Skeleton Man (Part 1)
"What do you think of when you here Skeleton Man?" An elderly lady asked as people gathered around to hear a story from her.
"I think of a plain skeleton that's laying out in the sun or hanging on a rack." A little girl with skeletal wings said as she walked through the crowd and they cleared her path.
"No, young lady. This Skeleton Man was different from that. He was skeleton but he could regenerate his skin and muscles, if he wanted to." The elderly lady said as she looked at the little girl.
"Why should I listen to your story since Ma and Pa said to not listen to your stories?" The little girl asked.
"It all started when he was born. He was born and the hospital he was in, burnt to the ground. He was the only survivor other than his parents. They saw him as a skeleton and he was breathing. They grabbed him up and left the area. He grew up isolated from other kids and soon fell in love with an Angel from across the way." The elderly lady started as she looked out upon the crowd.
"They soon left the town and no one could find them. When it was time for 'Reincarnation' for the Angel, she fell and said, 'Take care of the kid and let him socialize with other kids.' With her final breath, she passed on and shifted into a baby boy. He was surprised and he ripped the flesh off himself and stayed as a skeleton. His son, Soul Eater, grew and met a demon girl named Maka. He was different from his parents and, so was Maka. They bonded as friends and conquered everything until one fateful day, she fell ill and he had to go back home. He did so and saw his father at the table stained with blood," The Elderly lady continued, "From a fight with the landlord. 'Father, what 'appen to ya?' His son asked. 'Nothing, dear son. It is none of your concern.' He said."
"What happened next?" The little girl asked as she stood in awe.
"They stayed silent for days until Soul Eater had enough. 'Father, tell me what 'appened to Ma and what 'appened to you. I am tired of the lies and you covering up what is going on. Tell me the troof.' He said. 'You are a reincarnation of your mother and I had a fight with the landlord.' His father said. 'What is your real name, Father?' Soul Eater asked. 'Kudo Skull. My parents were Kidonna Killer and Swan Grace.' He said. 'Why are you a skeleton and I look human?' Soul Eater asked as he stood up. 'I can choose to grow my skin and muscle back. That is why I am a skeleton.' Kudo said as he looked at Soul and went to touch him. Then came a knock on their door. Soul Eater answered the door and saw Maka's parents, Killdar and Nora. They told him that Maka didn't have long to live so, he went to their house and sat with Maka." The Elderly woman said with a tinge to her speech.
"What happened after Soul Eater sat with Maka?" The little girl asked as she looked at the elderly woman.
"If you seek that answer, ask Soul Eater yourself. He shall tell you what happened next. Hurry home, little sweetie. It is almost time for the rain to come." She said before she coughed.
"What does Stories today say that he does now?" The little girl asked.
"Legends and stories say that he hunts when hungry and stays in one home the rest of the time." The elderly lady says with a smile and then walks away.
The little girl ran home and it started raining when she got on the porch to her home. She smiled and walked into her home to the smell of chicken and dumplings being served up.
"Hi, Madra. Where's Padre? Dindin smells good!" The little girl says with a smile.
"Hello, Gretchen. Padre isn't here. He hasn't been here the whole day. Can you go look for him outside even if it is raining, please?" Her mother asked with a worried expression.
"Yes, madre!" Gretchen answered quickly.
She ran out the door and saw a bright flash of light from far off. She opened up her skeletal wings and took off to the sky toward the light she saw. She got there quickly and saw her father laying on the ground next to a standing skeleton. She gasped and the skeleton looked up at her. He motioned her to move closer but she stayed in the sky. He got angry and jumped, grabbing her leg and pulling her down to the ground. When she hit the ground, landing on her right wing, she broke her right wing. She grabbed her wing and started crying.
"Kudo!!! Leave her alone!!!" A male voice she didn't recognize.
Two people, no, not people. A female demon and a human that looked half asleep. They came out of brush from nearby and growled.
"Ugh, fine!! I will leave!!" The skeleton says in a raspy voice.
"Are you okay, kiddo?" The male asked as he helped stand Gretchen up.
"I... I will be. My name is Gretchen and that there is my Padre. I came out here, looking for him." Gretchen said as she wiped away her tears.
"He's gone, Soul Eater. Most likely mauled and hit in the cranium with a... Rabbit?" The female demon said as she looked at the human.
"Are you guys Soul Eater and Maka?" Gretchen asked as she held her broken wing.
"Head home, kiddo. Tell your mother that he is dead." The female demon said as she healed Gretchen's wing.
"No! I want to know who you two are!!" Gretchen screeched.
"Sorry, kiddo. Head home and we will catch up later." He said as he pushed her and she flew home to her mother.
Maka and Soul Eater stayed there on the edge awhile before leaving the area. They left the area, back into the woods and brush.
To Be Continued?