I pulled my hood down lower as I crossed the street. My black bear ears stuck out, even through the knotted mess I called my hair. On the upside, my tail was easy to hide. 

I enter the alley I have called my home for 11 years of my life, ever since the car wreck that killed my mother. I remember crawling out of the backseat and towards my mother as she lay bleed on the road.

"My little Cub, you can't stay here. Run and never look back. You're too special," My mom had said. 

And I ran as fast and far as my six year old legs could carry me. I found the alley and fell asleep there.

"Hi, Heather," Smelly Joe said, pulling me out of my thoughts. The man had raised me the best he could for the past 11 years, treating me like a daughter. He showed me where to go to find the best leftovers, and the places where people would leave food for me.

"Hi Joe, Mr. Murakomi gave me these for us to share," I said, handing him a box full of hot food.

"Yum," he said and dug in. 

I walk further down the alley to my spot. I had strung a piece of rope between two fire escapes, then placed a few blankets over it to make my own little corner. I had made a roof with a tarp and more rope. Inside, it was dry and warm. My bed was on one side against the brick wall, I had a small table and chair to eat on and work on. My few other clothes were folded and place in a bag, just in case I had to run. 

As I sat down and started eating, I heard fighting just up the alley from me. I jumped to my feet. Joe! He had to be in trouble. 

I run down the alley and roar into my bear form, scarring the Purple Dragons away from Smelly Joe. 

"STAY AWAY FROM HIM!" I shouted at them in my bear form. 

They ran off screaming and I tried to transform back. A stabbing pain shoot over my spine, and I fell to the ground.

'What is happening to me,' I thought as I blacked out.