This Cryptid World

Part 1: Max Silverveil: A Cryptid Encounter, Chapter 1

To some people, creatures like Bigfoot and the Chupacabra, also known as cryptids, do not exist. However, there are some people who believe these creatures are actually out there, just waiting to be discovered. Some people have claimed to have seen such creatures. While some of these sightings could be explained as hoaxes, there are some sightings that cannot be explained so easily, leading to a group of scientists called cryptozoologists to begin studying these creatures and whether or not they truly exist.

According to Max Silverveil, a sixteen year old boy, he did not truly believe in cryptids. Even though he had never seen a cryptid, he liked to remain open minded about them just in case one of the creatures was ever proven real during his lifetime. He never knew that he would soon question his opinion on the subject on one fateful camping trip in Oklahoma in the year 2020.

Oklahoma, March 2020

Max was packing his bags in order to get ready for his family's camping trip in the woods that they took every couple of months. After he finished packing, he left his bedroom and went to see how his older brother, Gus, was doing with his packing. Once he reached his brother's room, he saw that his father, Amadeus, was in his brother's bedroom talking to Gus with his voice raised in frustration.

"Not again." Max sighed in his disappointment.

"How many times am I going to tell you, Gus? Thaddeus is coming on the camping trip with us, and that's final!" Amadeus said, referring to Max and Gus's cousin.

"But why?" Gus asked.

"Because I'm tired of you always calling your cousin annoying just because he believes in those creatures like Bigfoot. It's time for you to learn how to get along with him!"

"But it is annoying! Surely he'd know by now that Bigfoot isn't real!"

"Everyone has their own opinion, Gus. It's time for you to respect that." Amadeus said, his frustration rising.

"I've never seen a Bigfoot, so that must mean they don't exist; so, how on earth can I respect that?"

"That's enough, Gus! This is exactly why I invited Thaddeus to come camping with us, to teach you a lesson on getting along with others, even if you don't agree with their opinions!" Amadeus said.

"Fine."

"Good, now finish packing your bags. Thaddeus should be here any minute, and then we can get going." Amadeus said leaving the room.

It was then when Amadeus noticed Max's presence.

"You heard that didn't you?" Amadeus asked his younger son.

"I'm afraid so." Max replied.

"I know I'm being hard on him, but I'm only doing it so that he can learn to be more respectful towards others, especially Thaddeus."

"I know, Dad. If it makes you feel any better, I don't have a problem with Thaddeus."

"I know, and I appreciate you being nicer to your cousin than your brother is." Amadeus said.

"Gus will come around, Dad. From what I've heard, it takes some people longer to mature than others." Max said.

"Yeah, I just hope he learns to be more respectful before his disrespect gets him into trouble he won't be able to find his way out of." Amadeus sighed nervously.

"Don't you believe in him?"

"Of course I do."

"Then you should believe that he will mature when the time is right." Max said.

"You're right, but I can't help but fear for the worst. Ever since your mother died, I've done my best to raise you two, but I'm worried about not being good enough since your mother is no longer with us." Amadeus said.

"I'm sure Mom wouldn't want you to be so hard on yourself."

"I guess you're right. I'll do my best to work on it. Thanks, Max." Amadeus said, managing a smile.

It did not take long for Thaddeus to arrive, and by the time that he did, everyone's bags were packed. They all got into Amadeus's car, and began the drive to the cabin in the woods where they would be camping.