The Way It Is

it's not real - part 1

Mother of stars, he is cocky and arrogant. I try not to find it amusing. But it kind of is. A little cheesy considering he's used "rain down" as we stand, well, everyone else stands, in a downpour. However, I still have to fight a smile.

His point, though, is valid. I can not forget that none of this is real. No matter how real it feels.

I am almost done convincing myself this isn't a big deal. No fake monster will scare me - then the scraping sound suddenly stops again.

Whatever it is, it's close now. The Dukri is still in her little ball, but no longer praying, just sobbing. I guess this is her nightmare after all.

Suddenly I hear a huge crashing sound come from down the road. The earth and buildings shake around me. Ufrik bends his knees, bracing himself. The Gnarr is like a bloody tree and barely seems to feel it. Granted, his feet are enormous, giving him a lot more anchorage.

I am not sure how, whatever it is, has gone from the alley to the road fast. It either jumped, which would explain the crashing and earth-shaking, or there are two. I am hoping my first guess is right.

Through the rain, I hear the scraping again. It is right in front of us. With it comes the sound of heavy breathing, nails clicking softly on the stone and an odd swooshing sound.

I still can't see what it is, but I get the impression it's massive. Bigger than the buildings. A deep, hissing voice creeps down the road.

"My, mmmmy. Sssoooo mannnyyy. The Godsss of Dessstruction mussst be enjoying my ssssshow if they ssssent me alllll of you."

Its voice hisses with a low rumble. It feels like darkness itself comes with it. Licking at my skin, tasting me. What the hell is it?

What the stars did Dukri legends say? What was the one monster they feared the most?

It was right there, but I can not bring it to the forefront of my brain. They have a story of an epic monster who almost wiped out their entire race until a lone warrior came and saved them. What the hell was it called again?

"Jakal!" Ufrik whispers the name with bated breath. That's right! The Jakal!

Ohhh, fuck.

By the look on Ufrik's face, it is hard for even him to remember this isn't real right now. At least now, I know why I can't see it.

They can cloak themselves. Be invisible. Handy for them, brutal for us. The scraping gives it away, though. It has been marked somehow so people would know it is coming.

My breath catches in my throat. I hear it chuckle low at the sound of its name. It thinks we don't stand a chance. I hope it isn't as big as I think it is.

Suddenly a vast dark shape appears before us. Right fucking in front of us. It could have reached out at any moment and killed any one of us.

There are small puffs of steam coming from its large nostrils with each breath. The fucking thing is a lot bigger than I had expected.

Holy mother of stars!

I forget how to breathe. I just stare open-mouthed, eyes wide, frozen. Pretty sure my heart has forgotten how to work too. I hear Ufrik curse, and the Gnarr suck in a breath.

Ya. We are so fucked. Now I know why some die in the game. Fear is real no matter where you are.

The Jakal stands, in all its horrifying glory, snickering at our obvious fear. I know he tastes it in the air. Again, I feel the darkness caress my skin. This beast has immense power—more than I have ever encountered in my life.