In the cold waters, a monster lurked just beneath the surface glistening with the sparkles of the stars in the night sky. Red eyes glowing, the monster laid there, observing the quiet shores that gave off an unsettling temperature that served as a warning for any passer-by.
Kelpy waited for his prey, or presumably, next victim. He scanned the shore and when nobody was in sight he got ready to leave the cold waters and step onto the chilling sand that he sensed despite being submerged.
Normally at a time like this, people would avoid coming to the shore in fear they would be snatched away or abducted by the monstrous horse that roamed the waters. Kelpy was very much aware of their fear and sentiments, he heard every word spoken out of their mouths no matter the day and time, including the distance.
Eavesdropping on their conversations to determine his next move made things a lot easier. How grateful he was for having such excellent hearing. Kelpy lifted himself from the mass of seaweed smeared on his knees. He hated having to deal with them, it slowed him down whenever he was at the verge of pouncing on a least suspecting individual who unfortunately got away right after hearing the stifles in the water. Sometimes they heard it in the bushes but it took longer for Kelpy to act so they often brushed it off and leave as soon as something became amidst.
Locals were warned to avoid a lanky handsome man during this hour. Kelpy knew these warnings had circulated around and decided to play a different game; He'd transform into different people, depending on the situation, those who were close to a particular person would more likely fall for it and meet their demise. Others who knew it was a blatant setup ran for their lives and never came back.
A girl with glossy brown hair and a wide smile skipped out of the door of her house that stood on the hill facing the sea. Unaware of the monster lurking in the depths of the still water, she came out to check on her plants.
Several pots surrounded the house passing off as decorations from afar until people realized they were actual plants aligned like a row of authentic art pieces on display.
Kelpy's glowing red eyes turned to slits when he noticed the girl taking the rumors she might have heard way too lightly for her own good. She was a naive individual. This hunt has officially caught the title for being one of the easiest ones Kelpy's ever had in his life.
Slowly, the monstrous horse emerged from the water, his heard rising from the water before inching upwards further more to get a clearer view of his victim.
Just then he felt something tugging on his foot, followed by a strong pull that sent him back into the water. Kelpy flailed his limbs around to get out of this mysterious grip in the dark water that was sending him deeper into the depths.
The girl spun around in shock. What was that? She could've sworn she heard splashing.
After a moment of long eerie silence, she snapped back to the pot of plants in front of her that awaited the attention she promised to give them this fine night.
Deep down, she was starting to feel uneasy. She was certain something was watching her in that direction. Anything could be hiding in the water.
Meanwhile, Kelpy hid below the water's surface. He remained still until he heard the girl's footsteps walking back to the porch and the sound of the door opening. It's creaks reminding him that she lived close by so he could take his time to strike.
Kelpy broke through the net which he assumed the girl must've casted earlier. After all, her house was the closest to the shore, the others were slightly farther away but still accessible nevertheless because of their location.
It's strange, he never met this girl despite her activities having been the closest to his hunting grounds. How could he have overlooked her presence all this time?
Kelpy felt a numbing feeling in his ankle when he got out of the water. The aquatic horse inspected his left ankle and saw a deep cut splattered with crimson blood. He snorted and ignored the slight pesky feeling that didn't bug him much but acted as a temporary setback.
That net of all things. Shaking his head, Kelpy stood on the cold sand, prying at the house with the lights on and shadows of the girl walking across the living room and kitchen. Even at this hour, she never felt tired. Not even after the fear that she felt which would've drained her spirits to continue with her responsibilities. How admirable.
An idea popped in Kelpy's mind, one that he adored given the fact that it always worked. It just required a little more effort but he was willing to go about it for this case.
Kelpy put up a wicked smile and began morphing into a charming man. He walked towards the house sitting on the small hill and knocked on the door, leaving his wound there for the girl to tend to once she provides him with the accommodation he needs. At least that's what she'll think.
The tale of a scapegoat, he could always regenerate. This was going to be interesting.
After a few knocks on the door, the girl opened it and looked up at the man on her doorstep. She was surprised and Kelpy found it amusing that she answered the door at this hour. Oh how someone could be so naive to the dangers lurking around this area at night.
"Can I help you?"
"Oh I'm injured do you have some medication by any chance? The pain is unbearable."
At the corner of his eye, Kelpy watched as the girl took a step back to inspect the wound on his left foot. She turned to look at the man and gestured for him to come inside.
"You can stay at our place for a while."
So she wasn't alone. Of course there looked to be several rooms upstairs. This girl definitely had company.
"Thank you. Your help means a lot to me." Kelpy walked into the house and smiled at the progress he was making.
"I'm Clementine what's your name?" The brunette asked him in a honey-laced voice.
"Call me Francis." Kelpy managed to come up with a name that very second.
The accommodation was perfect. Clemetine showed him around and told him to wait at the kitchen counter while she grabs the necessary aid for his wound. Her grandparents whom she was staying with had fallen asleep in the living room while watching late night television.
No one will know of the cause of this girl's disappearance. Kelpy looked around one last time to make sure Clementine's grandparents were fast asleep, he had no concern regarding the sound of his movements since they were in a deep slumber. The environment in this house proved to be ideal for his objective.
Kelpy got up and stared at the faint trail of footsteps that only entities like him could keep track of. He took a step closer to the nearest footstep looking up every now and then to check on Clementine's anticipated return.
Before he could lift another foot, Clementine came back with a battle and some bandage in her hand. She rushed over to Kelpy, worried sick about the implications his wound could have on his stability if he's not careful.
Kelpy sighed quietly, Clementine not hearing it as she removed the lid from the bottle and set everything down on the table in front of them.
He rolled up his pants slightly so Clementine could apply the oil to his wound. He didn't need to but if he wanted to get this done and over with he was willing to oblige to the instructions of a human. Though he didn't like being pampered like this.
Clementine applied the minty oil to his wound with the cotton held tightly between her fingers. There was something about her determination to help others that caught his attention. Soon his heartbeat started accelerating, and all Kelpy could do was stare at this girl.
"Better?" She asked softly, looking up at Kelpy. Her eyes meeting his as they stared at each other for a few seconds before he nodded slowly and she picked up the bandage, questioning that moment but not thinking too much of it right now. Kelpy was certain he felt something occur between them but he couldn't quite describe it.
Gently, Clementine wrapped the bandage around his ankle and secured it before looking up at him again and smiling. "All done!" She said in a cheerful tone.
"Thanks." Kelpy blinked a few times, fidgeting slightly in his seat.
Arranging the items on the table so it wouldn't look messy, Clementine glanced at Kelpy wondering why these vibes were settling in. Instead of making assumptions she decided to perhaps start a conversation but when she was about to speak, Kelpy got up from the couch and made his way towards the front door.
Kelpy couldn't bring himself do it. This girl was too precious to undergo such a brutal fate. He'd never lay a finger on her. People like her deserve to live a life of happiness, they're hard to come across. Society would benefit a lot from having someone like her in their spaces.
He'd have to pass for now. Kelpy appreciated this girl.
"I guess I'll get going now." Kelpy said, rolling down the left side of his pants.
"Be careful it's dark out there." Clementine was concerned for his safety. The man will have to get by the dark that was all too consuming. She couldn't even bear standing out there given the atmosphere and unsettling presence that was hard to make of.
It wasn't long until Kelpy left. The house fell quiet again. Clementine stood there, only hearing the sound of her own heartbeat.
Kelpy thought about where'd he go from here as he walked towards the shore. The man wondered if he should visit her one of these days, he wanted to for some reason. However he had to think of an explanation for his return so this bond he's formed with Clementine wouldn't be broken. He really wanted to get to know her.
It was strange, a monster like himself drawn to a human that he just met. And it all went smoothly.
A few days later, Clementine was both thrilled and shocked to see Kelpy standing at her doorstep again. The sun was rising and the rays it gave off made the sweet smile of Kelpy's appear brighter and genuine. She invited him in and they both sat together in the kitchen where she was painting a beautiful portray of seal swimming in a sparkling lake.
"I can't help but feel like something's missing." Clementine said, staring at the painting.
Kelpy glanced at the swan and then back at Clementine who thought he had something to say about the concern she addressed. There were numerous paintings hung up on the wall behind them. All of them done by her. Kelpy relished in her artistic skills. The kitchen reminded him of a gallery.
It's amazing how she made everything around her seem so vibrant.
"I think I know what it is."
Clementine looked at Kelpy who picked up the paint brush and proceeded to draw an outline on the canvas.
He then picked up a few other brushes of different colors and moved his hand gently across the surface of Clementine's artwork.
The girl stared at Kelpy's steadiness in awe. Amazed by how skillful he was at handling the brush. She didn't expect to come across another person who shared the same passions as her, moreover in this part of town.
When Kelpy was done he awaited Clementine's response. She squealed when she saw the other swan beside the one she drew. Their heads now brushing against each other, forming a heart at the center of the lake.
Kelpy's gaze peered into Clementine's, a spark ignited between them. One that drew them closer.
Clementine wrapped her arms around Kelpy and hugged him. He melted into her embrace, this was exactly what he was hoping for ever since they met.
"Oh Francis I'm so glad to have met someone who loves art just as much as I do! You stayed by my side while I was working on one of my most devoted artworks and made it even better!"
Kelpy held her and listened to everything she said keenly.
Since then there was a significant change in Kelpy's routine but he didn't mind it. If anything, Clementine brought about a meaningful purpose to his life; Keeping her valuable heart safe from the dangers in this world.