Traditions

"It went alright.. And yours?"

"I... can't go through with it..."

"How come?"

"I... just can't.."

"..Oh.. So, what's gonna happen.. Ya know.."

"I... I'd rather die then to go through with this one..." Cyntheia chuckled nervously "They'll kill me by one of my fears... that's how they also torture you... heh... heheh..."

Niles stared at her, and shrugged. "Okay.."

"Tsk..." Cyntheia shook her head "So that's why I'm giving up... No longer a night prowler... but a run away.."

"Running away?" Niles thought of an idea. "Why don't you come back to my village with me? You'd be welcomed there.."

"I... I can't... I couldn't... I'm probably being watched and... I just couldn't... after what I was ordered to do I..."

"What were you ordered to do?"

Cyntheia lowered her ears scared to tell him

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"I think it'd be best so you could be careful..."

"..Alright.. But why?"

"I'm sorry... I really am... but..."

"But...?"

Cyntheia took a deep breath "In my tribe... out tradition... every year when the moon is blood red or a different color then it usually is we must kill someone close to one another..." Cyntheia took a step back "I've killed so many... gained their trust and SLAUGHTERED them like worthless animals... but earlier today..."

Niles twitched his right ear. "Eariler today...?"

"The Elder... who I am ashamed to call my sister ordered me to... t-to..."

Niles frowned and pulled her into another hug. "You don't have to say if you don't want to."

"... To kill someone very dear to me..."

The fox's eyes widen when he heard that. "Kill someone close to you? How could they even think of making you do such a thing?"

Cyntheia nodded "And that's why... that's why I could never join your tribe..." Cyntheia shut her eyes "It was you..."

The fox frowned and hugged her tightly. "I have an idea.."