[b]FERALISS[/b]

Alissa waved the sulfuric smoke out of her face, coughing. She took the elevator down to the main lobby and walked outside. "Well, [i]that[/i] was anti-climactic. Meet a few supers and then get left behind." 

"I know how you feel," a dark voice growled from the shadows of the alley beside the building. 

Alissa jumped, turning quickly toward the voice. A cloaked and hooded figure stepped out of the shadows, a dark muzzle sticking out from underneath the hood. 

"Wha- What did you...say?" 

The cloaked shadow slid out from behind the shadowed corner, staying against the wall, shining green eyes tracking Alissa with a darkness that bore through her soul. 

"I said I know exactly how you feel. No one ever pays attention to you except to stare at you like you're a freak. No one really wants anything to do with you because you're different. I've been watching you, Feraliss. I've been tracking you for a long time." 

"Why... Why would you...be tracking...me?" 

"Because you understand the pain of rejection. You know what it feels like to be thrown away because you're a [i]FREAK![/i]" With the last word, the dark figure threw the cloak off, revealing himself. His dark fur bristled and his red markings gleamed in the streetlight. His green eyes were filled with fury and pain. His wings spread wide, forcing a gust of wind away from his body. Just as quickly, he retracted his wings and fell to the ground, holding his head in his paws like he was in agony. 

"Oh, you poor thing..." Alissa approached him carefully, stretching her hand out to lay it gingerly on his arm and sit next to him. He peered out from between his fingers. 

"Why do you insult me with your pity?" 

"I don't pity you," she answered sweetly. "I think other people are silly if they think you're a freak. It's such a mean word, and you're obviously not a mean person." 

"Person?" he asked. 

"Well, of course. You're not just an animal, you know. You're more." Alissa paused for a moment, obviously pondering something. "I've never seen a wolf with wings. Do you mind...if I..."

"If you what?" 

"Can I try out your form?" 

The wolf narrowed his eyes at her, but nodded. She stood up and squeezed her eyes shut, letting her power flood through her body, and when she opened them, she looked exactly like him, minus the wings. She admired her reflection in the tinted glass of the building beside them and smiled. "I really like this. Would you care if I add this one to my repertoire?" 

The wolf tilted his head, then nodded curiously. 

Alissa sat next to him again in the alley. "My real name is Alissa. What's your name?" 

The wolf-man considered the question for a moment, then carefully responded. 

"Tyrian. My name...is Tyrian."