Those who were raised in darkness

The begging

"Hehe! Look at the flower I picked, mama!" I said to my mom, showing her one of the many flowers from the flower bed. Ever since last week, she's been taking it easy with me. She's been kissing me on the cheek, four times a day, and I feel like I'm in heaven. She bakes sweets often, and I play with some of the village kids. I know that we aren't related by blood, but she is and will always be the mom that I love.

I also have an older brother. Not related by blood, but he is the best older brother in the world. As he adventures new land, he also sends me stuff. Like a jewel encrypted dagger. It had many precious jewels and it came with a satchel and a note.

When I saw this set, I thought of you, Yudai. A gift from me to you.

It read. Thanks big brother Yuta. He's so cool. "Yes its a beautiful flower. Let's go home now." Mom said. We got up and began to walk back to the cabin. I knew what she would say, but I asked again.

"Why don't I have ears like yours?" I asked. "And why don't you have a tail?"

"Because I am me, and you are you. We are all unique. And, there are many other children like you here." She smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back. Just like always.

"I love you.
Through thick and thin.
I'll always have your skin.
You are my kin.
I love you, booboo.

And you didn't comb your ears today, did you?" She said after her poem..

"But mooom!" I complained.

"Ahahaa!" She laughed.

"Heheheheehheehe!" I laughed with her. With my ears, I could hear about five times better than the average person. My senses are all enhanced. So that's why, even when mama couldn't, I could hear a snap of a twig. I turned my head abruptly but, before I could use my vision, mama asked me what was wrong.

I turned towards her, not wanting to get rid of her beautiful smile, I pretended like a didn't hear anything.

"Nothing mom. Let's go home." I said.

"What if big brother Yuta is back?!" I exclaimed. I want you to be happy mom.

"Yes. Let's go." Mom said softly.
Just one last time, I turned my head back, wondering. I was about to activate my vision, when "What do you think Yudai?"

"Oops! Sorry mom. I wasn't listening. I was being rude. Can you please repeat that?" I looked at her sorrowful. That was rude. I hope that she won't leave me. Instead, she patted my head. "Let's play a new game. Its called floorboards." She said.

" Okay!" I exclaimed. When we got back home, she motioned me to her room. Then, she opened up the floorboard. She his me in there and winked at me.

"Don't come out until its absolutely quiet." She said and then covered it back up. I was shaking with excitement at this new game. Is it a surprise? I bet it is! Maybe its new medical tools! Maybe its cupcakes! I was smiling to myself as I heard many soft thumps. Is that a horse? Did she get me a horse?! I was really excited. And then, I heard a defined thump, and all went silent.

I hid Yudai under the floorboards. I hope that they don't look. I walked outside. I could hear the screams and cries of the villagers. Anyone who resisted, was killed. Everyone else, was to be taken as slaves. But we knew this day was coming. A soldier from Fiore told us of their plans, hoping that we could escape in time. Such a kind soldier. As the soldiers marched into town, I could see the same one, close to tears, as he was told to burn down houses.

    He looked really regretful. Everything and everyone here is unique. Even the flowers. I heard the hooves of a horse and turned my head. He's here. My son.

Yuta got off of his horse, dressed in the clothing of Fiore garments. A special soldier, he was. Even though his cat ears were shown bright, he was accepted as strong. "Yuta. I am proud of you." I said. He began to cry.

"I. I. Mom.where's Yudai?" He asked sternly. Even though his face showed tears, his voice was rough.
"I sent him away. Into the wild." I lied.
"Mom. I can't do this if your looking at me. Please. Turn around." He said.
I turned around and strode back into the house, making small thumps so that way Yudai can hear. Don't come out yet honey. I love you. Then I felt the sword through my chest. I smiled softly to myself.

"I will always love you. Yuta. Yudai." I said as I staggered.

"Mom. I'm so sorry. It is my duty." Yuta said. Of course. I understand. But if you kill Yudai, I will haunt ya. I made a few more staggers, then fell with a defined thump. Yuta walked away, but he didn't leave. I think he wanted a last look at his room. His home. Before he left forever. Then, I heard what I feared. I wanted to hear him, but I also feared for his life.

"Mom! Mama! Mommy? All is quiet now! Where are you?" Yudai had shouted. And then, the door to the living room opened.

"Mama!" He screamed and ran over to me. "Mom! This isn't funny, mom! I don't like this game! I don't like this surprise!" He said crying over me.
"Don't cry Yudai. I will always love you. I-" I coughed up blood. His eyes widened. .

"I don't know how to treat this kind of wound! You, why is this happening? What do I do mom? Your going to- your going to!" He cried.

"You have to run. Don't forget. I will always have your skin, you are my kin. " I said, trying to cheer him up.

"Huh?! Mom! No, don't close your eyes! That means that your-" he stopped. My eyes closed slowly as I could feel myself slipping. I love you Yudai. Live for me. As I did for you.

Yudai. Age seven. My mom is bleeding out in front of me. And now she's. She's. Gyaaaaaaa!
"Aaaaaaaahhhh!" I yelled. What's happening to me? I looked at my hands. I could feel my tail going freely. I was turning into a monster.

"Roooaaaaaarrr!" That's not me. This can't be me. Mom. I love you mom. Then, I smelt something. Is that, fire? I looked around. I felt like I was turning back to myself. I could see my hands, not a Wolf's. I can't pick up mom, but I can grab whatever I can before this house burns down! But my eyes were beastly. Everything that I saw, was enhanced. My speed was too, as long as I was barefoot. I ran around the house quickly. Soon, I had a whole pack filled with my clothes, Some of Yuta's, just in case I grow into them, stitching needless. A set so I can repair and make my own clothes. The satchel and dagger was on my waist.

Water, apples, clothes, food, and lastly, a photo of me and mom and Yuta. I will always treasure this. Smoke was getting into the house. I ran outside and put down the sack, crying. Then, I picked up a flower and ran back inside to say goodbye. I put the flower in my mom's hands and kissed her cheek.

"Mama! I miss you mama!" I cried. The smoke was getting really strong now. I ran out and ran until I reached me and mom's special place. I sunk into the flowers, I fell asleep. Wishing that this was all some horrible dream.