It is a common misconception that Cricket is an exclusively opportunistic parasite, feeding solely upon sleeping or incapacitated prey. This perception is as inaccurate as it is perilous to entertain. While Cricket prefers to draw its prey's life-force out in several sittings, drinking in the succulent bouquet of its victim's emotions and personality in portions, it is quite capable of deploying more aggressive hunting tactics when necessary.

During periods where food is scarce, or where the silver-laden Illuminor have made more leisurely dining unsafe, Cricket is quite capable of opting for "fast food". Despite its slight, spindly form, Cricket is many times stronger than any human, and its blade-like claws can end life with but a stroke. Alternatively, it can just as easily drag its hapless prey into the shadows Beneath, where nothing mortal can survive for long. In either event, death flows swiftly - though far too quickly for optimal nourishment, since much of the energy will dissipate before being consumed.

Like most feral creatures, when Cricket is most vulnerable and desperate is also when it is most dangerous.

This foreboding sketch was produced by EnayaRay (https://www.furaffinity.net/user/enayaray/ ). I've had this concept in mind for a while, but never executed. With both the extreme perspective, and the perfectly rendered expression of terror, they truly captured my vision of this poor soul's impending doom. Thanks again!