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Prompt 5: Though Destiny City is a busy metropolis, dense forests encircle the city. It's uncommon for wildlife to wander into the city--especially larger creatures--but something is making its mark on Destiny City. Large footprints, humanlike but far too large to belong to any ordinary human, are appearing around Destiny City. They always lead to the woods, and back again--and the strange part is that no one seems to be able to see what has caused them. Cameras distort, and anyone who thinks they've come into contact with the creature can only make out a thick, white fur and something easily nine feet tall. Oddly enough, any surface near the tracks are covered in a sheet of ice, as though whatever passed close to them was so cold it left a frosty trail.
"In other news, residents have been baffled not only by the appearance of a rather adorable swarm of wild rabbits but by increasing sightings of 'Bigfoot' or yeti! I tell ya, Destiny City always gets active this time of year. Even urban legends are coming into town to join the fun! Eyewitness accounts describe the creature as at least nine feet tall and covered in white hair. Sorry folks, but until you can point him out in a crowd or give us a clear photo we'll need a little more to go on than hearsay! Stay warm out there, back to you Chuck."
Nakhett half-watched the Channel Six News playing from a small TV in the upper corner of the cafe in which she sat. She'd glance at it now and again through the steam coming off her large mug of hot chocolate, giving passing curiosity to what seemed to be commonplace in this big city during any festive event. Urban legends, myths, strange happenstance. It all seemed to be par for the course here.
She took another sizable swallow, relishing the slightly bitter warmth that trickled down her throat and settled comfortably in her stomach. Bigfoot eh? Wasn't any more unbelievable than hauntings or letters to one's deceased mother. Maybe they could share a friendly hello at the crosswalk before going their separate ways. The tall woman chuckled, continuing to sip. Now wouldn't that be a story?
Late afternoon slipped into hazy dusk before Nakhett stood from her booth and stretched, having ordered half a panini to go with her cocoa. She'd quickly learned that without at least a snack she'd just prowl the city going from one attraction or another and not eat anything. Then she'd come home ravenous and just throw together whatever she could or order takeout.
Bundling up against the snowy cold and tossing her scarf over her shoulder, the redhead waved a friendly goodbye to the barista behind the counter and stepped out onto the main sidewalk. One thing Destiny City had going for it: it was always bustling. It seemed like an under-the-radar New York or something. There was always something going on.
She'd never been much of a window shopper herself, but it was fun to see people either by themselves or in groups gesturing excitedly at the various bright displays in the shops. Big city, big holiday cheer. It was contagious, admittedly. Once or twice Nakhett even forced herself to stop to look admiringly at a cute winter outfit or two. Maybe next paycheck. Wouldn't do to go on a giant shopping spree in her downtime and have to eat noodles for every meal.
Finally she decided to head for home, turning off the main avenue and trudging down a few of the smaller side streets. It would be quicker to skirt the edges of town rather than try to go straight back through the hustle and bustle to her apartment. The sun was fully down now, and the chill in the air grew stronger. Even the sidewalks were icier and more caked with snow.
Coming to a halt to wait for the crosswalk to turn in her favor, Nakhett cast a content gaze over the treeline just a short distance away. The forest really did strike a majestic image when dusted in white. There was a crunch of ice and the night was suddenly much darker and colder, as though she'd been cast in a deep shadow. Snapping her head to the side, the already tall woman had to adjust her view higher and higher to take in the entirety of her new companion at the stoplight.
She couldn't make out much this far from the brightly lit shops, just long pale hair ruffling in the wind. Strangely, there seemed to be no malevolent air about it. Just impatience. Nakhett gave a smile unseen behind her scarf, returning her gaze forward.
"Hello, friend," she murmured congenially. "Stay warm out there, eh?"
A thunderous grunt was her only answer, and the towering shadow moved off in the direction of the trees as the redhead continued forward and toward home. Perhaps sometimes things went exactly as she expected them to. How fun.
