Some think that the hustling in the night comes from the nocturnal beasts lurking within; after all, their favorite time to do so is at night. 

Howls and growls often send shivers down one's spine, though no one asks why monsters do such things. Maybe it’s not only to spread fear and intimidation. Sometimes it is to communicate with each other, to let friends and family know they are okay. Other times it is to welcome the protection of darkness.

Monster Mobians are most active at night. Children play in without a care, homes are lively and warm; a rare relief from the constant hiding.

Nowadays, even that small privilege must be used cautiously. Mobians would hunt down anything they view as a threat, even if they see them doing nothing violent.

How can that be fair?

How many lives have to be lost all because of that misunderstanding? Yes, there are some dangerous monsters out there, but that does not mean that all of them are.

How can so many be labeled as threats, when all they do is live their lives?

Team Teras fights to stand up to the false allegations. To open their eyes to the perspective of a Monster, how if they look into their lives, they’re not too different from the average mobian.

Their lives may revolve around the moon being their midnight sun, though that is how they must live. Till the time comes where the monsters can finally walk in the daylight.

A day where there need not be any worry.

…………………………………………………….

Hazel Plains may be a small farming village, but the hazelnut trees around it truly bring a unique sense to it even if relatively unknown to the public eye.

Thus it’s the perfect place for certain Monster Mobians to hide there. Their appearance has not been judged so far, though tonight may change that.

“Lotus! Come on kid, I hired you to work! Don't sleep the night away!” An old grumpy badger yelled, supporting himself with his wooden cane. 

The young monkey yawned, rubbing her eyes for what must be the tenth time today. It felt like she was constantly tired.

Lotus was a soft pink furred monkey with eyes the color of cherries. Her fur was very curly, wearing a soft red scarf as a bow. She also wore a thick cloak that covered her entire body, even her tail, so that only her face was ever seen. 

“Y-yes sir…” Lotus replied, stuttering a bit due to her shy nature.

Lotus lost her folks due to a forest fire. Ever since the villagers have taken turns looking after her, much like the other children.

Tonight happened to be the night watch. Lotus was hired by a farmer to watch the crops at night, and prevent Flickies from eating the crops.

All for a bit of food and lodging as her payment.

“Did you not get sleep last night? If any of my vegetables are ruined, it will be on you!” The old badger warned. His grip on his cane tightened as he gave her a cold glare. He WAS a strict elder. 

“Y-yes. I will protect your crops…” Best not to anger him, it would be worse if he found out what she really is.

Hiss

The old badger paused at the sudden hiss noise, then shook it off. Perhaps he was hearing things in his old age.

Lotus watched as the farmer returned inside his home, sighing in relief that he left. He was close to learning her secret.

If the villagers found out…. it would be the end of her life.

Hiss Hiss

Lotus ignored the hissing. The night time chill must be getting to her. She needed to focus on watching tonight. Hopefully it would go fast so she could get rest. 

……………………………………………………

Only two hours have passed and Lotus already felt exhausted. She could hardly keep her eyes open, though she only had two more hours till someone would take over.

It IS strange that there has not been a single Flicky, or any other small woodland critter. They’re usually active at nights.

HISS

“Hm?” The hiss was louder than earlier. It must be some type of warning.

A warning that trouble is coming.

The young monkey child looked to the forest of hazelnut trees. A faint noise could be heard, far but… getting closer.

“Is it a Flicky?” It was the first to appear so far, though the sound was getting louder.

Definitely not any type of woodland critter she knew, then. Could this be one of the Badniks she had heard about?

She took a step closer towards the forest, trying to get a better listen. 

……………………………………………….

Darkness hides them, allows them to be one with their senses. It can smell the prey that lurks close.

“Hello? Hello? Is someone out there?” A voice calls out through the night. Ah, a ripe one, the perfect prey.

It is guided by its new instincts, slowly getting closer to the voice. Venomous saliva drips down rows of sharp fangs. The voice smells so desiring.

It appears to lead to more scents. The creature would feast on delicious food tonight. All it has to do is follow.

Fear the monsters of the Dark, those who seek revenge on those who mistreat them. Hear their cries, feel the terror that they once felt.

Those are the whispers that echo deep within the creature's mind. A new instinctual command, one the brain is programmed to obey.

Large claws crush the branches scattered on the ground. Is large size causes the critters to cower in fear.

A low rumbling growl comes out of the creature's throat. It moves closer to the voice's location. The closer it gets, the more its mouth waters.

In the darkness, a small figure stands outside the forest. There… is something strange about this small child.

Nothing is normal about this child, even if the disguise hides it well.

A long sharp tooth grin spreads across the creature's face. To think that its first prey would possess a unique flavor!

It is time to greet its soon-to-be dinner!

…………………………………………………….

The noise was getting louder. Lotus cautiously took a step back. Her instincts screamed to run, Lotus was still unable to protect herself.

The best course would be to alert the farmer, because the villagers could call for assistance, that way whatever this was could be dealt with.

A few of the villagers possessed Wispon weapons, which a group called Restoration had provided to them a few weeks prior to defend themselves from opposing threats.

Right now, Lotus really wished she had a weapon right now.

“Sir, there is-” Lotus tried to call out to the old badger. However she was interrupted as a shadow loomed behind her.

There was a creature whose scales matched the darkness of the forest, poisonous violet quill spikes coating the entirety of its back. Its size matched that of a twenty five foot tall water tower.  Reptilian orbs with narrowed pupils shone, blood red markings covering the creature's face, arms, tail, and each of its quill spikes.

Lotus paled at such a creature. Never before had she witnessed or heard of any creature matching this description.

Hiss

Even the loud hissing noises were telling her to run, but her legs were frozen from the sheer fear alone. Trembling from the creature's appearance, her scared reflection could be seen in its eyes.

“Are you slacking off again?! How do you expect to earn your stay in this village?!” The badger opened his door, ready to scold Lotus.

Instead he was greeted by the monster. How it ran a long slender tongue across its fangs, ready to devour the terrified child.

“Huh?!” The badger’s cane drops to the ground, eyes now the size of saucer plates. Could he be seeing things?

The sound shifts the creature's attention from Lotus to the farmer. It’s not their desired target, though the creature’s hunger must be satisfied. 

It creeps close to the old farmer. A low growl rumbles in its throat, opening its mouth to reveal a mouth of sharp fangs. It is ready to take a bite.

Lotus watched in horror, wanting to do something, but her body refused to move. 

What can she do? She could not allow the man to die!

Move….

Hiss

Move now!....

Hiss!!

Move or he is going to be killed!!!....

Hissssss!!!

The creature's mouth opens, fangs only a few inches from the terrified badger. 

It was then that a black like rope wrapped around the creature's leg, just barely pulling it away from the badger.

“R-run!” Lotus urged, putting all of her strength in the rope. The rope itself seemed to be causing her pain.

The badger limped as he ran to the village. Without his cane, he stumbled a few of his steps, but he managed, leaving Lotus with the mysterious creature. 

The young monkey released the rope, getting some distance.

Normally she would run away like the farmer, though it could cause the creature to find the rest of the village.

She just needed to muster enough courage, just enough to stall for a bit of time. 

She was sweating bullets, heartbeat was going faster than a mile.

Though one thing was absolutely clear.

No matter what…., THIS MONSTER WAS NOT GOING INTO THE VILLAGE!!

…………………………………………………….

Lotus was not the fighting type. She was not trained, so right she was only relying on her instincts.

Not that she only had her primate instincts.

Fighting was not an option, so the best she could do was keep the creature in one place. Ten minutes would be enough time for the villagers to come help.

Hiss

For once, the hissing noise and she were in agreement. She was going to be brave, and keep the village safe. For once, she was not gonna be a scaredy-cat.

Well she could TRY not to be for at least ten minutes. But whether she was ready or not, Lotus was in for the fight of her life.

Hopefully her instincts and abilities would be enough to keep it busy.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud roar. A flurry of spikes were launched into the air, the spikes coated with a corrosive venom.

Lotus barely dodged, but one spike came close to piercing her arm. Thank goodness she wore a cloak, so she ripped it off. Thankfully, the shadows prevented anyone from seeing her body.

“So the spikes shoot out as projectiles… Great.” Looks like this would be a defensive fight. Things can never be easy, now can they?

Good thing she had a few tricks up her sleeves! Whatever this beast was, she’s about to show them a thing or two!

On her paws, thin sharp claws extended out, ready to do some major damage. All she needed to do was strike when she saw an opening.

She never thought she would need to use these though.

There was no choice in the matter, so hopefully she could do this. She just needed to stall for as long as she can.

Lotus ran between the creature’s legs. Maybe she could use the rope from earlier to bind the creature's legs. Then she would do as much damage as she could with her claws.

It was then that a large blur came in contact with Lotus’s tiny body, making a body indent in the closest hazelnut tree.

Should have guessed. Even the most simple minded creature knew not to fall for the same trick twice. Now her vision was all blurry.

Hisss…..

“Ugh….b-bad move…” She tried to get to her feet quickly. It felt like a building pressure was in her mind, making it much harder to focus.

A loud roar helped her focus on the creature. It is getting closer, moving slowly as if toying with her. The monster practically grins in amusement.

This was not looking too good…

Out in the opening, the mysterious creature clearly outmatched her in skills and strength. Her body would not last another hit!

Hope seemed to diminish for Lotus to win this fight, but then she recalled something. 

That something may turn the tide of this fight.

Lotus turned and ran into the forest. Hopefully her new plan would work. 

Otherwise, she could be this monster's dinner.

…………………………………………………….

For their first prey, the creature finds this one very amusing, specifically the way this child thought she could fight it.

Does she not understand how the cycle of predators and prey works?

If not, then reality will be devastating before her life is snuffed out, leaving the child no choice but to flee into the forest, looking for a place to hide.

Not that it matters. Even if she manages to hide, their nose can easily detect her scent.

Her scent is a unique one unlike the many others in this village, like smelling a rare delicacy, limited edition.

This hunt will only add to the flavor, with the adrenaline running through her veins, pumping into her panicking heart. The fear that she expressses, the tears and sweat, will only season the child into the perfect meal.

Now it wonders if the other one is having this much fun. Heh, probably hunting from the air.

It normally does not take long, but the girl has vanished into the endless rows of hazelnut trees. The scent of those blasted trees is plugging its sense of smell.

A low rumble is heard in the back of the creature's throat. It was fun at first, but now its prey is really starting to annoy it, testing its already short patience.

It tries to listen for the sound of footsteps. Any disturbances around them, even the slightest sound to alert them of the child's presence.

Silence is the only thing that is around. No wind rustling tree leaves. No panic from the woodland critters. Just plain old silence.

This child is stealthy, that is for sure.

This implies that she has experience doing such a thing. To think that this small mobian is a good hider. Avoiding sight, smell, and hearing, managing to vanish without a trace.

A few grunts of frustration escapes the creature’s mouth, moonlight shining against its fangs. Now it is starting to become angry!

They soon start to prowl for the child, searching any possible hiding place. Even if it takes them all night, they WILL find their prey!

Still, if they fail, they can always hunt down that old farmer. His limping could not have allowed him to go too far, even though it will be a rather dissatisfactory snack.

A couple of minutes pass. Still no sight of that child. 

Well then, time to settle for the old man as a meal-

They can’t move their legs. 

Looking down, they find that their legs have been tied together, keeping it in place, weaving in between until all four are tied.

Hiss

Struggling only tightens the rope. Its fangs are unable to reach it. 

Soon deep claw marks appear all over its body.

Lurking in the dark, just like a true monster would.

…………………………………………………….

Lotus took a deep breath, struggling to keep the rope on the creature. Pain surged through her body.

Hiss

“Ugh…” The young girl could already feel that her body was nearing her limit. Given the fact that her body had taken damage, it’s a miracle she lasted this long.

The forest had been able to conceal her presence, and her stealth allowed her to escape detection. Sadly, she lacked the skills to truly fight back.

All she could do was hold it in place, just till the villagers come. She could see some blurs that looked to be flames in the far distances.

Finally, some much needed back up.

It would take about three minutes for them to get to where she is. Three more minutes to keep whatever this thing was at bay.

Lotus took another deep breath. She had an idea on how to pull it off. It was risky but may work.

Who knew that it would change her life forever?

Lotus backed up. In order for this to work, she would need a bit of space. She then charged straight towards the creature, surprising it with a frontal assault.

The creature let out a loud distorted roar, releasing another wave of poisonous quill spikes, hoping to skewering the little brat once and for all.

Evading the spikes caused her cloak to be ripped to shreds, but thankfully she suffered no injuries. Thank goodness for reflexes, she was very lucky tonight.

That was her mistake, though, to allow her disguise to be destroyed. Now everyone would see what she truly is…..

Lotus leaped up straight into the creature's face, focusing on its eyes. Her claws plunged into one, and they pierced through the other.

The creature thrashes around in pain, unable to see prey nor surroundings. Dark gray liquid leaks out of its eyes instead of blood.

“Eww…” Lotus shook her claws clear from whatever this stuff was. Just the feel of it made her body shiver in disgust.

It felt like a slimy eel slithering around her hands. That mere thought made her want to dive into the nearest bath. Something about that stuff was so… unnatural and evil.

Hiss

Now the beast would have no choice but to stay put. If it mindlessly wandered, it would only crash into the trees, injuring itself more in the process.

Lotus took this chance to catch her breath, realising how exhausting this fight was. Despite it being her first official fight, she would say it went well.

Still, her aching body was a sign that it may be time to learn some battle skills. Hopefully a villager would teach her. Maybe she could attend classes from Restoration HQ.

“It's over there!” A mongoose villager yelled, swinging a hammer wispon hard against the creature's front leg.

Just as Lotus had predicted, a small group of villagers had come to deal with the beast, bringing their wispons with them. 

…………………………………………………….

“What in Gaia’s name is that?!” A blue jay asked, horrified by the monstrosity before them. He nearly dropped his Lighting Wispon!

“Who cares?! We can not let it in the village, think of them!” A gray rabbit reminded them, gripping her fire Wispon as a wave of flames burst out, rushing at the creature.

The flames burned the creature's scales, melting them into gray ooze puddles. It let out a massive roar of pain. 

First blinded, then bombarded by the sudden attacks. There is no chance it will survive. If this keeps up, it will be defeated right there.

To have its first night of hunting interrupted like this….

These villagers will pay for this embarrassment!! Especially that girl!

With little to no other choice, the creature rushes into the forest, retreating to heal to hunt another day.

“That's right! You better run!” A red mole mobian with spectacles shouted, unleashing shots from his White Wispon.

Lotus sighed in relief. For what felt like an eternity, the nightmare was finally over! The painful aches in her body would need a few days of rest to recover.

This would give her the excuse of resting for a few days, not doing chores in the village, and getting some much needed sleep after this whole ordeal.

Lotus limped over to the other villagers, but just walking over proved to be painful. She may have to see the village doctor.

Hiss  Hiss

“Hey, does anyone else hear that?” The nervous Blue Jay asked, praying that it was not another of those monsters.

“Where did that thing even come from? Could Dr. Eggman have created it?” The mongoose asked, lighting a cigarette. His Blue Wisp crossed its arms, ready to swat it out of his hand. 

“Given that madman created that Metal Virus….I don't doubt it…” The rabbit knew to never doubt that man. After all she had lost most of her family to his “virus”. 

“Though why did it not go into the village? By the time the old man came, it could have done some major damage, so why not go for it?” The mole asked, wondering why the monster did not go after the bigger gain.

“Something must have gotten its attention,” The mongoose commented, exhaling a few puffs. 

Thank goodness that Restoration HQ had distributed Wispons to villages. If they had not been armed, the situation would have been grave within seconds.

“That old man did mention something about a kid being here… Did the monster go after them?” The Blue Jay started to look around for the child in question.

Who in the world would leave a child to a monster like that?!

“I’m… over here….” Lotus finally managed to walk over to them, feeling as if she walked a mile trying to get there.

The four villagers turned, but their expressions went from relief to shock. Wispons were raised, ready to battle against the new threat before them.

That threat…. Was Lotus.

…………………………………………………….

“W-what are you doing?” Betrayal flashed on Lotus’s face. Why were the villagers pointing their Wispons at her?

It was then she looked down, and saw her cloak no longer covering her body. The battle had left it a pile of shredded rags.

Now they could see what she really was, a Monster Mobian known as a Nue.

Lotus was a Nue, a type of chimera that had the head of a monkey, the arms of a raccoon dog, legs of a tiger, and a snake for a tail, but many often viewed Nue as freaks of nature. It was the  reason she tried to hide her appearance underneath a cloak, pretending to be a regular mobian child, to avoid situations like this. 

Her head fur was a soft pink. Her raccoon arms were a light tan color with a few dark markings. Her legs were tiger white with black stripes. Her tail was that of a black mamba now hissing angrily at the villagers.

Her outfit was the red bow on her head and a medium white shirt that still showed her arms, a  patched up red skirt whose color had faded over time, but her striped legs still could be seen from her stockings. 

“Tch! Makes sense now, only a monster can call other monsters!” The rabbit always thought that Lotus was shady, with how she was always hiding under that cloak!

“N-no! I didn't!” Lotus tried to explain, hoping they would listen to reason. “I tried to stop it!” 

How foolish… Why would they bother to listen to someone like her?

“I re'd up on Nue! They can curse anyone they want!”  The mole had read a book on monsters, knowing a few by heart. “That monster must have come because of you!”

“N-no….” Why were they being so mean? She had risked her life to protect the village… How could they do this?

“Your kind ain't wanted here! Scram!” The mongoose’s grip on his hammer tightened. He then rushed over to strike the scared child, seeing her as a threat.

“B-but-” Lotus’ words were cut off, the lightning wispon just barely missing her as they struck the trees behind her.

Why…why do they accuse her like this? Turning on her just because she is a Monster Mobian? Why is she treated like she is the enemy now?

The only thing Lotus can do is run away, run away from the only home she knew. The villagers no longer want her there, that much is clear; they even draw their weapons without a second thought.

Lotus can feel the tears coming down her cheeks, unclear of her destination. Whether it is hurt from the betrayal, or pain from her body, she does not know.

How could this world be so unfair? Accusing an innocent child for actions she did not commit….

Lotus is now without a home. Chased away like a criminal, hated just for being a monster… Now all she can do is run into the forest, which has quite possibly become her new home.

After all, to them, she’s a wild beast instead of a fellow mobian.