The Animal Within

All he could remember was running. Running through a dark forest with his parents. Running from a giant figure that was hunting them as they tried to make it back to the truck. They finally saw some lights up ahead and he breathed a sigh of relief before he heard his mom scream his name. He turned around and all he saw at that moment was darkness. His dad grabbed his arm and the two began to run as hard as they could away from the predator that was chasing them. As the light grew brighter and brighter, a sharp pain struck his ankle. The beast had him in his jaws and began to drag him back into the forest. Knowing that his life was over, he looked at his predator. But all that he could see of the animal through the mess of oily black fur was the glowing, blood red eyes that glared daggers at him. He closed his eyes, hoping that this thing would finish him off. As the monstrous being dragged him into the middle of the forest, he watched as the monster dropped his ankle and then go for his throat with its razor-like fangs, making him release a powerful scream as the beast let out a bloodcurdling roar.

Lykos woke up screaming his head off as he thrashed around in his bed while covered in cold sweat. He looked around though and noticed that he was just in his bed and not in the woods anymore. Lykos sighed as he looked down and noticed how his bed appeared to be nearly torn apart as he crawled back into it. As he curled back up, however, he also let out a small whimper…. like something a dog would do if they were scared. But before he closed his eyes once more, the door to his room opened and in came his mother, Crea. Crea had a light skin with brown, flowing hair. Her eyes were a unique tone of light blue and she wore her pajamas which were a grey tank top and black pajama pants with white paw prints of a dog on them. She was a zoologist and recently moved to Equestria City with her family for a job transfer here. She was assigned the wolf exhibit.

“Morning Lykos.” She said in her sweet and calming voice as she sat on her son’s bed.

“It’s morning already Mom?” He asked her which elicited a small chuckle from Crea.

“Yes honey it is. Now don’t be such a sour puss or you’ll miss your first day of school.” She said to her still drowsy son getting a groan from him.

“Alright. I’ll be down in a minute.” He said as his mother got off of his bed.

“If you don’t, I’ll bring in the secret weapon.” She said making his eyes widen and making her giggle as she left his room. Removing the sheets off of him, he rose from his bed in nothing but a pair of boxers. Shuffling, he made it to his dresser that had a large mirror attached to it. He looked into it and saw his reflection. He saw his arctic white skin and his shadow black hair that was tipped on the ends with muddy brown. His eyes were a tone of brown and his body was well chiseled with barely any fat hanging on it.

I’ve changed so much since then. I guess it’s time I move on. He thought as he opened the drawers to his dresser revealing his wardrobe sized collection of clothes.

“Let’s see. How about…” He said as he tried to pick out some clothes to wear. After a minute, he found his favorite hoody which was black with white stripes down the arms and a pair of black jeans. After slipping them on along with his belt with a wolf’s head buckle, he went out the door of his room and downstairs to where his family were eating breakfast. His father, Steel Wrench, was sitting down eating a plate of eggs and bacon while his mom was eating a simple breakfast sandwich, two English muffins filled with eggs and sausages, and there in the center of the table was his own meal. He drooled a little as he stared at the rare steak, still dripping blood as he heard it call his name.

“Is that how you wanted it sweetie?” His mother asked him as he sat down at the table and grabbed a fork and knife.

“Yeah. Thanks mom.” He said as he cut a small piece of the meat from the larger piece and began to eat it.

“So sport, ready for your first day?” He dad asked him.

“Yeah. I guess.” He said as he took another bite of his steak.

“Don’t worry. You’ll do good here. And speaking of doing good, I’d better get going before the boss has me.” Steel said as he got up from his chair. The man rubbed his son’s head and kissed his wife before leaving out the door of their house. But before the mother and son could go back to eating, the sound of a crying infant was heard.

“Hon little Sky is having one of her fits again.” Steel said. Crea nodded and hurried up stairs. She walked in to see that Silver Sky was crying again. Acting quickly she picked up the infant and started to cradle it in her arms. Meanwhile, Lykos finished up his steak and placed the dish in the sink.

“I’m heading out mom! I’ll see you after school!” He said as he grabbed his backpack and placed his shoes on.

“Alright!” He heard her yell back. He then went through the door of his house and saw his dad open the door to his car.

“C’mon. I’ll give you a ride.” Steel said with a smile. Lykos took the offer and hopped in. The man then pulled out of his driveway and began to drive. As they sat in the vehicle, the two talked. “Have a good sleep Ly?” His dad asked him. He knew the answer the moment his son gave out a sigh.

“Not really dad. I had that nightmare again.” Lykos said. Steel just nodded as he didn’t ask anymore questions. The nightmare always was a very sore subject with his son and he didn’t want to pry anything out of him if he didn’t feel like sharing any. “I-I think I’m starting to see that creature a little bit better though. All I got this time though was oily black fur and red eyes. Sound like any animal you heard of dad?” His son asked him.

“No. I still can’t believe that we made it out of that. Especially you, considering your condition that you were in.” Steel said.

“Yeah. Can we stop this conversation before it escalates?” Lykos asked making his dad nod his head.

“On another topic, how do you think this school will be for you Ly?” His dad asked with a small grin.

“I don’t know honestly. I mean, I’m excited but yet it feels like I’m going to faint.” Lykos replied making his dad chuckle.

“Then you’re nervous-cited.” Steel said with a smile. Lykos rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile as well. They soon arrived at Canterlot High and were blown away by how incredible the school looked.

“Alright. Remember, your mom needs you to watch Silver when you get home. She’s going to be at the wolf exhibit a little longer than she used to.” Steel said.

“Alright. I’ll see you later dad.” Lykos said as he got out. Lykos watched as his father drove away and then began to walk towards the doors of the great school. But before he could even touch on of them, a massive pain drove through his skull making his gnash his teeth as he held his head.

Damn headaches! He thought in a pained voice. After a minute, the pain went away and he continued. He went through the doors and instantly saw the principal’s office. He headed towards the door and read the name “Principal Celestia”. Opening the door, he saw a woman who wore a yellow coat and had a light skin tone. Her hair though was three different colors.

“Why hello there. Are you the new student we were expecting today?” She asked him politely. Lykos nodded as he sat down on one of the chairs. He noticed that the principal seemed to be studying him and he had an unnerving feeling that she was looking a little bit too deep into his soul.

“Um… is there something weird about me?” He asked making her break her gaze on him.

“M-My apologies. I’ve learned to study a student is like by what he or she wears.  But you.. you’re unlike any of the others Mister…” She said.

“Lykos. It’s Lykos Principal Celestia.” He said.

“Lykos. Very unique.” She said with a smile.

“Thanks. It’s Greek for ‘Wolf’.” He said back. Celestia then looked directly into his eyes with her light purple eyes.

“Interesting. Mr. Lykos, as much as I would like to give you a tour of the school, I have too much paperwork to do. But I think I know someone who’d give you the tour. Look for a girl named Rarity Belle and tell her I sent you. Also take this. It’s a class schedule.” She said as she passed him a folded piece of paper. Lykos nodded and headed out of the room. He passed by some students but ran across one that seemed to be trying to be cool but didn’t realize he was failing at it. The boy walked up to him with a smug expression on his face. Lykos had been through enough schools to know when someone was trouble and this guy had it written all over him.

“Hey there new kid how you doing?” The boy asked him. Lykos was a little bit taken back by how high pitched his voice sounded and figured he must secretly be gay.

“Good.. thanks.” He said back.

“The name’s Blueblood. And welcome to Canterlot High!” Blueblood said as he stuck out his hand which Lykos shook.

“It’s nice to meet you. Now, I’d better get going. I’ve gotta find someone.” Lykos said as he started to walk away.

“Who is it?! If it’s a girl then I’m the man to find her!” Blueblood said boldly. Lykos was starting to like Blueblood less and less each time he opened his mouth.

“Thanks but I think I can find her on my-”

“AH don’t worry yourself about it! I know every girls in this school front to back!” Blueblood said a little too excitedly.

Yeah and how many hearts did you tear to kingdom come you ass. Lykos thought to himself.

“Blueblood I can find her. If I need any help I’ll come to you.”  Lykos said as he continued to walk away.

“Alright. Goodbye!” Blueblood said as he himself walked away.

I’ll stick myself with a stake before asking him for help. Lykos thought as he looked around for a ‘Rarity Belle’. He then saw a girl that had white skin and purple hair that curled down at her shoulder. He didn’t know what popped out first his heart or his eyes as he admired the girl’s beauty. As he was trying to figure that out he failed to notice the girl walking towards him in a very elegant manner.

“Hello? Is anyone home?” The girl asked Lykos who snapped back to reality.

“Oh. Um… you wouldn’t happen to know where I can find someone named Rarity Belle could you?” He asked.

“Well it just so happens that you are speaking to her. What is the pleasure I can help you with darling?” Rarity asked in a light British voice.

“Well.. Principal Celestia told me to find you and tell you that you need to show me around Canterlot High. I’m Lykos by the way.” He said as he held out his hand. Rarity smiled and took his hand in return.