chapter one
Those They Lock Away
The corridors are silent, dark, lonely. Man made them that way to tell those locked inside them that those who are here should feel that way. Silent, dark and lonely. Man did this, it is all his fault. This was an evil place. Man wanted to make himself stronger but instead of testing on willing people, they tortured and kidnaped until they had destroyed what ever made these creatures human. Now they were held in cells, left alone until they either died or were killed. Only few knew of these creations, and those who had heard the rumors, thought it was too crazy to be true. So these creatures were left for one to save them. For someone to step up and realize this was wrong. But this was Man and Man takes awhile to admit fault and even longer to do something about it. So they would wait. And waiting was the greatest of tortures.
The creatures were made to have the instincts of animals. Wolves, cougars, tigers, bears and eagles. Any animal they could find was attempted, some more successful than others. If one did not work, they stopped the experimentation or simply killed those who had been created.
One such case was the white wolf. Something had gone wrong, the experiment was timid and scared, often kept silent but then when provoked it was irrational and violent. This creature ran strictly on instinct and instinct told her that the men outside the cage were evil and that she was the last of her kind.
She sat in the back of her cell, surrounded by three cement walls, lined with metal beams and supports. The last wall was her door. It was made of a first barrier from metal bars, followed by a set of metal double door and finally an iron gate that slid down over it all. She encased in compete darkness, save the single spot light that shone in the middle of the room. The girl sat back on her haunches away from the light and cowered. She was leaning against the back wall, her boned figure scrapping against it. Elbows rested on her knees and hands hung loosely between her legs. Her brown hair was messy and left down, fall over her shoulder and hiding her eyes as her head drooped. She was brought from her thoughts as she heard the shrill scream of a young women. Her canine like white wolf ears were perched on her head, twitching at the noises she heard. It was from the cell next to her, the tiger she had seen once, when her doors had been open. The scream did not last long and the sound of a body hitting the wall and the sliding to the ground. She could hear the heart beat slow and the breathing catch repeatedly. This one would die. And as soon as she thought that, all noises stopped and a shiver ran down her back.
Raising a claw lazily she let her claw scrape against the cement and add another groove to those already drawn. A total of three hundred and seventy four deaths since she had been moved to this cell. She had been from five different cells and each had a total of four hundred markings. She hated Man. Man was killing the others and she would avenge each and everyone of them.
A hiss slipped passed her lips as she moved from her hunched position, scrapping her back against the wall. She wobbled and soon found herself face down on the ground, staring blankly at the floor. She didn’t know whether to sit up or just lay there. Rolling onto her back, the girl stayed silent and unmoving. Her eyes closed and then opened again slowly, as if thinking that if she kept her eyes closed long enough, when she opened this all would be over.
She wished it was, but that damn voice inside her refused to let her. That damn voice that said one day she’d been free. This voice’s name was hope. It nagged her day in and day out for longing of freedom, pressuring her to be more powerful and hold out a little longer. Because the minute she gave u, they’d let even one free and she would’ve died in vain. So she’d hold on, at least a little longer. ‘ a little longer,’ she thought.
She was drawn from her thoughts as the doors to her cage began to unlock, unfold and open. The light from the main hallway came rushing in, and as if it would kill her, she bounded back into the darkness of her cell. It was feeding time. A tray was slid into her cell and came shooting across the cell and landed near her feet. The tray was empty, save a three juice boxes and a slab of raw meat. A spark went off in her eyes at she saw it. The blood still dripping off the flesh, she reached forward quickly and bit deep into it. This was the only food she’d eaten in a week. The sweet texture of the blood running over her tongue was enough to make her shiver with delight. Instincts were taking over to devour the meat quickly and make sure there was no trance left of such. Voices came from the door and she could hear the words. “ She’s an odd one.” the man said roughly as he stared in and watched her eat.
“The boss is talking about getting rid of her. She’s too unpredictable.”
They were silent for a long while until she shoved the tray back and stumbled up to the bars. Holding to them with her pale hands she glared with those blue eyes angrily. Her hands held tighter to the bars and she growled , but before she could do anything, a night stick was drawn out and she was hit up side the head. A yelp slipped passed her lips as she felt to the ground. The guards left the cell open for the day but left her there, whimpering on the ground as she curled up into a ball. Her white tail wrapped around her form as her legs were drawn up close to her chest. Opening her eyes slightly she raised a hand to her head and whimpered yet again as her clawed hand touched the forming bruise near her temple. It would heal soon enough, but her anger would take longer to settle. So she’d lay there, silent and alone. As it had always been- - -
He stood there perfectly still, his stance was threatening, claws readied and eyes narrowed. Running at them angrily, the young man pounced towards the guards. He was taller than most of them, hazel eyes menacingly wanting to tear them apart. His claws were long, his silver tail swishing behind him as he ran. And his wolf ears was flat against his head, pinned back in a sign of anger. He wore a black pair of baggy pants, his feet were bare and so was his chest. Blood ran down his pale skin as the men were killed recklessly with his own two hands. He hated these people, he hated them, they would all pay for what they’d done to him. He was a timber wolf, a leader by nature and not to be second guessed.
Bounding away from the guards at the front of his cell, the wolf readied for the next fleet of men to attempt and tame him. But no such advance ever surfaced. So he waited. Sitting down he glared at the front of his now open cell. Normal instinct would’ve told him to try and get out, but logic told him that there was something beyond that more powerful, and that to try and simply walk out of the cell, would be fatal. Within a few moments, a few officers came to his cell and saw the dead and injured bodies laying about. Mangled forms that were barely seen as human anymore, the officer smiled. “Get the collar, we’re moving this mutt else where.”
He hated that nickname the men gave his, mutt. He ran his claws through his long silver hair and groaned. These men would move him each time he killed, but did they really think it would work. Once you’ve tasted, seen or felt blood on your skin, the instinct is engraved in your mind forever. The instinct to find more. It wasn’t long before men entered his cell with a metal collar. It was snapped around his neck and four cables were attached to it. Each guard grabbed a cable and dragging him to follow. After a while he decided to cooperation with the entire situation and walked with the men. He exited his cell for the first time in months and looked about at the harsh light hit his eyes. His blurry vision changed and things became clear slowly, it was a hallway. The passage was nothing but cell after cell, each holding a creature like him within. He saw some with wings, other with hooves and even a few with horns. But suddenly they came to a halt, the guards threw him inside and shouted, “here’s your new room mate.”
The young man quirked an eyebrow at the statement before a scent hit his nose. He watched as the doors shut, the gates slammed closed and the bars lowered, locking him inside with this ‘roommate’ of his. He took a step forward into the light and stared across into the shadows to see a figure laying there. He could tell she was female by her scent, she was also a wolf. Walking closer he reached out and placed a hand to her shoulder. She yelped and inched away, frightened of him. “lease leave me be.” she begged, her voice breaking as fear took over.
She hated to seem so weak, but she didn’t want him near her. She’d never known another creature and didn’t want to hurt them. The young man’s hand didn’t falter from her shoulder, instead, he pulled and made her sit up and look at him. She opened her eyes and looked into a pair of hazel and golden speckled eyes. They were warm and affectionate, not like the those of the guards and officers who harmed her. His scent was welcoming and made her feel like she could trust him. But what really caught her eye was the pair of grey ears on his head. He was like her!
“Hold still.” he cooed gently.
The next thing the young girl knew, this stranger was picking her up and carrying her to the lighted area in the middle of the room. Setting her down he kneeled and looked her over. She was staring up at him with innocent eyes, blushing growing across her nose as he continued to stare at her. A clawed hand reached up and touched his face, he let her stroke his cheek softly in curiosity. It was like she’d never seen another of her kind before, as if all this was so new to her. Which unbeknownst to him, it was. He placed a hand over hers and nuzzled her palm softly. It was like he’d known her forever. This creature before him, his beautiful youth needed someone to hold onto, someone to support her on nights where she was alone. And he would be this one she needed. Silently he promised her, by simply looking in her eyes, that he would protect her.
“What is your name?” he asked.
“ 303" she replied.
He was confused, that was a number, not a name. “What do the mean call you?” he asked, wondering if she simply didn’t know her name.
“Mistake.” she answered sorrowfully.
“May I give you a name?” he asked.
She thought for a moment before nodding and waiting for his name suggestion. “ Runi,” he said.
She nodded and smiled up to him.
A silenced passed between them before the young man stood and looked back over his shoulder. “By the way, my name’s Sumner.”
Runi stood up shakily and walked over to her bed area. She picked up two blankets and walked back to the young man. “Here, Sumner,” she said his name hesitantly as she handed him the blankets. “It gets cold at night. You might want these.” she said, not meeting his eyes.
“Thanks Runi. You should get some rest.” he suggested.
“I’m not tired, but thank you.” Runi walked over to her bed and kneeled down..
She messed up the blankets, padding them down as if she was making a nest. Frankly, Sumner found it amusing to watch, the young girl curling up and finding a place to lay. She opened one of her eyes and saw him staring at her. “Umm, aren’t you going to sleep?” she asked.
“Nah, I’m too restless. I’ll go to sleep in a bit.” he saw the concern in her eyes and offered a warm smile in return. “Don’t worry bout it Puppy, I’ll be fine.”
Runi blinked a few times before growling affectionately and snuggling deep into the sheets and going to sleep. Sumner sat down on the ground and sighed as he did. This cell was more secure than his, he wondered why. She didn’t seem dangerous or violent like the rumors had said, if anything she seemed scared. But he knew more than anyone that fear made people do some crazy things.
Letting a yawn slip passed his lips, he laid down on his back and let his eyes shut. Within a few minutes he was fast asleep and dreaming. Of what, he could never remember.
Sumner awoke later that night to the sound of whimpering and yelping. He sat up quickly and turned to where Runi was laying. Frowning, he walked over and stood there, looking down own the distressed girl. He placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her slightly, “Runi...Runi?” he asked, she gave no response besides a loudly whimper and clawing at her sheets,
Sumner continued to shake her while whispering, “Come on Puppy, wake up.”
Runi’s eyes shot open and she panted heavily. Looking about scared she searched for Sumner. There hs was, kneeling at her side while she laid there with a fear stricken expression. “ Sumner...” she whispered with tears gathering in her eyes.
“It’s okay Puppy, I’m here.” he said.
Sitting up she acted boldly and threw her arms around his body, holding him tightly. “They were hurting you Sumner. They took you away, and I was alone again.” she whispered, her voice broken as she fought not to cry.
Through all of this she had never cried, she refused to. It meant they won, it meant they broke her. She couldn’t let that happen. Sumner was shocked to say the least by her outburst, but instincts told him it was okay, that this was supposed to happen. That this was meant to feel safe in his arms and that he was right to want to protect her. He wrapped one arm around her while the other patted her head. He cooed gently, “It’s okay Puppy, I’m not going anywhere.”

But how long could he keep that promise?
- - -

Sumner awoke before her that morning. He was leaning on the wall, one leg folded beneath him and the other bent and drawn up near his chest. He rested one arm on his knee while other patted Runi’s hair. She was laying on his folded leg, sleeping peacefully with his scent surrounding her. She was so alone, so afraid. This girl that slept on as he watched over her, was the only of her kind. Just like him.
A sigh slipped by his lips as he continued to pet her. His beautiful puppy. He let a smile appear on his face as she murmured softly in her sleep. It wasn’t long after that she woke up and removed herself from his touch. Sumner laughed as she stretched herself out and wagged her tail a few times before turning to face him. She was a character alright, nothing like he’s ever met. But his smile faded as she shook her hair and revealed her neck. There was a scar that ran down from her jaw, down the side of her neck and then snuck under the cloth of her t-shirt dress. He narrowed his eyes and grabbed her shoulder to bring her close. Instinct told him this was a injury from the guards, someone had hurt it and by the scent of fear, there were more scars than the one peaking from her cloths.
Runi yanked her shoulders from his grasp and turned away, pulling the collar up higher, as if to try and hide it from him. “Runi, did those men do this to you?”
She was silent, shaking and facing away from him. She was defensive and scared. Then she spoke, “Too many times Sumner. Too many times did they come into my cell.” she fought a growl as the memories began to surface, “They hurt me Sumner,”
Runi turned to him and lifted her dress over her head. She was wearing a pair of shorts and bandages wrapped around her chest to hide her intimate parts. All over her stomach, across her body and over her shoulders, were deep and hateful scars. She hated them almost as much as she hated those who caused them. Runi’s eyes shut tightly, as if trying to shut out the world.
Sumner didn’t know what to do. Her scent was spiked with anger and sadness. Her ears were pinned back and her tail was straight and unmoving. The creatures clawed hands were fisted and as the claws lengthened, they dg into her palms, causing blood to run down her knuckles and onto the floor. The scent to tears hit his nose and mixed the bitter stale smell of torment. Runi growled and felt her fangs grow in her mouth. She let a rumble forth from her throat and ripple through the room.
Sumner watched as Runi’s eyes opened, only to reveal the whites of her eyes had turned blood red. Her lips opened as she stared frightened at him. It was like Runi had no idea who he was. Sumner saw her walk slowly towards him, swinging her arms and shoulders as she did. “Sumner...” she whispered, a hand reaching out towards him.
He took her hand and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her steady as she tried to calm down. “They made me this way Sumner. Every time I try to remember. I get so angry. That’s why...” she paused for a moment and took a shaky breath, “ That’s why I’m all alone.”
Sumner gasped when she pulled away and asked, “Do you remember being human Sumner? Do you remember wanting to be different than everyone else? And then wishing you could be normal again?”
“This world will never be what we expected Runi.” he said sadly, “Their world is different from ours in so many ways. Yes I remember being human, I remembering want to be different. But let me ask you this...if you could...would you go back?”
“I don’t know Sumner.” she answered, “I don’t know. I wonder about my parents and my family. I ask myself if they miss me, or if they’re even looking for me? If not, why? Didn’t they love me?”
“ Humans are strange? I remember being irrational, stupid and greedy. Anymore, all I think about is freedom. But Runi," he said puasing to get her attention, " You're not alone. You'll never be alone again."
the two were silent for a while, but when Runi looked in his eyes, she knew she could trust his words. the only things was, could Sumner trust his own words.
to be continued.