Chapter 1; New Beginnings

A Home for Scales

Written By : SecretSerpent22

Warning: some content may be disturbing or upsetting to some viewers, discretion of/for the viewer is advised. Ok here we go!

Chapter 1; New Beginnings

I stepped off the bus, the city behind me bustling with life. I was relieved to finally get off, I could already feel everyone on the bus staring, and glaring at me. That's how it's always been for me. In a world where there are countless races and people, you would think I wouldn't matter to most. Yet there are always people who look down upon me without asking anything. Without knowing the full story.

Crossbreeds, something that's fairly common for most of the animalistic people. Canines and cats, reptilians and sharks? Why not? It really didn't matter among them all too much. However with the human race, something about them was different. There was something that could cause a mutation to form among offspring between humans and the other races. A mutation that could lead to many health and physical concerns. Something that doesn't align properly in their genes, that in the end causes problems for said offspring. And worse of all, many aren't kind to such beings. Why? It's just an excuse for terrible people. Most times they are looked down upon, with glares of shame and only viewed as "things," "creatures." Why it is this way is still unbeknownst to me. It's awful the way crossbreeds of humans and other races are seen as bad omens of sorts. Nothing but trouble and disgraces to the families...

Doesn't matter to me anymore though. I've lived my whole life like this. Alone....in an orphanage....without knowing anything but that I was a disgrace.... My father was human, my mother... an American crocodile. It was supposed to be a one night stand, but when news was brought that my mother was pregnant, my father stayed. They did begin to love each other after all. When I was eventually born, and they saw I was a crossbreed and not crocodile or human, my dad left. My mother panicked and put me into adoption, both leaving. I don't even remember what they looked like. I was too young, barely even a few months old. Mixed as a crossbreed I had my fathers' dark brown and straight hair. I had his skin coloration for most of my body, face, and arms/knees. I had my mother's green claws, my forearms stained a little more light green as it inched past my wrists and mixed with pasty skin. Every inch of me was scales. The normal skin would've been fine, however it was all hard, sturdy scales. So I had plain caucasian skin in the rough patterns of scales. I also had a long and wide tail that slid its way behind me dragging on the ground. Not to mention the snout that stuck out almost a foot and a half. The jaws that terrified most away from me. The teeth that jutted out. Heh I was called a freak by just about everyone....

No one wanted me in the orphanage. I was alone. There were only a handful of helpers and aids that would see me, that wouldn't care if I was a crossbreed. They were my only family. And I promised them I'd make it to Sunrise University when my time to leave came. A prospering and dream college for anyone talented or smart enough. And I eventually got a response letter back.... Rejected. It was a large school, famous for only the most outgoing students. 'Possible reasons for rejection?' I read to myself. They were taunting me? 'Unfit for study. A distraction towards others.' ... I was unfit for study, I was a distraction? All because I'm a crossbreed right? Something that's so "unnatural" you aren't a person anymore. I was distraught. I felt I had failed those that helped me. I promised them I'd go to Sunrise, I dedicated myself to showing them everything they've ever taught me. That I was worth everything they've had to deal with... I failed. That is until I got a letter from Mrs. Petterson, a gray and white American bobtail cat and one of the few caretakers that would see me.

"I know you told us about wanting to go to Sunrise... but we applied you to a few others. It's smaller than Sunrise, but I think you'll like the wide amount of programs they have." She smiled at me. Handing me the envelope. Hollowtree College. A small college located a little ways outside of a fairly big city. Not to mention it was mostly surrounded by wooded and rural areas, a very nice and reserved location...

I never had real friends at the orphanage, or even outside. I've stayed there my whole life, nearly all 18 and a half years. But now, this college, it's willing to give me a chance. New experiences, new beginnings, and where I could find...Myself. Where I could find...Home. Where I could find...Friends. So I stepped off the bus. I was thankful for the jobs I had while I was at the orphanage. They might have just been small and minor tasks but my caretakers happily paid me. I really am so grateful for them. I saved enough money to buy my books, the last part of my first year's education, and a few things for myself. Mr. Hansenburg, the headmaster of Hollowtree saw my case through the orphanage. Mrs. Petterson also had been discussing some things with him about me in private, and he said he'd be very happy to help. He helped give me a nearly full paid tuition experience. "Everyone deserves chances, especially those who aren't treated fairly. I'd be pleased to have you with us, you've had to work harder and endure more than most already. Welcome Nikalandra." He wrote at the bottom of my acceptance letter. I stared at it at the bus stop. I was ready to shed a tear when the hissing of the bus snapped me back to reality. It pulled away.

Luckily the bus I was on could drop me off close to my new school. I had never been there before but I was able to use the internet and find maps and sources online. I was enrolled for a few different minors, I'm not entirely sure what I wanted to do with my life. My life... My major might be english, but I have time to decide though. When I made it to the front gates I suddenly realized I had no idea what to say. I just stared blankly at the security officer waiting in his booth, returning the same confused look. I showed them my letter, and ID, and they let me through. I sighed, relieved that was all I needed. I remembered Mr. Hansenburg had a special stamp on my letter which would allow me immediate access. He has given me so much, allowed me so much already, I can't mess up this once in a lifetime chance. I didn't have a car or bike or anything, but I did have my license and ID. The first thing I had to do was meet with Mr. Hansenburg. We had only spoken through email before. Luckily the main office and his office were close by the entrance. I walked past some lively scenery; bright flowers, tall and wide trees. Most pathways were brick, though there was also some paved. Entering the office I said hello to the secretary at the front desk. I showed them my letter, and they gave a kind gesture up a set of stairs.

"Just up there. His office will have his name on the door." she said.

I followed her instructions and found my way in front of the dark brown-red cherry wood door that had the golden placard reading; 'Mr. Hansenburg.' I knocked.

"Enter" a muffled voice spoke behind the door. I entered and closed the door behind me. "You must be Nikalandra. I am correct, yes?" He turned and smiled towards me. He was a black and gray Australian shepherd with a spot of orange on his face. He wore a white buttoned shirt and velvet tie. He was standing behind a large windowed pane of glass that oversaw a large campus with trees, a pond, and various patches of flowers along sidewalks. He took a seat at his desk and adjusted himself.

"Oh yes, yes I am Nikalandra." I said, I guess I sounded nervous because he chuckled.

"No need to be scared or worried, you've read the letter right." his expression dimmed slightly, "It's unfortunate to see the ways people such as yourself are treated. I already have quite a reputation for giving too much to those who need it. I hope you are still as promising as you say on your forms. Well, Mrs. Petterson was also very fond of you too." He laughed to himself, taking out several pieces of paper with information about me, skimming over them. "Now I know you wanted to discuss the dormitories and housing?" he asked, placing the papers down.

"Oh, yes I...I haven't gained that good of social skills with other people. Uhm, let alone had the opportunity to. I don't know about putting me with three other people." I replied, still trying to sound excited.

"Well you are a freshman, so it's harder to get you a singles room. Plus it would cost a larger amount due to the demand. Like I've explained before, rooming with others, in this case three, would cost significantly less." His words were easy-going, reassuring, and confident. Maybe I was nervous after all. I was quiet for a bit as I thought it over. "If you want," he began, "you can go check out the place I had you originally assigned to, if it makes you that uncomfortable we can work something out. Deal?"

I stared at him, there haven't been many to ask me so kindly. I wanted to cry but I had to keep myself together, for more than one reason. "Alright, deal sir." I stated. He smiled and passed over my own personalized class ID, and schedule.

"Good, well again, I'd like to welcome you to Hollowtree College. And if you need anything else let me know, your personal points on your ID will reset every month, as stated in our guidelines. Go have some fun now, classes won't start until next week." It was Friday. I exited his office, and entered the campus grounds.

So, this is it then. My new life.... I was excited, but I felt as if I kept getting stared at despite no one being near me. I wonder what my roommates would think of me. Would they even accept me? The horrible thought that crossed my mind crept its way to the front of all my other thoughts. It made me feel uneasy, and unsure about all this. My stress began to grow.

Thank you for reading! As always if you have questions or ideas please do share. I would be very happy to answer any questions about the story. Feedback always makes me happy too, it also improves my writing so all is welcome. Thanks again for making it this far, I hope you have a splendid day/night!