~Prologue~
There was a time when we feared no one. A time that we were at the top of the social chain. At one time we were both feared and loved—considered descendants of the greatest beasts that have ever walked this earth. We did not associate with other creatures. We only looked after our own, and left the others to do as they needed. We lived at peace with the grounded beings who had no claws or horns, nor wings or tails.
But things have changed since that time. The grounded people have come to hate us for reasons unknown. Whenever they lay eyes on us, we met with tragedy. Our numbers have continued to dwindle thanks to the pistols and swords and other weapons that are used to end our lives. My people...I've seen so many faces disappear. Despite the fact that we've lived in solitude, away from prying eyes, we are still hunted. We try not to draw attention, but still they come bearing items of death that reek destruction on our homes.
I'm tired. Tired of running and looking for new den sites. I'm tired of losing everything. I shall not run anymore. I am old, and it will be the death of me, but I will not cower in fear as the demons come to slay me. No. I will stand and fight. I'll fight for the hearts that I have lost. Brothers and sisters...Children and grandchildren...So many of them have fallen to the monsters that follow us.
I have others that are with me. They too want to make a final stand. I've been told that the youngest of our clan has fled East. Good. She is very young. She deserves a live a while longer. Maybe she'll come across a sister clan. Or perhaps even rebuild what we've lost. Whatever she does, I only have one prayer.
May the ancestors look after her. May they look after us all, even in the afterlife.
Now I must go. They have finally shown themselves. I can hear them and their hatred filled hearts. This is the end.
Farewell.