Chapter one – Year 2944

It was late Afternoon for the town of greens lake.  An orange glow had covered the sky and the School day had come to its end. 

All through the town you would hear the gleeful play of the children all lining up for their buses, or being greeted by their parents and or even a Companion or two.

It was mid spring for the large town, which left the end of the day in a slightly over heated temperature.

Though for young Hamish, the small Human had his hoodie up, fighting the heat; while trying to ignore the happiness all around him. 

He knew how stupid he looked; Anybody looking at him would be wondering why he was wearing a hoodie while it was thirty-five Degrees out.

A boy who had a black eye a hide away. A boy who had shame to hide, and didn't want to see the world to see his weakness.

Not ten minutes ago did he get cornered, by three of his class mates and attacked. He was lucky to only walk away with one hit, but the verbal assault he got had already taken a large toll on his self-esteem.

Hamish held back his sobs, trying to keep any noise inside while trying to get through the crowd of people. His hands in his pockets as the bright royal blue hoodie stuck out like a sore thumb in the ocean of maroon and white. He knew people would stare, he knew the damn hoodie was going to attract their gaze, but it was all he had to hide himself from the outside.

“You're going to get sunstroke if you keep that on." Came a voice that he ignored. He knew how damn warm it was, he could feel the sweat building up as he walked past the crowed and down the road. He just didn't want to be seen, and he didn't know why people couldn't just leave him alone.

Why did everybody have an opinion and why was that option so much more important this his own? He didn't feel the need to tell people how to live their life! He was fine keeping his opinions to him and letting people be who they want to be.

That used to work just fine for Hamish. Before the beginning of this semester, he was happy at school! Hung out with a few mates, had a nice little thing going with Daphne from computer science, and went along his day.

Everything was fine… Until he showed up.

Demarko Clarke. An exchange student from the northern continent. His Ebony skin, piercing blue eyes, and sandy blonde hair was one to be marveled at. It took him no time at all to woo over the school. Faculty and students alike.

His accent made his jokes funnier, his appearance made the guys and girl swoon, even the ass hole Jocks in the school loved him! Hamish himself thought that he was just awesome to be around... but for whatever reason, Demarko never took a liking to Hamish.

Hamish was kind, showed him around, tried to make him laugh and be his friend – but for whatever reason, Demarko just didn't take a liking to him.

As soon as Demarko got popular with another group, Hamish was dropped. He didn't speak to him, he didn't look at him, it seemed Demarko just wanted to forget Hamish completely.

Until Demarko found ridiculing the teen, so much fun. 

Hamish wasn't a very intimidating human by any means. He was a pudgy, short male, and about as manly as his mother. He didn't mean to be so effeminate, he just was. His dad sure as hell wasn't in the picture.

His dad was in and out of prison. He had charges of drug use, drug possession, weapon concealment, carrying without a license, and his most recent crime - man slaughter.

Hamish knew his Dad was a scum bag that probably shot the person because they sneezed in his general direction. Hell Hamish had been hit for doing much less!

Hamish had no respect for the prick of a man he was supposed to call Dad. So growing up without him wasn't a big deal for him.

However - that left his mother to take on as his role model.

His mother was a terrific woman, always doing what she could for her 'angel'. Whether it be finding him nice clothes to wear, buying him cool new games to play, and teaching him things on how to cook and clean.

'a woman will go weak at the knees for a man who can look after his house' is what she would always say to him; and Hamish always listened. He loved his mother, and he would do anything for her. Which was why he never understood why she didn't leave that scum she married.

He was a waist of skin and Hamish knew his mother could do better. But she stayed, hanging onto everything he said as if he were god himself.

He came to accept she was smitten with him, and just let her be. Even though it killed him more than anything to do so.

Even though he was abusive, a psycho with god complex, and an over all terrible person. Who was sadly enough, getting out in the next couple of hours, leaving not a lot of time for Hamish to get over his problems because he knew well that his dad had no intentions on 'dealing' with them.

Hamish sighed as he finally cleared the path from his school and swallowed down a sob, taking his time now that he no longer had to hide.

He only lived a small walk away, and knowing he had to go home and explain the bruising only made it worse. If he told her he was beaten up, she would demand names, addresses, and the whole thing would be escalated then his peers would label him a snitch, and a loser.

If he told her he fell into a door knob, he would lie to his mother. Something he had never done before. He knew he could lie, but just thinking about lying to his mother made him feel… dirty.

After how hard she works, and with how much she cares – she deserved it.

But could Hamish handle it?

“Ok, inside, ice pack, then I can start on my maths assignment" he thought to himself, “means I have a reason to ditch Kurt." He sighed out loud at the thought, thinking maybe he could go back to school and just sit in the library until he was forcibly removed.

Maybe he could live in the vents like some human xenomorph.

Soon turning into his street, Hamish continued until a familiar fence brought a small smile to his face. 

His Neighbors weren't fantastic people by any means. rude and arrogant people that despised his family. Not that he disagreed with them; But Hamish was always lucky to walk past their house before they got home.

So it was fate that he would become good friends with Shirly. The kind, companion poodle that they had for many years now.

One thing somebody should know about Hamish was his complete admiration of companions. He loved every breed, every colour, every noise that the canine human hybrids were and made.

Ever since he was little, he had always loved them. Sometimes wandering off in happiness as he got sights of their tails or ears.

Hamish had always wanted one of his own, but he never knew how his mum or even 'father' would react to one. He knew they had nothing against them, he knew mum had even had a few when she grew up on his grandparent's farm before they all passed.

Maybe today would be the day he could get the courage to ask?

Hamish leaned onto the fence, watching the female pulling down the twin boy's clothes, folding them nicely and putting them into the basket. She had just finished with a bright blue tank top when her eyes flickered up for a moment to see the boy, smiling over and giving her a small wave.

“How was school Hamish?" She asked with a nice and perky tone, placing down the laundry to make her way over to the young male. Her while wool like fur gently bouncing with every step she made.

“Kinda crap to be honest with you Shirly." Hamish sighed, not really looking for a conversation. Though for the companion, he would make an exception.

“Well that is no good, dear boy." She huffed, her smile dropping as she got closer. Her walk now hurried as she walked over to the fence and very gently took hold of Hamish's chin. “Do I need to call somebody Hamish?" she asked him, “Or do I need to call the stupid fool who did this to you an ambulance?"

Hamish huffed and shook his head, taking the poodles paw into his hands and giving it an affectionate pat.

“No, and no." he huffed, “just kids being ass holes." He sighed, looking up at the worried poodle who just sighed and shook her head.

“Jump on over, I'll get you some iced tea and something to sooth that eye." her tone not really giving the human an option as she began walking towards the back door.

“Oh no, shirly thank you but I don't ne…"

“I wasn't asking Hamish." She interrupted, not even turning around. Hamish just sighed and reluctantly hopped the fence, knowing the canine was too stubborn to be fought with. 

He wandered up the well-trimmed back yard, walking up to their little patio and taking a seat on the stupidly comfortable patio chair.

He put his bag down at his feet and sighed deciding now would be a good time for him to remove his hoodie. He was out of sight of everybody, and nobody was ever around on his walk home.

He grabbed his hoodie from the bottom and yanked it up. Giving it a firm pull to discover his long tied-up hair had gotten caught. 

Hamish sighed as his arms fell, not needing another reason to be annoyed and angry.

He reached up again and continued to yank, hoping his hoodie would just come free, but as hard as he would try, it just wouldn't budge.

He was just about to give up, when we felt the back of the jacket being tugged, and pulled free; allowing human to yank it forward to free himself.

“oh thank you shir…" he began, before the vision of a small smiling husky corrected him. “oh. Hello there." Hamish said, his tone swapping from glum to somewhat cheerful.

“Hi." The husky said softly, somewhat nervously. His tail was softly wagging beside him.

“And who would you be?" Hamish asked, smiling as he reached forward gently to let the canine sniff him.

The husky moved in and took a few quick sniffs of the new male's scent, smiling more as Shirly walked through the door.

“Oh Lou, leave the human alone." She chuckled,

“Lou huh?" Hamish asked, “Are the Jacksons Pup sitting?"

“Uh-uh." The Small white being said back, “mum and dad bought me this morning." He said cheerfully.

“Oh?" Hamish asked looking up and Shirly, and graciously taking the cup from her paws, and moaning as the cold pack hit his puffy eye.

“Oh don't stress little one." The poodle said, petting the hurt humans head, “They aren't disowning me yet. I sure as hell wouldn't be doing their laundry if they were." She joked, “I am just getting too old for little ones who are getting too much into wrestling.

I can do a lot of things Hamish, but wrestle is not one of them." She said taking a seat beside Hamish while the husky stood with a smile on his light grey maw.

“Ohhh," Hamish said, taking a quick sip of his drink. “Well that's alright then. If you were getting disowned I would have taken you in myself." Hamish said proudly, the poodle laughing.

“You are too cute Hamish." Shirly said smiling,

“Well thank you." Hamish chuckled, pulling the ice pack away to let his skin re-heat.

“What happened to your face?" Lou asked from nowhere.

“Lou!" Shirly snapped, the small husky's ears flattening as he looked to the floor. “Don't be rude!"

“No Shirly it's fine." Hamish chuckled,

“To you maybe, but if he says that to mum and dad, they might punish him. So better me growling at him." Shirly added, “now apologise young one. And don't you ever be so rude again." The poodle growled to the head bowed canine.

“I-I'm sorry Master Hamish." He said politely, his tail between his legs.

“Hey now It's all right." Hamish said standing up to gently rub the husky's head. A gentle whimper coming from his lips. “Just maybe don't be so blunt you know?"

The small husky nodded his head and looked up with his large green and brown eyes, his muscles relaxing as Hamish smiled. “Now who's a good boy?" Hamish asked, the husky giggling as his tail began to wag furiously behind him.

“M-Me?" He asked,

“That's right." Hamish said happily, “Who isn't going to be blunt from now on?" Hamish asked, the husky looking up at the human with a smile.

“Me." He said confidently.

“Atta' boy!" Hamish said proudly, gently scratching the husky's chest and head as he panted happily.

“Hamish, if you ever get an Anthro. I will envy him to the day I die." Shirly chuckled.

“Aww Shirly." Hamish said with a smile, taking his paws away from the husky to give the large poodle the same attention. Giving her head some scratches and her belly some rubs, her large tongue flopping out of her maw as she took her praise. “You're a good girl too." He praised the large being, smiling as he brought some joy into another beings life.

“Well well well. Look who is here."

Hamish's hands stopped as the familiar accent just brought a wave of dread over his body, bringing the sobbing feeling back up his throat slowly.

He looked over to the smirking Ebony figure, trying not to let the memory of him punching him to the floor get to him.

“Hi!" Lou said happily, his tail wagging in excitement. “who are you?"

“I," Demarko said with a level of entitlement Hamish didn't know was possible, “am Demarko. Now Hush dog, the humans are talking."

Louis's tail gently fell as the harshness tore into him. Unsure of why he had been belated for just being friendly. Shirley however; was getting mighty annoyed by the arrogance this stranger had. Neither of the Companions knew he was, and with his attitude towards Hamish – they were not friends.

“If you want to be a rude little ass-hole, you can keep walking." Shirley growled, flicking her finger down the road as she store down those pale eyes.

She didn't even take that kind of thing from her own masters let alone the likes of a stranger!

This left the Ebony human staring bewildered at the canine in front of him! He had never been spoken to in such a way before, and the first time it happened, it came from a Companion?

“Excuse me?" He spat back, having half a mind to jump the fence.

“You heard me kid." She snapped back. “I'm losing my hearing as it is, and I don't need my remaining time plagued with your annoying tone. You want to be a bully? Go somewhere else."

“Do you want to be put down dog." Demarko yelled, hands coming down to the fence.

“Oh god." Hamish muttered quietly, placing his head down on his hand as Shirley bolted towards the arrogant little cretin. 

“What did you just say to me you low life?" She growled, walking towards the fence as a deep and menacing growl grumbled in her throat, now nose to nose with the over confident male.

“I asked if you want…" Demarko began, but as the deep and terrifying barking came from Shirley - the human leaped back. His foot fumbling as he landed, reaching out for anything before he rolled into the pavement.

He didn't have any time to react as the barking continued. His head shot up, looking at the large teeth snapping just a few meters away as he hurried to get himself up.

“Come on! Put me down you weasel!" She barked, teeth bared as he growled. Watching the now embarrassed teenager hurry away.

“I-I'll tell the pound on you!" he threatened, stopping as the dog hid her fangs.

“Oh jesus Christ Demarko!" Hamish butted in, taking the attention of the two by the road. “Stop being a fucking ass hole and just go home!" Hamish yelled, looking back down at Lou who was enjoying the gentle affection from the human.

Demarko was seething as he staired down Shirly and Hamish. His eyes darting back and forth between the two, as his angry embarrassment was flustering his cheeks. 

“I'll see you tomorrow pig." He shot at Hamish, looking back at the poodle before he hurried himself away. “I'll get you back for this." Shirly could only throwing her head back and let out an obnoxious laugh into the air as the wannabe basically ran away.

She glared at the human and with a snarky smile, watching him constantly check over his shoulder with every few steps.

“I'll see you then honey." She called out with a fake kindness to her voice, “now you have a wonderful day. If you ever need another ice tea, I'll be happy to accommodate!" She called out loudly, shaking her head as her arm came back to her side.

“Hey Lou." Hamish spoke quietly, helping the pup back onto his hind paws. 

“Yeah Hamish?" He whispered back, following the human's quietness.

“I think Shirly could really use a big hug right now." Hamish said with a smile, “why don't you go give her one?"

Lou's brows came down worryingly as he looked over the very obviously angry Poodle.

“O-Ok Hamish." Lou said uncertain, looking over to the very furious canine as he began to walk over. She didn't look like she wanted one, but Hamish hadn't given the Husky any reason to think he was malicious.

He wandered up nervously, looking up at her with a bit of fear as she was still eyeing down the stranger who had left. With a knot forming in his stomach, he gently reached out and wrapped his arms around her, yipping as she jolted to push at his frame.

“Wha!?..." she yelled out, looking down at the frightened husky with her arms ready to throw him to the floor. Though as the large fearful eyes got her attention, she knew there were some good intentions behind his actions.  “oh you're too kind Pup." She sighed quietly, leaning down to return the cuddle and smile as he let out a cute little giggle.

Hamish smiled at the scene, taking the time to scull the rest of his drink, stuff his hoodie into his bag, and then make his way down to the two canines.

“I better get home. I have to start this darn maths assignment." Hamish sighed,

“Oh you can't go yet." Shirly said, making Hamish look a little puzzled. “not when you have…" she said, turning lou around and gently throwing him onto his chest. “an attack Pup on you!" she laughed,

“Oh no not an attack Pup!" Hamish yelled out, the small puppy giggling excitedly as he grabbed onto Hamish and began to lick and playfully bite his face and neck.

“Oh pppleh!" Hamish spat, spitting out the saliva Lou had licked into him.

“Attack Pup!" Shirly laughed, as she gently tackled the two to the floor and let the small husky play around with the human.

Hamish gently rolled the two around and began to tap the huskies face, laughing as Lou's open maw went to bite the attacking hands, before his own paws grabbed them and brought them down to softly bite.

“No! My hands!" Hamish laughed out, gently shaking them in the growling maw. “Dun bite my hands! I need them!"

“yes! don't bite." Shirly agreed, “tickle!" she said, digging her paws into the underside of the human's arms, his body trembling and arching away from her paws.

“NO! Torture! Torture!" Hamish laughed out, as the four paws were rubbing him in all the horrible ways.

He laughed tilled he cried, trying so desperately to fight off the two as they tickled him.

“Shirly!" Came a familiar voice, the two canines looking over immediately to the woman who smiled over at the two. “Can you stop murdering my son and let me have him please?" She asked, the poodle smiling over and nodding.

“Of course Michelle." The poodle said, standing up before offering a paw to the still chuckling human. “C'mon klutz." She laughed, “This one, tripped over at school today."

“Oh? Are you ok honey?" Michelle asked, and gasping heavily as she saw the big black eye. “Holy god Hamish! Sweetie come here!" She said worryingly, holding her arm out for her boy.

“Mum, I am fine I promise." Hamish said softly, walking over and sighing as she moved her boys head to the side, staring at the large puffy skin surrounding her sons eye.

“Are you alright sweetie?" She asked again, “That looks like it hurts."

“I'm fine mum I swear." Hamish promised, and he wasn't lying about that much. Physically it was only aching a little, though emotionally, he could have been better.

“Alright." She sighed, giving her son a soft peck on the cheek before letting him go, brushing back her own sandy blond hair as it fell to her cheeks. “So how are you Shirly?" Michelle asked, putting her hand on her sons shoulders.

“I am fine Mrs. Habson. How are you?" The poodle asked, putting her own paw gently to the Huskies shoulder,

“I am well thank you, and who is this adorable little bundle of joy?" Michelle asked, her voice getting all high pitched making the Pup giggle and wag his tail happily.

“I-I'm Lou!" He said back excitedly, “I-I was bought today." He said giddily,

“Oh well that is wonderful!" Michelle said happily, “welcome to the neighbourhood."

“Thank you, ma'am." The husky giggled, “U-Um H-Hamish?" Lou said gently,

“Yeah buddy?" Hamish said smiling,

“M-May we play again?" The husky asked softly,

“Maybe buddy." He replied with a smile, “You're going to meet two more boys today! They like to have lots of fun. I am sure you won't even need me anymore." Hamish said with a smile, “and besides, it's bad manners for a human to play with another human's companion without them."

“Oh…" Lou whined disheartened, “O-Ok."

Hamish was feeling a little guilty as he upset the small canine, but he had to learn. He wasn't his, and it would be rude of him to spend time with Hamish when he belonged to others.

“Hey, I can always puppy sit, and I walk past nearly every day to and from school." Hamish said with a smile.

“he does indeed." Shirly agreed, “but I do promise you little one, you will love the boys as they will love you." She said giving the pups head a soft pat. “which reminds me." She added, “why do I see no Anthro ruining your house?" She asked,

“I have no idea." Michelle replied, “I guess it was never brought up so I never went through with it." She said happily,

“Wait, we can afford it?" Hamish asked, looking over to his mother who looked a little confused,

“Yeah baby, they aren't a lot of money. Just a little bit more in food." She said with a smiling, laughing as her son fell to his knees and put his hands together.

“Please mum can we get an Anthro!?" Hamish said out loud, “I need a friend. I'm not coping at school; I need somebody who doesn't think I'm a loser!"

Michelle looked down at her son now with a look on concern.  Hamish opened his eyes and realized what had come out of his mouth. “I-I mean um... It would make me really happy." He murmured, knowing what would become of this later.

Michelle wasn't really sure how to respond to what had just come out of her son's mouth. She wanted to hug him, tell him that it was all alright, and that yes, they could get an Anthro. But she knew the cuddling part would only help her.

Michelle smiled as she gulped down her urges and pretended to laugh it off.

“Oh stand up weirdo." She laughed, “Jump in the car." She said turning on her heels and walking towards her car. “Good bye Shirly, bye lou." She said with a smile.

“Good bye ma'am!" Loud called out, “B-Bye Hamish." Lou whined, Hamish smiling as he walked over to gently give the canine some gentle pats.

“Bye pal." He said as his excitement began to wash through him, “Bye Shirly! I'm off to get an Anthro!" He said so happily, quickly jumping over the fence and rushing to the car. “Quick mum!" He said excitedly. Michelle merely rolling her eyes as she hopped in the car.

It was only a short drive into town, and an even shorter time to find a park, however the excited human couldn't wait. Hamish jumped out as soon as his mother pulled into the parking lot and ran towards the door.

He beamed at the 'open' sign and very excitedly barged through the doors.

He smiled as he listened to the sound young voices laughing, small barks, whimpers, and whines. All the sounds of companions he couldn't wait for.

He walked through the small entry way and with a happy sigh looked over the massive number of small canines through the one-way glass, all doing some different activity they found fun.

Hamish looked over to a small German Shepard chasing his Pitbull friend around the table. Their happy tails swishing as they had their fun. He looked over then to a group, they had pencils in their paws as they all coloured on the paper in front of them. He chuckled at the border collie, rolling around on the floor with a wide smile on his face.

They were all so adorable, and Hamish sighed knowing he had to choose just one. He was too distracted he didn't notice his mother until she had an arm around his shoulder. Hamish smiled over at his mum and quickly hugged her, before they both heard the door from the shop close.

“Good afternoon." Came the cheery voice, Hamish's head moving over to look, but his eyes stayed attached to a certain fennec.

A little smile came to mouth as the small being sat in the corner alone reading a book. He had a small smile on his lips as his eyes gently went over the lines.

His large blue eyes had a sparkle to them as they went over the words that lined the pages, and to Hamish. He found the small being perfect.

“Hi, yes we are in the market for a new Anthro." His mother's voice bringing him back to reality.

“Are we after any certain species?" Came the girls next question, making Hamish turn to answer. Though as his eyes looked over the girl. His words got stuck in his mouth.

She stood just a little under him, her hair coloured a bright blue with some purple mixed in matching the deep blue in her eyes. She smiled over at Hamish, as he cleared his throat and huffed out an embarrassed laugh.

“No, not really, though I do like the look of the fennec who was reading." Hamish explained the girl nodding,

“He is a very quiet one. Also very clean. When we need something cleaned up the little one has usually already started on it." She said smiling, Hamish nearly sighing as her smile just seemed to make his belly tingle.

“Well how about we set you up in a meeting room, and I'll bring some pups in for you to meet?" She asked,

“Yeah sounds good." Hamish said with a smile, “Hamish." He introduced himself, putting his hand out and smiling at her.

Her smile dipped for a moment, huffing out an uncomfortable laugh as she quickly shook his hand and nodded.

“lovely to meet you." She said back, “umm, yeah let's get you set up in a room."

Hamish nodded his head, keeping the depressive thoughts at bay.

Did she have to make it so obvious or be so bitchy about it? All he did was introduce himself. Why was everybody so cruel lately.

Hamish and Michelle followed the girl, walking through the small hallways until they got to a door. The girl getting the keys attached to her blue and yellow shirt, and unlocked the door before opening it open for them.

Inside was a brightly colored, and welcoming room. A nice floral scent mixed with a clean dog smell wafting through. The floor a soft, cream carpet, having a deep brown coffee table and matching couch to the right. The walls had bones, and stereotypical canine inspired artwork over the light blue background. Topped off with a vase of fake flowers on top of the table, and a box of toys underneath.

A warm setting to meet your possible new Companion. 

“Here we are." She said with a smile, making sure not to make eye contact with Hamish who just huffed and walked in the room. “alright so when I bring the little ones in make sure yo…"

“Stay low, hold a hand out for them to sniff, don't make any sudden movements." Hamish interrupted, just wanting her to leave.

“Right." She said huffing at his rudeness. “I'll go grab you a Pup."

“Great." Hamish said back, having to take a deep breath as she closed the door.

“What a bitch." Michelle huffed, Hamish having a soft laugh at that.

“I know! All I said was my name. not hey, let's make some love on the floor." He huffed, “why is everybody such an asshole lately?" He asked, sighing as he moved to the side of the room and leaned against the wall.

“Don't worry sweetie. Everything will work out alright." Michelle said happily, “Oh and I am thinking about moving you to Darren Eddies High." Michelle said with a smile,

“Oh?" Hamish asked.

“Yeah. I got some bad reviews from some of the other parents at your current school and I'm not too impressed." She explained, shaking her head. “So, I want to move you to Edwards public. Would that be something you'd be interested with?" Michelle asked, looking over at her boy.

Hamish smiled as he looked up at his mum. Unable to express his words, unable to tell her how amazing that sounded. All he did was nod his head, and smile over at her. “alright sounds good honey." She said back with a smile.

Hamish huffed a laugh as he looked down at the floor with a smile. He really did have an amazing mother.

“Hey mum." He said, looking up and smiling as she looked over. “Thanks."