You waited in the alley for as long as you could before facing the inevitable. You couldn't stay in this cold, wet alley with a beast growling at you. You didn't know what this creature necessarily was, but you knew it wasn't exactly enjoying your company.

You heard no advice. Sometimes, when you had to make a choice, there was a voice in your head, suggesting a course of action. Perhaps not so much suggesting as demanding your choices. Perhaps they would return at a later date.

You clenched your fists. You thought you had injured them, but all that was on your skin were those soft lines, now barely visible. You weren’t sure, but you thought you were a fighter. You stood your ground.

The beast drew closer.

You prepared yourself for whatever he would try.

The beast’s front drew low to the ground, and his rear wiggled.

In a white flash he was upon you. He had lept at your head, trying to knock you down and pin you and rip into the soft flesh of your stomach and neck.

You didn’t give him the chance.

You dove low, and he flew over you.

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Shit.

Now he had you cornered.

Well, you didn’t know if it was a he.

Your thought process was interrupted by a second attempt to injure you. This time he charged and reared back.

Oh, it was a male.

You felt teeth sink into your chest and slice down to your stomach. It stung, but for some reason they weren’t deep.

“Stop!”

There was yelling coming from the front of the alley.

“Milo! We don’t talk to strangers! Mom said so!”

You didn’t understand.

“I’m sorry mister.”

You turned to the alley entrance. There was a boy hugging the white dog there.

“Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?” he asked. He didn’t look embarrassed, but his head was cocked to one side.

You looked down. Hm. You weren’t wearing any clothes. You understood why he wasn’t blushing or anything. You had, in essence, the anatomy of a Ken doll, whatever a Ken doll was.

“Also, why are you.. uh...?”

You looked down. Your skin was obsidian. You can’t remember it being anything else, but you couldn’t remember anyone else who looked like you.

You shrugged.

“Are you from around here?”

You were having trouble forming words. You shook your head.

“You’re quiet. Mom said not to talk to strangers…” he trailed off and looked to his right, then left, rapidly.

“What’s your name?” He whispers at you.