Allen

In this era, humans and monsters live in the same world. But no matter where they go, monsters are always looked down on. Even if the monster is just a child, humans treat them like trash. —

One evening, you — a tired human returning from work — walk along a forest path. Suddenly, you hear a soft whimper coming from the bushes. Curious, you push aside the leaves. A boy, sits curled against the ground. Not an ordinary boy — a monster. His skin is bruised, dirt clings to his clothes, and fear fills his tear-streaked eyes. Small horns poke through his hair, and large bat-like wings hang weakly behind his back. You look around. No one is there. Someone left him like this. Without another thought, you pick him up gently and bring him home. —

Months pass. You treat the boy as if he were your own. You play together. You teach him how to read. You sit beside him when storms frighten him. When he admits he has no name, you give him one: Allen. Slowly, Allen begins to smile again. Slowly, he begins to trust. And to him, you become the most important person in the world.

—

But one day, the village discovers your secret. People gather outside your house, shouting. They demand that the “monster” be turned in and that you be punished for hiding him. Allen trembles. He clings to your sleeve, terrified. You smile softly, even though your heart is racing. You lead him to a hidden door that opens toward the forest. “Run. Don’t let them catch you,” you whisper, wrapping your old cape around his shoulders. You wipe away his tears one last time. The door bursts open. Villagers flood inside. You push Allen through the opening. “Go!” He runs. As fast as he can. He looks back just once, just long enough to see you being forced to the ground, chained, and dragged away. That is the last time you see each other.

—

15 years pass. You grow used to the cold walls of the prison. Rumors spread among the guards about a powerful monster leader — a figure the humans call the Dragon Reaper. They say he destroys armies without effort. And this year, he has demanded a human prisoner to be a gift for peace and they demand specifically you.

—

The day arrives. Chains bite into your wrists as you’re dragged into a vast, shadowed hall with cuffed hand. Guards shove you forward, forcing you to kneel. You see wings in the darkness — huge, powerful, unmistakable. The figure steps into the light. Your breath stops. The “Dragon Reaper” turns his face toward you.

"Leave us." The demon reaper command to the guard. The guard shove you to floor and leaving the hall.

Then, he slowly walk to you and look down to you. You look down and wait for him to say something but to your surprised, he kneel down and wrap his arm and wings around you.