Secret Love (TomTord)

A different breed

Tord:
The place was dark and damp as rain fell outside of our hidden place we called home. Runaways, stowaways, being chased by the owner of my mother.

"Mama, why do we have to hide?" I looked up at her as she held me in her arms close to her chest. The sound of her heart beat drumming in my cat like ears.

"Well baby, we're a different breed. Humans are dangerous creatures that want us used for their own ways Tord. If they found us you'd be snatched away and, I'm not sure if I'd ever see you again. You're too precious to me to let go. As long as I can I'm going to keep you safe." She pet my head softly as she rocked me slowly in her lap nearly lulling me to sleep.

"Mama... If they found us, and they did take me away, would you find me again?"

She paused and I watched with innocent eyes as her ears flicked dripping water from them. Looking back at it I didn't realize she held me so I'd stay warm and dry while she was soaked by rain that invaded the little space we were in, "Yes sweetheart. I would do all I could to find you. Let's just rest now though, tomorrow is another long day and we have to keep going."

"Where are we going anyway?"

Her smile was as soft as her tail and her voice as gentle as her touch when she told me, "Home. We're going home. To a place that's beautiful with flowers and butterflies and all the milk and honey you can imagine."

"Home sounds pretty."

"It is. It's the most wonderful place you can ever think of. Every single Neko came from there. We have a paw in both worlds you could say."

I giggled a little and stuck my tongue out at her playfully, "But we don't have paws mama!"

She chuckled softly and smiled before hugging me tighter, "Little one I think that you'll learn expressions aren't as they seem. Now rest. We can talk more later."

As I curled up against her she hummed a Melody softly that had me falling asleep before I realized it. It wasn't until later in my years that I understood that my mom knew one way or another we would be captured again. What she meant wasn't a physical place... It was a mindset and hope for heaven. Somewhere where everyone was happy and never felt a moment of pain. The two of us never got there.

Just as Mama said we were separated and tossed into different places. The boys and men were sent to labor, women and girls to breeding houses... Meanwhile though, I went neither of those places. I was unique under further inspection. I had a collar placed on my neck and was caged. It was terrifying being alone.

Everything was so much bigger than I was. Humans were so tall. A full grown Neko of my type was only 4'5 at most. We had a childish size and the sweetest of hearts to match. So trusting and loving, it made it difficult to understand how humans could be so harsh and selfish.

Those were the old days though... Now freedom has spread for us but even so things aren't exactly equal. Perhaps, one day they may be.