The Deaf Purr

Chapter 1~Sebastian

I was a pup when I fist saw these things. "Humans" dad called them. They come in so many shapes and sizes and colors. They are bigger than us and always fighting it seems. Especially over there "kids". Though I've seen many "kids", I grew up with one in particular.

Luke.

Luke didn't make noise like his parents did. But he used his "hands" a lot. I watched from our line of sight as they moved quickly. Somehow they understood the weird movements. A lot of the pack laughed at me for taking such interests in a thing like humans.

He's changed. He was always bigger than me, but it's a very intense growth; he's probably a tree to me now. His head fur is long and "skin" pale. He didn't use his hands as much as he used to and his parents yelled more than they used to. I wonder if that's what's making him use his hands less.

I stare a little while longer, turn around, and walk away. It's weird how these humans work. They change and grow in ways we don't. Foxes stay mostly the same. Our fur coats always reddish-brown and thick. Personalities and habits never wavering.

Change is as rare as unmarked territory.

Anyway, I'm Sebastian. Sixteen in human years, about the size of a Bloodhound, reddish-black with orange-red eyes and the sharpest set of ears and teeth. Believe it or not, I'm not a warrior or hunter or anything like that. I am built like it; strong back and legs, speed like no other, all other assets. However, I am a Zeragon. It's a spiritual fox for us. We tend to live long, "human years" without any change. They come every 50 years. And even then, they're scattered around the world.

Whispers all around as I walk back to our territory. "It's him; the Zeragon" or "the human watcher" and giggles. Gasps of awe and amazement as I make my way to the den I call my home. It's small width and depth for only one body. I lay down and listen to the voices and yelps of our packs and others. Beautiful sounds.

"Sabby!" My little sister Emilia screamed out as she ran into my den. It's big enough for a full body and maybe 7 pups comfortably. She jumped on me and bit my ear. Followed by a shy group of her friends. They're not shy at all, but when it comes to me, everybody is.

"Hello Emilia." She giggled. "The rest of you." A chorus of "hello's" and mumbles, all heads bowed. I nod and sensing it, their heads pop up. "What brings you here?"

"Well you were gone for about a week now."

"I have to. I'm getting older and it's a normal thing for a Zeragon. We're wanderers you know."

"My daddy says you go and watch monsters that have killed us. Is that true?"

"Yes. Now go."

They left and I slept. The beautiful sounds resumed and then silence. I woke and looked to see hidden faces. I walked out in the open and up at him.

Luke.