between the fireflies

on a clear summer day, a large human family decided to set up camp at the opening of the prairie, through the trail and past the river.

Their fire crackled happily and warm laughter could be heard all the way past the stream. Most animals knew to stay away from those two legged ones. There are some though, that dare to venture too close, get too comfortable. Those who were lucky enough to become part of the same family as the two-legged, and those who were unlucky enough to no longer have a family, thanks to the two-legged.

The smell of burning meat attracted small scavengers who hid in the bushes just out of sight. As the sun began to set, the smell of human flesh and children's laughter attracted something much worse to the party.

Fireflies swam around in the warm air, the flavor of bonfire smoke putting the humans in good spirits.They all cheered and danced, jumping in the river again and again. The children ran on stubby legs after the the illuminated bugs.

Bright golden eyes peeped at them through the bushes, tasting the air on its sinful tongue. Several birds fled from its direction, feeling the energy of hatred and revenge in the air sent them into a fearful frenzy.

A human pup ventured a little too close to the treeline,

A small canine with colors unrecognizable to its originator alerted to something just beyond the treeline. It was prompted scolded and told to leave it alone. " ...prob'ly a squirrel. "

It huffed and wandered past the line of safety anyways, nose kept firmly to the ground. Only moments later could loud alerts be heard once again, more anxious this time. As if a hound had treed a bear, this dog had found something and knew it needed to be heard. The people swore, shouting for the dog to come back.

With eyes of small lanterns, this creature peered down at the dull eyed canine in utter disgust. Ears tilted towards the two-legged still, for just a moment to confirm they had not followed. The domestic silenced itself for just a moment. With a fearful step and quick wags of its artificially shortened tail, it lowered its nose for a not-too-friendly sniff. Within that moment, the space between them closed, the vengeful creature snapped its maw and,

silence.

The two-legged were right to not follow.

As the night grew darker