Howell: well here is my story

?: thank you for everything

Howell: who are you

?: you will see

Morning already? as the sun shone through my window. I check my phone, to see there are no new notifications. There never are. I head downstairs, greeting my mother as I enter the kitchen.

"Good morning, Howell." She said as she smiles back at me.

We eat breakfast in comfortable silence, and then I help her with the dishes. Afterward, I head to the window to see what the weather has planned for the next few hours. But as I look out, something catches my eye: a strange girl walking down the street. She is covered in silver-colored fur, with long ears atop her head, nine tails streaming out behind her, and an animal-like muzzle. She is unlike any creature I'd ever seen.

"Mom," I call, gesturing out the window when she looks up. "What is that thing?"

My mother joined me by the window, her eyes narrowing as she spotted the girl. "She's a hybrid," she replied. At my confused look, she explained, "Her DNA is a mixture of human and a half animal she is part kitsune. We all have the gene, but for ninety percent of us, it never activates." She frowns slightly.

"What?" I ask, seeing her expression change.

She shakes her head, as if shooing away an unwelcome thought. "I just…" she pauses. "I don't know what I would do if that ever happened to you. Oh by the way Howell I have a couple of things for you to do today I need some help outside for a few hours." I pointed to the arborvitaes that need to be trimmed and the grass to be cut. "You need to clean your room and pick up some groceries then, the rest of your time is yours okay."

"Okay just give me ten minutes" I ran upstairs to get dressed and comb my hair. I heard the lawnmower start before I got out to help her start it. Don't hurt yourself mom. I just found my shoes when my mom called me. I stepped out to answer, "What happened?" I roll my eyes "What did you do this time?"

"Sorry, but the lawnmower's not working right the blade may be bent. Can you look at it" she tilted the mower back and sure enough she bent the blade.

"I will get the groceries and pick up a new blade while I am out"

She set the mower down and pulled a list out of her pocket "this is what is needed from the store."

I grabbed the list "Back in a little bit mom" as I ran off to the local hardware store to get the blade and looked at the list all it said was milk. Shaking my head laughing "all you wanted was some milk really mom? "Blades where are the lawnmower blades? Finally I see a person who could help me "excuse me sir, but where do you keep your lawnmower blades at?" He led me to a small isle in the back of the store where the outdoor equipment was. "Thank you sir" after some searching I found the proper size paid for it then left the store to go get the milk. I should be in and out then back home.

"Mom I'm back" I called just as she went inside.

I followed her inside "Mom" I called "All you wanted was milk from the store?"

"Sorry it was all that was needed" she laughed and asked, "You're going to fix the mower now right?"

"Yes I found the blade." I was thinking how about this "mom take the rest of the day and go out of town with your friends. I will finish the yard and clean my room." I turned to start working on the lawnmower changing the blade.

"Really you mean that, Howell?"

Go on mom you deserve a day to yourself." She does not get a chance to go out of town enough. "I might be going out for a walk later so don't worry about me if I am not here when you get back." I told her as I get back to the lawnmower tightening the bolt that held it in place that was easy.

"Thank you Howell I greatly appreciate this I am going to be back late then." It has been months since I have been able to out of town. "Thanks Howell and don't destroy the house while I'm gone."

"That was one time and I only caught the rug on fire" I shook my head at her while waving my hands as sign to go on. I started working on the arborvitaes. "I hope you like them when you get home mom."

"I am sure I will Howell, see you tonight." She replied knowing that I knew exactly what she wanted done. I was about to start on the second tree when her friend arrived. "Bye mom enjoy your day off" I yell as i wave to them as they took off down the road.

Later that day around 7:00 P.M. I decided to go out for a walk to beach to think and watch the sunset. That is when I saw her that hybrid from earlier she was sitting on the edge of the pier alone next to the lighthouse. I hope she is okay. My mom seemed to be hostile toward hybrids. Why? I need to know maybe the hybrid could explain why the world dislikes them. I walked back toward the pier with the lighthouse at the end of it. I noticed that she was wearing ragged clothes her jean had holes in them and her blue t shirt was faded. "Hel-" I was cut off as I got close to her. How did she hear me?

"Who are you? What are you doing here and what do you want from me?" she asked sternly hostility was starting to emanate from her as I felt the air was heating up. "Get away from me now" she growled as she got up to face me. "You come any closer and I will bite you"

"Take it easy I mean you no harm" I take a step back to give her some space. "My name is Howell, Howell Sutton; I am just out for a walk and to watch the sunset." I seen you walking this morning and would like to get to know you as you seem lonely" I take a couple steps forward until I was right in front of showing her my empty hands before she growled at me again.

"TAKE IT EASY," she hissed as she bit my hand.

"Ouch what was that for?" I grab my hand and apply pressure to stop it from bleeding.

"I told you to go away yet you came closer."

"I understood that but did you have to bite me? There is something that is bothering you isn't there?" She is part fox and uses fire but she is staring at the water wait… she's not thinking… about "Don't do it."

She turns away from me "What you mean end my life? Why shouldn't I? There is no one who gives a care about me I am alone forever. Not even hybrids look at me. Now leave me here." Well I hope he is gone. This will be my last day.

I walk to the other edge of the pier across from her "I know one thing that you don't seem to realize there is someone that does care about you."

"Who cares about me, you?"

"Actually yes I do care about anyone who wants to end their life is in a lot of pain." I told her as the air started to cool down "If you want to talk I will listen." I could see that she was starting to calm down. So I hope this does not backfire on me. "May I sit next to you?"

"Wait one second Howell before you sit" she walked around me sniffing me. "Sorry about your hand let me see it. It is not too bad. You are right that there is something bothering me it is hard for me to talk about though." There is something different about him I don't know what. "You may call me Kira and Howell come sit down." She motioned to the edge of pier. "I never met another person who would want to get to know me. Most call me the devil and throw water balloons at me or spray me with their garden hose.

I started to move closer when I felt her put her head on my shoulder "Kira I am sorry about that I am not like them. That is why I showed you my empty hands."

I did not think anyone would ever like to get to know me, much less care about me. "Why are you being so nice to me?

"That is just who I am a friendly person to everyone. When someone has that much pain buried inside; I try to help. I could see it in you when you turned to growl at me I looked into your eyes and seen nothing but pain. It hurt me even to see that much in anyone." I shook my hand that still had the bite mark in it as it still hurt quite a bit.

"Sorry Howell" she bowed her head with tears in her I hurt the only person who has ever cared for me. "May I ask you a question, Howell

"Yeah shoot what do want to know."

"You said that you seen me earlier where at?"

I looked at her "The yellow two story town house with the enclosed porch on the cul-de-sac you passed earlier that is where I seen you. Walking on the sidewalk in front of my house. If I may ask what happened when you were young and when did you change."

"Why are you so interested in me?" She turned toward me. "I do not like to talk about my childhood it is too painful."

I looked her straight in her maroon eyes "here are two reasons I am interested in you one: my mom is hostile toward hybrids and I want to know why. Two: I trust you to be my friend and you looked like you were ready to end your life." I told Kira as sincerely as I could. "If it is that painful I won't bring it up. Just remember I am here for you."

"Wait she is hostile toward hybrids but you are trying to befriend one?"

"Yes she is hostile toward hybrids and like I said I want to know more about you." I glanced at my watch as it is getting late I am going to need to get home soon. "I know we just met but do you want to talk about you're the day you transformed? I guess that it may be too painful to talk about but it does help to talk about it."

She starts whimpering "I guess but, I just don't know how to put this but, my family is gone I changed one night and they left me the very next night while I was sleeping" tears started forming as she paused to gather herself "I was only twelve years old." She broke down completely.

I got up to pull her up from the edge and knelt in front of her. "Kira oh my goodness I had no idea" I brought her into a hug until she stopped crying. "Kira if you can continue please do I am here for you." I let her go as she wiped her eyes with her paw.

"I found a note on the table after they left." She was still whimpering a little as she handed the note to me "Read this it hurts too much for me to read it."

"Okay Kira" I took the note from her to read and it said: I am so sorry for what happened to you. Do not look for us we have left the city and are never coming back. The house is being turned over to the state. Here is a picture of us for you to remember us by. Enjoy your life Kira and be safe. From your family

I could not keep the tears back any longer "When was that" I asked as I gave the note back to her

"That… was… eight… years… ago…" she said breaking down again.

I put my arms around her to try to comfort her "Come on now no more tears Kira you have been through so much. You can stay at my house for the night if my mom will allow it and if you do not have anywhere else to go okay Kira." We sat there on the edge of the pier talking about life in general. I found out that she was homeless and had no place to lay her head down. I looked up and seen the sun was starting to set. I nudged her shoulder. "Come on Kira it is time to go back to my house." I figured that the only way to get her to get up was to scratch her behind her ears. "It's almost 9 o clock as I checked my watch it is late." Well I am going to get a butt chewing for being so late.

I got up and turned toward Kira to help her up when I fell down as soon as she was up "ouch that hurt." Kira started laughing "not funny Kira."

"Sorry, lead the way Howell" she helped me up as she was about to start walking she notices that I was uneasy on my legs. "Are you okay?"

"Yes I am okay" we left the pier heading toward the downtown area. While we were walking through the downtown area, I asked Kira to hold up for a second while I sat down on a bench.

Kira sat down next to me. "This is weird, Kira I have never been out of breath this quick before I usually run for miles before getting tired enough to stop." I got up and almost fell again I felt something furry on my arm supporting me. "

"I am not going to let you get hurt on my watch" she put my arm around her shoulder "I got you let's get you back to your house."

We had about two miles left but my energy was fading fast and I was slowing down. I did not think that I would make it home. We passed through the downtown area and headed toward the country area. We had one mile left when my legs finally gave out. "Kira I can't make it."

He is not going to stay here he will get home. She picked me up and told me "put your arms around my neck "she held my legs up "hold on my new friend I am about to run as fast as I can."

Just to make sure you know where you are going. "I will direct you" I told her.

"Okay then hang on Howell" she started out walking slow then picked up the pace until she was running faster than the cars were driving. Give me a break the speed limit was forty-five miles an hour.

"RIGHT HERE" I yelled, "Kira turn left cross the street and I am the second house on the left."

"Will your mom understand what is going on?" she asked while slowing down

"I may have to tell my mom a little about your past Kira but she will." I lied knowing my mom might not understand fully what is going on.

I was relieved when we finally got back to my house. "Kira use the side door on the porch set me down in front of the door and ring the doorbell then get behind me. It took a minute for my mom to answer when she did she had a gun in her hand as she seen Kira standing behind me. "Mom what's with the gun?"

"I seen that hybrid coming down the road carrying you. You… you hurt him you creature didn't you," she cocked the gun as Kira hid behind me

"Mom put the gun down and think if she hurt me would she be carrying me? She is my friend. " I felt Kira shaking behind me "come on now Kira she won't hurt you." I had to try to coax her out as she seems to be traumatized by the gun. "Mom get rid of the gun please."

"Okay one second. Now wait there both of you." she heads inside the house to put the gun away.

She comes by my side whimpering and I scratch her behind her ears as she calms down. My mom arrives back at the door scaring both of us as she yelled, "START TALKING NOW!"

"Okay okay here it is she did not hurt me for the. Her name is Kira not creature and she has had a rough life and is homeless. "Mom… um mom, Kira needs a place to stay can she stay for the night?"

My mom says very sternly "no she can't no hybrid will stay in my house."

"Okay then, I did not want to do this to you but you left me with no choice" I hoped that my mom would understand after she reads the note. "Um Kira you still have that note from your family."

"Yes I have it Howell why do you ask"

"Let my mom see it; mom read this please do not be hostile to her for me." She has it.

My mom read the note and tears formed in her eyes "you poor thing I had no idea. I guess you can stay the night I will get the guest room ready for you Kira," my mom said I did not think that someone would be so heartless to abandon their child like that especially at only twelve years old. "Come on Kira." She shook her head "Howell what's wrong?"

"I know why, come here she does not trust you yet." My mom closes the door sit down in front of Kira. "She was never treated with kindness before all the other humans did was throw water balloons at her or use a garden hose and soak her fur. I stopped her from killing herself today also."

"Oh okay Howell, I did not know. I am terribly sorry Kira. So you're part fox right?" she asked trying to make small talk with her while offering her hands to show that she means no harm.

"Kind of" she cocked her head while showing her tails to my mom.

"Ninetales to be exact right" my mom scratched Kira behind her ears. "Roll over onto your back I know one thing that may change your mind about trusting me." Kira looked at me and I just shrugged my shoulder at I was just as confused as she was. Kira rolled over, my mom scratched her belly, and Kira's eyes rolled back.

"Not a word Howell" Kira told me whilst giving me a death stare.

"Mom can you let us in and can Kira put me on the couch?" I asked

My mom stopped scratching Kira, got up, and held the door open for all of us to enter as "Come on you two I will get the guest bed ready for you Kira."

"You… are… getting a bed ready for me" Kira teared up again. "I have not slept in an actual bed in years."

My mom looked at Kira saying, "Yes you will be sleeping in a bed but, if anything happens to him overnight you are dead. Don't shed please Kira fur is a pain to get out of carpet. Kira I need to know since you are staying overnight I need to know that you mean us no harm?"

"I mean no harm to either of you especially you, Howell. I have got a brush to fix my fur so no shedding."

"Let me tell you something mom if you hurt her I am gone." Well I hope I will be able to move tomorrow. I yawned as I heard the clock strike midnight. "Put me on the couch Kira I'm tired and need to rest." Kira picked me up and gently put me on the couch and handed me the remote for the T.V." just in case Howell."

"Thank you for everything today, Kira"

"I should be thanking you Howell after all you saved my life and you gave me faith in others" she kneels and gives me another hug as tear formed in both my mom and Kira's eyes. "You saved me you really did Howell a few more minutes I would have jumped.

"Just sit on the couch for a minute, Kira while I get the bedroom ready." My mom said as Kira sat down next to me and started brushing her tails.

Kira I have another question for you" go for it she responded without missing a stroke. "How long does it take to fix your fur in the morning?"

"Before or after I am hit with water, it takes me about an hour at minimum if not more. Usually I never get a chance to though. I will tell you when I have a chance to time it out for you."

"My mom walks back down the stairs ready Kira?" Kira stopped brushing her fur and starts to walk to the stairs good night Howell," they told me.

"Good night everyone" I said looking at Kira and my mom as they start to head upstairs. I rolled over and fell asleep.

POV Karen

"Kira why can't Howell walk?"

"I will answer that once we get to the guest bedroom okay I don't want to wake him he is sleeping peacefully."

"That is a good idea Kira follow me" I lead Kira up to the second floor. "The first room on your left is Howell's room the second room around the corner is the bathroom and here is the guest room. I just painted a shade of light blue with two ornamental chairs in the corner and a full size bed with white wood night stands on both sides and a lamp on each one. There was a T.V. in the armoire sorry it is not hooked up yet Kira."

Kira just looked at me saying what she could "this is beautiful but unfortunately I believe that something will happen to you son tonight I think that he will change. I believe this because I had the same symptoms when I changed also that is why he can't walk his body is getting ready to change. Your son is the nicest person I have ever met. He treated me with kindness and listened to me when no one else would." She just turns away and whispers, "Remember this I will protect him until the day I die as he means a lot to me."

"Kira is there anything that I should know besides the fact that you are homeless. Where is your family?" I see the sorrow in her eyes that she tries to bury deep and I know that I hit a nerve. "Sorry Kira come on I will listen if you want to talk okay?"

"Okay" this will take a while "You may want to sit down" she told me as I sat down on the chair

We talked for an hour as Kira told her everything that has happened to since her transformation. Karen realized that Kira and the other hybrids have a harder time making it in the world than normal humans. During that time, they learn a lot about each other and Karen told Kira to call her Mrs. Sutton.

"Kira I thank you for being there for my son. I guess I did have you hybrids all wrong I thought that you were just abominations. But you proved me wrong I guess if you did want to hurt us you would have done so by now." I pull the sheets back for her to hop in "Kira I guess if he changes he changes." Kira hopped in eagerly doing a front flip weird I have seen only one person do that oh…my...god. My eyes went wide as saucers "Um Kira was your birth name by any chance Kenia Olsen?"

"Yea that was my birth name but I go by Kira now. How did you know? Do you know me from somewhere?" She stated uneasily

"Kira… listen carefully okay" curiously she turned to look at me as I knelt next to her at the edge of the bed. "I knew your parents."

"Wait you knew my parents."

"Yes I did now I need to tell you this although they made me promise not to tell you if you ever showed up. However, from the tears that you shed earlier and the sadness that you showed me from the note I read. I know that you need to hear this. Although this needs to be said to both of you as it is hard for me to talk about." Tears were forming as I think back to that day.

"Tomorrow then please I need to know what happened to my parents." Kira wiped the tears away with one of her tails "Don't cry Mrs. Sutton you feel the same pain as I do."

"Thank you Mrs. Sutton for everything."

"For what I almost shot you and now you're thanking me."

"Well yes, I will make it simple, as we are both very tired. One you let me into your house. Two I am finally going to get a good night's sleep without someone waking me up telling me to move or being threatened with water. And last but not least I have a roof over my head."

"Good night Kira you had a rough life you can stay as long as you need to." I told Kira as I tucked her in scratching her behind the ears. She just smiled as I scratched her ears.

"You know that your son did the same thing to me when we were at the pier and I was breaking down it comforts me; like mother like son I guess."

"Goodnight Mrs. Sutton" was the last thing she said that night as I turned off the light.

I know that this chapter is not very entertaining but was n eeded to set up the future chapters. I welcome any reviews or constructive criticism. I personally like to thank TheFrostedFox and his story for my inspiration. If there are any mistakes, please let me know.