This chapter gets pretty gory. Just warning you. If you don't want to read it, skip over the first italicized portion.

A dark creature made it's way through town late in the night. It moved swiftly, hiding whenever it saw a beam of light, or movement. It was looking for food, and it wouldn't stop until that need was met. It hopped atop the roof of the inn, waiting for a victim to make an appearance. It didn't have to wait long. A pretty young blonde woman, stumbled out of the inn, obviously drunk. The thing smirked to itself. This would be to easy.

It jumped down from the roof with grace. It barely made a sound as it touched the stone walkway. The girl--Karen gasped out of surprise.

"Oh… Hello. You scared me there for a minute. What are you doing up so late?"

The thing licked it's lips, and walked closer to it's prey.

"I was just taking a walk. Want to go to the lake with me?" It said innocently.

Karen grinned, "Sure. Why not?"

It walked in silence next to the beautiful girl. It couldn't have just fed at the inn. To many witnesses. They had to go someplace quiet. Once at the lake, the creature's stomach growled. It needed meat… now.

"Nice night. Don't you think?" Karen stretched.

The creature grinned, "Beautiful. But I'm dying of hunger."

Karen smiled, "I think I have something in my purse… Hang on."

While she searched, the creature took advantage of it's opportunity and pounced on Karen. Karen, shocked, asked what it was doing.

It responded, "Dinner."

Karen's eyes widened in horror as the creature sank two long fangs into her neck. Karen struggled as it sucked up her blood, licking away the droplets slowly. Once Karen stopped struggling, it grinned broadly, and lifted her shirt up just slightly, then sank it's hungry teeth into her flesh, ripping off pieces of meat. It moaned at the delicious taste of it all.

It was getting close to dawn by the time it was finished with it's meal. It looked about, searching for witnesses. When it found none, it quickly discarded the remains in the lake, and sped off…

Elli woke up with a severe head ache the next morning. She had had the most disgusting, and terrifying dream. Fortunately, she was feeling a lot better than she had the day before. She didn't feel negative, and she felt like she could walk five thousand miles, and climb the tallest mountains. She walked out of the clinic, feeling like a walk. She walked into Manna patting a sobbing Sasha on the back. Elli frowned, but continued on her way. She saw a confused looking Rick sitting on a bench, biting his lip nervously. She didn't know what was going on, but knew it couldn't be good.

She prepared to open the door to the supermarket, but was stopped when a very frazzled looking Jeff bolted out. "I'm sorry… The supermarket is closed today."

Elli frowned. What's going on? She asked herself as she headed back to the clinic. Doctor was there, as was Carter. Elli heard them talking in low hushed whispers. She only picked up small portions of the conversation.

"They can't seem to find…"

"…Only been missing…"

"Yes but the family is worried…"

"I'll pray to the Goddess she is found…"

Elli shook her head and stepped between them, "Just what is going on here? Why is everyone acting so weird?"

Doctor looked straight into Elli's eyes, "Karen's gone missing."

Elli's jaw dropped. "How horrible! For how long?"

"Since last night. Sasha began to worry when her drunken daughter didn't return home by midnight as usual, but decided not to let it bother her. That is, until the next morning when Karen didn't come home."

Elli bit her lip. Tears slipped from her eyes. "That's awful. I can't believe it…"

Doctor patter her shoulder, "Don't worry. They'll find her soon."

It had been several days since Karen had gone missing. There was even a channel on the news called, "Calling for Karen." It went on the next few days with no luck whatsoever.

Elli had been feeling bloated the last few days. Every time food was pushed at her, she would refuse it. It was odd that she really wasn't hungry at all for a week straight. About a week after she had gone missing, Karen still hadn't been found and was presumed dead.

A memorial service was being held for her at the church. It was decorated in purple and green, Karen's favorite colors. Pictures of Karen were set up along the church. Candles were lit, and everyone wore black. Sasha was crying on Jeff's shoulder. Rick was sitting in front of a picture of Karen. Tears were cascading down his cheeks. Carter was reciting a prayer for the young woman, who was gone so quickly. No one was saying much, until Carter called for volunteers to tell their thoughts on Karen. Elli couldn't look up from her tears, but she heard Rick stumble through his words.

"Karen was… my best friend. We were together since we were kids. She was always so caring and kind to me. We argued a lot, but that's just what happens sometimes… Ah… excuse me." He chocked and wiped his eyes before continuing, "I loved Karen. With all my heart. I remember our first kiss. We were 10, and were playing a game of kick the can. I had fallen and scraped my knee. Of course,. I was crying like crazy. Karen called me a baby, but hugged me tightly. She then looked at me-- a dorky little kid, and kissed me on the lips. It was awkward and awful, but it was with her. She looked embarrassed all of a sudden and ran off. The next time we kissed was when we were teens. She was 16, and we were both at this party. Everyone younger than 20 was at that party. Karen was dared by Popuri to kiss me. She did it. It was a lot different then when we were 10. There was more passion in it then Popuri wanted to see, I'm sure. The next time we kissed didn't happen until a few months ago. Now we're both 20 and Karen had had quite a bit to drink. I was walking her home, carrying her practically, she was so drunk. At the door to the supermarket, Karen told me she loved me. I didn't think much of it, or I tried not to. She kissed me hard. I tried to push her away, but ended up kissing her back. Karen asked me to come inside and come to bed with her. I… was tempted but I knew I couldn't take advantage of her. I shook my head and told her to get to sleep. Karen pleaded with me, but I firmly said no. In the end, she turned and slammed the door in my face. That was the last time we kissed. I miss Karen, and her kisses. I just… love her so much. I wanted to get married and father her children. Now, it'll never be. I'm sorry Karen…" Rick stepped down from the podium and walked back to his pew.

Several other people got up and gave a speech about Karen. Some vowed vengeance to her. Others wished her to rest in peace. Others claimed she was in a better place. Elli couldn't bear listening to it. She left the church quickly after the speeches were done.

Ann met up with her at the beach. Elli was sitting on the shores, eyes red with sorrow. Ann sat down next to her, and squeezed her tightly.

"It's not your fault El. Things like this… just happen."

Elli cried, "Ann, how could you say that? Things like this… don't just happen! People don't just go missing in this village! I'm feeling… so guilty that I didn't do anything to help find her."

Ann frowned, "Don't beat yourself up about it. I'm sure everything will return to normal. They might even find her. "

Elli shook her head, "I don't know…"

Ann smiled at her friend, "You need to relax. Trust me." She kissed Elli's forehead innocently and walked off.

Elli cried into her knees. She felt weirdly guilty, but couldn't figure out why.

That night, Elli had a strange and fuzzy dream.

"Don't be scared of me, little girl. I will get your name."

Elli saw herself crying with pain. The man that had her was beating her mercilessly.

"E-elli.. My name's Elli."

The man grinned, "What a pretty name." he pushed forward and kissed Elli, forcing his tongue in her mouth. Elli tried to resist, but when she did, the man inflicted pain on her, so she cooperated. The man was grinning wildly at her and violated her. Elli screamed in pain…

She awoke with a start in the middle of the night. The pain from that night came back to her. She remembered this little bit that happened now. That's where the bruises came from. She'd been beaten, and raped, but she didn't remember anything else. She shook with fear, but tried to get back to sleep. When she finally managed…

The dream was hazy. There were dark patches that interrupted her vision at some points. There was a dark flash and Karen was putting her hands up in defense. Whatever was chasing her pounced on her and slashed her up. Karen fainted.

Elli woke up sweating and shivering. Had what attacked her also gotten to Karen? She shook her head thinking about it. Maybe it was just a dream, and she should move on, but that dream haunted her for another few days. She told no one about it, not even Ann or the Doctor. She didn't tell either of them about her memories of that night. She wasn't sure what to make of all of this, and didn't want to worry anyone else. She cried herself to sleep every night, every night having the same dream about Karen.

Hmm, that's the end to that chapter. Wow. I haven't updated this story in forever, but I think I'm getting into it again. I think I'm upping the rating though. Things will probably get more graphic, and I don't want to take any risks.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon.