Hybrid

Chapter Three

Fizzy blinked slowly, his eyes adjusting to the dim light that filtered into whatever room he was in. Remembering what happened a few hours ago, he sat up quickly, smacking his head into metal bars.

"Ow..." He groaned, rubbing his head. He gasped, feeling no hat over his head anymore. He heard a chuckle beside him, and flinched away, bumping against some more metal bars on the side. He figured he must be in a small cage.

"Hello?" He whispered tentatively. "Hey, don't be afraid." The gruff voice in the cage beside him whispered. "There's a 50% that you'll be sold to someone kind." The voice continued.

"Sold? Where are we?!" Fizzy question, eyes wide and unseeing in the dark room. "You're at an illegal hybrid show. They bring in hybrids like me and you, and sell 'em for thousands." The man explained, as if it was nothing.

Fizzy's head spun, and he leaned back, taking deep breaths. He pulled at his shirt, trying to free his neck from his shirt collar. When that didn't work, he reached up to his neck, feeling cool leather around it. A collar. An actual collar. Fizzy whimpered, trying desperately to pull it off, when suddenly the lights switched on.

He blinked frantically, trying to adjust to the light once again. He looked around, seeing rows of cages like his, all of them containing girls, boys, women, and men with ears and tails. He had no idea there were actually this many hybrids.

The sound of many voices filled the room and a ton of people strolled in, casually viewing the cages as though they were at a pet store searching for a pet to take home.

A booming voice echoed around the room, coming from a loud speaker. "All of these hybrids are for sale and are legitimate. If you're interested in buying, just press the button on top of the cage, and an attendant will come over to help."

Fizzy tried to think on the bright side. He'd have shelter, somewhere to stay, food and water (hopefully), and less danger than living out on the streets (again, hopefully).

Someone stopped in front of his cage, crouching down to see him. Fizzy shuffled backwards nervously, not wanting to meet the person's eyes.

"Hey," a soft voice crooned, wanting to get his attention. Fizzy looked up uncertainly, brushing his messy hair out of his tired eyes. Fizzy's bright green eyes met bright blue ones.

"I'm not gonna hurt you," the young man in front of him spoke kindly. He looked to be a few years older than Fizzy, maybe nineteen. The man pressed the button on top of Fizzy's cage, and Fizzy's stomach dropped, hoping the man's kindness wasn't just an act.

An attendant, the same one who brought Fizzy here, rushed over, a money-hungry expression on his face. "How can I help you?" He asked the younger man.

"I'm interested in this one, but first I'd like to know a few things," the kind man spoke. "How old is he?" "I'd say he's maybe 14 or 15," his kidnapper spoke. "I'm 16," Fizzy practically growled. "Feisty one," the mean man chuckled nervously.

"Alright, what's his name?" "Erm, I'm afraid we don't have that information," the man said. "Fine. I'll offer $900." "$1000." "$950." "Fine, $950," the muscular man said, holding his hand out. The younger man placed nine separate hundred-dollar bills in the man's hand, and the man pocketed it. He pulled out a key, unlocked Fizzy's cage, and quickly pulled a leash out of his pocket, clipping it to Fizzy's scratchy collar.

"Thanks," the younger man said curtly, taking the leash. "C'mon...cat." He chuckled, not knowing what Fizzy's name was. Fizzy hesitantly crept out of the cage, and stood, grateful to stretch.

The man lead him to his car, opening the passenger seat door for him. He buckled Fizzy in, then walked around to the driver's seat, opening the door and sitting down. He buckled up, starting the car and closing the door. Rain pattered on the hood of the car miserably, and he turned the wind wipers on, the quiet swishing breaking the tense silence.

The blue-eyed man coughed awkwardly. "I'm Cinder," he introduced himself. "Fizzy," Fizzy replied, sulking as he stared out at the passing trees.

"You don't have to be afraid, you know." Cinder stated, keeping his eyes on the road. "I was passing that auction place and saw the signs, and decided to go in, hoping I could save one young hybrid from experiencing a harsh owner," he continued.

"I saw you, and you just looked so miserable; I couldn't leave you to a bad fate." Cinder finished. Fizzy turned to look at him, making sure he was telling the truth. "W-well, thanks, a lot actually. I was terrified." Fizzy admitted, opening up a little.

The car stopped unexpectedly, and Fizzy looked back out the window. A two-story apartment loomed in front of them, the window panes speckled with rain drops. The crisp white house matched the light brown door and fence surrounding the house. It looked quite cozy.

"Well, we're here!"

[A/N]

Yay, made this one longer! We're on a roll today lol.

QOTC: Do you think Cinder is nice, or will he turn out to be mean? :o

- AJ (: x