FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Busy, busy, busy!

It was the morning of the annual ball for Three Chapters Private Animal Academy. Classes were canceled to allow for preparation. Teachers scurried here and there, adding to the Yule-time decorations throughout the enchanted castle. Students, on the other hand, laughed and chatted and got in those last minute date propositions. To appear at the formal ball that evening without a date...well, you just could not do that.

With the franticness of the morning, one cobra-anthro beauty relaxed in the tower library, reading an erotic novel. She was practically alone except for a few members of the Avian Chapter, who poked through the shelves, and of course the wise owl librarian. Sylver gave a hissing sigh as her dark eyes read the hopelessly romantic scene on the pages. She shifted in her seat, her long black skirt shifting with her movement, the pointed toes of her black boots peeking out from under the hem. She brought up a hand to tug at the collar of her white, silk blouse and smooth over the silver scales of her hood. She usually did not like dressing up like this, but she was meaning to catch the eye of a certain rattler, not wanting her bearded-lizard rival to be the one at his side this time.

Feeling like she was being watched, Sylver glanced over the top of her book and met cherished gray eyes and a fanged smirk. Drake was sitting at a nearby table, leaning back dangerously in the wooden chair with his anthro feet propped up on the table's surface. He was the admired rattler, with pale yellow coloring and a sleek body. Every part of him screamed snake unlike Sylver's more rounded female body. Watching him, she wondered how long it would take him to stop acting like a spoiled prince and start asking the question she wanted to hear.

Her gaze shifted to his followers. Drake always had two of his classmates at his beck and callâ€"a squat male turtle called Krieg and a slow-witted, overfed gecko named Lowell. With a nod from their leader, they wandered off into the shelves to terrorize other students and cause general trouble. "Could you at least let the books be?" she begged of Drake. "Some of us do enjoy the information they contain."

Drake rose from his table and came toward her, his rattle quietly shaking with each sway of his tail. He filled out his black slacks well. "Why do you constantly read this trash?" he asked as he took a seat on the table and snatched the novel from her. He looked it over and huffed. "It's human, no less."

She rolled her eyes. "Because they may not have fur, scales, or feathers, but there are a few who can tell a good story. Besides, at least the men in the books know how to treat a girl, unlike most of the males in this school." She took back the book, dog-eared her page, and folded her hands over the closed cover once it lay on the table.

A cold laugh left him. "And are you presuming something, Cobra?" He leaned in close and flashed her his famous female-winning grin. Drake was considered a real Casanova among all three chapters. Sylver had seen it too many times, though, and could ignore the anticipation that coiled low inside her.

"I presume nothing but know all." She countered him with a smaller but equally tempting smile. "And as the Serpent Prince you may not how to charm, but to truly treat is not in your ability. You must remember you've regaled me with the tales of all of your accomplishments; to me, they're not all that impressive." She stood, the chair sliding back from under her as if someone pulled it out, and picked up her book. She did not bother with the chair as she moved toward the exit, knowing the castle's enchantments would put it away.

After a few steps, she found Drake stepping in front of her, blocking her. "How about we meet in the dungeons tonight?" he stated more than asked, as if she would not deny him.

She hid her interest with faked curiosity, holding her book to her chest like a dear treasure. "I don't know about you, but I intend on attending the MANDITORY ball this evening even if I must go alone." Stepping around him, she entered the short hall that led to the stairs, only glancing back at him over her shoulder for a few brief seconds.

"Sylver! Wait up!" He joined her, keeping pace at her side. "Would you go to the ball with me tonight? Petunia is throwing hints at me every which way, and to tell the truth, she scares me a little."

Slowing her steps to a stop, she smiled. "All you had to do was ask." She pressed a gentle kiss to his soft cheek and walked away again before he could react. She returned to expansive underground halls known as the dungeon where all of the Reptile Chapter stayed; without Drake following her, she noticed. Glad to have done with her purpose, she changed into dark jeans and a low-cut, long sleeve shirt. Too pass the time, she decided to return to the ground level of the academy and scare the timid ones of the Mammal Chapter with shows of sharp fang and expanded hood.

At the doors to the winter-covered courtyard, she spotted Drake and his boys again, enduring the chill air to throw snowballs at a group of rivals from the Mammal Chapter. Krieg struck a red-haired male weasel in the side of his head with lucky aim. Sylver joined her scaled fellows just in time to be included in the problem as the leader of the small group of Mammals stood, shaking his stag's antlers. She expanded her hood warningly and watched as he hesitated.

"Aw! Is Suzy scared off a cobra? You with your big, bad antlers?" Drake taunted after glancing back at Sylver.

Sue was the stag's unusual name, and he was famed for his expansive rack. His stiff posture told of the effect of the taunt, but Minnie, an auburn otter female, wisely warned him back. However, the younger sister of the attacked weasel had no caution. "That your new whore?" Virginia asked. "Two mindless oafs and an ugly-ass lizard not good enough? Have to dip your measly dick into a show-off snake too?"

Sylver did not appreciate this. Her hood expanded fully, framing her face with a black heart to make her more sinister. She hissed and surged her head forward in a false strike, showing dripping fangs.

"Take that back, Furry. Don't you dare speak of her in that way," Drake snapped as his tail rattled loudly. The older twins of the weasels stood at their full height, taller than the reptiles, and gave their own toothy warnings.

"Try it, pretty boy," threatened one.

"You won't like what happens," warned the other.

Sylver continued her hissing though her eyes took in the situation. The three weasels' courage emboldened Sue and the snow-hit weasel Donald. While the males took charge, Minnie was talking Virginia away from the fight. Knowing they were out armed, Sylver made no other move; after all, Krieg and Lowell would not be of much help. Drake appeared to reach the same conclusion after looking around because he fell quiet. Sylver closed her hood and mouth, taking his hint, and just in time.

"Weasels! Venison! Back down, now!" Approaching was one of the many teachers, the head of the Reptile Chapter, Professor Sal the poisonous salamander. "Let's see...that will be ten points from the Mammals for each of you. Hurry back to your rooms now!" The point system for each chapter was a way of keeping students in line; the chapter with the highest points at the end of each year was given certain perks, depending on each student's circumstance.

"But Professor, he wasâ€"" Donald spoke up.

"Ten more points for talking back." Professor Sal seemed to be enjoying this.

Sue backed down, glared at the teacher, and pushed past Drake and Sylver with Minnie and Virginia following and the weasel brothers bringing up the rear. Sylver hissed one last time as he passed and then calmed, a smile of thanks turned to her favorite teacher.

"Now, why are you out here?" Sal asked, turning on his students. "Do you not have dates to the ball tonight?"

"Yes, Sir, we do," Drake explained proudly. "Sylver and I are attending together."

"Well, move along then and get ready. You don't want to be late." He went back the way he came. Sylver watched her teacher go before following. She paused at the castle doors to blow a kiss to Drake and then hurried off the female Reptile dorms. Her dress was already waiting for her on her bed. The black would match the inside of her hood, and the belled sleeves and flowing skirt would mimic it. The corseted bodice did not show so much of her plump chest that she would cause trouble, but trouble she did seek to cause when she decided to sneak in on Drake.

Sylver swept past Petunia, her plain brown competition; the bearded dragon female did not seem to know she was at a loss, and that piqued Sylver's mood. Entering the male side of the dungeon was a simple task. No one was in the common room, and Drake's bed was close enough to his age-group's doorway that she was able to slip under its covers completely unnoticed. She waited, finally hearing someone speak. "Hey, Drake, what's that in your bed?"

The covers were lifted slightly. She smiled up at Drake. "How'd you get over here?" he asked, sitting next to her. She heard the footsteps of one of their classmates approaching and tensed. "Krieg. Lowell." Drake was glaring over her back so the student had to have been on the other side of the bed. A whimper announced the student's fear before Sylver glimpsed the half-nakedâ€"bottom half, she notedâ€"viper hurry out the door to avoid Drake's intended punishment. That was all she got to enjoy before Drake pulled the curtains around his bed closed, allowing her to slither out from under the covers.

"Smooth move," she whispered to him as settled back on his pillows, "but no brownie points."

"Ah, no? Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?" He moved toward her, stretching out beside her. She could not indulge in her interest, not with the screams coming from the common room. She instead peaked out to see Professor Sal dragging the aroused viper back to the room, scolding him and slapping him with a detention slip.

Drake was snickering beside her. "Guess he got what he deserved either way."

Sylver moved away from the cloth barrier as Sal's eyes scanned the room. "Drake," she heard him say, "is there a reason you've closed your curtains?" She tensed and began to look for a way to hide.

"Oh, no, Professor. I was just...taking a nap, before the ball. You know, don't want to fall asleep on the dance floor." The look Drake shot her was one of desperate fear.

"Not what I would expect from you, Drake." Sal's voice sounded too close. "Surly you would be with your prized date." She saw the curtains crumple as if someone grabbed them and took a desperate chance, slipping out the other side and under the bed.

Staring at her teacher's feet, she heard Drake sigh. "She's just probably still getting ready. You know how girls are, taking their time with everything."

After a moment of silence, Sal spoke again. "I expect you to treat her well." After his feet moved away and rounded the doorway, Sylver slid out on her belly and up onto the bed again, glad to note that the other students had gone to the back of the room to avoid Sal's anger and so did not notice her.

"That was close," Drake groaned, falling back from his sitting position as she closed the opened curtains.

"Very. You did pretty well though."

His laughter caused her heart to skip a beat. "How about you there? I almost had a heart attack when I though he was going to see you. Wonderful on going out the other side."

She shrugged as if it was no big deal. "I realize now it wouldn't have really matter...well to me at least. He would never punish me too hard. He went to the academy with my mom and had only her and Sue's mother as friends. Sal treats me like a daughter." Sylver turned her gaze slyly to Drake. "You, on the other hand, he would have been pretty harsh on."

"Hmm...maybe....maybe not. He is friends with my father; they are Poisoners together, if you recall." Poisoners were a gathered group of violent, dangerous anthros under the powerful black mamba Vladimir; they consisted mostly of reptiles and were secretive since their favorite pastime was gruesomely killing humans, an illegal practice.

"Yes, along with my mother, who was favored for her venom and the trust she had gained from the Healers." Healers were the undercover counter group attempting to expose the Poisoners' members and supporters and save humankind.

"Oh well." Drake shrugged. "I guess he might be easier on me...if I'm dating the teacher's pet."

"Don't get too cocky. One date doesn't count us as together. This reminds me that we should probably get going." The curious look he gave Sylver suspect he had expected a different reaction. She, however, was not going to fall at his feet like the others no matter how much she craved to. She loved the new attention but had known him from their first year at the academy just before their bodies began to crave mating. She knew his ways, and it would take a lot more effort from him.

"So cute," he teased as she checked her escape and slipped out. She waited for him outside the door, but he seemed to want to make a show, having stopped in the doorway. "All right. I'm going to go get my date Sylver," he declared.

She decided to play along and stepped into sight as if she had just come by. "Ah! Drake, I was just coming to see if you were ready."

"Just distracted." His smirk was his only warning before he gave her a quick kiss, ending it with a formally offered arm. Finding his move too light, she cupped his cheek and kissed him long and deep with the intention of creating jealousy in his room. Only when he started to react did she pull away and take his arm.

Once he had walked her out of hearing range, she laughed. "If you're going to make people jealous, learn to do it right. Though I probably just made it to where they'll kick you out tonight...or try to kill you in your sleep."

"Maybe I should make a will. Besides, I didn't know if you would've slapped me or not. You're not like the others."

"Of course I'm not; I'm not as easy as most of the females around here." Sylver stepped in front of him, stopping him on the landing of the stairs. She laid a hand on his chest and gave him a come-and-get-it gaze as she lowered her voice to soft and seductive. "I can tell you now, Drake, that I'm the hardest female you'll ever try to get with. I'm also the one who can make you harder than you ever thought you could be." A wink and giggle ended her tease, leaving him to soak in what she had said as she walked on into the common room.

She had not expected him to come up behind her and tease her ear with his forked tongue and hot breath. "You think so, huh?"

Suppressing a shiver, she replied, "I don't think so; I KNOW so." She watched him pass her and sit in an armchair with his legs propped up. She lounged on the couch and watched as the room began to empty, her mind more focused on the rattler not far from her.

"So, do you think it's time to go yet?" Drake asked, breaking the silence.

"Probably." She stood and took the arm he offered her when he came to her. He led her to entrance hall of the castle where students waited in crowds before the huge doors of the dining hall. "You did give your goons the night off, didn't you?" she questioned Drake as she fixed the ruffles of his dress shirt.

"Who are they going to dance with? Themselves?" His laughter was the only thing she really listened to in all the chatter around them.

"I don't care if they're around at the dance," she answered with a smile, "but if you've got any other plans, they better not be involved."

"Of course I have other plans, and no, they're never involved in those." His sexy smirk made Sylver want to lick her lips. Instead, she rolled her eyes and followed the pressing crowd into the dining hall. Drake did everything right, escorting her to a table, pulling her chair out for her, sitting only after she was comfortable. Nevertheless, their intimate, round metal table was filled up soon by a few older Reptiles.

Sylver acted coolly and indifferent toward them. They were of the upper class, from families with money, but she was considered tainted since her the knowledge of her father was not commonly known. Drake, on the other hand, was quite comfortable with his arm around her shoulder and his mouth attacking her neck with kisses and nibbling when it was not busy speaking. She pushed him away playfully, acting out the shy maiden; she knew it would help his image and did not care about her own. He retaliated with more kisses and a few complements on her clothes. She was relieved with the headmaster finally quieted everyone for his opening speech and then dinner began, special meals appearing on the enchanted tables.

After minutes of quietly picking at her food, Sylver had Drakes attention again. "Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine. Since when do you show concern?"

He shrugged. "If you don't want it..."

Her only answer was to look around before excusing herself from the table. "Going to powder your nose?" asked one of the older females at the table.

"We'll come too," said the other, not allowing Sylver to respond as they both stood and dragged her off. This was not what she had wanted, but now she felt obliged to follow them. Enduring their chattering in front of the girls' room mirrors was nearly painful. The two lizards were worse than any Avian. Hurrying back to Drake was a relief, but his conversation was too suggestive.

"Well, I might try and slip into Sal's office," he was confiding to the older male reptiles.

"Really?" she asked as she stepped up behind him. "And what would you be doing once there?" His head whipped around in surprise.

"Oh! I want to hear this," laughed one of the males.

"Go ahead; turn on that charm, Drake. Tell her how you'll pleasure her," taunted the other.

Encouraged, Drake stood and stared down at her. "I'm going to rip off your clothes and push you down hard on the desk and take you places you've only dreamed off." There was hunger in his gray eyes.

Sylver mouthed the words "you wish" to him despite the tingling between her legs. Stepping close, she pressed against him and wrapped an arm around his neck, trailing her other hand down his chest in her flirtatious show. "Oh Drake...You're so forceful. I like it."

His arms wrapped around her and pulled her hard and tight against his body while his head dipped to her neck with kisses and a whispered "thank you." "Then tonight in Sal's it is?" he asked louder, letting their audience hear.

"Mmm...yes..." she answered breathlessly, indulging in her actual interest.

He turned her so her back was to the table. She felt his hands slide down to her ass and grope at her cheeks through her dress, dragging a real gasp from her. "I love your firmness."

"Drake, you flirt." She pushed him away, slipping out of his hold. Turning back to the table, she saw that their jealous audience was being dragged to the dance floor by the two gossiping lizards.

"Would you, beautiful?" Drake asked, drawing Sylver's attention back to him and the hand he held out to her.

"We're at a dance. We're not here to impress people all night," she agreed, letting him lead her to the floor.

"Well, you are with me." He held her close as they swayed to the music; she felt like twisting her body around his. "I wasn't trying to impress anyone when I said you were beautiful."

"I was being truthful when I called you a flirt." She leaned close and nipped at his neck, enjoying herself.

"But you love it."

"Drake, this is the first time in years we've known each other that you've even asked me on a date. How would you know what I like?"

"Because you're female?" Sylver gave up on that hesitant answer and relaxed as he laid his head on her shoulder. "I'm glad you came tonight. I wasn't quite sure whether you would or not."

"It took you so long to ask. I was thinking I'd end up spending the night wandering the castle. I'm glad you finally got around to it."

"You've probably been asked by all the other boys in Reptile Chapter and every other Chapter...except for maybe the weasels or Sue."

She pulled back from him and smiled. "Well, uh, to tell the truth...not that many boys asked me from other chapters. I think the fear me. Sue did though, but I don't think he was all there at the time, half asleep or something."

Drake laughed maliciously. "I bet he actually thought he could someone as sexy as you." He kissed Sylver's cheek. "Oh well, about the other chapters; you have all of Reptile Chapter ogling your goodies."

"And there's not a single person worthy of tasting them."

"Oh? There isn't, is there? And what deems one worthy?"

"He has to be handsome and a true charmer. He has to be romantic and know how to treat a girl. And he has to know who's in control." She paused. "Oh...and he'd get nowhere if Sal didn't approve of him, though it would be kind of exciting to go behind his back."

"I have all that. I'm obviously handsome and a charmer. I can be romantic as you want, love, and I know how to treat you; I've been good tonight, haven't I? And of course Sal loves me, remember?"

"He's not loving you too much right now since he's watch us with a none-too-trusting look." She could see their professor standing in the corner, his dark eyes locked on them.

Drake turned to look. "Damn! What's his problem?"

"His problem is that someone's trying to woo his godchild. Do yourself a favor; stop flirting and start being a gentleman. That should calm him down."

That caused him to back away from her some in their dance. "He should be happy that his best student, besides you, is wooing his godchild."

Sylver shook her head and stepped away from Drake as the song ended. She curtsied and kissed his cheek before walking over to Professor Sal. She was greeted with a welcome smile. "I hope he's treating you right."

"He is," she assured her godfather.

"Don't be fooled. He may be a good student, but remember who his father is."

"Please, relax. Let me just have some fun. When was the last time I had a good time around everyone? Besides, I can teak care of myself."

"If he does anything, go to my office. You have the key?"

"I do."

"Good." That was the last word from Sal, so Sylver turned to go back to Drake. She found him sitting at their table, a clinging Petunia draped over his lap. It took great control to keep her hood from flaring as she stalked up to the table.

"Hello, bearded," she cooed evilly.

Petunia straightened on Drake's lap. "Don't call me that, you little...bitch!" Having little to use as insults, she turned back to her rattler love interest. "Drakie, are you going to let her tease me again?" Drake was a nervous stiff under her.

"Yeah, I know I'm a bitch...or, as the boys liked to say, a vixen. I think you should know that you're hanging all over my current plaything. So, be a good little cross-dresser and leave him; maybe I'll leave you unharmed if you do."

Drake snorted. Petunia took offense in them both but stood to lay a heavy hand across Sylver's cheek. Drake surged to his feet, ready to get between them. Violence entered Sylver's eyes and her hood slowly unfolded as she removed the silver scale that had been knocked loose by the slap. "Move, Drake," she hissed lowly. "Let her take her chances."

Petunia began to shake with fear as she huddled behind Drake. "But...don't do anything you'll regret later, okay?" were his words as she stepped out of the way, leaving the bearded dragon vulnerable.

"I'm only going to teach this insolent lizard a little lesson. She won't get hurt, I promise." Sylver stepped forward slowly.

"Whaâ€"what are you going to do?" Petunia stuttered, cowering.

Sylver moved forward with slow, measured steps, staring Petunia down. She grabbed the lizard by her jaw, digging her fingers into her opponent's scales to cause discomfort. Holding her in place, Sylver whispered face to face, her voice dripping with threat, "Next time you lay a hand on me, you'll find it missing. Understand?" She felt Petunia's feeble attempt to nod. "Good. Oh! Drake's mine. I better not see you hanging around him again." Sylver pushed the offensive lizard from her, letting her fangs scrape her shoulder as she stumbled back. With Drake's laughter smoothing over her mood, Sylver settled at the table again and sipped on her drink as if nothing had happened.

Drake was soon at her side. "That was quite a show."

"I never did like her." She watched Petunia push through the crowd before the gathered audience began to disperse.

"I noticed. Did you really mean it?"

"Mean what?" She swirled the juice in her glass, knowing what he was asking but wanting to draw it out.

"That I'm yours, of course."

Setting her goblet down, she looked at him seriously. "Do you want to be?"

"Well, if Sal doesn't kill me, I might," he answered nervously, glancing behind him as if the professor would be standing there.

"Don't worry about him; he'll see in time." Aware of the older Reptiles' return, she stood and stepped behind his chair, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and leaning into the back of the chair. "As long as you're courting me," she whispered in his ear, "you're mine." A flick of her tongue against his ear and a kiss on his neck were her parting gifts before she slowly withdrew her body from him, trailing her fingers over him. With that, the cobra left the dining hall, feeling as if she had fully staked her claim on the rattler she had long lusted over.