The Lycan

Chapter 10

Katie had just finished washing her mug when Matthew sat down at the table.

"I never thought you'd be able to handle this so well," he said. "It's almost scary."

"I honestly didn't think I'd be handling it this well, either," Katie responded. "I guess it's just how I was raised. What about you? You said you've known Nero for a long time?"

"Yeah. I've worked at the lab when Nero was created. I was looking for work when I was 20, and I met Mr. Carmen."

"Mr. Carmen? Is he your boss?"

"Oh, he used to be. He uh, he actually created Nero." Matthew rubbed the back of his neck. "We have no contact anymore. He wasn't a good guy."

The sounds of footsteps coming down the stairs paused the conversation as both Katie and Matthew turned their heads to the source.

Nero stood at the foot of the stairs, fidgeting at the purple t-shirt he had put on. He had also changed into the pair of black sweatpants Katie had left for him. He had trimmed his hair, which was still slightly wet from the shower, and it was tied up in a ponytail.

"I... didn't mean to interrupt," he muttered.

"Those look good on you! Especially the ponytail!" Katie complimented. Nero blushed a little bit at the compliment, running his long fingers through the ponytail she had just referred to.

That's what this is called? Nero thought to himself, having remembered some of the people at the lab having their hair up in this manner.

"She's right, you look good," Matthew added with a smile. "You should have your hair like that more often, only if you want, that is."

Nero's face suddenly felt hot. He opened his zig-zag like mouth to say something, but quickly closed it. He suddenly felt a pinch in the base of his spine and ran back upstairs.

"Oh um..." Matthew said. He turned to Katie. "I forgot he gets flustered like that..."

Nero shut the bathroom door and locked it behind him. He winced as he felt his tailbone crack and pulled his pants down. A skinny, naked tail was visible above the waist of his underwear. He cringed at the sight of it, it looked like that of a rat with only a thin layer of fur at the top of it. It was wagging.

"No, no, no," he whispered while spinning in a circle. "Stop it, stop!" He grabbed the skinny thing, and took a deep breath. He let go of it, and the bony appendage slowly retracted back into his spine, a grinding noise accompanying it. He held onto the sink with one hand, sucking in a sharp breath to keep himself from yelping. The pain lasted for about a minute, until he exhaled shakily when it faded. He examined his backside once more, and put his pants back on after confirming it was gone. He slumped down on the floor with a heavy sigh, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Good lord, this is too much," he muttered to himself, embarrassed despite the fact he was alone. Regaining his composure, he stood back up, and exited the bathroom.

"I'm sorry," he said as he walked down the stairs. "I needed a moment..."

Katie and Matthew had concluded their conversation, and Katie stood up, picked up her sketchbook and walked to the front door.

"I'm going for a walk," Katie said. "You guys should come with me, Nero, you can show me around."

"What...?" The werewolf asked, unsure.

"I usually like to sketch what I see in the forest, and since you practically live in it, maybe you could show us what's in it? Only if it's okay though, I don't wanna force you."

Matthew playfully nudged Nero's arm. "C'mon man, show us around. We won't tell a soul. It's been a while." He joined Katie at the door.

Nero looked at them uneasily, pondering for a moment. He knew the forest belonged to every creature, so he couldn't say no, and if the two were to get lost, he could easily lead them back. He thought back to all that has happened the past two days, and finally made his decision.

Nero headed out the door, looking ahead at the vast forest in front of him. He looked back over his shoulder to his newfound companions, and for the first time since he could last remember, he smiled.

"Come. There is something I want to show you."