The morning after my meeting with Gosha, I awoke with a knot in my stomach. And as I made my way out to the street, where he wanted to meet up, I silently hoped he wouldn't be there. But at the crack of dawn, he stood outside leaning against the wall just outside the Hidden Condo, right where he'd been the night before.

"Good morning!" He greeted with a beaming smile, both hands occupied by cups steaming with some hot liquid. "Here, something to help you wake you up!"

"No thanks," I waved him off, "I don't drink coffee."

To which Gosha chuckled, "Oh the coffee is for me!" He explained, "I got you a hot chocolate."

A hot... What? "Uh, alright..." I took it, without knowing exactly what I'd just been handed. "Thanks, I think."

"Don't mention it! You're helping me today remember?" Before he started walking, and I was expected to follow.

I nodded, walking alongside him. He was quite tall so I didn't need to watch my pace to match his own, which was a nice change. I brought the cup to my nose, sniffing a few times to try and figure out exactly what this drink was. It smelled... Good, actually, really good. "I wonder how it-" But all thoughts ceased as the warm liquid washed down my throat.

"I know canines aren't good with chocolate, but you're not entirely canine are you?" Gosha laughed lightly, sipping his own drink.

"This might be one of the best thing I've ever tasted." Before I stiffened, realizing that the words escaped my lips before they could be stopped.

Another booming laugh was the lizards response, "Well I'm glad you enjoy it! Do a good job and I'll buy you another cup!" I couldn't tell if he was joking or serious.

But that wasn't a risk I was willing to take, I had to be on my best behavior today.

. . .

It didn't take too long for us to reach our destination, maybe an hour of walking as the we watched the city awaken around us. Gosha didn't say much, didn't ask me many questions about... What I was. Mostly small talk, asking about how I liked the Hidden Condo. He liked to talk about his Grandson Legoshi a lot, he definitely cared a lot about him. As we went on however, I had this strange feeling we were taking a roundabout path. And I could tell by the smells in the air, we were getting close to the Black Market.

It made me tense, to say the least.

Soon, we came upon the rather small building. It couldn't have been more than one or two rooms, a large window showed many shapes inside. A small playground of sorts just outside behind a sizeable fence. It looked a bit run down, taken care of but clearly in need of some renovations and maybe a new paint job.

Gosha lead me through the gate, heading for the main door quickly. "Okay, I let Ms. Anna know you were going to be here, but the kids are in for a big surprise." His tail was flitting back and forth, I thought this might be some kind of trap for a second, but he was really just this excited.

"Right... So, what am I supposed to... Do, exactly?" I asked the question I'd been struggling with. Gosha gave me a rough idea last night when we spoke but I still hardly knew exactly what he wanted. I was supposed to make these kids feel better about being hybrids but... How do I do that?

The big lizard had paused right at the door, he turned back to me wearing a soft smile. "Be honest, they're just kids, answer any questions they have as best as you're able." He explained, before patting me on the shoulder. "And if ever feel uncomfortable, just say the word and I'll step in."

I nodded slowly, "Alright... I'll do my best." With hot chocolate on the line, I had no other choice.

Gosha gave me a smile and another pat before pushing open the door. Stepping through with a big grin, "Hey kids! Have you all been well this week?" He asked, instantly getting cries and cheers in response.

"Uncle Gosha's here!" One cried, as the horde of tiny children swarmed his legs. Some demanding to be picked up, others happily tugging at his pant legs for attention.

While a woman behind the nearby desk smiled in relief, "Gosha, thank you so much for coming again this week."

"Of course!" He said with a nod, currently holding two different children, one in each arm. "Coming here is one of my favorite parts of the week! And I brought a friend with me, everyone..." He drew all their eyes to me, "This is Sven, and she's a hybrid just like all of you."

Right on the spot already huh? "H-Hello there." I waved nervously, forcing a smile that maybe showed too much teeth.

A daycare center near the back alley market, specifically for mixed children. I could tell just by looking at these kids, they were all hybrids. A rhino covered in fur, a fox with curved horns, an anteater with antlers, each and everyone one of them was... Like me. Gosha mentioned on the way here that hybrid children are often considered "hard to deal with" and turned away from larger daycares, so their parents have nowhere else to take them.

"I'm Anna," The woman stepped out from behind the counter, she was small and reminded me of Maria. She was a doe of some kind, I think. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise..." I sounded about as convincing as you can imagine. "Ngh!" I stiffened, as the children back to swarm around me too, tiny hands grabbing at my tail.

"Whoa!" One of them exclaimed, "Look at the big tail!"

My cheeks flushed, my heart pounding with a sudden feeling of anxiety. "Y-Yes, I get it from my alligator blood..." But I don't think they were listening, or really cared about the details.

"So you're a lizard like Uncle Gosha?"

"Are you related to Uncle Gosha?"

"What? N-No I- We aren't even the same-" Stammering out words as I fumbled to collect myself. And regain any sense of composure as they were practically climbing on my long coat.

What kind of sick joke was this? I've stared down vicious carnivores that want to devour me and not batted an eye but I was being backed into a corner by... By a bunch of children!?

"Alright kids," Gosha finally stepped in, chuckling as he began to peel them off me. "Lets give Sven a little space, she's not used to being crowded."

Sweet mercy, thank you Gosha. "I have an idea," Anna chimed in, "Why don't we do some story time?" She suggested, "Sven, you can tell the kids what its like growing up as a hybrid."

"I suppose I could... Sure, why not." This was a terrible idea, I didn't exactly have the best frame of reference outside of the last few months.

Even so, the kids all gathered around, taking seats on the floor and waiting excitedly. I was put center stage, Gosha standing nearby ready to swoop in if things didn't go well.

"So uh... Growing up as a hybrid is... Interesting," I began, throat suddenly terribly dry. "There's-"

"Did you have to go to hybrid only school later too?" One kid blurted out.

"Well, I never went to school so-"

"How can you just NOT go to school!?"

"I wanna do that!"

"Children please!"

Gosha laughed nervously, waving his hands back and forth. "Now now, you'll need a good education! And don't worry there are no restrictions on hybrid children going to public schools." He assured, shooting me a sideways glance. It was more... Inquisitive, than accusatory.

Another kids hand shot up, "So were your parents a wolf and a lizard?" She asked, a little spotted red faun, sprouting little horns on her head like a giraffe.

"Well, no actually..." I admitted, "My father, was a Red Wolf, my mother was a hybrid." Shifting nervously, "I'm actually three different species, not just two."

"How does that work?"

"I wanna be three things!"

I was beginning to sense a pattern here with these kids, easily distracted. And Gosha seemed more intent on watching me than actually stepping in to take over. "I mean, really its not-"

"What was your momma?"

"A bearded vulture and alligator mix-"

"Does that mean you can fly?"

"N-No I don't have-"

"You should try to fly!"

"I wanna fly!"

"Kids please, don't interrupt our guest," Anna tried to intervene as best she could. "I'm so sorry, they're usually not this excitable!"

I had a hard time believing that, I was messing this up. I was a fighter, I had no idea how to handle a pack of rabid toddlers. "N-No its my fault really, I'm sure its just-"

"She's right you know." Gosha finally said, aiming his words directly at me. His eyes suddenly sharp, as our gazes met. "They must really like you."

The look in his eyes, its like he was waiting for me to do something.

And the moment that something clicked in my head, I had to resist the urge to slap my own forehead.

"Be honest, they're just kids."

That's what he told me, and I realized I didn't know what being a kid meant because I was never given the chance to be one. Not like these kids anyways, so it was safe to say they already had a much better start than I did. If they really did feel self conscious about how they look, all I had to do was give them a push in the right direction. Just like I told Milos during that ridiculous water test.

"All it takes is the right person, at the right time..." I muttered under my breath, suddenly feeling a wave of ease wash over me as I looked down at my gloved hands. I slowly pulled each glove away, showing my scaled hands and talon tipped fingers. Before slowly removing my overcoat, leaving me in just a black T-shirt, where my feathered arms could be seen in full view.

Their eyes were glued to me, silenced and mesmerized by every detail of my mutant body. Even Gosha and Anna looked quite surprised by what was underneath. I took their silence as a chance to be honest with them.

"Growing up as a hybrid, is difficult." I said simply, "Some people will treat you differently, its not fair, and sometimes it'll hurt." I paused briefly, slowly dropping down to sit with them as well so I was closer to eye level. "You struggle, go through hard times... But you should never be ashamed of who you are, because you're all different," I held up my hands, "There is only one me, nobody else in the whole world that looks exactly like me, and the same goes for all of you." I explained, my tone getting a bit more enthusiastic, "You're all unique, you're all special."

My answer seemed to satisfy them, as I left the children with sparkling eyes and hopeful looks. Though, it was hard to tell if anyone so young would actually understand what I was saying. Maybe they were still enamored by my appearance, and hadn't heard a word I'd said.

Either way, Gosha appeared happy with my answer.

The remainder of my time there that day was spent playing with the kids. It was an interesting experience, to say the least. I'd never really had toys before, so they were far more experienced than me. So much of my life was defined by survival, coming out on top. But it was hardly about winning or losing with them, they were eager just to play.

I think I found... That I enjoy losing, when my life isn't on the line anyways.

Some hours later, their parents or guardians would arrive and begin to pick up their children. Gosha was very sociable with them, and they were all quite friendly. I avoided talking to them, just offering polite waves as they came and went. Before long, Gosha and I said our goodbyes to Anna after cleaning up the place, and we made our way back out into the world.

It wasn't very late, only mid afternoon at this point. I still had plenty of day ahead of me, and an old lizard I needed to ask some things. "So, you didn't just bring me here for the kids did you?" I asked, more of an observation than an accusation.

Gosha simply stuffed his hands into the pockets of his coat before answering. "At first, it was just for the kids but... After our talk, I realized that you could use some help too with your self esteem."

I paused and took a deep breath, before looking to him. "Thank you, I did... And I appreciate the help."

"No no thank you," He waved me off, smiling softly. "Those kids really liked you, and I think seeing you did help them feel better about themselves..." Before he trailed off, "It would be a shame, if this was the only time they ever got to see you."

I quirked an eyebrow at that, "Are you... Suggesting something?"

To which Gosha shrugged, "That depends on your work schedule." He chuckled lightly, before his tone shifted a bit. "Though, I do have... Some concerns."

As we started walking, I shot him a sideways glance. "Such as?"

"I noticed some of your scars, when you removed your coat." He said simply, and I instantly grew tense. "Those don't come from accidents... And your talons, the way you handle them so carefully despite the fact you haven't filed them down means you're used to brandishing them." His eyes narrowed sharply as he came to a stop beside an alley. "No schooling, and little knowledge of your parents... That's quite a few red flags, for someone I just let hang around a bunch of kids all day."

The way his tone had changed, he was just as on edge as I was, waiting to see how I'd react. I swallowed nervously, "Does this mean... I'm not getting that hot chocolate?" It sounded like a joke, but I absolutely serious. His response was simply to fold his arms over his chest, and silently wait for a proper explanation. "Alright, fine..." I held up my hands defensively, sighing heavily. "I grew up in the Black Market, only got out recently." There was no need for the details, and I'd like to think Gosha was sympathetic enough not to demand them. "But I'm clean, I work at a library five days a week and that's it."

Gosha nodded slowly, his expression going from serious to sad in an instant. "I see, I suppose that explains a lot..." Before he sighed too, "Well, if you ever want to come by the daycare, its every Saturday morning to afternoon." He offered, a faint smile returning. "Anna and I would certainly appreciate it, don't expect to get paid though."

It was hard to explain, but something about being around those children made me feel... Rejuvenated? Like, their innocence lifted so much of the crushing existential dread I'd been feeling recently. I'd even forgotten completely about my nightmares. So in response to his offer, I shrugged.

"Throw in a cup of hot chocolate every Saturday, and I'm in."

I only wished the feeling would last.

. . .

We went our separate ways, and I made my way back to the Hidden Condo. But as I neared the building, I noticed an unpleasant smell near the entrance. One I barely recognized, it made my nose wrinkle and my heart race.

"No, he can't be here." I told myself, reasoning it had to be some other crow, maybe that albino one that lived here.

But sure enough, as I turned into the walkway that lead inside, I met eyes with him.

"Heh, afternoon number Seven." Sloan, the old crow that acted as my boss in the Pit. He greeted me with a faint smile, though his demeanor was tense.

This space was open, nowhere anyone could hide even if they were using scent erasers. "So you finally found me." I said, doing my best to remain calm.

"I've known where you are," He waved me off, "It ain't hard tracking a freak like yourself, believe me."

"Then why haven't the Madaragumi come after me?" I replied, quirking an eyebrow. "They had a bounty on my head."

"Yeah, funny thing about that," He nervously rubbed the back of his neck. "After Orgo, nobody would take the job... And those cats have been getting their teeth kicked in by the Shishigumi and their new boss." The old crow added. "So they ain't exactly in the hunting mood, they can't risk losing anyone else and lucky for you number Seven," My eye twitched, "Your reputation precedes you." Chuckling grimly.

"So you've got no manpower," I listed on my fingers, "No gang, and you're unarmed... So why are you here?"

"Well... The thing is..." He was hesitating, "Look, I'll cut the shit, I'm in a bad way."

"Is that so?" And I was supposed to care?

"Before you uh... Left," Sloan continued, "We were prepping for this big match, a fighter from another country that wanted nothing more than to face you in the pit." Was this all about some stupid fight? "The guy is nuts, I've done what I can to keep him off my back but he's out of patience, he wants to fight you and if I can't bring you in-"

"Let me guess, he'll kill you?" I surmised, before scoffing and shaking my head. "Of course, I should have expected that you'd only care about saving your own ass." I started walking past him, "We're done here, goodbye Sloan."

"W-Wait please!" He reached out for my hand, "Come on! Please, for old times sake? Please Number Sev-"

I snapped, turning and bearing down on him with a sudden fury in my eyes. "Do NOT call me that!" Shouting at him, as he fell back on the pavement in terror. "My name is Sven, not number Seven, understand? And I don't care what happens to you, its all your own fault, now you live with the consequences."

He was trembling, beady little eyes quivering as he looked up at me. Before his tension seemed to melt away, and he sighed lowering his head. "Wow... I thought being out here would change you, but you're face is still the same..." He shook his head, "I see the anger in your eyes, but you face is still blank, emotionless... I really fucked you up didn't I?"

A strange way to admit his defeat, but I agreed as I turned away from him. "Yeah... Yeah Sloan you did." After seeing those kids today, so bright eyed, expressive... "Now go, run, hide, whatever you have to, but I don't want to see you ever again." I wished more than anything, I could express my feelings the way they did.

"Thanks for nothing, Sven."

I walked away from him, heart pounding in my chest despite my stoic expression. All the stress and fear I'd pushed back now at the forefront of my mind. And as the cowering crow departed, I couldn't help but doubt my decision.

"Did I make the right choice?"

The short answer?

No, I did not.