Percival blinked, feeling cold grass underneath his small paws. 

Not again…

 Looking up, beech trees surrounded him, only thin trails of orange telling him the sun had yet to dip below the horizon completely.

Please let me go…

 Dad would want him home for supper— or whatever he was able to find.

 I didn’t want to…

 He glanced down, the moth still fluttered weakly on a stem of grass. As gently as he could manage, Percival ran the tip of his paw over its shredded wings. It was an accident, he’d only meant to chase it around… maybe bat it around a bit, he’d never caught one before. It was so… weird. Even when he pushed it over it’d simply scramble to cling to him, wings flapping wildly as the bug recuperated from the nudge. No matter how many times he did so it’d always depend on him to keep it afloat, desperate for something to hang onto. A small pout formed, Dad would never let him keep it, he’d probably tell him it’ll die anyways or worse— squish her. Percival continued to pet the fluffy exterior, making his way over her thorax until a voice called.

 “Perrrcy~” Much deeper than his, though even in the sing-songy tune it still cracked. “Where are you buddy?” Percivals stomach dropped… along with his paw.

 With a gasp he lifted it up but it was already too late, she slid to the ground with a soundless thump. Still he tried to scoop her up, scrambling to his paws before a solid form shoved him back down.

 “Hey bud!” The scarlet nebulruff greeted him, tone kind but it didn’t take a genius to see the cruel grin splitting across her face. Two others took to Percival’s sides, the three towering over him as Amaryllis spoke. “Whatcha’ got there?”

 “Nnh-nothing-” Barely mumbling the words one of the other big kids ripped Percival’s arm down, the flattened moth falling to the ground. Giddy chuckles of feign disgust resonated from the trio, Percival only able to burn with shame as they muttered amongst themselves.

 “Eugh, didn’t your mom ever tell you to never play with dead things? Oh, wait-” Amaryllis snorted, the others following suite with their own loud laughs at the fox’s expense. “I suppose it could’ve been cool if you killed something with teeth, but I suppose bloodthirsty lunatics can’t be picky.” She bared her teeth and called it a grin, though Percy knew much better than that. He kept his jaw screwed shut, staring down as he flattened himself to the ground. Earning another scoff, Amaryllis threw the moth in front of Percy’s snout before smashing it even further into the ground with a paw. “Do you like that? Seeing something with more worth suffer? Here, we’ll all join in— Poppy come here and help me teach Percy how to really teach this lil’ guy a lesson!” A merruff jumped to his paws hearing his name, padding up to join her before stopping completely at the sound of Percy’s voice.

 “Stop it…” He swallowed, risking a glance up. “...please.” Percival flinched back as Amaryllis’s face quickly contorted into anger, twisting her paw as she shoved the moth’s corpse even further into the dirt.

 “What did you just say?” A guttural snarl sounded deep from within her throat, crouching down to hover her fangs over Percival’s eyes.

 He squinted, blinking rapidly as drops of spittle flew at him. Percy let out a shallow breath, trying to fixate on her paws rather than the teeth mere inches from his face. “I didn’t do it on purpose… it was an accident.”

 Amaryllis stared at him, Percival almost thinking she’d back off until her jaw wrapped around the bridge of his nose, snapping down he let out a yelp of pain. The nebulruff pulled back before Percival could counter, knowing even if he had the time he’d never risk it. “Accident? You’d know a lot about those, wouldn’t you?” She sneered, a fresh meanness to her voice. Amaryllis cuffed him over the ear, “Talk back to me again and you’ll end up just like that stupid bug, you freak.” another smile crawled up her face, a small “ooh” sounding from the cohorts behind her.

 “I’m not a freak, stop it!” Despite the warning Percy couldn’t help but let out the whine, stamping his paws as he jumped to a stand. Dad had always told him to just ignore them until they left him alone but he couldn’t stand every painful pang that struck his heart with every snide remark. “Leave me alo-ow!” Another yip sounded as Amaryllis pushed him back down, leaving him to cower underneath her as she stood over him.

 “What did I say, you stupid little pest!?” She swatted at his ear again. “Can you not hear me? Are you as lousy as your dumb dad?” The nebulruff narrowed her eyes, no humor in her words as she growled. “Figures. It takes a monster to raise a monster.” 

 “I’m not a monster!” His yelp earned another strike, stinging pain on his nose causing tears to well up.

 “Oh yeah? Why don’t you show us you aren’t a monster?” Amaryllis grabbed Percy by his scruff, dragging him out from between her paws before slinging him into the nearest trunk. “Prove you aren’t a parasite draining the life out of everyone you talk to. Especially that ditzy little hyena.” The nebulruff whipped around to face him, staring down a challenge.

 Percival lifted his head, a ringing pain against his ribs. He tried to lift himself up but his trembling legs gave out, a whine stifled as he tried and failed again. “What, did that hurt?” Amaryllis’s voice sounded out, followed by a forced laugh. “Come on, don’t be a wuss Percy!” He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to drown her nasally voice out as he leaned against the tree. Ache growing, Percival inhaled sharply, feeling his face grow warm as tears forced their way out of him. It only worsened his shame, trying his best to stop the outpour and hide them but Amaryllis was quick to snicker. “Awh, is someone crying? Such a pathetic little mons—” Before she could finish her sentence, Percival bit back the roaring pain that seared across his body as he skirted around the tree and fled deeper into the forest.

 Hearing a surprised cry behind him he looked around wildly for anywhere to hide, nowhere seeming dense enough as his only plan was to stay out of their claws until they got bored and left or he could make a break for it and make a mad dash to the village. The sound of pawsteps soon crunched behind him, twisting to the left as he hopped on a log and leapt over a bushel of thorns. Hitting the ground running he spotted a brook and veered towards it, sliding through the mud and water before reaching the other side. He’d clean up when he got home— he’d just say he was playing in a mudhole— all that mattered was sight and scent. Bracing himself Percival kicked out, barely clearing more bushes as he zig-zagged his way through the forest. Twisting his ears he could still hear them but much farther than before, a part of him prideful he was even able to create distance in the first place.

 Lungs itching he pressed himself against a tree and caught much-needed air, eyes still darting around. Percival knew the woods well enough he could make a general assumption of where he was, but even now his mind was too on the fritz, unwilling to risk bumping into Amaryllis and her cronies when he’d finally gotten away. Glancing around, he was careful with his steps, only padding over fresh green leaves or bare patches of dirt whenever he could. Percival made his way through the thinning trees, feeling grit and gravel underneath his paws as he reached the end of the island. Looking over the cliffside he couldn’t help but give the setting sun a passing glance, the clouds a soft pink as they rippled throughout the sky. Purple began seeping in across, a few stars already becoming visible— Dad would have his hide if he didn’t get home soon. Picking his way carefully, he’d simply walk around the forest and pass his pursuers completely. 

 It seemed to be working, flicking his attention whenever a branch snapped or he swore he could hear steps but nothing came, Percival pushing through the hurt to get home as soon as he possibly could. He could’ve never heard the soft whistle of wings descending behind him, it wasn’t up to him— no pup would think of an enraged dragon swooping in around the cliffside and zeroing in on him without emanating a single roar or growl. Percival was almost numb at first as the sheer velocity rolled him and Poppy through the jagged stones, even giving her own hisses of pain even after they came to a stop. He was pinned on his back, webbed paws holding his shoulders down as her finned tail weighed on top of him.

 “I have him! Amy!” She shrieked, voice hoarse as scraps on her scales began to turn red. “Amy, over here!” Her voice echoed into the sky, Percival squirming as he tried to break free from her grasp.

 “Stay put!” A faint voice sounded from inside, Amaryllis wasn’t even close— he could only guess the other kid was somewhere in there with her. “Keep talking!”

 “By the cliff, the cliff!” Poppy had to lurch forward to yell, using all the air in her lungs as she gave a cough. Percival tried to squeeze out from under her but the moment he had give she only pressed him further into the ground. “Hurry, he’s all… wiggly!” 

 As soon as he heard a crack, much closer than when Amaryllis had originally started he became more panicked, heart pounding against his chest as now his punishment would be much much worse than if he’d just sucked it up then. Percival was so close— it couldn’t end like this, he didn’t want to come up with another lie. The guilt tore into him every time Dad asked and he had to say it was from playing too hard, or he slipped, or he ran into something, or he didn’t remember— he didn’t need to give Dad more reasons to consider taking precautions to keep Percival under watch, he hated being around that tent. It wasn’t fair, they all would have homes to go to by the end of this- they’d have entire families waiting for them- they’d go to school the next day while Percival would have nothing but an angry dad and a glaring bruise. No matter how much he fought it was for nothing, he was too small, he was barely surviving, he had no one to call for help.

 Time seemed to slow as Amaryllis and her friend broke through the treeline, her eyes boring into Percival as he beelined for him. He could make out every individual fang, the sharp glint in her eyes, how her claws scraped through the grass. Eyes widening he looked up at Poppy, mid-shout as her grip loosened seeing Amy. Her mouth curved upward, tail beginning to wag as she’d done just as Amy had asked her, chasing down a helpless pup so Amy could treat him like a ragdoll.

 He didn’t mean it, it was an accident. The happy call turned into a shrill shriek as Percival’s body elongated, teeth digging into her gills. Amaryllis stopped in her tracks as he became taller, feeling horns protrude from his skull. Her gleeful snarl dropped into a look of horror, not even giving Poppy a second glance when she fell to the ground, pawing at her now shredded gills. Percival was breathing hard, feeling the cold grass underneath his claws. He only watched Amaryllis turn tail and flee to the village, brows furrowed in anger he ran his tongue over his maw before widening his stance and bellowing out a screaming roar. Near the end he heard a much quieter scream, looking down to the merruff as she cradled herself. Even from his afar he saw her body trembling, weakly pawing at her neck as soon as Poppy uncovered her ears. He’d done it again. Percival took a step back, nearly falling off the cliffside before slithering into the forest. For once being small helped him, even with the tight squeezes he was able to flee. His heart dropped, what was he supposed to do? He couldn’t go to Dad now— not ever, he’d never forgive him— he’d know Percival was the disappointment everyone called his dad. He couldn’t go to the village at all, they’d see his form and chase him off anyways— he’d messed up. Dad always told him to keep it to himself and he couldn’t even do that right. Dragging himself through the trees he came to a small clearing, a large mineshaft being his only option to hide. Adults warned him— everyone— to stay out but this was all he had… they wouldn’t look for him in there, he’d promised Dad he’d never enter it.

 The search parties had gotten close, but none entered, only scanning the opening without even glancing into the tunnel. They all called Percival, begging him to come out from his game of hide and seek but he’d been unable to calm his heart enough to even change back to normal. He could only tuck himself in a tight ball, watching the lights of lanterns flicker by. His head throbbed with pain from crying but still the tears rolled down his face, mudpuddles forming underneath him as even when there was a break he’d only work himself up again in a cruel cycle of mourning. He didn’t know what he’d do after this— living in the forest forever, hiding from anyone and everyone who entered. Surviving off what he could forage, living in this smelly mineshaft for the rest of his life, he could feel another dam of tears build up and begin to break until a small green light shone into the dip of the tunnel. Percival inhaled sharply, holding his breath as froze, worried a single movement would echo and alert whoever was outside. The green light grew stronger, pausing before inching further and further down the tunnel. He tensed, ready for a shout of fear or anger as the source of the light came into view.

 A ribbit sounded, peering down he made out a frog, its tadpole tail squirming excitedly as it croaked again. Dread spiked through Percival’s heart, this was the worst case scenario. Shaking his head he tried to hush the frog, unable to place his paws over its croaking mouth as he’d just end up hurting something else.

 “No, no, no, shh!” He blew air at the frog, hoping to annoy it elsewhere but soon enough a small patter sounded as a hyena slid down the tunnel. Percival covered his face with his claws, shying away. Maybe he could blend into the wall, or he would think Percival was asleep and leave him alone…

 “Cici?” Kip whispered, still it was loud enough for Percival to hear and wince at. “Percy?”

 “Go away…” He couldn’t bring himself to ignore Kip, mumbling into his tail as he’d wished Kip would do just that and tell no one where he was hiding. “... you can’t be here.”

 “You can’t either, it's dangerous here!” He squeaked, his frog ribbiting in agreeance as it hopped right up to Percival, illuminating his quivering frown.

 “I-I’m the dangerous wh-one here!” Percival’s strained, wiping his puffy eyes. “I’ll h-hurt you.” Just uttering the words made him want to wail, wanting nothing but to be locked up in these tunnels so that’d never happen, so everyone— Dad and Kip too— would be safe from him. “I’m- I’m a muh-mons-ster.” He curled into a tighter ball, if he thought about it hard enough the tunnel would collapse.

 Kip was quiet for a few moments, pursing his lip as his brow furrowed. “No you’re not. You’re Percy!” His tail wagged with his paws tapping the ground, clearly pleased with the correction. “If you were a monster you would have eaten me by now, just like in the books Amber reads us!” 

 “That's not true! I-I killed that m-moth and-and Poppy! I don’t wah-want the same thing happening to you!” His body shook with each sharp inhale, sniffling. Why didn’t Kip get it? The proof was in the pudding!

 The hyena tilted his head to the side, brows still knitted together. “Poppy’s not dead.” Percival stifled, peeking over his tail to look at him. “Her neck is hurt but her mom took her to the hospital— they said she was fine and would just need some thingy…” He trailed off, gearing turning in head head trying and failing to remember the name. Shaking his head he looked back up at Percy with a smile. “See! You didn’t kill Poppy and the moth…” Kip paused once more before shrugging. “I’m sure it wasn’t on purpose, you don’t like when Amber squishes the ones in her books n’ stuffs.” He reasoned, making it all sound so easy. “So you’re not a monster, how many times do I have to tell you Ama…Amy…Amarill…”

 “Amaryllis.” Percival helped him along, a small smile curving the corners of his mouth watching Kip do his best to pronounce her name.

 “Yeah Amyrillus!” Kip yipped happily, a playful growl lightening Percival’s mood. “She's a big dumb stupid head— always thinking she knows better! Amber is a teacher and I live with her so that makes me smarter.” He snorted, puffing out his chest before adding. “And you’re my best friend, so that makes us equally as smart.”

 Percival let out a small giggle, furling his tail as he lowered his head against the ground. Kip squeaked excitedly, running up to him as he lifted up and hugged his snout. Even if it barely felt like anything, Percival let the tears slip down the sides of his face, for a much better reason this time.

 “Do you really mean it? We’re best friends?” He murmured, careful not to move his mouth too much lest he topple the hyena over.

 “Absolutely!” Kip responded immediately, barely giving Percival time to finish his sentence. “The best, always havin’ each others backs!” He pressed the side of his face against Percival, slightly muffled by his fur. “Forever and ever!”

 Percival paused, hiccuping breaths as he closed his eyes. His lip still trembled but he could feel his body finally relax after tensing up for so long, relief blanketing him in a soothing warmth at the hyena’s words. Kip had never done anything to make Percival doubt him— and he knew nothing would tear them apart.

 “You’re not scared of me?” When he opened his eyes again Kip was at his level, the roof of the tunnel stretching high above them as he’d finally become a fox again. Percival let out a small gasp, Kip still wrapping him in a big hug until he too realized… he shouldn’t have really been able to do that.

 “My lucky paw!” Leaving an in awe Percival the hyena jumped around, his frog following excitedly. “It did it, it made you small again!” His tail was whipping around widely, Kip running behind Percy before nudging him away from the tunnels. “Come on, we have to tell Amber my lucky paw worked!” He squealed, Percival having no choice but to follow him… willing to chase him around the island a million times if that's what it took for Kip to believe in him like that.

 The rest was a blur, Nebulruffs and Merruffs gathering around them, Amber taking Kip to the side, Maddox holding Percy close to him while swearing if he ever did that again he’d put a cone on him right before squeezing him into another fearful hug. Amaryllis nor her friends were anywhere in sight, remembering entering the tent and Dad tucking him into bed. Percy closed his eyes as Maddox watched over him, still muttering about worrying him sick as he finally found the peace to be lulled into sleep. The warm caress of his dads paw turned into a hard knocking as Percival shook himself awake, wiping the haziness from his eyes to meet not a ragged, grumpy ol’ fox but a ragged, grumpy ol’ hyena.

 “I told you to stop following me.” Kip glared down at him, he’d grown so much since then… his round face sharpening and broadening with the rest of his features. Despite that he looked so… gaunt, easily mistaken as years older than he actually was. “Percy!” His yelp spooked him, blinking rapidly as the fox’s attention turned back to Kip’s face.

 “Stop following me… but, while you’re here… can you teach me how to start a fire?”