FSE

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Chapter 16

The spring semester started late this year at Silver Mountain Creek University. It was already half-way through January before the returning students started to settle back into the university and the surrounding town. On the surface everything looked normal. The quarantine fence was gone, along with all traces of the National Guard and CDC. Not to mention the massive encampment of media outlets. Over the past month the media had gotten their fill from the fallout. The only news van present as the students moved back in was from the local station from a nearby city.

Mack sighed as she placed a cardboard box on the kitchen counter. “On the one hand, I'm happy we got the same dorm room, but on the other hand…”

“The University is making a lot of accommodations, but don't expect large bedrooms for thruples anytime soon.” Kaylee smirked as she filled the small refrigerator.

“I love you guys, but I think having our own space is important.” Dannie said as she walked out of her room. “Besides, we had no problems just making the living room our de facto bedroom before. The rooms will just be for homework, holding our clothes, and any other alone time activities.

“Speaking of clothes,” Mack said as she brushed her hands down over her blouse and skirt, “thank god for your grandma, Kaylee. I'd never be able to afford a new wardrobe on top of tuition.”

“Grandma's support was a big deal, she got the rest of my family in line real quick, that means more than the work she did on the sewing machine for us.”

“She raked my grandparents over the coals too.” Dannie smiled, “I think my dad loved watching her work too.”

“As far as Grandma is concerned, you two are already her granddaughters, any ceremony or legal requirements don't matter to her.”

“Aww, she is awesome in so many ways.” Mack smiled widely l.

“I know.”

“I think I do want some kind of commitment ceremony in the future, but let's finish with school and find a home first.” Dannie said as she opened up a box, “now, where are we putting the waffle maker?”

***

Over the break the entire world had gone through a huge cultural panic and shift. What had been hidden from most of the world’s population for centuries by governments around the world was now public knowledge thanks to the “Blessings of Epona.” that were received by the young women in and around the University.

Although many in the world were more than happy to ignore the equine enhanced ladies of Silver Mountain Creek, what couldn’t be ignored was the very fact that magic was real. As predicted, Mr. Smith found himself in quite a bit of trouble by the time he returned to his agency’s headquarters in Chambersburg. He was chewed out all the way up the chain to the President. But in the end, they all had to admit the disaster would only have been worse if the Disk had been allowed to go critical. Mr Smith retained his position, but was going to be stuck behind a desk for a long time.

Mr Smith poured hot water from the kettle into his infuser mug. As long as he was stuck in the Agency headquarters, Smith was going to enjoy good tea. He glanced at the time on his watch to time the steep before heading back to his desk.

The building that housed the agency was built while the country was still new. In fact, it predated a few notable federal buildings in DC. Chambersburg, Pennsylvania had been chosen to keep the agency away from the public view, but close enough to the capital that they could stay in touch. Technology over the centuries only made the distance less of an issue.

The headquarters was a mix of eras when it came to office space. The light fixtures were originally gas lamps, converted to electric in the 1910s, and the bulbs were now all LEDs. Cubicle walls had been installed in the old building sometime in the 1980s, but the old wooden desks predated the last world war.

Mr Smith returned to his desk. A modern laptop was docked, only taking a small amount of real estate on the old desk. Carved into the surface were various protective runes and esoteric symbols. They had been added over the years by the various agents who had sat at the desk. Most of the carvings, however, were currently hidden by stacks of paperwork.

Mr Smith pushed a folder to the side ro make room for his mug before sitting down. He had just opened a folder of documents when the desk phone rang.

“Smith here.” He answered almost mechanically as he continued to read over the file in his other hand.

“Smith, it's Jones. The Director wants you in her office now.”

Smith let out a small sigh, “I'll be right there.”

He put down the folder, and picked up his mug. Smith wasn't about to over steep quality tea. He walked briskly to the Director’s office and knocked on the highly polished wood door. Mr. Jones opened the door and let Smith in.

Good morning, Director, what can I do for you?”

“What do you know about this?” She pushed a small folder across her desk towards Smith.

He opened the folder and his eyes immediately saw the author was Kattie. A quick look at the synopsis showed it was building on the young woman’s ideas of combining computer programming with arcane rituals.

“Kattie decided to work through her break, I see.” Smith said as he scanned over the pages.

“Apparently.” The Director folded her hands on her desk. “The internet is full of arcane discussions, most of which are complete hogwash. Kattie, however, is an amateur proposing ideas above even my head, at least as far as programming goes.”

Smith looked up from the file. “I did suggest that she would be an excellent recruit for the agency.”

“More than that, I'm worried about the trouble she could cause if some other party picks her up.”

“Point taken, however, she is still in university.”

“I am aware, that is why I am doing something unprecedented in our agency's history. I am planning to offer her an internship, which will include student loan forgiveness as one of the benefits.”

“Ah, an offer she can't refuse. Do you want me to personally reach out to her?”

“Yes, I want her locked in before she makes any plans for the summer. This is your number one priority.”

“I'll get right on it, ma'am.”

It might only be a brief reprieve from his punishment duties, but Mr Smith would take it.

***

As for the affected women, what happened to them over break varied from one individual to the next. Some were welcomed home with open arms, families happy they were safe and sound even with their new additions. Others found themselves turned away at the front door or harassed by their communities. Summer kept the lines of communication open to offer counseling and assistance in any way she could. Through her well known family she had become the face of the equine enhanced and was often in the media advocating for her fellow blessed.

Summer finished hauling in the last box from her car. Julie and Aiden had stayed in the apartment over break, so they had helped Summer unload the large SUV she had upgraded too over the break.

“That’s the last of it, thanks for the help.” Summer said as she set the box on the kitchen table.

“It’s nothing, really.” Aiden said as he went up on his toes to kiss her cheek, “We’re just happy you're back with us.”

“The bed just feels almost empty without you there with us.” Julie wrapped her arms around Summer.

“Yeah, it was rough being all alone every night. It’s not even about the sex, I just wanted to feel you both there.”

“Well, now that we’re back at school you can take a break from all your activist work.” Aiden said, taking her hand into his and rubbing the back gently.

“Not entirely, I can’t let it all fall apart, but I won’t be traveling as much.”

“And if you do have to travel,”Julie gave her a squeeze, “we could always tag along, keep the hotel bed warm for you.”

“God, you don’t know just how good that sounds, but we will have to see. In the meantime, however, I just want to curl up with both of you in bed.”

“We already planned on giving you the middle spot.” Julie said with a soft smile.

“So let's get you outta that dress and under the covers.” Aiden smiled

***

Not everything was doom and gloom for the Ladies of Silver Mountain Creek. After the successful completion of the ritual, the changes slowly came to a stop. This gave the women a chance to fully adapt to their new bodies and new needs.

Several noted fashion designers stepped up to help design new clothing for them. From formal to casual and from coats to lingerie clothing was designed for the unique proportions and needs for all the various body types. Everything from jeans with enough room and support for their little stallions, to fully insulated coverings for the lower bodies of the ‘taurs. Fully designed for comfort as well as satisfying the complaints of modesty from the pearl-clutching crowd.

“I don’t want to hear excuses.” Rachel Donavin glared across her desk at her staff.

The House of Donavin was the first to design clothing around the increased proportions, tails, and other assets of the equine enhanced ladies, and she wanted to push things further with the more extreme body types. Of course there were only so many blessed women she could build the line around, and most of them were in Silver Mountain Creek.

“Ma’am,” Sean said, pushing his glasses back up the bridge of his nose, “you are aware that classes for the semester are already starting back up, right?”

“Like attending class ever got in the way of an aspiring model. What’s the world coming to these days?”

Janet cleared her throat. “I think I may have a work around.”

Rachel slowly turned to face Janet. “Go on.”

“Although everyone focuses on the university students, there were plenty of women in the surrounding town that were also affected. it’s a small college town, the locals aren’t really in any kind of notable career.”

“So, you’re suggesting we find our models amongst the hometown girls?” She tapped her chin with a well manicured nail. “That could work. Sean, get us plane tickets and whatever other travel arrangements you need to get us up there. We have a show in three weeks and I need equine lady models!”

***

The Stallion Lounge survived for another year. The quarantine had been hard, and business always dropped off when it was just the locals and the few students who stayed in town during the break. But they had made it, and were more than ready for the returning students.

Over by the bar Jasmine was hammering a small nail into the wall. When she had started as a waitress at the Stallion Lounge she would have needed a step stool to reach, but her now much longer legs made reaching for things up high a lot easier. Brendan, the bartender watched her tail sway slightly over her rear as she hung up a framed newspaper page.

“How’s it look? Is it straight?” Jasmine called over her shoulder.

“It’s slightly crooked, lift up the left side a bit…there! That’s it.”

“Thanks.” Jasmine stepped back a few steps and inspected her handiwork.

The article was about the rally when H.O.O.V.E.S. came out in the open. Jasmine had been there, but wasn’t in the picture. She stared a bit at Summer, she had almost forgotten what the president’s face used to look like before her muzzle had grown in. Jasmine let out a sigh and turned towards the bartender.

“You know, I never thought something that happened while I was at Silver Mountain would get hung up on the walls.”

Brendan shrugged as he sprayed cleaner onto the bartop. “I don’t think anyone expects to live in such…interesting times.”

“That’s a nice political way to say it.” She smirked.

“I didn’t like losing the hours when the quarantine hit, but I did find the whole thing pretty interesting. I know some guys were disgusted by it-”

“Plenty still are.” Jasmine sighed.

“I know, and if they pull that shit in here I’ll toss their ass out on the sidewalk.”

“I appreciate the support, but I’m a lot stronger than I used to be.” she cracked her knuckles, “I can toss them out fine on my own.”

Brendan smiled widely as he wiped down the bar. “You know even before everything, I always liked a woman with a big pair on them.”

“Heh, well if you’re not just being metaphorical, I got that covered.” she patted her bulge through her apron.”

“We’ll talk after last call. For now, you might as well unlock the front door.”

“Sure thing.” Jasmine smiled as she walked to the front door. I got a feeling it’s going to be a late night tonight. She thought as she unbolted the front door to the lounge.

***

Delarosa’s restaurant had done some remodeling over the break. The front door had been made larger in both height and width, but that was only a surface level change. What had once been the banquet hall had been transformed. In truth, the hall had been only rarely rented in the past ten years since Alvin Cotta had taken over the business from his grandfather.

Between the passing of his grandfather last spring and the new situation that Silver Mountain Creek found itself the center of, Alvin made the decision to remodel the banquet hall into a larger sized dining venue. High tables for centaurs and large roomy benches for the satyrs were just a part of it. He had also designed seating for any guests of more reasonable proportions so they could sit eye to eye with the big girls, as he called them. Alvin was inspecting the final layout of the room with his daughter.

“What do you think, Tinna?”

“You really went all out dad.” Tinna Cotta bent down to hug her father. She was taller than the slightly rotund man before she had become a centaur. “This means so much to us.”

“What kind of a man would have a restaurant his own daughter couldn’t eat at?” He asked, hugging her back. “Or future grandchildren…”

“Dad, I’m already getting that from ma.” she raised herself back up. “I’m not even dating anyone right now, after Tony…”

“Tch, that coward.”

“Dad…”

“I never liked him. Tony was too weak and unfocused. He wasn’t man enough to handle you on two legs, Plenty of other boys around here managed to handle having the smaller junk in the relationship.”

Tinna rolled her eyes. “I know dad, I know, and pop-pop hated him too. Let’s not ruin tonight before we open the doors.”

Alvin took a deep breath. “You’re right, we’ll worry about finding you an outstanding partner after the dinner service.”

Tinna stopped in her tracks and raised an eyebrow. “Partner?”

“First of all, it’s the twenty-first century and I'm not some closed minded jerk. And secondly, any of the beautiful young ladies in these parts could give me grandchildren just as easily as any man. As long as they are a strong loving partner who will take care of my little girl and her kids, I’ll be happy.”

“Dad…” Tinna brushed a tear from the corner of her eye, I’m going to have to fix my makeup.” She leaned down and kissed her father on the cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you too, always and forever.”

***

The sun had set, but the lights were on in Dr Vasseur’s office in Calumet Building. The radio was tuned to the classic rock station and was playing softly in the corner. Around the old wooden desk, Laura was sitting with her friends, Dr Armatage, Dr Anderson, and Dr. Schmidt. The desk was cleared off to make room for the bottles of cognac, scotch, and bourbon that was freely flowing between the four tenured professors.

I don’t know what to toast first, still having my job, or the fact Dean Harrison doesn’t have one anymore.” Laura said as she refilled her glass.

“Definitely that asshole being out of here.” Dr Anderson said before knocking back the bourbon in his tumbler, “We’re old enough to retire, but Harrison’s going to need to find a new job, and no decent school would hire him after all this.”

“I don’t know, I’m sure someplace is looking for janitors.” Dr. Schmidt smirked.

“I’m happy we are still gainfully employed. I’m also hopeful for our new Dean Hudson, but I still want to make sure our students are safe.”

“Here, here!” Laura held up her glass and they all toasted that.

***

The north road leads out of town into the countryside. Just over the city limits there was the old Gladsen Farm. The Gladsen’s started the farm around the same time construction began on Silver Mountain Creek University. Over the decades members of the Gladsen family tended the farm, until about thirty years ago. The small farm wasn’t really viable and the children had all moved away into more urban parts of the country. The farm was sold to the bank, but had sat unused or developed since. At least until last December.

With help from their parents, Abby and Chase purchased the Gladsen Farm. Working like crazy over the break they renovated the old barn. It was now fully insulated and split into various units, all perfectly sized for a centaur like Abby. Along with the privacy of the individual units, a large communal area was in the middle of the barn. It was a niche location, but for the women now on four hooves it was just what they needed.

Audrey and Chelsea signed on for the very first unit, and were quickly followed by the other centaurs, equitaurs, and their partners. With a full house, or rather barn, Abby and Chase decided to throw a party to welcome everyone and celebrate the start of the next semester.

Audrey chuckled as Chelsea handed her a wine cooler.

“I don’t get it, what’s so funny.?”

“Would you believe this is the first college party I’ve ever attended?”

“With you? I totally believe it.” Chelsea laughed as she leaned against her partner. “Well, let's be sure to enjoy ourselves because it’s back to the grindstone on Monday.”

“I’m looking forward to that too, I feel I have even more to prove than just defending a thesis.”

“I know dear, but let’s just enjoy the night.” Chelsea took Audrey by the hand and pulled her into the middle of the room where everyone was gathered.

“Really, it was Chase’s idea.” Abby said as she ruffled the hair on her partner's head.

“What was?” Audrey asked as she drew up to the group.

“The idea for the large communal space.” Chase said as he indicated the area around them. “I figured that rather than giving each unit its own living room and small kitchen, it let me focus on having more rooms for the four-legged ladies, not to mention I know how important community is for everyone. I’m planning on something similar when we get around to renovating the farm house.”

“Who’s idea was for the ramps instead of stairs?” Mack asked.

“That one was me.” Abby said with a large smile, “I can deal with them if I have to, but I would rather not have to worry about steps in my own place.”

“You both really outdid yourselves.” Summer smiled. “I can’t believe you got it done so fast.”

“A lot of the credit goes to our families,” Chase said, “they all donated so much time and effort to get the barn ready to be livable space, all the way down to Abby’s little nieces and nephews helping out. We wouldn’t be celebrating in a cozy little space like this if it wasn’t for all their help.”

“And speaking of cozy,” Abby leaned down resting her chest on Chase’s head, “I think I should inform our guests that here at Epona’s Fields, clothing is always optional, in case you’re feeling too warm as the night goes on.”

There were lots of smiles and laughs from the gathered guests at that little announcement. The drinks flowed and the snacks were eaten as the stars came up outside in the clear night sky. It was Summer who ended up losing her clothes first. She honestly wasn’t a fan of how any clothing, even the light dress she was wearing, felt over her fur.

“Ahh, much better,” she sighed as she draped the dress over the back of a couch, “the dress may be perfectly tailored, but after all day it just rubs my fur the wrong way.”

There were murmurs of agreement from the other girls with fur.

Abby turned to her boyfriend. “Could you help me out of my skirt, it’s already getting warm in here.”

“It sure is.” Chase chuckled as he helped remove the material that draped over her flanks and rear, keeping her more intimate regions out of the public's eye. “How’s that?” he asked as he let his fingers play with her tail.

“Mmm, I’m going to want a good brushdown before bed, but we’ll worry about that later. For now, let’s just cut loose and celebrate.” With that she unfastened the vest she was wearing and pulled off her blouse.

Chase laughed as he pulled off his own shirt and tossed it on the growing pile of clothes on the couch.

Between the booze and the fact everyone else was doing it, soon there was very little if any clothing left on the guests regardless of their shape. The scent of arousal grew heavy in the air. Between that and the alcohol things started to shift from more than just a clothing optional party.

Chase ducked down under Abby’s legs and started to caress and kiss her cock as it slipped out of its sheath. Daisy decided to lend a hand and lifted the centaur’s tail. Her face was soon pressed in against Abby’s equine slit, lapping against her folds. They were soon joined by Audrey and Chelsea. The equitaur wrapped her arms around Abby’s upper torso and kissed her deeply. Chelsea smiled, watching the scene before pulling an ottoman up behind her girlfriend. It looked sturdy enough for her hooves and it was the perfect height for the satyr. Audrey lifted her tail almost automatically as she made out with Abby. breasts were caressed and nipples pinched as they moaned into each other's mouths.

Mack, Dannie, and Kaylee had started out making out with each other, but then set their sights on the other throuple of Summer, Julie, and Aiden. They giggled as they made their way over to where the three were dancing. Aiden was sandwiched between the other two, Julie in front and Summer behind. He was just as naked as his partners as they slowly swayed and rubbed their bodies against each other. Aiden was surprised when Dannie pulled Summer away from his back and Kaylee pulled Julie away and into a deep kiss. The young man wasn’t left hanging, however, as Mack wrapped her furry arms around him and claimed his lips. Before long, all six of them were pulled down to a pile of fur and skin, bumping, grinding, groping, kissing, and sucking along to the music.

Tara was sprawled out on the couch moaning loudly as Ryan delved into her slit. No one gave head quite like her boyfriend as far as she was concerned. But she was still pleased when she felt a hot mouth on her pillar of a cock. Tara opened her eyes and saw it was Kirsten. The equitaur had lowered herself down by the couch and her equine muzzle was expertly swallowing Tara’s cock. The anthro tangled her hand in Kirsten’s mane as she moaned from the double stimulation.

The music was drowned out by the sounds of lovemaking in the common room as the new residents and their guests broke the room in. From his position under Abby Chase was grateful they were far away from anyone who could possibly overhear the heated party. As rock hard as his own cock was, he was focused on Abby. Chase could tell from the way she was twitching she was about to blow her load.

Abby gripped Audrey almost painfully tight as a double orgasm shot through her body. Audrey felt a few splashes of cum against her legs, but she hardly cared. She was far more focused on the pounding Chelse was giving her from behind. As she continued to make out with Abby, she felt chase slip between his partner’s front legs and in between her own. She wondered for a second what he was up to, but then felt his hands and mouth on her cock and a shiver ran down her spine.

Mack bounced up and down on Aiden’s cock. He may have been smaller than her partner’s but her pussy hugged the still impressive cock tightly. A normal male would have already blown his load, but Aiden had enough endurance to keep up with the ladies of Silver Mountain Creek. He didn’t even break stride when Kaylee sat on his face, rubbing both her mare pussy and heavy balls against his face. Summer found herself sandwiched between Dannie and Julie. Her cock was buried deep into Jullie while her own pussy was filled by Dannie’s shaft. Summer was in heaven as she was bounced between them both.

Tara’s back arched off the couch. Her equine head was thrown back as she cried out. First the pleasure in her pusy hit its limit and it was quickly followed by her cock exploding in release, pumping hot seed into Kirsten’s hungry mouth. As Tara laid panting for breath, Ryan and Kirsten shared satisfied looks. The young man wiped his mouth and chin as he got up off the couch and without a word moved behind the equitaur. Before she knew it, it was Kirsten’s turn to experience Ryan’s talents.

Chase was so busy pleasuring Audrey that he didn’t notice Daisy until she pulled his legs out from under him. She climbed onto the started man even as he continued to stroke Audrey’s shaft and implied herself on him. Chase continued to stroke Audrey with one hand, while the other gripped Daisy’s pale cock, stroking it as she rode him.

Chelsea gripped tightly onto her partner’s rear as she slammed hard and deep into the equitaur. She could feel the head of her cock flaring and knew it was coming. With one final thrust she slammed her cock home. Chelsea cried out as she emptied her balls into her partner. She continued to hold on tight as the waves of pleasure washed over her.

In the moment of post-nut clarity, Chelsea looked around the room as the orgy continued all around her. She smiled widely as she took it all in.

It’s going to be a great semester…” Chelsea sighed as she leaned over Audrey’s rear and closed her eyes.

***

Classes were in full swing before anyone knew it. The campus settled into a new kind of normal. There were bumps along the way, but with the help of H.O.O.V.E.S. and the new dean, Mariam Hudson, Silver Mountain Creek University found its way once again. By the time winter melted into Spring The students and faculty had grown accustomed to the new way of things.

Epilogue

Years have passed since the blessings of Epona were unleashed on the female student body of Silver Mountain Creek University. The ladies have all since graduated and moved on with their careers and families.

***

Audrey rode the elevator in the Calumet building. The ancient unit had not only been replaced, the entire system was upgraded to handle women of Audrey’s stature. Although, the equitaur appreciated the increased speed more than the size. The car quickly reached the first floor and stepped out once the doors opened. She walked down the halfway, the heavy soles of her ‘horse shoes’ (designed by those with ethical issues with nailing iron shoes on horses’ hooves) deadened the impact significantly, it was still obvious to anyone in their offices that Audrey had arrived.

Audrey paused at the door to her office. Even after a year, it was still strange to see Dr. Audrey Mann-Carlile instead of Dr Laura Vasseur painted on the glass. She thought back on the day her mentor handed over the office to her. There was such a look of pride on the professor’s face as she passed on the relic of an office to her former student. With a smile, Audrey unlocked the door and let herself in.

With her size the office was at best cozy and at worst cramped, but Audrey didn’t mind. She went to the coffee machine to start a fresh pot when her phone went off. Audrey pulled her phone out from a satchel at her ‘waist’ and saw it was Chelsea calling her.

“Didn’t we just say goodbye a few minutes ago?”

“It was closer to an hour and a half, I had an early meeting with a client this morning. Anyway, I just wanted to remind you to not be late tonight, especially when my parents have agreed to come up and watch the kids.”

“Remembering significant dates is part of my job. I’m not going to forget our anniversary.”

“No, but you can lose track of time when examining some artifact, so set an alarm.”

“Alright, alright…” Audrey swiped to the clock app on her phone and set an alarm. “There, all set. I’ll see you tonight, on time.”

“Good. I love you.”

“Love you too.”

***

Summer’s polished hooves clicked loudly on the floor as she walked out of the state assembly hall with the rest of the state senators. The session had been long, but in the end fruitful. Unfortunately, her day was far from over. She had a fundraiser dinner to attend that would run late into the night. At least Summer would have her partners by her side for that. Aiden always looked so good in a tailored suit, and Julie in a gown brought a smile to her muzzle. She turned her phone on and was bombarded by all the alerts that had racked up since the lunch recess. She would worry about the messages on the ride to the hotel, Summer dialed Julie’s number and she picked up almost immediately.

“Hey babe, did they finally let you out?”

“They did. How are the plans for tonight?”

“Aiden already has us checked into the suite at the hotel and brought our clothes for dinner with him. I’m wrapping up in the office and will be heading over as soon as we finish the call.”

“Excellent. I need to check something in my office then I’ll head over to the hotel. Hopefully we’ll have time for a private drink at the bar before cocktail hour.”

“Oh, Uncle Joe called me today, he wanted to know if we are still good for the mountain trip on the seventh.”

“Unless some kind of disaster happens between now and then, I should be good for the weekend.”

“Don’t go poking Murphy like that, just say yes.”

“Yes, dear.”

“Alright, I’ll see you in a bit, take care and drive safe.”

“I will, love you.” Summer ended the call and made her way to her office.

When she opened her door she saw her secretary was still there.

“Robert? What are you still doing here?”

“I just wanted to make sure you got the Feldman brief before I left. Besides, the traffic is less annoying when I leave later.” Robert handed a folder to her. “Speaking of late, can I assume you’ll be a little late tomorrow morning?”

“Just because I’m spending the night with my husband and wife at a hotel doesn’t mean I will be late.”

“Of course not. By the way, I scheduled your first appointment for eleven-thirty.” The young man smirked.

“Hmmm…” Summer couldn’t help but smile. “Why don’t you head off, and give my best to Carl.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Senator Hooper.” Robert said as he gathered his things. “Goodnight.”

“Good night.”

***

Kattie walked with a purpose through the hallway of the agency. She opted for a long skirt woman’s suit in the standard issue black. Mr Smith stuck his head out of his office and saw her approaching.

“Hey, I was just about to come get you.”

“You know we have these fancy things called phones now, you can call me or even just leave a text.”

“I prefer the personal touch whenever possible. Walk with me, we have a situation.”

“How serious of a situation?”

“I think we’ve uncovered a cult that is using an old abandoned multiplayer game to recruit members and meet secretly.”

“Oh? What game? And how are they doing so if the game was shut down?

“Jones has the full report, but as best I understand it the source code to the game was leaked before they pulled the plug.”

“I see, and someone figured out how to set up fan servers and they went from there.” Kattie nodded, “Do we know if they are using the server to actually perform any ritual magic?”

“I didn’t ask Jones, I wanted to get your eyes on this first, and then rely on you asking the right questions.”

“Sounds like fun. Do you think I’ll get a chance to do some field work on this one?”

“You know how valuable your desk work is to the agency. But I get it, you’re young and want to get out there and bust some cults and banish demons.”

“Someone should take a look at the actual physical server they are running this game on, I’m just saying…”

“Let’s see what Jones has first, and I’ll speak to the director if someone does need to go out.”

Kattie’s ears stood up at attention. “Thanks Smith, I really appreciate it.”

***

Rich sat in the hospital waiting room. The TV was on, but he wasn’t really paying any attention. His eyes kept settling on the door. He debated on whether to get another soda from the vending machine when the doors finally opened. His Brother-in-law Ryan was wearing the biggest smile on his face, even if there were still signs of tears in his eyes. Rich jumped up to his feet and hurried over.

“Are they-”

“Tara and the baby are both doing well. There were no complications or anything.” Ryan clapped him on the shoulder, “Congratulations, Uncle Rich.”

Rich pulled him into a tight hug, and it was returned by Ryan.

“Come on, let’s introduce you.”

Tara was resting in her bed, a bit of a dazed look on her muzzle as she held her child up to her breast. There was a soft knock on the door.

“Who is it?” she called out.

‘It’s me,” Ryan said as he cracked the door and stuck his head in, ‘I brought Rich with me.”

“She’s almost done for now. Let me cover up first or else Rich will make a big deal about seeing my boob.”

“Hey!” Rich called out from the hallway as Ryan laughed.

After a few moments, Ryan brought Rich into the room. He saw the baby, swalded up and napping in his sister’s arms.

“Say hello to your niece, Flora.”

“It looks like she got Ryan’s face,” Rich said with a smile, “That’s a shame.”

Tara laughed as Ryan punched the new uncle in the arm. “She takes after me from the waist down.” She said and unwrapped a bit of the swadling to show the tiny satyr-like legs and hooves.”

“Is that why you picked the name Flora?”

“That, and there are a lot of women in Ryan’s family with flower names.”

“Oh, that’s right. It didn’t click that your mom’s name is Rose. By the way, where are your parents?” He asked, turning to Ryan.

“They got stuck on the interstate. Apparently there was a jackknifed tractor trailer. They are fine, it happened well ahead of them, but mom is royally pissed about it.”

“At least they care to be here.” Rich said under his breath.

Tara reached out and took Rich by his hand. “All of my family that I care about is already here.”

Rich smiled and gave her hand a squeeze.

“Would you like to hold your niece?”

“I do, but I’ll wait until Ryan’s parents have a chance. The last thing I want is Rose jealous about that.”

Ryan’s phone started to ring. “Speaking of which, that's them. I’ll be right back,” he leaned down to kiss Tara on her muzzle before picking up the call. “Hey mom, I’ll be right out to get you and dad.”

The End

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Characters and setting belong to Journeymanic

Writing by Syntaxerror37

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