Second Book-part 1

(1) I no longer know where I am, I regret to admit. I'm stalking lonely, empty paths, the air is dark with smoke. So drawn to wandering I am that I've gotten myself lost. Paws aching with the past travels, but I know....I know I can't go back. I can keep repeating that, but I hate myself all the more. Just like my surroundings, my thoughts are unclear. Stopping as I hear clamor up ahead, I shake my head, hoping to clear my vision up to be able to walk. Ahead the hustle of feet is the only thing that is clear.1

Walking up a few steps I find my self on cement, a sidewalk that feels to go on forever. Nearby by, I sense tall structures, and hustling past is other creatures. Ears pinning back nervously among the creatures that I identify by their smell. As many rushed by me, nearly running me into the ground as they hurried into the nearby structures. Their hairless bodies, covered in fabrics made by their own hands....I knew they were humans. They must've made the place that I was in. Shrugging to myself, I continued on, blinking my eyes often, wondering as to why the humans let something they create get to be so smoggy. Many others tell me they made it this way on their own....I don't get why.2

Marching on, another human rushed by mumbling something, lucky for me none of them acknowledged me. If they had, they would realize I'm not some mut but rather a wolf. They would freak out, as always, chase me, or try to capture me. But, hey, I swear I'm merely passing through. Whatever they would expect from others of my kind, they couldn't of me. I am a wolf, but I'm not really into the whole attacking humans because they're tasty. My brother?.....That'd be another story.3

The foul, nasty air was impossible to breath. Coughing softly, I looked around, I could only see a small distance ahead. At last, favor fell on me as a small, soft breeze blew into my face. Deeply breathing the fresh air, my vision cleared a bit and I saw what appeared to be somewhere between 7 and 10 figures ahead. All were my species I could tell, they were definitely canines. They seemed to be wolves as well. They were huddled together, I could hear them chatting and laughing. They express their friendliness...to each other....I doubt they would a newcomer. Praying I could pass through unnoticed, I continued walking. Not fast, but not slow, if I hurried they'd know I was nervous.....If too slow they could take me as challenging them.4

Drawing close, I caught their scent as a group of all males. Glancing briefly up, I then saw just how much larger they were compared to me. Ears pinning back slightly and tail falling behind me to seem as none threatening as can be. What scared me into doing this? Their eyes, I caught a glimpse and they all just seem to be brimming with hate, betrayal, or was it pure sadness? I don't know....I do know though, I won't be bothering them with any questions of what this place was or anything.5

Eyes returning to the ground as I was right behind them now, starting to pass by. Not looking up...not speeding up even though my mind was pleading my legs to. Nearby I felt a males glaze suddenly start boring into the side of my head. Carefully stepping along, pretending they weren't their even as they laughed and joked with each other. Aware now that a few were watching me, I was being so careful I thought too. However everything fell silent, uneasily my fur bristled. I was by them, but I felt a presence follow me before I heard a thud. "Little red." Immediately I knew he was talking to me, but I didn't look at him or his paws. I looked straight at the ground as I stood before him, knowing he blocked my path. "Female? Mmmm....you lost?" His gruff voice rumbled like a flowing river. I felt my ears quiver nervously as I simply shook my head. Sensing that the group of males had now encased me in a circle. Fur prickling uncontrollably as I felt tension around me. I felt so much smaller than them, like a single blade of green grass among a field of tall straw. 6

Standing, silent, avoid everyones gaze again the male before me asked, "You're new right? All newcomers to the city get lost. What is your name? Is it Red?" He guessed, I know, and while you would think that considering my scarlet pelt, it's not. Again, he tried to catch my gaze as I tried to look past him, but I hurried and looked back down as he tried to look me in the eyes. Keeping silent in both fear and respect of the large males I wouldn't reply. At last the male backed up, if only the others would follow. However, out of the corner of my eye I caught the swift movement of another male. Unable to react as fast as him, I suddenly felt both of my forepaws snatched from under me. Yelping in surprise, as my head crashed into the pavement as I was dragged down....
tbc (to be continued)7