Winter-Ch.1
It's winter time in this strange, foreign world. There seems to be no sign of human life- at least, human in the traditional sense of the word. There are animals skittering around, and what seems to be almost the offspring of animals and humans- humans walking around on two feet, but with fur covering every inch of their body. Their hands and feet have evolved into furry, clawed paws. Tails have sprouted from their tailbone and aid in keeping one's balance. Human ears were replaced with (usually) pointed animal ears- representing the species they belong to. In addition to the physical differences, there were differences between their senses. Balance no longer is controlled solely by the inner ear- the tail aids in balance as well as in expressing emotions and thoughts
These "people" are aware of themselves, and the existence of others like them. They are non-aggressive, and enjoy the world they live in. They nurture their young and allow them to enjoy the small time they have to be a child. Potty training isn't always done early- due to their softer texture, cloth diapers are used more often than disposable for children. Toys are made with tender care, with the child's well being in mind rather than the idea of making money. It's far from a perfect world, but it's one they love and cherish.
At least...Most people.
There's always the exception to the rule...
Winter was one of the harshest seasons to the vulnerable. A combination of cold, dry air, wind, snow and other weather-related problems made it difficult for even the most adept creatures. This day was no exception. A blizzard had started hours before, but hadn't died down in the least over the time. Everybody was snuggled up to their partners and loved ones inside warm, heated houses. Parents cuddled their children, served them hot coco and everything imaginable. Everyone except for one little misfit. One little outcast, forced to battle the storms alone.
The snow plummeted down persistently with howling wind and below freezing temperatures, relentlessly beating down upon a small figure that was huddled against a tree- barely clinging to life. The elements were not on any mortal's side tonight, especially not this one. A frail, young body lay cowering and curled up, trying to escape the snow as best as possible and using the tree for any type of shelter. But it wasn't possible to hide, the snow was coming down from every angle in an angry blizzard, piling inches of snow down on the surrounding trees and buildings. A faint glow yards away showed the existence of others awake, up and about, warm though in their cozy small houses. The little girl's clothes weren't nearly thick enough to keep her warm though- they were already soaked and making the situation worse. All she had was a thin ragged sweater and a pair of jeans, with some torn fingerless gloves too. Drenched, freezing fur didn't help very much either. What business did she have out here, a girl of merely 6 or 7 years sitting out in the middle of a snowstorm without even warm clothes?
Well, there were many reasons...None of which were fair to her, or were even her fault. The world wasn't perfect...Her reasons for being out in the middle of the storm didn't matter so much in comparison to how she was going to survive, though. She knew she had to get up and moving if she ever wanted to live...but her bare paws were struck with the starts of frostbite. Her legs felt frozen in place...stiff...She didn't even have feeling in them much anymore.
"Am I just doomed to die like this...? Is this what they wanted all along...?" she mumbled aloud, thinking to herself. The odds that someone could hear her above the whistles of the wind were slim to none, anyway. Struggling to sit up just a tad straighter, she exhaled exhaustedly and sighed soon after. Sensitive animalish ears caught the faint sound of seemingly distant footsteps, but before the little one could even think about what lay ahead, her eyes closed unwillingly and her small body slumped over into unconsciousness.