A Journey no End

Chapter 9

Today is a very special day. A very special day for a girl called Shaymi. Ever since she started to walk and talk. Monsters are the ones responsible for taking care of her. She never knew her parents. Their faces or their smell.

But Shaymi weirdly never searches for them.

The main reason was… Shaymi is already happy.

They love the monster gives to her is enough… No, it is overflowing. They all took care of Shaymi and almost spoiled her. Despite that kind of bringing up. Shaymi never looked down on anyone. She remained down to earth and everything. She still helps everyone living in the place where she grew up. Eating together and laughing together.

Since today is her birthday. She already knew what it was. It's another cheerful day full of smiles.

She woke up in her bed. Opening her eyes, she stretched her arms upward and rolled her body on the soft blanket. Still wanting to sleep. The little girl then realized the day today.

Her eyes opened widely and she leaped away from her bed. Her face already brightened. She hurried herself to wash her face. She brushed her hair and got her red ribbon and tied it to her hair. Contented on what she’s seeing in the mirror. She went out of her room.

“Good morning everyone! Good morn…”

Before she finished her words, she noticed how silent the Inn was. Normally, the monsters in the lounge of the Inn do chores. Some monsters eat breakfast and more.

It was unexpected for Shaymi’s eyes. She titled her head with a puzzled expression. She walked downstairs and looked around the Inn.

Seems like no one is here.

Shaymi thought while searching for the monsters. There is not a monster seen… In the kitchen and inside each room. Shaymi’s imagination runs wild and she gets an idea.

“Oh!? I know what's happening… Everyone is missing because they are preparing for my birthday party. Everyone is always exaggerating about surprising things. Melinda and Grandfather may hide with my cake on their backs.”

Shaymi giggles and puts her hand on the door. She pushed it to open it.

She was still smiling and a giant loom of shadow took over her. Looking down at her with scarlet eyes.

“Melinda… Gogon… Mia… and everyone.”

“.………………..”

“.……………….”

Everyone remained silent, looking at Shaymi with terrifying eyes. Her mouth was drooling and her body shaking.

“We can’t take it anymore.”

Melinda spoke with insanity.

It flinched Shaymi who was standing just in front of her. Shaymi was worried and turned her glance all around.

“Melinda seems not feeling well today… Everyone? Everyone…”

Shaymi realized that everyone was looking at her with bloodshot eyes.

“Finally, you’re 7 years old… When a child reaches seven years old, their magical abilities awaken. It was called the Ripped Children with newly" awakened magical power taste great it's considered a delicacy. Just a sip of your blood will make us powerful.”

Melinda said.

“What does that mean?”

“That means we’re going to eat you.”

“That’s not true… There is no way anyone will do that. I mean, we are family, right? A family always loved each other. Hurting each other is out of the question.”

Shaymi felt frightened and stepped back little by little. Her back leaned onto something. Turned her head behind her. She saw her grandfather.

“Grandfather! Everyone is acting weird. Is this a play? This is just a play, right? Is this a play for my party? Grandfather and everyone are always full of surprises. This is just a part of a big play, right?”

Shaymi told her grandfather and hugged him. She became at ease and smiled. She hasn’t fully realized the danger she’s in.

The long tail of the red demon whipped Shaymi's body. The strength was enough to make her throw flying to the ground. Her body crashed on the pile of fruit on the stall.

The little girl is never hurt by her grandfather. Shaymi is in a state of disbelief. Like everyone around her, the red demon is looking at her as prey.

“This can’t be true… This is just a nightmare… I’m just dreaming and sleeping on my bed.”

“This is not a nightmare… This day will be your last day living in this world. Monsters and humans can’t co-exist. To monsters, humans are just food.” The red demon lifted her index finger with a long sharp claw, pointing to Shaymi. “Therefore, Shaymi is just food for us.”

Hearing her beloved grandfather say those words. Shaymi breaks down into tears.

“Sob... Sob… I’m not a food… I’m a part of your family.”

“Monsters don’t have a family.”

The red demon used his tail to continue whipping Shaymi. Bruise and blood started to spray on the ground. Shaymi cried in pain and resisted every whip.

While Shaymi had her hands covering her head. Ducking down to the ground. All she heard was the slapping of the long red tail. Each slap echoed, indicating how strong every whip thrown is.

“The guest last night was close to unraveling the truth… She nearly found out our plan and tried to battle us. We badly hurt her and, unfortunately for us. She turned her tail running.”

Every happy memory they share flows on Shaymi’s head. Hearing what her grandfather said to her. She can’t believe that it's all a lie. A giant lie for her to be a food on this specific day.

“Do you have any last word before you words our feast?”

“I wish… I wish… Today is not my birthday today. So that… Everyone… Is still nice to me… I wish I wouldn’t grow up anymore… So that I’m still able to hug everyone as tightly as possible.”

Shaymi clearly said while crying. Her sincere words struck toward the monsters. But the red demon lifted his tail higher and slammed down on Shaymi’s back.

“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!”

An ear-piercing scream from Shaymi was released.

“If that is your last word, then you are a fool. Monsters and humans can’t co-exist. That’s the reality of how this world works. Humans like you should not have feelings towards us monsters!”

Another whip is about to strike down Shaymi. The attack comes into the corner of her eye, going to her. At the last moment, the light brown-haired girl made her arrival. Using her bare hands, she catches the tail.

“That’s enough… I won’t let anything bad happen to Shaymi ever again.”

Konoha Said.

“?”

Konoha rotated her body and threw the red demon toward the castle located in the middle of the amusement park. The whole castle was destroyed in an instant.

A huge wind was created, making their hair dance.

Konoha turned her face to Shaymi and smiled.

“Are you okay, Shaymi?”

“...”

Shaymi shook her head silently. Tears were still dropping from her big eyes. She was silent but her face was screaming for help.

“Don’t worry, the legendary hero has arrived…”

Lightning bolts dance around Konoha’s body. She curled her fist facing the monsters surrounding her.

“Everyone attacked her!”