FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Epel was once again sneaking off to Ramshackle Dorm. It had become a habit, in recent weeks. On days when the pressure of Vil's expectations was too much, as soon the sun set, Epel would steal away to go see Yuu. Yuu was a wonderful listener and Epel found it easy to vent to them. They never judged him when he let his accent slip, and it seemed like they always knew what to say. He would have to do something nice for them soon. Maybe bake them a pie or something else sweet to eat. He'd have to make sure Grim didn't go stealing it.

The walk to Ramshackle was always a bit eerie at night. The walkways were empty and not well lit. It was easy for his eyes to play tricks on him, and make it seem like shadows were moving. Epel gripped his magical pen tighter, and quickened his pace. At least it was a bit brighter than usually. He had the full moon to thank for that. The moon hung high in the sky, large and luminous. It had been a while since Epel had seen the full moon so clearly. Perhaps he and Yuu could go out stargazing tonight.

Epel had finally made it to Ramshackle Dorm. But something felt…off. The dorm was completely dark. Not a single light could be seen from the windows. Had Yuu gone to bed early? They were usually a night owl. Curiosity and concern drew Epel closer to the dorm. Something about the situation struck him as strange. He decided that he was going to check on Yuu. If they were asleep, he could apologize and leave. If something was wrong, he could help.

The door creaked on its hinges as Epel opened it and stepped inside. As soon as he shut the door behind him, his nerves were set on edge. It was dark. Somehow, it felt darker inside than it had been outside. Epel slowly ventured deeper into Ramshackle. There wasn't even any sign of Grim being around. Epel knew the little cat monster was nearly impossible to overlook. Was he asleep too?

Epel was growing more and more worried, even before something made a noise behind him. Epel immediately turned around, but he couldn't see anything in the darkness that surrounded him. It had sounded like scratching. Like an animal had somehow gotten into the dorm. But the steps were way too heavy to have been Grim's.

“Yuu? Grim? Is that you? If yer playin' some kind of joke on me, it ain't funny!" Epel shouted into the darkness.

The only reply was a low growl. Epel squinted into the darkness, and saw a shape moving towards him. Stepping into a moonbeam from a nearby window, came the paw of a very large beast. It looked like something out of a nightmare. Its forelimbs and snout were elongated, out of proportion to the rest of the creature. Its wide, luminous, yellow eyes were locked directly onto Epel. And its fur–

Its fur was the exact same color as Yuu's hair.

Before Epel could fully process this revelation, the creature lunged at him. On instinct, he volleyed a spell at the creature, staggering it. Epel ran as fast as he could, making a break for the door. Epel had hardly made it halfway across the room before the creature pounced on him. Epel rolled over, and tried to push the creature off of him. He was running out of strength. But something about the creature's eyes was familiar. It was worth a shot, at least.

“Yuu! It's me, it's Epel! I'm yer friend!" He shouted, pushing the creature's snout away from his face.

Something like recognition flickered in the creature's eyes, and it stopped attacking Epel. It released him from its grip, and sat back on its haunches.

Epel sat up, panting. So this creature really was Yuu. His eyes flicked to the door, and he debated on making a run for it. But it–Yuu– wasn't being aggressive anymore. He slowly, hesitantly, reached out and placed his hand on its muzzle. It wagged its tail and licked him. Epel huffed out a laugh.

“Yer not so bad, huh?"

That was all he had time to say before the creature leaned forward, and clamped its mouth around his upper half.

The creature's mouth was damp, it's breath humid. Epel thought that this was surely it for him. But the creature did not bite down, its teeth did not pierce his skin. Instead, it tilted its head back, and swallowed. Epel was forced to the back of its mouth, down into its throat. It was tight, and there was hardly any room to struggle, before he was unceremoniously dropped into the creature's stomach. The stomach was cramped, but a bit more spacious than the throat. It was hard to breathe in here, and Epel was getting light-headed. And he was starting to feel less solid. He brought his hand in front of his face. It looked like it was melting. Dripping off of it was a gooey, lavender substance. It didn't frighten Epel as much as it should have. He was having a hard time thinking straight. His head felt floaty, and it was getting hard to keep his eyes open. It felt like he was dreaming, even as the rest of him melted and was digested. It was a peaceful as drifting off to sleep.

*************************

Epel woke up the next morning, dazed, on the couch in Ramshackle Dorm's guest room. Yuu was nearby, looking extremely apologetic.

“I'm SO sorry! I thought I locked the door! Are you okay? How're you feeling?" Their words came tumbling out nonstop.

“Mm' alright." Epel said, rubbing his forehead. “What was that? Was that monster really you?"

“Yeah" Yuu said apologetically, “It happens every full moon. Grim usually takes off and hides somewhere, and I lock the door so no one wanders in. I must have forgotten this time. I'm really sorry."

Epel lied back down on the couch, and stared at the ceiling. At least he was alive, and he absolutely learned his lesson. No more sneaking over to Ramshackle on full moons.