I woke up with my eyes closed.

I'll be honest, I'm not okay, and I'm about to kill the next person I see.

...

Not a bad idea right now.

However, I opened my eyes and saw someone I semi-recognize.

The blue-haired boy I saw on my way down to the black pods was sitting in the corner.

His chest was heaving up and down.

He was fucking crying.

The kid's wings were shielding him from being noticed in the shadows of the trees.

Nobody knows how they got there.

Despite him being somewhat- weird looking, I walked over.

By the way, I'm not that much of an asshole to leave somebody crying.

Specifically, since I saw what he went through.

What's it been? Four? Three days?

I don't know. It's been hard to tell. What with the hologram of a sky and no calenders. Also, me blacking out every day is not helping.

Only the cruel, dark-rimmed pale face of the clock staring me in the eyes every day.

It's not that serious. Shut up.

I believe he might've also recognized me, because when I walked up, and he stared at me for a while, he started to relax- slightly.

His shoulders sort of fell slightly, but to me, that is relaxing.

"H-hello...?" The boy whispered; his voice was really hoarse.

"Hiya!" I tried to be more friendly; that way, he would trust me and not get all defensive and shit. I need him to trust me so I can have a backup plan.

Surprisingly, it worked.

"Wh-who are you...?"

I narrowed my dark eyes at him before lightening up, "I'm Azazel, a shar- a viper animalitae."

He gave me an odd glance, 'can't blame him. I did almost slip up.

"I-I'm Ein..." he whispered again and stumbled over his words.

Goodness, he can't speak for shit.

"Don't you have an animality? Cause I sure as hell see those wings behind you,"

He shut up quickly, eyes flickering around.

"I-I'd prefer to n-not say..." he mumbled, barely being loud enough to hear over everyone else in this shithole.

All I can tell is that he is some species of a wolf/dog (ew) with wings. He could be a mixed hybrid. In that case, I should just fucking kill him right here, do the whole world a service. Mix animalitaes never do well; they always die quickly and painfully. Mostly, being torn apart by scientists or themselves.

"Are you a mix? Or regular?"

Ein shuffled a little, and he moved his wings to the side and put his legs down into a criss-cross position.

"I don't know what a mix is... but I think I'm a regular?" He said it more like a question.

He can't be that dumb.

"You're joking. Right?" I laughed a bit awkwardly. He shook his head.

Can he???

"I haven't been here long... I think it's only been a week or two..."

Dear God, this poor guy. I almost feel guilty about this.

Actually, no. I don't.

"A regular is just a person with one animality. A mix is a person with a hybrid animality, like a jackal sphinx or an uh... a basilisk newt, you get what I mean, right?"

He nodded slowly, almost laughing at my examples. I mean, what can I say. I'm a funny guy.

"I think I'm a regular... I haven't been classified yet." His voice was so goddamn scratchy. What did they do to him?

I nodded to show I was listening.

"So...do you remember me? From when you were... uh trapped with a scientist?"

Don't blame me for being awkward when talking about shit like that.

His face flushed, and he winced at the memory. Did I fuck up?

"Y-ye-..."

Ein stopped himself and nodded.

Oh great, that makes him a lot easier to build a friendship with.

"That sucks."

He looked offended as he flicked his head up towards me, slightly glaring with a face that says: "Did you really just say that?"

Oh wait, he actually said that.

"Um yeah? I'm sorry, was that too mean?"

He narrowed his eyes in response and shut his gaping mouth before opening it again to say, "Yes. It was."

God, can't he take a joke?

I get that it was probably traumatic, but I suggest he gets used to it. Otherwise, life here will be a whole lot worse. Because that, shit, never goes away.

"Look. Ein. I'm sorry about that. It's just I've been through it too, and on multiple occasions. I've just grown used to it. That doesn't mean I'm still not boiling with rage at the thought of it or shaking in my knees when a white lab coat gets thrown to the floor but, I'm not gonna let it beat me."

"I'm just 13, though..."

Can't he fucking see??

"I'm fucking 17! We're not adults but, we're not kids! Just- fine. Deal with it by yourself. See if I care."

He looked at me, shocked before I walked off to the other side of the courtyard.

Screw him. Maybe my guilt-tripping him could be a gateway?

I don't know. I'll wait in this fucking spot of the room and see if he comes back over.

We were in solitary.

I've been here- well, not here specifically, but in another solitary room.

The other room had padded walls, and shackles were strewn across the floor. Every single person in there was tied to a pair of chains. There weren't as many people as lower rankings.

I broke my chains the first day, and I was beaten to the ground by security.

Funny enough, they don't fuck around.

The second day, my chains were tightened and I had a muzzle.

On the third day, everyone else was let go of their chains. They used me as a sort of punching bag or scratching post.

Some dug their claws in and others beat me until I looked like an aquatic.

I'm saying I looked blue.

On the fourth day, I was free of my chains. I made them all pay. They stood no fucking chance against me.

I may have been sore as hell but I quickly learned to fight through it.

No security stopped me since I didn't kill anybody. However, they were pissed off that everyone was taken to the hospital wing and shit.

It's really hard for them to manage just five red animalitae. Now imagine having fourteen red animalitae instead.

I find it funny.

They didn't beat me again and I was released on the sixth day.

I went back to my pod happily before I got moved by that one American to the black pods.

I should pay her back somehow, she did kind of save my life and all.

Well, actually I shouldn't. Also, I can't remember what she looks like so never mind.

By the way, these benches fucking suck. They're so uncomfortable and have no sense of stability, I'm wobbling by barely twitching a muscle!

I glared at the unbreakable table. It's made out of the same stuff of the walls and floors outside...it looks stupid.

If I was strong enough I might be able to break it...

Maybe I can.

My hand dragged up to the polished material and began scratching.

It did no damage, so I began pressing harder.

Again, nothing. I pressed more and went quicker with the motion.

This is starting to piss me off.

I pressed harder than before.

A small crack sound was made but I quickly saw it wasn't from the table. I broke my nail. It fucking snapped.

Why am I such a dumbass?

Okay, this actually hurts, "Shit..." I looked at the damage.

So, two nails were snapped and only one was bleeding, I guess that's okay.

Is there anything to bandage it or whatever? I looked around the room for a hot second before seeing nothing that could help and gave up entirely.

I slammed my head onto the table and kept my hand against my chest.

Fuck life.

A few people stared at me, because of the noise, and I just kept my head down. I hate when people stare.

Someone sat next to me, I can feel their body heat.

They must be a dog or bear hybrid-

Oh, they're a fox.

A white fox?

"Hi?" I carefully asked the person in front of me. They seem fucking weird.

He just waved back excitedly.

He's definitely weird.

"What do you want?"

He stared at me for a sec before shrugging with a smile.

Okay, nope. He's definitely crazy.

"Who are you?" My voice was more tense and annoyed but I couldn't care less right now.

The boy pointed his hand at himself then put a finger to his lips and pushed out. After that, he began to make symbols with his left hand.

I know what he's doing.

He's using sign.

It isn't BSL, but it definitely is sign language.

Maybe if I remember he can understand my sign?

I'm trying so hard to remember, it's been years. I have the first half why can't I remember the rest?!

Actually. Wait, I got it!

I put my right hand to my forehead and pulled it to my lap while I shook my head and then spelt out ASL.

I assume he's using ASL.

After I signed that, he widened his eyes and began to nod, signing that it's fine in BSL.

Okay, so the kid isn't weird he's just mute.

Still kind of weird, but more acceptable.

Actually, it's pretty interesting he knows both BSL and ASL. That's a little odd but it's almost cool.

I only know it because I decided to go mute for a few years when I was still human.

That was a fun time.

I smiled a little as we began holding a pretty nice and short conversation, asking the who's, the what's, the when's.

His name is Malachi, he's a snow-fox animalitae. Since there isn't any sign of animalitae we just said species.

Pretty adorable, if I'm honest.

He's at least 14 but maybe 15, he doesn't remember.

Malachi is actually pretty nice.

'When did you get here?' I signed slowly, still trying to remember it all.

His shoulders shook and he took a deep breath before saying '3 years.

Okay, what the actual fuck.

HE'S BEEN IN HERE SINCE HE WAS 12?!

Oh my fucking god.

I have to protect him.

I have to.

Quickly, I signed 'can I hug you?' But before I got an answer he lunged forward and strangled me with a hug.

Never mind, I'm keeping him.

Um... where do I put my hands?

I guess his hair is okay and his back? Fuck. When was the last time I hugged someone??

Oh shit, he has very soft hair... he's definitely my little brother now.

He looks and acts like a fox pup, I'm gonna fucking cry.

"It's okay..." I forgot he isn't deaf for a hot second, he can hear me. Whispering might make it easier on his ears? It's been a while since I interacted with any mute person.

I just know he probably hasn't talked in a while.

After a few minutes of me rubbing his hair he began to shake, could he be having a panic attack? Is he getting reminded of trauma? What the hell is happening?

Wait, he's sobbing.

"Did I do something wrong? Is everything okay?" I rushed out, hoping I didn't fuck up.

I quickly lifted my arms just in case he didn't want to be touched.

His grip around my waist tightened and I put my arms back down slowly, hopefully, he can calm down soon.

"Kid, are you okay? Do you need to talk about something?"

He gave no sign of letting go to sign something or say anything.

Of course, he is mute but, it doesn't mean he can't talk at all. Selective mutism is a thing.

I don't think he would trust me enough that quickly but! Anything's possible.

After a few minutes, of me awkwardly comforting him and him sobbing into my chest, he let go.

Malachi let go and sat up before shakily signing, 'Thank you.'

"You don't have to thank me, bud," I'm too awkward for this bullshit, "I'm glad I helped you a little."

To stop him from saying something dumb, I leaned forward and ruffled his stark-white hair. This guy really is a snow fox, huh? I wonder if his hair shifts colour with the seasons.

Before I zoned out again, I felt him patting my knees softly, and holy shit this kid is adorable.

First the fluffy hair and then the pats?

One. My heart. Two. Fuck, I'm an older brother now.

Actually, the second one is fine, I'd like to be an older brother again. The first, however... I might have a stroke.

Maybe he's neurodivergent or something?

It could be like... what's that thing neurodivergent people do?

Sticking? Primming? Sinning?

Stimming! I got it!

I'm not neurodivergent myself, but I had a few friends and distant family who were.

In my opinion, stimming is pretty cool and actually nice, it's just self-stimulation if I remember correctly.

Like masturbation without the sexual shit.

"Are you feeling better, Malachi?" I don't want to be harsh, he seems genuinely nice and like he's going through a rough time.

I mean, everyone here is going through a rough time but he's been here for three years. Do you know how much he's missed? How long that can be in a shithole like this? If I was in here for even 2 years I would be the most murderous cannibal to exist.

I mean I almost am, but that's beside the point.

He nodded, then signed 'I'm sorry.

"Bud, you have nothing to be sorry for... honestly, don't worry about it." I signed along with my words to show I wasn't a complete idiot.

He looked at me with reddish eyes and smiled wide.

Funny, he has little fangs.

"Your teeth are pretty sharp, are they still growing?"

Malachi nodded quickly, still smiling a lot. His canines were clearly sharper than they should be but not long enough, yet.

His eyes opened but he looked panicked.

Is it me?

'Look'

Who the hell is scaring Malachi?

Oh...fuck.

"Hello, Azazel. Am I interrupting?"

Kevin spoke tensely, he was clearly pissed off. Not more than me though.

"Yes, actually, you are."

Malachi tapped my shoulder and I looked back to whisper, "Just stay low, if he sits next to you, I'll protect you,"

I flashed a small grin and turned around again.

"So, who is this little guy?" Kevin pointed at Malachi, who was shaking slowly behind me.

This fucker better not try anything.

"His name is Malachi. He's a friend." I growled out in response, I couldn't stop my teeth from gritting afterwards.

Kevin hummed and continued staring at him.

It was like he was checking him out but I think he was looking to see how much of a fight he could put up.

This fucker knows I'm attached.

Liability.

I can't...

Fffuck...

I can.

"Do you want to sit?" I offered, trying to keep the rage out of my voice.

K gl- Kevin glared at Malachi then began walking towards him, I jutted my hand out, "Across from us."

He, begrudgingly, walked over and sat heavily on the bench across the table.

If he tries anything I'll kill him.

He's tapping my shoulder, I look over and Malachi is signing something, 'Is he safe? Are you okay?'

I sigh slowly and sign back 'maybe and no.'

He nods and I smile as puts on false confidence, like a soldier.

"What the fuck is he doing, Azazel?" Kevin rudely asked.

"He's using sign."

"The hell is 'sign'? Isn't that what you use when you can't hear shit?"

My teeth ground before I sighed and answered him, "It's what deaf people use, yes, but Malachi is mute."

He looked surprised then he scoffed a little.

Fuck it.

I turned to Malachi and signed, 'cover your ears and look away.'

The kid nodded and swung his legs to be on the opposite side of the bench, also moving his hands up to his fox ears.

After that, I turned to Kevin and snarled.

Just then, he sent his wing flying towards my face, luckily, I grabbed it in time, "Leave the kid alone."

"Why should I?"

"Because I fucking say so, and if you don't, I'll just rip you apart and eat you." My sharp teeth were stabbing my gums from how I tensed my jaw.

He stared at me for a moment before pulling his wing back behind him.

I let my jaw slack and watched him carefully.

Oh, wait, Malachi!

I tapped the wood next to him to get his attention, 'it's okay, don't worry.'

The boy looked at me with a worried face before turning around to sit properly again. It wasn't technically proper because he sat criss-cross but I couldn't care less.

Kevin looked at him with curiosity but I could tell he didn't care.

And I won't care to slash his face if he tries anything.

"So, you're my good old pal Azazel's friend?"

I hate him.

Malachi nodded with a calm face, I really don't know how he isn't seething.

"By the way, why're you mute or whatever?"

Alright, never mind he's dead.

Malachi shuddered before shaking his head, and I guess Kevin backed off, "Okay, I suppose it would have been weird to answer."

We sat awkwardly for a few seconds before Kevin stood up.

On instinct, I went to guard Malachi, but Kevin just left. He got up, and he walked away.

I sighed heavily, slamming my head onto the table again, "God, that was stressful. Malachi, don't fuck with that asshole."

He nodded softly and I felt him rub my back.

He sat his arm on my shoulder and scooted next to me before putting his head down too, turning to look at me.

The kid smiled and signed, 'Thank you.'

Maybe it will be okay from now on.

(Word Count: 3024)

Thank you for reading!