Chapter 1

Its been a year since the Mobians made Earth their new home. Its been nice, Mobians and people alike enjoyed the change. Most seemed to accept the new faces with open arms.

If only everyone felt that way.

You're looking out the bus window as rain starts pour. It wasn't supposed to rain today, so you didn't bring an umbrella. The bus is almost empty, which is how you prefer it. You don't really like public transportation, but it's all your only option since you don't have a car. You sigh and turn to your phone. It's pretty late, a few more hours and it'd be midnight. It irritates you that you have to work so late, but you figure the overtime pay is worth it. You plug in your earbuds and wait for your stop.

The walk from the bus stop to the store wasn't the worst. The wind died down and the rain went to a light drizzle. You didn't buy much, just a few things for dinner. You look up at the sky. The clouds suggested it would start raining again. You quicken your pace to make it home before the downpour. You take a shortcut down an alley. You've almost reached the streets again when a voice becomes audible. You peak around a corner to see a Mobian on the ground, hugging its knees. You slowly walk closer to it as its words become more clear. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Don't hurt me…" It's trembling. You kneel down in front of it and hold out your hand to get its attention. "Don't touch me!" It jerks back and bright green eyes flare in defense. You jump, startled at the sudden outburst. You examined it closer. Although it was dark, you could see bruises all over its body, and numerous patches of thin fur, especially on its…his lower body. He was scared, his breathing was rapid, and almost move you made caused him to flinch. You reach out your hand, slower this time. "Hey, hey, hey, calm down. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise." He turns his gaze from you to your extended hand, then back up at you. "Y-You won't hurt me?" you nod. "Y-You promise?" You nod again "I promise." He looks down and cautiously reaches to grab your hand, you meet him half way. You stand up and help him on his feet.

His fur was damp, it made you believe he'd been out here for a while now. You take off your jacket and give it to him. He looks up at you, "…thanks…" he grabs the jacket and puts it on. He was so short compared to you, the jacket almost scrapped the ground. "Sorry for the size, but it should keep you warm." He manages a smile. Thunder booms, making him jump. You hold his hand to comfort him. You look him over again, he was in bad shape. He could hardly stand, his grip was weak, and his eyes were glossy. You didn't want to take him to a hospital. You couldn't imagine how he would react around all those people. It began to rain again. You kneel down to be on eye level with him. "You're going to come home with me tonight, ok?" He met your gaze for a few seconds before looking back at the ground. He nodded and you stood up. You grab his hand once again, pick up your bags, and lead him to your house. You look down at him, and slightly tighten you grip. He tightens his in response. You smile as you lead him down the quiet city streets.