Cryptids in the Shadows

Kepler loved the moonlight. As a shy paralogos, he mostly came out at night, where it was easier to stay in the shadows and keep to himself, or at least those he already knew. It was probably partially due to his word focus, the cryptid mothman also spent most of its time under the moonlight. Like his focus, Kepler also liked to be up high, his wings weren’t as strong as the mythical mothman’s (yet), but he had gained some ability in climbing, and was easily able to reach his favorite spot at the university, the roof. He spent a lot of time alone up here, looking at the stars, thinking to himself, sometimes even reading or gaming.

But tonight he wasn’t destined to be alone. There was a clamor and clatter, and soon enough a clawed hand popped up and grabbed onto the edge of the roof, quickly followed by the rest of its owner, Kepler’s brother, Sayre. “Did you-” Kepler began, before being interrupted.

“I knocked over the garbage can again.” Sayre answered, shaking his large wings and flinging off some sort of trash that he had gotten on them. Kepler frowned a bit, and shook his head, watching Sayre as he made his way over and plopped himself down next to him. Sayre grinned, and produced a plastic bag, which he up-ended onto the floor. Various snacks landed in front of them.

“Why do you always climb up the garbage cans anyway, you can fly. Why don’t you just fly up here whenever you come bother me?” Kepler smiled and stuck his tongue out, shoving Sayre playfully. He picked through the pile of junk food, selecting a small brownie wrapped in plastic wrap.

Sayre laughed a bit at the question, picking through the pile himself until he found a packet of spicy hot chips. “Well, if I didn’t tip over the garbage cans, who would?” He nodded in what he thought was a wise manner, but just wound up laughing again. Sayre ate a handful of his chips and then looked back over at Kepler, “Listen Kep, you could learn to fly easy peasy. Just takes practicing your magic!” He grabbed another handful of chips from his bag, scarfing them down messily.

Kepler brushed some crumbs off of himself, slowly unwrapping his own snack. “Seems intimidating…” he said, trailing off a bit, “But would be nice to do some impressive flying like you do. Get some positive attention from people for once.” He pouted a bit, but then shrugged taking a bite of his brownie. “Maybe one day, but as you know I am a creature of the night. I’ll be happy enough up here away from prying eyes.”

Sayre smiled and nodded, “It is nice up here, good view. Good snacks.” He crumpled up his chip bag and threw it off the roof unceremoniously.

“And good company!” Kepler added, leaning against his brother. Sayre nodded, stretching his wings out and placing his arm on Kepler’s shoulder. Kepler picked a pair of soda cans out of the pile, handing one to Sayre. 

Sayre accepted the can, popping the top with a hiss. “Cheers to that bro!” he said, bumping his can against Kepler’s. Kepler popped the top of his can as well, taking a sip as Sayre started chugging his next to him. Kepler enjoyed staying in the shadows, especially when he had family there with him.