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Love and Vengeance

Zarfy

DISCLAIMER:

This story is intended for an adult audience (18+). The author of this story does not necessarily agree with any ideas, actions, or thoughts, implied or otherwise, contained within this story. This is intended purely as a work of fiction and should not be viewed as anything else.

While this story's focus is not primarily sex, it does contain descriptive sex on occasion, as well as what may be perceived by some as "fetish-related" material(torture, mild scat, etc) (though perhaps mild in comparison to other stories). Anyone reading beyond this conspicuous disclaimer is doing so at their own risk, and will take full responsibility for any mental, emotional, physical, supernatural, or other cause of harm or stress they may encounter. The author of this story is not liable, legal or otherwise, for any "side-effects" or negative consequences that result from your choice to read this story.

This is my first attempt at writing, so I'm not really sure what you all will think. Sorry if the plot is cheesy at times ;). Enjoy!

1.

Layla awoke from her state of unconsciousness, surprised to find herself in a damp, musty cell. A solitary lamp burned dimly in the corner. The sleek, brown-furred deer's apprehension was increased when she noticed the shackles and chains restraining her. Try as she might, she could barely twitch or wiggle.

Clearly she had been drugged; she couldn't recall how she was subdued or captured, and her mind was still foggy from her slumber. She attempted to recall the last moments she could. "What was I doing yesterday?" she asked herself. The haze was slowly but surely fading from her mind, and she recollected spending the day with Russ, her boyfriend of two years.

Russ was a red fox, also from the eastern parts of the forest, who first met Layla what seemed like an eternity ago. They had been acquaintances throughout their youth, and when adolescence set in for both of them they realized there was "something more" between them. Sure, it was fairly uncommon for a fox to court a female deer, but the two couldn't get along any better than they did. They spent nearly everyday together, seldom were they angry with one another, and they had already created many memories together.

How she longed for Russ to be there with her now! His vibrant red fur, warm body, and loving gaze would starkly contrast with the malodorous, dismal environment of the prison.

And why was she even in this prison? As the drug-induced haze rapidly lifted from her body and gave way to a heightened state of awareness, panic set in as Layla realized the trouble she may be in. She could only think of one explanation: This was Trevor's doing.

Trevor was a malicious, green serpent whose cold eyes and lethal fangs could strike fear into the bravest of hearts. His circle of friends, which considered him their leader, consisted of other ne'er-do-wells. From the somewhat mischievous rascals to those with truly dark hearts, some animals of the vast forest turned to Trevor for protection, companionship, and greed.

Trevor and his accomplices acted as bullies of the forest, often forcing defenseless victims to do what the reptile desired. Layla had gotten on his bad side early on by standing up to him in front of his posse, causing some of the more innocuous members of the group to realize the evils they may be persuaded to do. Many of them left Trevor, and he resented Layla deeply for it. She also helped some victims that Trevor had "enslaved" to escape, preventing some of them from serving a lifetime of servitude to Trevor's every need.

Layla had heard terrible stories of some of the things Trevor had done. It was rumored he once kidnapped a young beaver, and he and the more extreme members of his gang raped her multiple times a week for their own pleasure. Some said he was the cause of a young fox disappearing many years ago, and that the fox may still be living in the back of Trevor's lair, malnourished and exhausted from the laborious tasks Trevor had set him to do. In more recent times not as much was heard about Trevor's acts, but few doubted he was still up to no good.

As much as Trevor despised Layla, Layla had an equally intense loathing of Trevor. She despised his blackmail and threats and was appalled by his actions, and unlike most other animals, she had the nerve to do something about it. The fact that a slender, female deer was bold enough to openly oppose him was very unnerving to Trevor, and the two had been at each other's throats for over three years. On several occasions the two had narrowly escaped a to-the-death brawl, having been restrained by their friends. Russ had calmed Layla's flaring temper many times when Trevor was involved, and perhaps that was one reason both were left alive.

But now it appeared she was in grave danger. She vaguely recalled a bulky raccoon sneaking up on her in her sleep, whose name she didn't know. She had, however, seen him with Trevor a few times. She could fill in the rest on her own: She was quickly drugged after she awoke, was dragged to Trevor's holding cells, and was now waiting for Trevor to decide her fate.

2.

Layla's fears were confirmed when the cell door slowly creaked open and the Raccoon appeared. Layla's eyes grew wide as the Raccoon said, "Well, look-y here! For years you've been causing us so much trouble, and it looks like we finally have you. Trevor is out dealing with other things today, but he'll be back in a couple days. Until then, I've been told to feed you. Trevor wants you alive." With that, he threw some old, soggy grass at the doe and exited.

Layla's heart was racing in fear as she gulped down the grass. Though she considered attempting to starve herself as an act of defiance, she realized such an effort would be futile. She was miserable enough in the cell; there was no need to add further discomfort. She felt hopelessly defenseless tied down and all alone, and she tried to break free of her shackles, but to no avail. She merely succeeded in allowing the sharp metal to protrude slightly into her legs, drawing a trickle of blood.

As the doe lay down in misery, she could only hope someone would come to save her.

* * *

As Russ awoke in the morning, he immediately knew something wasn't right. He had slept in late, and by this time Layla was usually at his den, her loving eyes greeting him as he woke. He wanted to believe Layla was simply late getting up this morning, but his instincts told him otherwise.

He trotted down to the fields where Layla lived, and found no sign of her. It was when he discovered obvious signs of a Raccoon's visit, however, that he understood what had happened. Russ knew more about Trevor's right-hand-coon, and when he saw raccoon prints leading up to Layla's fields and an old pile of coon droppings on the ground, he realized what he must do.

Russ despised Trevor and his gang as much as Layla, and, having supported his girlfriend in many squabbles, had been the subject of Trevor's wrath a few times himself. When he and the Raccoon crossed paths once in the forest, a skirmish occurred and Russ was left with a sprained front leg. He didn't quite know where Trevor's hideout was, but he had heard rumors it was on the westernmost edge of the forest. Alone, desperate, but determined, he set out to save his beloved Layla.

* * *

After two days of monotony, Layla was dying to have something happen. The dim lamp had since burned out, leaving her in nearly pitch-black darkness. The only sensory input she obtained was the taste of stale grass every 10 hour when she was fed, the stench of the cell, and the sound of water dripping through a leak in the ceiling. Duct tape sealed her mouth shut when she wasn't eating, and she was utterly miserable and helpless.

All of a sudden, the door opened and a dim silhouette entered the room.

3.

"It must be really miserable in the darkness. I'll at least fix the lamp for you real quick."

There could be no mistake about that cold, reptilian voice. Trevor had finally entered the cell, and Layla awaited his decision as to what to do with her. The lamp flickered to life, illuminating the villainous snake and the female deer alike in its faint glow.

The serpent approached Layla and shook his head in disgust "You really should work on your hygiene a bit. Most heroes don't present themselves to their archenemies covered in their own filth." After a quick glance down, Layla realized he was right. As she had no way to go to the bathroom while in her shackles, she was laying in a pile containing 2 days' worth of deer urine and excrement.

Trevor laughed as he saw Layla's face go red with embarrassment. "All teasing aside, I brought you here as a final act of my victory over you and your boyfriend, whom you seem to have won over as an acomplice. I've had it with your meddling, and this day shall finally bring my triumph over you!. I have a heart, and I'll let you live, but I want to hear you beg me for your life. I could use you as a slave for a while, and then turn you back to the forest, after which I trust I'll never hear from you again.

The duct tape was removed from Layla's mouth, but rather than begging for mercy, Layla's body convulsed with rage and anger. "Let me go, serpent!" she said through gritted teeth. "You say you have a heart, but all I've seen from you is a black void that gets pleasure from the pain of other animals! You're so cowardly that you have to send someone else to sneak up on me, a female, in my sleep? You're pathetic, and I'll never beg you for anything!"

The reptile chuckled. "Have it your way then. I'll give you some time to... reconsider. However, you will die tonight if you don't change your mind, and I can assure you it will be a terrible, painful death."

With that, he approached the shackles on Layla's body and tightened them so much they were cutting into the deer's flesh. He ordered the Raccoon, which had entered behind him expecting to be amused at the sight of the once-proud deer begging for mercy, to shovel some of Layla's waste and fling it into her face and chest. He then turned off the light, leaving her in the icy darkness once more. "If you think this is torture, just wait until tonight," Trevor said, and then he and the Raccoon left and sealed the door behind them.

Though overcome by pain and humiliation, Layla was determined to not be swayed into submission. Perhaps, through her death, some of Trevor's followers would see that he was taking this too far, and maybe some of her friends would avenge her and end Trevor's evil for good. Or, maybe, just maybe, someone could still rescue her before it was too late. Thoughts of Russ flitted through her head as she struggled through the pain and suffering.

4.

At nearly 7 o'clock at night, a sweaty and exhausted Russ finally arrived at a solitary cave on the forest's westernmost edge. Tall cliffs both north and south and a chilling silence gave the cavern an air of foreboding. "Should I really be doing this?" Russ wondered aloud. Though immediately he knew the answers was a resounding "yes." He would do anything for Layla, as he knew she would gladly do for him.

Chills went down Russ' spine as he approached the cave's mouth. There was no doubt; this was the place. He had not been here before, but it perfectly matched the descriptions in some rumors he heard from his home back east. The air smelled of rot and decay, and there was no sound to be heard.

He descended into the dimly lit cavern and found himself in a labyrinth of tunnels. Multiple paths jutted out between the rocks. Though he knew he may never find his way through to the bottom, there was no turning back now. He took the middle passage and prayed it would lead him to Layla.

Russ bravely continued down the narrow passageway, which soon branched into three more. He wandered through the right diversion and continued on. This wasn't a natural feature of the cave; these had been designed by one of Trevor's henchman, most likely the intelligent Raccoon, as a way to allow the serpent's friends to quickly reach the bottom and for adversaries to remain lost in the attempt.

After many twists and turns and what felt like hours to him, Russ came across a dark room that appeared empty. "This must be it," he thought aloud. Fear rushed out of his mind as he was overcome by an overwhelming desire to see his beloved Layla.

He called her name through the darkness, and began searching the vast chamber. Before he could get very far, though, the Raccoon appeared from the darkness and approached him.

"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" Said the Raccoon. Mutual gazes of hatred burned in the fox's and the Raccoon's eyes.

"What did you do to Layla?"

"Ha ha! I knew you'd come here looking for her! I guess we get to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. Goodbye, Russ."

The Raccoon was about to call his guards to surround Russ, and the fox knew such an overwhelming force would be the end of him. However, he was aware of the Raccoon's biggest weakness and hoped he could exploit it before he met his demise: The Raccoon valued his pride much too highly.

Russ quickly cut off the Raccoon before he could take any action. "Very odd, Mr. Raccoon. You go off all by yourself to subdue an animal twice your size, and succeed. Your tunnels which you have no doubt engineered have captured a fox, among the slyest of animals. And you think to call guards to finish me off? An exhausted fox that has been running all day? I'm quite shocked you can't finish what you've started. A pity, because I'm sure Trevor would be very proud of you for nearly single-handedly eliminating his two biggest adversaries."

"You asshole!" Cried the Raccoon. "You want to fight me alone? Have it your way! I'll rip you to shreds so quick you'll be begging me to call others to end your brutal annihilation!"

5.

Though physically outmatched and suffering from exhaustion, his passion for Layla gave Russ the strength to carry on. The Raccoon pounced at the fox, clawing and biting at him wildly. Russ evaded the attack, only to be charged at again. Russ was reduced to a purely defensive stance, narrowly avoiding bites and scratches left and right

"Is this all you've got, fox boy? You haven't even thrown a punch yet!"

Russ finally caught a moment between the barrage of assaults. His strategy was working: The Raccoon's stamina was also being diminished. He sensed his chance and leapt at the Raccoon, knocking it to the ground. A bloody melee ensued; both animals viciously clawed, kicked, bit, and swung at each other. Russ caught a scratch across his chest only to retaliate with a bite to the coon's face. This was the fight they had narrowly avoided so many times, and neither doubted this would be their one and only duel.

Twenty minutes later, both animals were still going at it. After multiple melees, evasions, and blows, it still wasn't clear whether good or evil would triumph. Russ sensed a chance to end the fight with a well-timed kick to the coon's unguarded chest, and thrust his paws into it with all his mind. The Raccoon sprawled backwards, while Russ seized him. He continued pounding away at him, biting his face and punching his chin.

The Raccoon eventually realized any resistance was futile, and lay down and awaited his death. Russ had a paw placed firmly over the Raccoon's mouth, to be sure he wouldn't have a sudden change of heart about calling the guards.

"You could have completed your mission, coon. You had me right where you wanted me and you had Layla locked up somewhere. You had a nice run there, but I'm afraid you've been outfoxed."

"Shut up." Croaked the Raccoon from under the fox's paw. "Just kill me already."

"I'm not like you, coon. I'm not killing anybody. Take me to Layla, right now, and take a path through here that avoids any more confrontations."

The Raccoon hated to think of betraying Trevor, but realized he had no choice, he was defenseless, and knew that Russ would have no qualms about torturing him brutally until he gave in. The defeated Raccoon got up and began to show Russ the way to Layla's holding cell with a heavy heart.

6.

Dusk approached as Trevor slithered down the unstable steps to Layla's holding cell. He knew she would change her mind; after all, she still had a future and a life to live. She wouldn't risk death just to avoid losing a moral battle to her archenemy.

Trevor slammed the door open and approached the bloody, smelly doe. "Time's up," he hissed. "Are you ready to serve me?"

Layla only needed to say one word in response. "No."

With a sigh, Trevor said "Very well then. You asked for this. I wonder what your boyfriend will think of you dying on him. You could get back to see him again, you know."

"Why should I trust you? You'd likely enslave me for life, kill me, or rape me. Russ would never want me to bow to you, and of that I am sure." Layla let no sign of fear or terror cross her face as she stood up to Trevor.

"Then you shall receive the horrifying death I promised."

The serpent approached the hind leg of the helpless deer, and opened his mouth wide. Two long, venomous fangs glistened in the dim light. Trevor placed the tips of the fangs on Layla's leg for a few seconds, and then backed off.

"I don't believe you've ever experienced snake venom before, Layla. Believe me when I tell you it is excruciatingly painful. Of course, I could bite you in the vital organs, and within 5 minutes the venom would shut down your nervous system, but what's the fun in that? I've had practice doing executions in this way before. I'll bite your hind leg, and inject only about half of a full dose of venom. This is more than enough to cause death, of course, but you'll be suffering for a very long time."

He once again placed his fangs on Layla's leg. Layla winced, bracing herself for the pain that would follow, but it never came. Trevor kept his fangs there for a thirty-second eternity, and once again pulled back.

"Is this driving you mad yet? You can stop it all, you know. Bow to me, agree to serve me for as long as I wish. You have the power to end the anguish. You don't have to die."

Layla heart was beating rapidly, and it pained her to know that she had an effortless way to prevent her death that she wasn't taking. Instincts began to kick him, almost forcing the words "Yes! I'll do anything!" out of her mouth. She struggled internally to suppress the natural desire to save herself and to do what she knew had to be done.

"I'll never bow to you, you son of a bitch."

"I understand. Good bye, Layla."

The snake pressed his fangs to Layla's hind legs for a third time. Layla prayed that he would just do it; if he pulled back one or two more times her instincts might overtake her and she would submit. Yet the snake was impatient in all things, and this was no exception. Slowly but surely, he pressed his fangs harder against her skin, penetrating the deer-flesh. She screamed in agony as the fangs sunk deeper and deeper into her body, until they were in as far as they can go, releasing a lethal dose of venom into her legs.

"I'm turning off the lights now," said Trevor. "I want your body to have nothing to focus on except for the unbearable pain as it spreads throughout your body." Trevor flicked the switch, and, without another word, left the room.

7.

Layla lay all alone in the dark. The pile of her own filth on her body, the helplessness she felt from the tight shackles, and the fact that her worst enemy's venom was now pumping throughout her system made her feel demoralized enough to shed a few tears. She knew that Trevor had been telling the truth; he really had given her a dose of his toxins. This would be the end for her.

About 10 minutes in, she could already feel that this was no ordinary puncture wound. Blood was still flowing like a river out of the incision, not clotting as it eventually would had the injury been a scrape or scratch. The venom was already thinning her blood, making blood loss the first of many possibilities for her eventual cause of death. Layla was powerless to even wipe the blood away due to the unforgiving chains binding her down.

The initial pain from the bite also gave way to an intense burning feeling in her hind legs. It felt as if someone had lit a match and was holding it to the site of the snakebite. Layla couldn't help but yelp in pain as the fiery sensation gradually intensified. Trevor had done his job well. The venom was spreading, but at an agonizingly slow pace.

Twenty minutes later, Layla felt chills and aches all throughout the lower part of her slender body. Most of the hind leg on which she was bitten still felt like in was on fire, but most of her underside grew cold and clammy. She shivered feverishly as the venom continued to work on her, its powerful proteins digesting her body tissue.

After 45 minutes, Layla could barely think straight. She had a pounding toxin-induced headache, and an intense feeling of nausea overcame her. The burning, aches, and shivering chills intensified. She uncontrollably dry-heaved from the nausea, and eventually threw up semi-digested grass all over her own belly. Layla had long ago given up on any hope of survival. She only wished Trevor would eventually get what was coming to him, and that she would find peace soon.

And Russ! She tried her best to focus her mind on her precious boyfriend. She pictured the loving embrace of the masculine fox rescuing her from this living hell, assuring her that everything would be alright as she felt his warm fur against hers. Yet it was all an illusion, and the fact that she knew it couldn't happen made her current suffering even more miserable.

An hour had passed since the bite had been delivered, and Layla received her biggest scare of the ordeal when she momentarily lost control of her body. Her muscles and bones contracted and convulsed in every which way, causing agonizing pain. Layla shrieked and cried out, but nothing could stop the torment now. The venom had begun to disrupt vital chemical links in the deer's body, sending her into violent, though brief, spasms. The wound had not stopped bleeding and a puddle of runny deer blood had formed on the floor. Layla felt lightheaded due to the blood loss, increasing her nausea.

And then, in her darkest hour, the door sprung open. Her fantasy became a reality as Russ stood before her.

8.

The vibrant red fur of the fox shined brightly in the dim room. For Layla, her boyfriend's presence was more brightening than all the light in the world. Whether it was an intense feeling of love or merely the fact that the venom had started to cause Layla to hallucinate, she wasn't sure. But she knew Russ herself was not a hallucination. She knew Russ deeply enough that no hallucination could fool her into believing he was there when he was missing.

"Layla!" Russ cried. "Oh no. What have they done to you?"

The two lovers shared their tales of adventure, misfortune, and tragedy of the past few days. Each stared at the other intently, not wanting to miss a detail.

"I knew you'd come to save me. It really means a lot to me. Thank you so, so much. For everything. You're too late, Russ. I bet I have at most a half hour to live."

Tears formed in the eyes of the red fox as he began sobbing. Layla had always been at his side through thick and thin, and existence itself without her was nothing short of unthinkable. Russ tried to gain his composure and raced to the corner of the room which controlled the shackles around Layla's limbs, and released them all with a few clicks of a button. He walked up to Layla and wrapped his paws around her in a warm embrace, not caring in the slightest if she was cored in feces, urine, vomit, and blood. She was his girlfriend, and he would always love her.

Layla felt reinvigorated at the sight of her lover. She found the energy to raise her aching, swollen limbs and return the hug. Tears of emotion welled up in her eyes as well, and they both began crying together.

"Are you absolutely sure there's nothing that can be done? I'd do anything... anything..." Russ' voice trailed off as he was overcome by emotion and tears.

"I'm certain, dear Russ. I'm not going to make it out of here alive." Though her newfound energy made her feel a bit better, Layla had no doubts that the sheer destructive power of the venom would overcome her in the end. Either by a loss of blood, anaphylactic shock, heart attack, or simply from the venom shutting down her vital organs, Layla knew she'd be dead within minutes.

"However... There is one thing you can do for me," Layla said weakly after some thought.

"Anything," said Russ, voice choked and eyes teary.

"Russ...we were going to get married soon. We were made for each other, and we love each other like no other couple does or ever will. We were going to raise a family together, spend the rest of our lives together...none of that can ever happen now, but let us forever seal our love for one another before I die. Perhaps we should have done this long ago, but we tried to wait until marriage as we should... but that day will never come, and this is our last chance. Please, Russ, make love to me. Make love to me while you still can."

9.

Russ gaped at Layla's request, but quickly realized he felt the exact same way. He would never love another women the way he loved Layla; there was no point in saving his virginity any longer. He gazed upon her revealed cervine body and approached her closer, preparing to grant Layla's final request.

They embraced each other tightly. Layla felt energy return to her through the body heat of the fox against her clammy, aching flesh. Russ extended his maw towards Layla's and stuck his tongue inside, feeling the warm, wet, gentle sensation from his lover's lips. He murred loudly as they made out.

Layla almost forgot about her pain as she focused entirely upon Russ. Sure, she was still going to die, but it wouldn't be the solitary miserable death she envisioned an hour ago. She had Russ by her side, and that was all that mattered. She lovingly kissed him, realizing that he had meant more than the world to her for the past few years.

Russ' attention shifted from Layla's mouth to her womanhood. He gazed at her underside and the inviting vagina that lurked there. He gingerly lifted a paw and touched it, briefly playing with it as Layla giggled. She genuinely seemed to be enjoying herself. Likewise, Layla eyed the cock of the fox. Though her legs were too weakened from the snake venom to move about for any length of time, she was able to extend her head and lick the penis slowly.

Russ knew Layla's time was short, and was fully erect from the satisfying foreplay. Without wasting anymore time, he plunged his cock deep inside the deer's frothing vaginal opening. She groaned in ecstasy and Russ moved in and out slowly. Layla was letting Russ do most of the work as she conserved her limited energy, but neither animal seemed to mind that at all. Nonetheless, she humped the penis a few successive times, causing Russ to moan loudly.

Russ was thrusting faster now, and both he and Layla were breathing heavily. The smell of his masculine foxy musk seemed to overpower even the filth of the cell and Layla's body. It was a somewhat pungent, disagreeable odor to a human nose, but to Layla it was pure heaven. She wasn't holding back now, expending every last drop of her energy on the task at hand. She went with the flow, pleasuring Russ intensely.

Russ was going full-speed now, going deeper and harder into the deer's vagina, giving yelps of pleasure as the slick, warm walls grinded against his member. He felt Layla's cherry pop, though she didn't cry out in pain at all. Compared to the effects of the snake venom, this was a walk in the park. A smile remained on Layla's faced as she enjoyed the feeling of the 6-inch fox cock penetrating her nether regions.

Suddenly the sensations were just too much for both of them. Russ reached his climax as he thrusted faster and faster, gushing warm fox semen into Layla's opening. He couldn't restrain himself from hollering from the warm, intense pleasure, and he affectionately licked Layla's face. Layla reached her orgasm simultaneously and shrieked in excitement, squirting a bit of vaginal fluids onto the still-erect cock of her mate. The two gazed into each other's eyes, sharing their last and most precious memory together.

The thrusting slowed down during the orgasm as the two were left embracing each other, breathless. After a brief moment that seemed to last for ever, Russ knew the act was finished and pulled out, brining them both back to reality.

"Russ... thank you...for everything."

10.

The male fox couldn't help but sob, his tears mingling with the bodily fluids the cell now contained. "No... please Layla, don't leave me. I can't go on with out you."

"You'll always have your memories of me, Russ. We'll be together again... someday. Enjoy your life; don't spend the rest of it dwelling on me."

"Without you, the world will be nothing but a black hole. No one has ever understood me as you have. I only have one reason to go on living myself, Layla. I swear to you, I will avenge your death. I won't be content until Trevor has felt every bit of pain you have many times over and his evil ways stopped."

"I understand, Russ. I'd rest easier knowing that you went on to live a blissful, long life, but I know that the blood of Trevor is the only thing that will satisfy your lust for vengeance. In that case, I wish you the best of luck. Hopefully the death of Trevor will mean that I didn't die in vain."

"Layla... you were very courageous. More courageous than anyone I've ever seen. The Raccoon in the tunnels... he was faced with possible death and betrayed his leader, just to avoid pain for himself. You stood strong in the face of a horrible, painful death. I'll always remember you Layla. Always. Words can't express my love for you." Russ nuzzled up to her cheek, wishing time could be frozen and that the moment would never end.

"I love you too, Russ."

With the burst of energy gone, Layla really began to feel the effects of the latter stages of the envenomation. She attempted to lift her leg to give a comforting scritch to Russ' ears, but her body simply refused. Her vision was getting blurry; she could barely see anything in the room. It was all hazy again, dark blotches in a deep night. The only image she could remotely make out was Russ' face, staring at her, eyes pleading her not to die.

Layla felt like she was about to pass out. Blood still hadn't stopped gushing out of the snakebite wound, her nausea had returned tenfold, and the pain was now excruciating. She instinctively tried to jump and yelp in pain, but her body wouldn't budge. She slowly faded into oblivion as even the imagine of Russ went hazy. She fell over, unconscious, and the venom blissfully finished her off while she was free of its pain.

Russ gazed on through teary eyes at Layla's limp body. Beneath her fur, the full force of the venom finally overpowered her body's futile defenses. She visibly jolted as she uncontrollably spasmed once more, as she suffered a massive heart attack. After what seemed an eternity to Russ, it was all over. The deer's conquered body lay limp, never to rise again.

11.

Russ couldn't cry. He had already spent all his tears talking and pleading with his mate as her death approached. All he could bring himself to do was stare at her limp form, praying this nightmare would end and he would wake up back in the safe confines of the eastern woods.

His sentimental dwellings were rudely interrupted, however, when Trevor slithered in.

Trevor came through the door, expecting to find nothing but a dead deer carcass in a pitch-black, godforsaken chamber. He gasped at the site of a fiercely angered red fox, the fact that the lights had been turned on, and that Layla, though deceased, had been freed of her shackles. For once, Trevor was shocked into silence.

"Coward! Murderer!" Yelled Russ. "I'll rip your heart out with my own paws! How could you kill an innocent deer, and a helpless female at that!"

"I know you! You're that filthy wretch's lover! I must admit I'm shocked to see you here, Russ. I admire your courage and bravery. What you must understand is that Layla was a meddlesome troublemaker made it her life's ambition to foil every plan I came up with. You cannot comprehend the hours of work and effort she has cost me over the years."

"But you're not like her, Russ," the serpent continued. "You are gullible and easily swayed, but love can do that to the strongest of souls. I trust that with her gone, you'll come to your senses and such behavior will become foreign to you. Leave, now. I don't want to see you anymore. Run along!"

Russ was stunned by the snake's words. Was he, former boyfriend of Trevor's archenemy, not a part of the conflict after all? Had Layla done nothing but use him to further her own reckless mission to bring peace and justice to the forest? And look where it got her! If she could have ignored Trevor's crimes and gone about her life, she'd still be alive!

But he remembered Layla's strength and bravery. He knew that what she had done was right in the end. Russ was deeply saddened by the end result, but he had never known anyone as righteous, strong, and caring and Layla, and sweet-talk from a murderous reptile would not lull him into passivity.

"You violently murdered something that meant more to me than life itself. I can never forget what you have done, nor will I forgive you. I vowed to Layla I would avenge her death, and there's no turning back now. Maybe this time you can avoid sending out scumbag raccoons to do your service, or shackling your adversary in a dingy cell before executing them unopposed. Let's see how do in a real fight, pussy."

12.

Russ lept with reckless abandon at Trevor, clawing at him sadistically. The usually calm, composed fox was overtaken by a sort of rage and anger many never witness in a lifetime. He wanted Trevor to feel the pain. He wanted him to scream in pain as his sharp fox claws ripped him to shreds.

Trevor was prepared for the fox, and attempted to roll out of the way, but was too slow. Russ' underside fell onto the serpent, crushing him under its weight. Trevor slithered out from underneath, but could tell he was physically outmatched. The fox's weight, strength, and sheer aggression had him completely outmatched.

Though Russ knew one wrong move would spell the end of his life, he ferociously swung at Trevor. His maw connected with Trevor's tail, as his razor-sharp teeth drew blood from the reptile.

Trevor knew he couldn't dodge the fox forever, and that a prolonged fight would mean certain death. For the first time in years, Trevor experienced true fear, the sort of fear he bestowed on his uncooperative victims without much thought. He stared at the Russ' powerful body, gaping maw, and sharp claws, knowing that he would kiley die from one of the three.

Russ leapt again as the two grappled. Trevor could feel Russ' breath across his face as the vulpine bit down, causing agonizing pain. Trevor extended his own mouth towards Russ' chest, and felt one of his fangs catch on the fox's sweaty fur. He bit down with all his might and heart Russ scream in pain, but Russ's aggression was not broken.

Russ struck a blow with his hind leg on Trevor's face, sending him sprawling back. Reptilian blood was spurting in all directions, and Russ was satisfied in hearing the cries from Trevor's mouth as he experienced the excruciating pain. Though grimacing from the bite wound on his chest, he ignored the pain and maliciously clawed deeper into Trevor's wounds, gouging them out.

The snake's cries were deafening, as its inevitable defeat approached. Russ unleashed the full force of his wrath on the cause of Layla's death, mutilating the scales of his foe. Trevor screamed one final time, then lay limp.

Russ still yearned for Trevor's pain, and ripped up his enemy long after the reptile had died. By the time Russ was done clawing biting, and kicking the snake, it was barely a recognizable figure. Russ smiled to himself, happy with the thought that he had avenged his girlfriend and killed one of the most villainous creatures of the forest.

13.

But as the pain grew rapidly in Russ' chest, he knew he had no hope of surviving himself. Unlike Layla, who received a dose of snake venom designed to prolong a torturous demise for a long time, Russ was bitten in the middle of a heated battle. A full dose of potent venom was coursing through the fox's veins.

But though he knew his death approached, Russ was not afraid or unhappy. Trevor had been defeated once and for all. That was what Layla had wanted for all her life, and her wish had been granted. Layla's wishes had been fulfilled, and that was all that mattered to Russ.

Russ walked somberly back to the deer's body and embraced it. He would die the way he lived: alongside Layla, his one true love. Red-hot pain shot through him and he bled profusely, as chills rapidly spread throughout his body. He would not have to suffer for hours as Layla had; with a bite this close to his vital organs, the fox would die within minutes.

Russ felt even more empathy for Layla as he experienced many of her snakebite symptoms as they set on rapidly. First came chills and cramps, followed by nausea, vomiting, and a splitting headache. Russ felt deathly ill, but the sight of his girlfriend calmed him. If she could endure a prolonged version of this agony, he could put up with a little bit too.

His life flashed before him, and he remembered his childhood days, frolicking in the woods with other foxes and woodland creatures and spending time with his parents. He remembered the first time he met Layla, the times they had spend entire afternoons sitting by the pond and talking, and the loving embraces they had shared.

He remembered the fights he and Layla had gotten into, and how they always made it through the storm and into the sunshine. He recalled the first time he saw Layla stick up for a defenseless victim of Trevor's, and how courageous she had been. He thought back on their first long embrace, first kiss, and first time making love, only minutes ago.

And he knew that though his life would end prematurely, he would die a happy fox. In his short time on this planet he had more in Layla than anyone could ever ask for.

His vision began to fade as his death grew nigh. Unafraid, he nuzzled up to Layla one last time, feeling her still-warm fur mingle with his. He kissed her on her cheek, and wrapped his paws firmly around her limp body. The fox, content that the serpent was brought to justice and that Layla's love continued even in death, lost consciousness. He passed out while still embracing the love of his life, as the venom finished him off in his sleep.

1. (epilogue)

Hours passed in the cell before Thales, an old wolf and long-time acquaintance of Trevor, came in and discovered the three dead bodies. He wasn't dark or evil, but joined the gang long ago as a means of protection and in exchange for provisions from Trevor. Trevor provided Thales, who had always been a lousy hunter as far as wolves go, with meat in return for his loyalty.

But Thales never imagined Trevor would go this far. He had always known Trevor as nothing more than a petty criminal and the neighborhood bully.

The Raccoon was second into the room, and the others of Trevor's gang were one by one called to the tragic scene. A tear was shed from a badger's eye as he looked upon the dead bodies of the two lovers, nuzzled up to one another. None dared to separate their bodies.

"I...I didn't know Trevor would actually...I thought he would just use her as a servant or take some belongings from her. I never would have dreamed...oh, no..." stammered the Raccoon as he looked upon the deceased body of the deer.

"We should have known it was end this way," said Thales in a low voice. "Trevor may have started as a mild bully looking for companions, but his lust for power and fame grew along with our numbers. I never wanted something like this to happen."

The others murmured in agreement, and began packing up their belongings. Trevor's gang would never again bully or exploit an innocent forest creature. Some remained friends, and Thales, who appeared the most kind-hearted of the bunch, was looked to as the new leader. The Raccoon was forgiven for his part in the deaths, and left the group to seek his own future.

As he gazed back into the tunnels one last time, Thales gingerly picked up the bodies of Russ and Layla and placed them in one of Trevor's coffins. Previously used as a testament of his tyranny, it now housed the bodies of the two lovers. He decided that the proper resting place for the two was their home back east, not the dismal tunnels of a murderer. The badger helped him to carry it back across the forest, to Russ and Layla's old family and friends.

By the time they arrived back east, rumors had already spread. Some of Russ and Layla's old childhood friends, distant relatives, and even rivals gathered in the Eastern woods to mourn their death. Yet through their death came a celebration: A celebration that Trevor was no more.

No longer would young furs have to play in the forest fearing that one of Trevor's henchman would come forth and demand a toll. No longer would a fox have to yield to a member of "the gang" if they demanded the right to a certain den or drinking spot, or risk incarceration if they refused.

Russ and Layla's body were carefully removed and arranged exactly as they had been in their final moments in Trevor's cavern, and a hole was dug for them by lookers-on. Slowly, a deer and a fox, close friends of Layla and Russ respectively, laid them to rest under the Earth. Tears were shed as a final glance of the lover's embrace was seen before they were buried.

And though Russ and Layla had died, their legacy would always live on in the hearts of those who fight for what is good and just in the world.