet clothing and slip into the welcoming warmth of your tub. Instant relief washed over your whole form as you let out a groan, your body warming and your tired muscles relaxing. You let your head rest, rolling it to the side and close your eyes.

The sudden feeling of being watched nags at the back of your mind making you quickly open your eyes and glance around.

Looking out the open door into the dark depths of your house you see it.

Two pairs of golden glowing eyes, staring right back at you.

You were so startled you lost your grip making your head sink under the water. The sensation of water in your nose makes you sit up gasping for air and push your hair out of your face, eyes immediately scanning the hall, but seeing nothing. Placing a hand over your chest you pant as you stare at the area, waiting for something to happen, but nothing ever did.

“I must be seeing things. I really need to go to bed” you say in a tired tone.

Rising out of the tub you quickly pat dry and throw on your favorite pair of pajamas. Searching the pockets of the discarded wet clothes, looking for your phone, you realize you left it downstairs in your shoulder bag. 

“Of course” you groan out as you jog down the stairs. 

Laying where you left it was your wet, muddy bag, making you grimace at the thought of touching it. You pinch the flap between your thumb and forefinger and carefully open it, trying not to touch any of the gook and grime. The inside of the bag was relatively dry making you sigh in relief. Quickly retrieving your phone, you are about to head upstairs when you notice you have a text message. You decide to check it.

‘We are sorry to inform you that due to recent events, your position in our company has been terminated. Your final check will be sent to your home address through the mail’ 

A tightening sensation forms in your chest as you read the message over and over trying to make sense of the words.

Your body trembles as a stinging sensation rushes to your eyes making you furiously rub them. How could they do this to you? After all you had done for the company, they just let you go? Before you can stop yourself your body is wracked with sobs making you lower to your knees. A sudden crashing noise from behind makes you rip out of your sorry state and turn. 

A potted plant lie shattered on the ground, behind it, the same four golden eyes are there again, staring you down from the corner of the dark room, only this time, they don’t leave. You quickly shuffle backwards trying to put as much distance between you and…..whatever was there.

A whisper comes from the shadows, deep and gravely. 

“Please, I mean no harm…”

Your whole body shakes making you completely forget about the message you just read as you barely manage to form an audible sentence.

“W-who are you?”

It seems as though the shadows themselves move as a figure slowly and timidly emerges from the shadows. He was otherworldly. His form towered over you causing him to crouch lowly to accommodate your ceilings. His body was pitch black, fading to a dark royal blue as it got to the end of his six limbs. The expanse of his body that was visible was splattered with light blue specks, making it seem as though he is glowing in some areas. His face was slim, two eyes and horns on each side, one pair curling back like ram horns, the other in the front were short and stuck straight up. Dark grey wavy hair lay on his head and trail mid-waist. A pair of loose torn jeans clung to slim hips, a tapered tail sticking out of a self made hole in the back. His lips pulled back into what looked like a shy smile showing what seemed to be a row of pointed teeth.  

“Tororin…” He said quietly.

You swallow thickly at the sight of this creature. “What are you?”   

“I am a demon cursed to this house by a…..misunderstanding from the past owners”

A demon, that’s a surprise. Monsters aren’t uncommon in the area you live, but demons are quite rare. He must have been here a long time as the last people who lived here did so over 60 years ago. You had just moved into this house not even three weeks ago and had noticed some things being moved slightly to one side or having one less of a food item then you remembered, but you just played it off as your imagination. It must have been him this whole time.

“I am sorry for startling you. You had seemed saddened when you arrived home today so I worried and wanted to check on you. I fled when you noticed me and thought to leave you be for the night till I heard you crying. I feel my chest ache at your sadness, for you do not deserve such feelings” said Tororin as his eyes darted down in shame at being caught watching you.

You opened your mouth to speak, but snap it shut. What were you supposed to say? It must have been some time of silence because you heard Tororin let out a shaky sigh and begin to turn away to retreat.

“I will leave you be, not to bother you again. I apologize for making myself known and will keep to myself from now on.” he said as he began the ascent of the stairs.

“Wait!” you said, scrambling to your feet.

This caused him to halt in wait of what you would say next.

“So you can’t leave at all?” you questioned.

“No. Not before the curse is broken may I step foot outside this home” 

“What has to be done to break it?”

This grabs his attention making him turn slowly, coming back in your direction. He stopped far in front of you, crouching. “Why does that matter to you?” he said softly, avoiding your gaze.

You hesitate, glancing at your phone and remember the message you received. Shaking your head you decided that this was more pressing. “Maybe I can help you. If you let me.” you let out. You don’t know why, but you feel like this is something you need to do. 

His head shot up at this. Golden eyes looking directly into yours. “You would do that?” he said as hope danced in his eyes.

With a nod of your head Tororin shot up, barely avoiding hitting the ceiling light. A wide smile split over his face showing just how many teeth he had. 

“Thank you….”

“y/n”

“Thank you y/n. Come and I shall tell you all what you need to know”

Tororin headed in the direction as you followed meekly behind.

“I trust the preparations for your mission are ready K’utzar?”

“Yes sire. All needed materials are accounted for, and the ship has had a proper inspection. I will depart within the hour.”

“Good. You are dismissed. Good luck on your travels.”

“Thank you, sire.” They bowed before turning to make their leave. 

The journey down the corridor to the docking bay was a quiet one. K’utzar being lost in thought and worry. It would be the first mission they even have gone on by themselves. 

Wringing their hands they attempted to calm down. Everything would be fine right? It’s just a simple sediment and life information retrieval. A routine procedure. What’s the worst that can happen?

 At the end of the corridor they place their palm on the scanner causing the doors to slide open revealing the massive room busy with the hustle and bustle of others working on their assigned duties. They catch a few knowing glances from those they pass. Everyone was nervous about their first solo mission. Knowing this gave K’utzar some comfort.

There it was, gleaming like a beacon in the dim sector of the bay. The place they would call home for the next twelve days. The ship was beautiful for a lack of better words. A light blue meshing with white the further you looked up to the nose. The structure, large enough to be a temporary living space as well as hold research materials, but not large enough to draw the attention of locals. K’utzar willed themselves to calm down as the nerves started rising again.

“Let's just get this over with” they said as they entered the open hatch and settled in their seat at the controls. With a firm grasp on the steering mechanism and a few switches being flipped they speak into the comm.

“G-491 ready for departure” they say as the ship whirrs to life, the interior lighting up making a soft glow cast over their grey complection. 

“All clear. Proceed with take off” a voice crackled over the speakers. With that they took off out of the bay and on to their destination, a little planet in the Milky-Way. Earth. 

With the coordinations set they relax a bit. The trip will take about twenty minutes, giving themselves some time to reflect.

“Everything will be alright” they mumble to themselves what they said earlier, glancing out at the stars whizzing past. “What’s the worst that can happen?” 

-

The sun almost fully set as you got your daily duties finished. You were spending the summer helping out on your grandparents farm while they were away on vacation. It was hard work, but thankfully, most of what you had to do was care for the animals, and keep the plants watered. Avery trailed behind you as you gathered up the tools to store them away in the small barn. Avery was your massive five year old sheepdog who was just a big sweetheart, so when she suddenly halted facing the small dense forest that surrounded the back of the barn with her fur standing erect and her lips drawn in a low growl, you were more than startled.

You whistle for her to come, thinking maybe she just saw a deer, but she didn’t budge. At this point the sky was a deep blue, making it hard to see anything other than what was illuminated by the lights of the barn. Grasping the pitchfork you stamp the handle and whistle once more calling for her. “Avery! Come on! We need to feed the chickens before we head to bed!”

A blinding light pierced through the dark foliage, bright and green in color. It made you drop your pitchfork as you tried to shield your eyes from the intensity of the beam. As sudden as it came it was gone, replaced with a soft glow emanating from far in the forest. A noise much like an air valve being released could be heard. With this Avery bolted in the direction of the light, her barks bouncing off the trees. 

“Avery!” you yelled, gathering up your pitchfork and chasing after her. It must have just been another group of teenagers going in because of a dare. You’ve never seen her react this way before though. The light quickly got closer and you saw her standing there barking at the source. Your breath caught in your throat as you gazed upon a…..ship? You were astonished by its appearance. It was like nothing you had ever seen. The light seemed to be coming from inside of the strange vessel.

You swallowed thickly, mind quickly coming to the conclusion this had to be a prank. Whoever set this up had to still be nearby. You furrowed your eyebrows, upset with the situation they had put you in. “Avery heel!” you call to her. She obeys this time, coming to your side but with sharp eyes still fixed on the vessel.

“Whoever put this here needs to show themselves immediately! This is private property!” you demand tightly gripping the handle preparing yourself for the group of teens you always catch out here to come out. What you weren’t prepared for was a small figure to come out of the open hatch of the ship holding up two, three fingered hands. Shock shot through your body as you looked into abnormally large black eyes that were placed on the smooth grey skin that made up this creature's face. It looked like something straight out of a horror film.

Losing the initial shock you roll your eyes. “I’ll admit, that’s an impressive costume, but you need to remove the mask now or I’ll do it for you” you insist with a few steps in their direction. A quiet mumble can be heard but it is indistinguishable. “What was that?” you pause about ten paces away. They twist a knob on the front of their jumpsuit and mumble again. 

“Not- costume. No- not- costume.” comes a gabled voice.

Your eyes widen. “What do you mean not a costume? Of course it’s a costume!” 

Then they blink.

You gasp and stumble back, ankle catching on a tree root causing you to fall. Avery quickly stands in between you two. The combination of your reaction and Avery's snarling appearance causes the alien to start waving their hands in a plea.

With a slap to the dial on their chest they blurt out, “Please! I come in peace! I am just doing a sample retrieval!” 

“A sample retrieval!? Are you here to abduct me!?” horror washed over your features.

“No of course not! I’m here to take samples of soil and plant matter to see if there might be something beneficial in the chemical and structural make up of this planet's matter in comparison to other planets! I have no desire to harm you!” they say stumbling over some words with how quickly they are trying to speak.

It feels like ages pass before either of you make a move. You sigh and slowly pull yourself up. Why me?

 “So.. let me get this straight. You’re here to take some dirt and leaves back with you on this” you gesture to the vessel behind them, “spaceship, so you find out if you could maybe use it for something?” They nod quickly. “And you aren’t here to take people?” This time they shake their head side to side.

You let out a small chuckle. A stroke to Avery’s head pulls her guard down and you tell her to sit. Sensing your sudden calmness causes her to calm down fully.

“Alright then. I don’t know why but I believe you. You got a name?” you say with a small smile on your lips. They visibly relax at this, smiling back “I am called K’utzar.”  

“K’utzar huh? Well K’utzar, why did you pick here of all places to do your research?” you questioned looking around at the surrounding forest. “To be honest, there isn’t much here but firs and branches.”

“I was told to conduct my research here because it was supposedly desolate of any ‘humans’, but I see now they were wrong” they sigh as they too look around.

“Well tell you what. You need different plants right?” Nod. “And wouldn’t it go faster if you had help?” Nod. “From a local?”

 K’utzars face lit up at this. “You mean you? You would help me?”

They looked ecstatic, causing you to give a large smile. “Yes, I’ll help. We can start tomorrow morning if you would like?”

 They clasp their hands together. “Yes of course! I-we will start when there is light.”

 With a wave of your hand you turn back towards the barn house. “Alright see you then. Come on Avery, it’s bedtime!” With that you make your way back, all the while thinking about the strange friendly alien. Scooping the discarded tools up you shove them back into the barn and quickly check on the animals, exhausted from the day's activities.

With the barn locked, the lights off, and Avery at your heel, you finally head off to bed. Pulling the covers up to your chin you spare a glance out of the window by your bed, and see the dim light still emanating from the woods and wonder what tomorrow will bring with your new ‘friend’.

-

Light streaming through your window onto your pillow rouses you out of a peaceful rest making you let out a groan pulling the covers over your head. K’utzar! You sit up suddenly, the sheets falling from your head. You quickly throw the covers off and change into a comfortable outfit and pull some boots on. There is a cold wetness on your leg and you look down to see Avery nudging you and whining. “Aw, sorry girl, I’m going to have you stay here today. I promise you can come tomorrow though.” You ruffle her fur and then head out the door and to the forest.

I’m pretty sure it was here? Was it all a dream? “Hello human!” a voice exclaims from behind. You whip around to see them there again, this time holding a box full of tubes and wearing a bright smile. 

“Are you ready to begin the day?” Alright, yesterday did happen. You inhale a deep breath and smile. 

“Yup! You can call me y/n btw, not just human.”

 “Oh yes! Of course!” they stutter out.

 “Well, where do we start?”

They showed you the ropes about how to properly collect samples of things using a small scoop that is then placed into a tube and sealed. The tube contained a clear liquid that would dissolve the material on contact then change color depending on what was put in. The whole process was fascinating. 

“With your help y/n, I can find different materials much quicker as you know more about this planet.” they expressed, gratitude lacing their voice. 

An idea suddenly came to mind. “You need plant matter too right?” You stood up dusting off your knees and looked at them awaiting an answer. 

“That is correct. Why?” a puzzled expression crossing their features. 

“I have a farm! I grow plants! You could take a sample from plants I’m sure you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. Here come this way.” You grab their hand pulling them along till you reach the field next to the barn. The small field is littered with a multitude of different fruits, vegetables, and herbs. K’utzar glances around at the lush produce, mouth agape.

You let go of their hand, using it to grab a bright red tomato off of the nearest vine and hand it to them causing them to place the box down. “That is a tomato, over there are blueberries, the tall ones are corn, and those are squash.” You tell as you walk them through the plants closest to you. 

They turn the tomato over in their hands, observing the way it shines in the sunlight. Dark eyes glance up into your own, they look flabbergasted. “This is all so much to take in. I feel overwhelmed by your generosity. This planet is beautiful so far from what I’ve seen, and there is so much more to do then I first thought” they say as they hand the tomato back. “I have a favor to ask of you.” they lean over and shuffle through the box. In their hands seems to be a notebook? “I was wondering if you would record the names of the plants and the information you know about them. Your knowledge would be a most helpful addition to our research.”

They wanted you to take notes? “What will you do while I do this?” you question as you take the notebook. 

“I will continue taking samples!” they beamed. “There is so much work to do! Shall we get started then?”

You chuckle at their enthusiasm and nod. With that you both started on your work, you taking the occasional break to water some plants or check on the animals all the while asking K’utzar where they were from and what it’s like in space. 

By the end of the day you two had a sizable chunk of work done. You wipe the sweat off your brow and hand the notebook back to K’utzar. “Here you are. I had a lot of fun helping you today. It sure beats my normal farmwork.” 

They place the notebook under their arm and grasp your hands. “Thank you. I enjoyed today with you more than I have enjoyed a day in a long time. You are a wonderful being and I am lucky to be in your presence y/n.”

You don’t know why, but their words caused heat to rise in your cheeks. “Will you need my help tomorrow?” you say looking away because of their intense gaze. 

“Yes, I will.”

“I will be here around the same time then.” you spoke quietly, slinking your hands away and heading up the steps of the house. 

“I will look forward to our time spent together. Have a plentiful rest y/n.” they shouted at your retreating form. 

“You too!” you called back as you swiftly shut the door behind you and slumped against it. In no time Avery was at your side joyously lapping at your flushed face. You laugh and push her off. “Yes hello to you too.” She settles herself down next to you, head placed in your lap while you skritch at her ear. 

Today really was great. The idea of seeing K’utzar tomorrow made your heartbeat quicken. The conversations you had today showed you just how kind they are and how much they truly loved their job. You could get used to this. Someone to talk to, share thoughts to, it made you excited for tomorrow. 

The cabin consisted of a living space, bathroom, and a small bedroom, the cabin's only door was situated directly across from the one you were currently staring down. With shaky hands you place the only light source down and reach for the knob. The hand grasping the metal knob quickly pulls back. It was freezing. So cold in fact, that it was nearly impossible to keep a hold long enough to turn it.

Confusion scrawls itself into your brows. There is a small fire going in the living room; there should be no reason for anything to feel so frozen. You pocket the small knife and using that hand, yank your sweater sleeve over your digits. With hand ready the lantern makes its way back in the other as you lay your wool covered palm on the knob and turn.

Cool air quickly rushes past your frame, instantly chilling you to the core. Flakes of snow cling to soft clothes. You use a hand to shield your face from the onslaught of cold bashing into you. It feels like you were outside barring the chilling weather, not inside what should be a warm cabin. Your feet shuffle slowly forward as your eyes squint around the room.

The front door was wide open. Snow and bits of what looked like shards ice litter the floor, the fire long out. It must have been the storm that blew it open. A sigh of relief can be heard falling from your lips as you do a once over of the living room to make sure there were no animals or anything that found their way inside. You only found pine needles and more ice shards. Odd.

It was starting to feel even colder so you made your way over to the door, swiftly closing and latching it. When you turn to head back to bed you see it.

A figure lurking in the doorway.

You make a shocked noise and fall, back hitting the door, lantern falling from your hand. The fallen light illuminates them and you can make out some of their features. Tall with long onyx hair that went down falling just below their waist. Sharp cheekbones and nose lay on pale skin. So pale that it almost seemed to glow in the light. Their lips were a soft blue, and eyes completely white, no color whatsoever. They adorn a fully white kimono.

Their lips part as they speak in a deep, almost hoarse voice.

“Give me one reason now, why I should spare your life”.

Your feet push back and forth against the ground in an attempt to further yourself from their ghostly presence, but your attempts are futile. The door is blocking your path.

The pale figure glides slightly forward without making a single move. He’s floating. Your chest tightens with fear as you force words out of your trembling lips.

“Please spirit I- I’ve done no wrong!” You say while slowly running your hand down your side. You feel a hard object part way down. The knife!

With a shaky hand you slip it into the pocket, grasping the knife and wait.

You see a pale kimono clad arm rise and the figure moves closer. With a loud thud, his hand hits the door next to your head. You jump and look him directly in his snow colored eyes. He looks so hauntingly beautiful. His mouth falls slightly open; he seems to be staring through you, seemingly searching for something.

Your grip tightens on the blade, your breathing shallows preparing to make a strike when you notice a change in his expression. His gaze seems to soften and with a slight nod, he lowers his hand softly to your shoulder. Sharp pain emanates from where he placed his hand, small ice shards forming on the cloth of your jacket.

“Yes…you haven’t, have you?” he says in a whisper.

The hand that lays on you shifts, moving its way over to your bare cheek. You flinch and wince and the intense chilling sensation flowing through your jaw. His grip moves down to your chin, tightening, his thumb runs gently over your bottom lip causing it to tingle. 

“Listen to me… I have shown myself to you when I should not have. I shall spare you here today….but you mustn't speak of this encounter….with anyone.” he speaks gently but firmly. You can almost hear a tone under his voice, a threatening one that causes you to swallow thickly. Your grip loosens on the knife.

You breath out shakily and nod. “Uh uh…..yeah! I mean yes! Um I…I won’t tell anyone, ever. Please just leave me be…”

He stares silently for a moment, scanning your features for any hint of doubt before nodding to himself. “Very well…”

The hand draws itself from your face and you quickly bring your own up, trying to rub the chilling burning sensation away. The figure stands up once more, looming over you.

“Please stand and open the door. I shall take my leave.” He says.

You free your hand from your pocket and remove the other from your face placing them both on the ground to pull yourself up quickly. Standing, you finally see how tall he really is, his frame lurking above your own. 

Without turning your back to him, you maneuver your hands behind you and grasp for the doorknob, relieved when you finally find it. With a twist the room is chilled once more with the howling snowy winds.

You watch him closely as he glances once more your way, a warm smile graces his features as he glides through the door frame. He moves farther away and with a blink, he’s gone.

Quickly you close the door and latch it. You let out a long shaky breath, tears spring to the corners of your eyes. Your eyes darted around the room looking for the ice that was there and found nothing.

Others would notice his grim demeanor, whispering around if he’s ok or upset.

It would take you walking over to him for him to even say anything the whole time.

If he wasn’t nervous before, he sure is now with your proximity.

He would keep crossing and uncrossing his broad arms out of nervousness.

He has many nervous habits like biting his lip.

The moment he hears your voice he can’t help but have trouble forming sentences.

He just likes you so much.

Over the moon when you accept his offer.

Had nothing to worry about in the first place.

Longing glances are shot through the room landing softly on your frame. Saro gnaws on the corner of his bottom lip absentmindedly, now slightly swollen from the almost constant nervous habit. 

It always happens when you’re around.

Thoughts race about whether he has the courage to approach and ask for a dance or if he’ll let another opportunity to get close to you slip by.

Saro closes his eyes letting his head fall back and heaves a long sigh, ceasing the assault on his tender skin, unsure what action to take.

The sound of a clearing throat forces him to snap his head back upright as he sucks in a deep breath. It’s them, standing so close glancing up curiously, eyebrow arched in an unasked question.

“Oh uh….hi?” he croaks out, mentally scolding himself for how meek he sounds.

“Hey. Doing alright over here?” you ask in a soft tone, trying not to startle him anymore than you already did.

“You know you don’t have to stay in the corner. You’re more than welcome to come over with the rest of us.”

“Yes, I know-” he says quickly, trying to ease his rapidly increasing pulse. 

“I uhm...I actually…actually have a question to ask you, if that’s alright!” Saro speedily added.

You conceal a small chuckle at his behavior, clear your throat, and nod.

“Of course, you can ask me anything, Saro, you know that.” 

His four golden eyes scan the room before landing back on yours with a nervous glint.

“I know...” he says softly.

He wrings his hands together, then runs his hands over his hair, smoothing it down while avoiding his sharp horns. He closes his eyes once more drawing in a deep breath, slowly letting it back out. Golden eyes once more gaze into yours as he gives a short nod.

“I was wondering if you would perhaps give me the honor of a dance?” said with as much confidence as he could muster. Trying not to shut his eyes again in fear of your response.

“Saro, is that what you were so worked up over? Of course we can dance! Anytime you want, not just at gatherings.”