New York

A Chapter by .:Lu:.

Part one of the book

New York City, September 23, 4:32 a.m.

It was raining . Actually, pouring to the point that my faded cloak was sticking to my skin as I ran. I wanted to stop and sleep, but I couldn’t. I had to keep running.

As I ran, I could hear the traffic only a mere five feet from me. I could feel the human (at least, mostly human) pedestrians brushing against me. I saw the darkness growing closer behind me rapidly. My thoughts raced like my swift feet. Time was running out. I had to choose quickly.

“You cannot outrun me, esay louve . Soon, you will tire. And when you tire, you will fail. You will fail the Council and your life. You will die.”

The cold voice hissed in my ear, but I only growled back at the source. “You may be right. I may not be able to beat you on foot, but this is a human town. You cannot win. Vi lonar, osi nath bit, my lead, osi nath bit.”

A ripple of wind ran past my arms and legs as I ran. I pulled my arms down and felt my limbs grow warmer, but still wet. The skyscrapers grew taller, along with everything else around me. I flicked my tail, which wasn’t there a moment earlier, and ran faster. My vision became sharper and my ears alert.

Ducking into an alley, I dashed under an old crate. I couldn’t see anybody coming after me, but I had to be safe. My life was at stake.

I watched as people walked by. Time slowed and sped. It was at least a quarter until five when I dared to check my safety. There was no danger that I could be aware of, even in this form. I cautiously stepped out and sat down in the rain. Looking up, I could see the clouds passing overhead. I concentrated on one spot and closed my eyes.

I have lost the threat, my Huntress. I am at the west side of what the humans call New York City, in the New worl-

My thoughts were interrupted as something lifted me up off of the ground. I twisted myself and saw that a woman, about thirty years of age,picking me up. I tried to free myself, but her grip was too strong.

“Hey, little kitty, it’s okay, I’m gonna keep you safe ,” she cooed. I resisted the urge to reach over and slice her nose. She was a regular human, I told myself. I can’t harm the being.

I allowed the woman to carry me through the city to her apartment. It was fairly large one, at least compared to the ones I’ve seen. It was a two-bedroom unit, with a kitchen and living room. I was placed on the kitchen table while the woman ran into one of the bedrooms. She came out a moment later with a phone in one hand and a towel in the other. She was talking to someone, but I couldn’t make out the voice. I strained my ears, but I still fell short of hearing the conversation. I felt the woman start to dry me off, but stopped after a minute.

“It’s a girl, a few years old, a semi-longhaired brown tabby. Main coon, I think. How soon can I bring her?” A pause. “Ok, fifteen minutes work?” Another pause. “I’ll bring her then.”

The woman hung up and looked at me. “Baby girl, you’re going to the animal shelter.”

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