A New Chance (18+)

[Envy]

It was a cold and dreary winter day in the city of Shidaris in the kingdom of Chymalene.

 

The roof tops of homes and businesses were covered in snow. The cobbled stone streets were lined in it where the people of the city had shoveled it into the gutters to melt and off the paved sidewalks. The wide streets were busy with traffic of horse drawn carriages, wagons with their beds filled of different things.

 

People rushed from one place to another, hurrying out of the cold winds that gusted up from the bay.

Karen walked the open market, picking through the fresh produce of the day. Despite the cold and mushy snow under foot, the place was as packed as ever. Crossing the opening of an alley, something off to the side caught her eye.

 

Slowing, she turned her head completely, her brown eyes falling on a huddled figure shivering in the cold. It was small and hardly dressed for such a cold day. She stepped into the alley, the basket on her arm swinging, filled with her choices from the stalls.

 

Stopping two feet away, she looked on curiously at the person before her. Thinking it was a child she took a step closer.

 

“Hello there.” she said warmly, not wanting to frighten them.

 

“Are you lost little one?”

[Arekushisu]

He sat in the alley cold and wet. The winter this year was getting worse than it ever was. He caved into himself and waited for morning where the sun would come out and give him a slight release from the cold.

He wore nothing but a pair of small pants that landed about his mid-calf and a ratted shirt that had no sleeves, and the small exception of the rag he had to hide his ears from plain site. The stones on the street dug into his skin causing him to wince when he moved. He was used to it though...been here long enough to know that no one stopped to talk to you or help no matter who you were.

A noise came from the mouth of the alley, it was the sound of shuffling feet. Next thing he knew a woman stood before him with a basket on her arm looking down at him.

He flinched away from her when she spoke to him. He knew he couldnt trust anyone...not after what happened to him.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

He sat in the alley cold and wet. The winter this year was getting worse than it ever was. He caved into himself and waited for morning where the sun would come out and give him a slight release from the cold.

He wore nothing but a pair of small pants that landed about his mid-calf and a ratted shirt that had no sleeves, and the small exception of the rag he had to hide his ears from plain site. The stones on the street dug into his skin causing him to wince when he moved. He was used to it though...been here long enough to know that no one stopped to talk to you or help no matter who you were.

A noise came from the mouth of the alley, it was the sound of shuffling feet. Next thing he knew a woman stood before him with a basket on her arm looking down at him.

He flinched away from her when she spoke to him. He knew he couldnt trust anyone...not after what happened to him.

[Envy]

Seeing the figure flinch, Karen didn't move closer.

 

They seemed afraid and she didn't want the person to think she meant them any harm.

 

“It's okay.” she said in the same tone “I'm not going to hurt you.”

 

Crouching, even though her skirts were getting wet from the snow on the ground, she placed the basket down next to her. She dug through it in search of a sweet plum she had gotten. Finding it, she held it out to the huddled figure.

 

“Here. You look like you could use this.” she said trying to get a good look at them “If you don't like fruit.. I know where I could get some meat.”

 

Thinking on it, she pulled out a white square of cloth from the pocket of her cloak and placed it on the ground. She placed the fruit on the cloth so it wouldn't touch the ground, before standing with the basket on her arm again.

 

“I'll go get you some thing warm to eat. I'll be back, I promise.” she said before turning to hurry out the alley, leaving the fruit behind.

[Arekushisu]

He looked at the woman and flinched when she started moving again. She pulled out some type of purple thing and sat it next to him on a cloth. He looked at it and twitched his ears then left them back. He was scared and cold and alone.

He looked at her clothes and saw they were getting wet. He felt bad now seeing he was the reason why she was kneeling on the ground. She told him to wait here she left silently as she had come. He didnt know whether she would be back or not.

He knelt next to the thing on the ground looking at it suspiciously. He knelt to the ground and was eye level with it. He smelled it and his ears twitched at the sweet smell.

He took a small bite and his stomach instantly recoiled. His ears pushed back and he gagged slightly, whatever it was wasnt to his liking. He curled back up dismissing the nasty thing sitting on the ground.

 

- - - Updated - - -

 

He looked at the woman and flinched when she started moving again. She pulled out some type of purple thing and sat it next to him on a cloth. He looked at it and twitched his ears then left them back. He was scared and cold and alone.

He looked at her clothes and saw they were getting wet. He felt bad now seeing he was the reason why she was kneeling on the ground. She told him to wait here she left silently as she had come. He didnt know whether she would be back or not.

He knelt next to the thing on the ground looking at it suspiciously. He knelt to the ground and was eye level with it. He smelled it and his ears twitched at the sweet smell.

He took a small bite and his stomach instantly recoiled. His ears pushed back and he gagged slightly, whatever it was wasnt to his liking. He curled back up dismissing the nasty thing sitting on the ground.

[Envy]

Karen returned like she had said she would.

 

Noticing the fruit still on the ground she didn't say anything about it, thinking it wasn't liked. In her hands was something wrapped in brown paper, stained with the contents inside, and the smell of cooked meat was drifting from it.

 

Stopping in her place from before, she crouched down once again, placing the basket by her side. She sat the package in her lap and unwrapped it, then placed it on the ground by the piece of fruit from before.

Inside was four steak and chicken skewers with rotated potatoes.

 

Once it was placed down, she reached into her basket and pulled out a medium sized flask with hot chocolate inside. After putting it next to the offered food, she stood and moved back, thinking of giving the figure some space since they were so afraid.

 

Looking at the clothing the figure wore, she thought that they had to be cold in this weather, so she gave a small smile.

 

“I'll be right back. Eat it won't hurt you.” she said before she picked up the basket and made her way out of the alley once again.

Going a street up, she found a vendor who sold wool winter blankets and bought two and headed back to the alley.

[Arekushisu]

He waited for what seemed like eternity but finally the woman came back bringing with her the smell of something amazing. His ears twitch making the rag over his head move slightly. He smelled the air but didnt expect the woman to place down meat.

She told him to eat it and left it on the ground just as she did the purple thing. His ears moved forward as he inspected the food placed before him. He looked but didnt move to it until the woman left again.

He pulled the food over to him his mouth watering. He picked up the skewers and ate them in record time. He slunk back to the corner not really even touching the silver thing next to the food. He smelled a sweet aroma coming from it but made no move to touch it. He pulled the rag closer to him and made sure everything was covered. Then he waited for the woman to arrive.

[Envy]

Coming back as quickly as she could, Karen returned and was happy to see that the little one had eaten the food she had left.

 

Not pushing for them to drink the hot chocolate, she just crouched again and held the blankets out to be taken.

 

“They will help warm you up.” she said.

 

She wished there was more she could do, but the figure seemed frightened and she wasn't sure what else could be done. If she could get them to trust her, she could maybe … take them home...

 

With that thought, she bit her lip, wondering what her Lord would say to a street child being brought to his home without his permission. But when she looked at them again, she couldn't bring herself to walk away knowing they were out here starving and cold.

 

“Would you like to come home with me little one?” she asked having made up her mind.

 

If Lord Knight became angry, and she really doubted he would, but if he did, then she would take full responsibility as long as he let them stay.

 

“You'll have food, clothing, and a warm bed to sleep in. My master would be happy to have you live with us.” admittedly she could be sure of the last part, but she would convince him.

[Arekushisu]

He was dozing off when the woman came back with blankets. He looked at them in her outstretched hand. He could trust her...He looked at her face and saw nothing but kindness. He reached out one of his durty hands and took the blanket.

He looked at her and then slipped off his small rag covering his ears. He felt them twitch towards her. She had said something about taking him home and sleep and a bed. He couldnt even remember what a bed felt like.

He nodded hesitantly and pulled the warmer blanket over his ears hidding them from her sight once more.

[Envy]

Karen was a little surprised about the ears she had just seen, but it didn't change her mind.

 

Smiling she closed the still filled flask and put it back into her basket and stood. She held her gloved hand out for him to take so she could help him up if he needed it, and soon they were on their way back to the streets.

 

Wrapping the second blanket around him, she lead him a few streets away to a inn where she was to meet with her co-workers when they were ready to leave. Inside they were seated at a table waiting.

 

“Karen!” one woman exclaimed when she saw her “It's about time...who do you have with you?” she asked as all their attention turned to her and her new companion.

 

“I'm not sure of his name. But I found him huddled in a alley with nothing on but ripped up clothing. I couldn't leave him.” she said to them.

 

The two men and one woman all took a moment before they nodded their understanding. They weren't above helping others.

 

One man stood and stretched “Well I'm sure the master wouldn't mind a new member to the house hold.” he said and then looked to the new one before he gave him a small smile. “Lets get going so we can get him warmed properly.”

 

Karen nodded and followed the man back out the door leading her new charge with her.

 

“This is Malachi.” she said pointing to the man that walked out first “And this is Nora, Jane and and Jake.” she said pointing to each of them in turn as they walked out to the streets once again.

 

Malachi was already loaded up on the carriage in the drivers bench and Jake hopped up there with him while the three women and the new one got into the back. Once the door closed, they began to ride out of the city.

 

“By the way. My name is Karen.” she said with a warm smile “What is yours?”

[Arekushisu]

He followed the woman down the street holding onto her hand tightly. She went into a building and went up to a group of people. She introduced them in turn while I hid behind her the best i could clutching at my blankets hiding my ears and tail.

She lead them outside agian onto the streets. They all kept talking about some mysterious master. They all got into the carrige and shut the doors. He felt trapped but instead of banging on the doors to get out he huddled closer to her.

Once they got settle and started moving further and further away from the city in some unknown direction she asked him his name. He looked up at her and started to get teary.

"I-I dont know..." He buried his face into her side enjoying her warmth making him cry harder for he missed this feeling.

[Envy]

Karen wrapped an arm around his shoulders and hugged him tighter to her side, her hand rubbing his back.

 

“It's alright. Maybe we can come up with one for you? Would you like that?” she asked him gently.

 

Jane and Nora both looked on but said nothing for now. It was clear the boy trusted Karen so they didn't try to interfere.

 

Not knowing what else she could do to cheer the little one up , Karen just comforted him until he settled down on his own. It didn't take long for them to reach the estates. They rode through large metal gates that were closed behind them by the gate guards.

 

Soon the carriage broke from the trees and a vast lawn of land sprawled out all around them. And in the distance was a palace that came closer the further they went. Malachi rode around the palace and parked the carriage by the back door and Jake opened the doors once they were fully stopped.

 

Karen took the boys hand and lead him inside with her and the others.

 

They entered a very large kitchen with vaulted ceilings and stone floors. People ran around doing all manners of things and the smell of fresh food being cooked hung in the air. It was hot inside with all the large fire places going at once and Karen took one of the blankets off the little one but left the one on his head.

 

“Are you still hungry?” she asked him as she lead him to a table. “I can get you some food if you like.”

[Arekushisu]

Karen held him close the rest of the ride. Once they got there and entered the large kitchen full of people he tightened his grip on her hand. He was sat down at a table and asked if he was hungry.

He nodded and let go of her hand letting her move about picking up bread and some meat from around them. He flinched and clutched his blanket harder everytime someone walked by. He awaited Karen restlessly.

[Envy]

Karen returned with a bowl of soup filled with meat and vegetables and bread dipped in butter.

 

She placed it on the table and sat beside him.

 

“Jane is getting you a bath drawn and some clothing. When you get done with all of that, I'll take you some place to rest in peace.” she told him as she kept him company while he ate.

 

When he was done, one of the other workers took the bowl and walked away with it.

 

Karen got to her feet and took his hand, gently tugging him to his feet and walking down a hallway away from the busy kitchen. After a quick walk she entered the servants bathing rooms. Two dozen large copper tubs stood on both sides of the room, one filled and ready to be used.

 

Karen stopped at the door “This is the males bathing room. No one will bother you. The soaps and all are next to the tub on the small table. Take as much time as you need. I'll have Rei drop off the clothing for you. There's no need to be afraid of him. He's a good kid and he'll help you with anything you need, alright?”

 

She let his hand go and gave him a very light push towards the door.

 

“I'll be waiting for you when your done, I promise.” she reassured him.

[Arekushisu]

He ate the soup Karen gave him quickly and followed her. She entered a room full of steam, he knew instantly it was the bathroom and that she would be leaving him. She let go of his hand and pushed him through the door. He looked back at her sadly and walked into the room.

 

He went to the tub full of water and looked into it. He saw his dirty reflection. He took off the blanket and twitched his ears taking in all the sounds. The blanket muffled his hearing and now that it was off he could hear better.

He took off the dirty clothes and slipped into the water.

 

He let his ears fall flat on his head ad he relaxed into the warm water. He thought about Karen and how nice of a woman she was.

 

He hummed under his breath as he pulled the shampoo from the table and put some into his hand. He placed it on his head shivering lightly from the cool liquid. He repeated the same thing with the conditioner.

 

He grabbed the soap and started rubbing it in his hands. Dirt came off of him and into the water turning it a light brown. He scrubbed his feet and his tail seeing as it was a dusty looking color.

[Envy]

Not long after he finished washing, a voice called out in the room saying they were coming in.

 

A moment later a young half elf walked into the room. Standing no more then five foot five with a lithe build. He wore his pale pink hair free and down his back, dressed in the estates uniform of black tunic, black pants and boots to match all trimmed in silver and royal blue treads and a crest on the left breast of the shirt.

 

Walking into view he didn't get close to the tub with the new comer in it. He smiled, his rather pretty face lighting up, his large and bright blue green-blue eyes instantly warm and friendly.

 

“Hello. I'm Rei.” he introduced himself.

 

“I got the clothing for you. I'll leave it here for you and wait outside for you.” he placed the folded clothing on a long table in the center of the room.

 

“See you when you get out.” he said with another smile to the new kid and walked from the room to wait in the hall.

 

He began to sing as he waited, his lovely voice carrying into the bathing room.

[Arekushisu]

He flinched and sunk deeper into the tub as the person came in he introduced himself as Rei and sat down clothes.

He looked rather like a girl.

 

Once Rei left he got out and walked to the table picking up the clothes. His ears moved foreward as he picked up the sound of a beautful voice coming from the hallway. He smiled and put on his clothes quickly as to see who it was. He walked to the door and peeked his head out.

 

Rei stood there singing a song. He smiled again and stepped out of the bathroom slipping his hand into Rei's. He looked up at him with a worried look and flattened his ears ready for a scolding.

[Envy]

Rei looked at the boy and smiled, gently giving his hand a squeeze before he noticed the ears.

 

He pushed himself from the wall and started walking

 

“I like you ears.” he told him “They're nothing like mines. Mines don't move like yours. That would be cool if they did though.” he said with a friendly smile.

 

They made their way back to the kitchen, but Rei didn't see Karen anywhere from where he stood. So he caught one of the other workers and stopped her from walking away. The young girl turned her hazel eyes on them, her red hair so wild and curly around her freckled face. She eyed the new boy before she smiled at Rei.

 

“Hey Fiona. Where is Karen?” he asked

 

“Huh.. I think she's with master Knight. He just got back a few moments ago. She said she had something to speak to him about.” she said as her eyes moved back to the quiet one.

 

“Thanks.” Rei said as he lead the way out of the kitchen.

 

“It looks like you'll be getting to meet the master right away.” Rei said once hey were out of the kitchen. “He's a really good person and he's decent to us here so don't be afraid of him. When you meet him, just talk to him when he asks something of you. If you want to stay here, you need his permission. Though I never seen him turn away anyone who needed help of any kind. And feel free to speak to him, unless he's speaking first. Other than that, I think you will do just fine. And Karen is there. And I'll stay too if you want.”

 

He looked at his quiet companion and smiled once they reached their destination through the wide and lofty halls. He stopped before a set of double doors and knocked twice.

 

A voice on the other side gave permission for them to enter, and Rei opened a door and walked inside, pulling the other boy with him.

 

Smiling at the man who stood behind the large desk on the other end of the room, Karen standing before it, he walked in further after shutting the door.

 

“Mater Knight. Good to see you are home.” he said with a easy casualness.

 

The man he addressed gave the half elf a small smile in return “It's always good to be home Rei.” he said, his eyes going to the new boy standing beside Rei.

 

“And this is the new boy you were telling me about?” he asked as Karen nodded her head. “Well come closer so I can have a look at you.” he told the new one.

 

Rei gave him a reassuring smile as he let go of his hand and took a step closer to Karen, both of them encouraging him to go to the waiting man.

[Arekushisu]

He stayed quite the whole time Rei dragged him around. He wishes he could speak but instead he just smiles up at him or squeezes his fingers gently.

 

He went to the double doors knocking twice. A mans voice said something back and Rei opened the door to a grand room. It had a desk and a sitting area in it. A beautiful man sat before him, he had and air about him saying he was powerful. He dodged behind Rei slightly.

 

"Well come closer so I can hace a look at you." The man said.

 

He looked up at Rei and saw a smile there, he looked across the room to Karen and saw a smile there also.

 

He stepped away from Rei hesitantly pulling his ears back and moving his tail nervously. What if this man decided to throw him out? What if he didnt like me? His mind filled with many thoughts as he stood quitly in front of the man. He kept his eyes to the ground and stepping in front of the waiting man.

 

He seemed to be twice his size even sitting down. He blushed slightly and pulled his gaze back to the ground.

[Envy]

Knight looked the new kid over curiously.

 

Karen had told him about the ears and she was certain he had a tail, so he wasn't at all surprised about them. She had also said he didn't seem to remember his name and had cried when she had asked him.

 

If he didn't know his name, then he doubted he knew where he was from and who his family was.

 

Noticing the way he avoided eye contact made Knight wonder if he was afraid or just shy. But again, he was in someone else' home and unsure on how their reaction would be. Never one to be cruel to anyone, not even to those he didn't like, he simply held his hand out before the nervous boy, rising it slowly so not to give the impression that he was trying to hurt him.

 

Standing with his hand out, palm up he looked down at him, his features softening.

 

“If you can trust me, then you can stay. I wouldn't hurt you, and I wouldn't let anyone else hurt you. I'd protect you as long as you stay here. Now, do you think you can trust me?” he told him sincerely and he let it show in his eyes and face if the small boy would look up at him.

 

Silently he waited for him to respond.

[Arekushisu]

He stood in front of the man as he looked him over. The boy would steal small glances at the man but if he felt the man noticed he would dart them back to the ground quickly. He watched as the man handed over his hand as if he should take it.

 

"If you can trust me, then you can stay. I wouldn't hurt you, and i wouldn't let anyone else hurt you. I'd protect you as long as you stay here. Now, do you think you can trust me?"

 

The boy looked up into the mans face seeing nothinf but soft features and eyes that showed kindness. He looked from the mans hand to he's face and back. His ears twitched and moved forward as he turned and looked at Rei and Karen. He looked at them for guidince.

 

He reallly didnt know what to do and he moved his hand shakely from his side tuning back to the man. He looked up into his face and slid his own hand into the other mans large one.

 

"I-I will trust you." He said in a faint whisper. His voice was rough and scratchy from the many days on the streets in the could.

[Envy]

Knight smiled softly at the boy and gave his head a nod as he took his hand.

 

“Good.” he said and gave his hand a small squeeze before letting go.

 

He took his seat so that he wasn't towering over the boy any longer.

 

“Since you don't have a name, we need to give you one.” he said before studying the cat boy.

 

He was adorable, he'd give him that, and small. He would need food and rest to help him become fully healthy again. Knight looked to Karen and Rei.

 

“Since you two have helped him so far, I'll ask you to keep him in your care. See to it he meets everyone so he can become accustomed to the place.” he told them and got an immediate yes sir back from them.

 

He turned his frosty green eyes back to the silent boy. “You listen to them, and make sure you follow the rules of the house. If anyone gives you any trouble, you come to me as soon as I return home. If you need anything feel free to ask.”

 

He gave his head a small tilt as if thinking.

 

“Now what should we call you?” he asked and looked over to Rei since he raised his hand.

 

Chuckling Knight motioned for him to go ahead and speak.

 

“How about Rei the second.” the half elf suggested.

 

Karen snickered as Knight gave him a smile and shook his head “As much I like your name Rei... no. He should have one no one else here has.” he told the half elf who pouted.

 

Knight looked back at the cat boy and studied him for a moment. “Akira.” he said suddenly not sure where he remembered the name from but it came to him and he liked the sound of it.

 

“Do you like it?” he asked the quiet boy curiously.

[Arekushisu]

The boy watched as the man sat back down. He breathed a sigh of relief and slumped over a little knowing now that he was accepted into the house.

 

He looked back at Rei and Karen wanting to go over to them and hold their hands so he didnt feel so alone. He looked back to the man flattening his ears and letting his tail fall limp. When the man told him to behave himself and handed him over to Karen and Rei he did and inward leap of happiness and probably smiled lightly.

 

He watched the man look at him again. "Akira."

 

The boys ears Flicked forward at the name. It seemed to be slightly familiar but he couldnt recall why.

 

"Do you like it?" The man asked.

 

The boy looked at the man and lifted his tail flicking it back and forth. He was excited ot have a name and nodded eagerly. He liked the name and was happy to have one again. He was tired of being called 'it' or 'that filthy street trash' He smiled shyly and looked at the man.

 

He liked this man, he was attractive and very wealthy it seemed. He looked him over not really showing any reason to hide it. The mans long hair was so pretty it made Akira want to touch it. He shook himself and flicked his ears low on his head and quited his tail which was sort of dancing as Akira looked the man over. What was he thinking? Touching it? He couldnt woundnt do that to this man. He looked down shyly again and decided to stay mute.

[Envy]

Knight was happy to know he liked the name so much and didn't say a thing when the boy... Akira was looking him over almost pleasantly.

 

He hadn't really took a good look at him since he arrived so he expected the studying he got. When he looked away again, Knight simply smiled softly.

 

“Akira.” he said to get the boys attention “You may call me master or lord Knight. And welcomes to DeWarrs estates.” he said to him in welcome.

 

Turning his eyes back to Rei and Karen “Get him settled into a room and get his proper measurements for clothing. Teach him what he'll be doing around here to earn his keep as well.”

 

He looked back to the cat “I hope your not lazy Akira. In exchange for the food and shelter, I expect you to work with the others in keeping our home clean. Rest for the rest of the day and tomorrow, and then you can join Karen and Rei in working in the household.”

 

Standing he gave the little one a soft smile before looking at Rei and Karen “Now I'm off to get ready for my dinner appointment. Take good care of him.” he instructed the other two before he went around the desk and headed for his door.

 

When he was gone, Karen smiled at Akira and held her hand out “Come on. Lets go get you settled in.” she said.

 

Soon she had a room for him on the top level of the house with the rest of the staff. The room was big enough for a double sized bed with a thick mattress and soft smooth bedding, two nightstands with lanterns on each of them. A large window over looking the back gardens. There was a chest of drawers and a decent sized closet.

 

Karen encouraged him to take a nap now that everything was settled and pulled back the covers for him all the while explaining that she was right next door and Rei was across the hall. She got him in the bed and tucked him in, smoothing his hair back with a motherly type smile on her face.

 

“I'll check on you in a little while. Try and rest for now. It couldn't have been easy sleeping in that alley.” she stood from the side of the bed and moved towards the door, looking back for a moment and sent him a small smile before she was out the of the room, closing the door behind her.

[Arekushisu]

Akira didnt look up as the man excused himself. He turned to Karen and Took her outstretched hand smiling softly.

 

He followed her around the home until they got to a hallway with doors on each side. Karen opened one and stepped in. Akira gasped at the large room.

 

He looked at the bed and smiled. He really didnt have the energy to be excited but his ears perked up and his tail moved from side to side. He went over to the bed and laid down letting Karen tuck him in. She was his favorite so far...the closest thing he had ever had to a mom. The feelings he had for her were growing ever so slowly.

 

He smiled as she left the room. He sat back onto the bed feeling the soft mattress under his back. He was happy little pebbles werent on the bed. The blankets were warm and smelled of some type of flower. He closed his eyes thinking about all that had happened today. He drifted to sleep thinking about his master.

[Envy]

For the next two weeks. Rei and Karen saw to it that Akira was accepted by the rest of the staff and showed him his chores and how to do them.

 

Neither of them ever raised their voices at him if he made a mistake, instead encouraged him even when he was unsure.

 

They also encouraged him to speak to, or at least greet the master at the door everyday he returned, Rei would take Akira with him to welcome him home.

 

Knight was not impersonal when it came to those of his household, speaking to them each when he happened across them and knowing their names and some of their personal life aside from their work.

 

He was a fair caretaker of not just his house, but everything under his care and responsibilities. He never yelled, only calmly speaking to those who displeased him or broke a rule, but he was serious when he had to deal with those type of things.

 

Knight always seemed to have a small smile for the cat when he happened upon him, taken to giving his head a soothing pat whenever he happened to pass him even if he didn't speak to him.

 

Rei and Karen had of course noticed and thought it was rather sweet that their master treated the young one with a more personal attention even though they hardly spoke to one another.