FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The sun was too hot, and Ethan's wagon was too slow! Even though Isaac and Bradley were busy moving Curtain-stunned zombies with thick work gloves, the hound had to maneuver the cub wagon on a wandering path. Ethan kicked aside an obstructing zombie arm and looked up, gazing around the parking lot.

Shadow and I watched from the rear rooftop edge. The familiar crate was on the frontward side of the roof at the FurShopper facade. The white membrane surface was warm, and the new hammer in my lap felt heavy. Kespar hovered over me and Shadow as we watched.

Ethan was down there, two 5-gallon jugs in a cub's play wagon, along with Peter's and Helaina's wagons. Even through her sad mourning, Laura was down there helping monitor the area for any zombie waking too fast.

The rabbit had insisted on helping. She'd been allowed. When I insisted, I got No's from five muzzles! Even Shadow had told me to leave it to others.

Daws wouldn't even let Shadow help, saying the wolf needed to be by my side. He worried I'd lose mental stability if I ever lost my black lover. I wouldn't be okay if I ever lost Shadow.

I wanted to do something, anything to help. Time was limited, and the spare military furs were trying cars to see if any started after days of Curtain exposure. The mongoose McStanz kicked an older model car; perhaps the beat-up car had tried to start and ultimately failed. Kaz and Murphy were trying others in the back lot.

Peter and Helaina were goofing off, poking at each other. They had no sense of urgency, no sense to not mess with the corpses right beneath their footpaws. Peter kicked random collapsed bodies, laughing in some kind of mismanaged frustration.

"Seen enough, pups?" grumbled Kespar. He had complained about everything under the summer sun.

I understood his frustration. I felt helpless on the bright, white rooftop. Able-bodied furs were down there, doing last minute scrounging for anything useful. I felt far from useful, though my car was a good asset to have.

Another car would be nice. An extra, working car would improve our chances of surviving the trek tomorrow. A lot. Though it ran, my Frankenstein car always seemed to be on its last legs. I knew it also struggled with much weight inside.

A whistle blew. Daws waved a paw in the air, signaling furs to finish up. The limited time we had before the monsters woke was running out. A few already clawed at the hot pavement beneath their ruined paws and hooves.

I needed to distract myself from my unorganized worries. So much to worry about, so little time!

My paw tightened on my hammer. One assessing glance from McStanz, and he'd given me the hammer to use. Only Laura and I each had a hammer. Sometimes I hated not having the physical prowess of Mr. Evans.

"Kespar?" I addressed the black fur as I stood.

The bear loosed his arms and rolled his shoulders in the hot sun. "What."

"What are our chances of making it to this rendezvous? Our real chances."

"I'm not to discuss it," he grumped.

I groaned. "It's just you, me, and Shadow might work as the wall. I don't think our chances are good. I think we're going to die. You think otherwise?"

Shadow - 'the wall' - glared at me.

"Look, pup. Our chances out there are better than being crushed under a collapsing roof, right?"

"So?"

"Our chances aren't great anywhere." Kespar looked into the distance, not focusing on the horizon. "None of us who came to 'rescue' you volunteered thinking our chances of making it back were good."

My throat felt tight. It was hard to swallow past it. It didn't help that Isaac and Helaina were messing around with Peter down in the parking lot. They were oblivious to worry.

"That bad?" I asked.

Kespar shrugged. "It won't do you any good to overthink. No good to expect death and give up." He showed his thick claws. "Focus on how you're going to survive."

I stared at his big claws. His big, strong arms. If he didn't feel confident-

Shadow pulled me away, giving the bear a glare. I held back a snicker. As if I'd ever dream of leaving Shadow. "You're a goof," I chuckled.

"Not funny," he griped, pulling me towards the hatch.

"I wanted to stay outside longer. I miss the sun." I blinked up at the too-hot brightness.

"Y'all better just wait up here," Kespar said, stepping into our way. "We're having weapons practice next. Right out here."

"What?" I threw up a paw. "What are we going to do against those things? They're undead and crazy!"

"Just wait. I'm sure you'll pick it up fine." Kespar didn't seem very committed to that belief.

***

WHACK

I swung again at the cardboard box full of junk with my good arm.

SMAFK

My hammer slipped, and my unbalanced body tilted. My balance couldn't recover with one arm in a sling, and I fell, landing on my good arm. I snorted, hearing Ethan laugh.

"Dumbass," I grumbled, gathering myself.

"Tyler, you're supposed to hit it, not let it hit you!" laughed out the hound. At least he was having fun with his crowbar.

I felt Ethan must be gloating, but his face was friendly when he reached to offer his paw. Shadow gave a low growl nearby, which the hound ignored. I was pulled up with ease, glancing to where Shadow returned to hitting his box of junk with a strong vengeance.

"Next time, balance your weight, and don't overextend, okay?" Ethan said, grinning and releasing my paw. A smile was on the black and tan face, rare in his silent days after Drew's and old Margaret's deaths.

"Okay," I sighed. "This isn't really my thing. And a hammer? How much can I do against those things with a hammer?" I raised the heavy-ended thing, rolling my eyes.

"Something's better than nothing, Tyler," said Ethan. "You can try to do some damage, hold them off until someone can help. It's for everyone, and we'll survive better together. We all need to know this."

"I guess," I mumbled with a sigh. The summer heat wasn't helping my mood. Neither was Mr. Evans' presence nearby, directing other furs.

At least Shadow had Dad's bat back. I didn't mind that. What I did mind was the way Da- Mr. Evans was lording over everyone, getting frustrated with a few.

Mr. Evans was helping Ruby, who looked fully committed to smashing zombie skulls. Clovis rested nearby, he'd tried earlier, but was unable to continue with the others.

"Watch this!" yelled a voice. Helaina swung over her head, launching off her footpaws to whack another defenseless box of junk items.

If she was waiting for Shadow to notice, it was useless. Instead Daws saw her and directed her for a moment. While I rested for a few breaths and watched, Helaina batted her pretty long lashes at the gray male. Even as she leaned towards him, he withdrew to help a frustrated Howard. Daws was either oblivious to her behavior or didn't care.

With a mirthless huff, I returned my attention to my box. I smacked it, enjoying the exercise, but not my troubled thoughts.

"BREAK!"

I sighed in mixed relief. It was the second 'break' we'd taken in the last hour. Hopefully they didn't expect me to be limber later. Shadow appeared next to me without a sound, and I snickered at him.

"What are you a ninja?" I asked.

Shadow grinned at my feigned annoyance. "Do you want me to be?"

"What would it improve?"

"You'd be surprised." With a wide grin, he leaned in close. "I could flex in a very specific way and-"

"Furry hells, Shadow. My footpaws hurt!" whined Helaina, limping up with a dramatic flip of her paw.

Shadow sidled away from the approaching gray-toned wolf. He slipped to almost behind me. Helaina limped more heavily as she neared my Wulf. Faker.

A frown flitted across her pretty features before she plastered a smile on. "Don't be shy, Shadow. We're friends now. Why don't you let Tyler rest, and you can show me what you learned? My box needs a beating," she made a comical frown.

"No," Shadow said, snagging my paw and pulling me away, which happened to be towards other furs gathering to rest.

She trailed behind me giving me frowns and meaningful eyebrow raises. "Come on Shadow. Don't always stick to Tyler. Come hang out a few minutes with me. Won't you?"

My Wulf ignored her. Good. I didn't need her trying to manipulate my Wulf when his heart was mine.

When we reached the other furs, Helaina griped to the nearest one, "Tyler won't give me time with Shadow. He's so selfish."

The fur turned around. Bradley. He stared at me, per usual. It was unnerving, of course, but I knew it wasn't ill-intended. When he shifted his strong gaze to Helaina, a flicker of disgust crossed his face. Without a word, he turned away from her, shadowing a talkative lion.

Shadow and I sat near the loose grouping of furs, chatting in the afternoon sun. Howard talked with Sanway, who gestured broadly. Isaac was regaining his aura of pure confidence.

I yawned, feeling the previous night's lack of sleep weigh on me. Shadow's shoulder was perfect to lean into. I didn't hear approaching pawsteps, but did notice the sudden shadow over my lap.

"Is that my bat?" snapped an unwelcome voice.

Why him? Why now? Mr. Daniel Evans stood tall, arms crossed over his strong chest. He frowned past me to Shadow.

"Is that my bat?" he repeated. "I hope that's not my bat. Because my bat is special to me. I left my bat at home where it would be safe." Mr. Evans' frown became a growl, "That better not be my bat."

Together, we scrambled to our footpaws, Shadow gripping the bat downward, in a fiercely tight paw. I stood, nervous and awkward, holding my cloth-slung arm close to me. Was he here to hurt me again? Would he hurt Shadow?

Shadow met the big fox's eyes. "Mine," he stated in a clear, ready voice.

Mr. Evans frowned. "No, pup. I believe that's my bat. I recognize it. You got it from my house, correct?"

Shadow gripped the bat harder, raising it a little. "Mine," he repeated. "You left it."

Shadow might have meant me and the bat. I hid a smirk at Mr. Evan's glaring frown. Before anything could escalate, Daws approached, fists clenching in clear annoyance. Burt followed, looking more than eager for something to start up with Mr. Evans.

"That bat," Mr. Evans said. "I got it in high school with the best team East of Furdock behind me. We kicked some Tallcliff Tigers' ass." Mr. Evan's growl grew clear and loud. "You've ruined it with zombie shit!"

The wood was indeed horribly stained with blood and zombie fluids. The wood itself was scored and pitted from whacking skulls. It wasn't too damaged for more use bashing heads but was ruined as a nostalgic collectible. Mr. Evans managed one step forward before the black bear, Kespar, appeared and placed a hindering paw to the strong chest.

The imperfect fox turned to Daws. "Get your flunky away from me. I want my bat back!"

Daws blew out a big sigh. "Mr. Evans, sir. I understand your situation, but we are low on appropriate weapons. Shadow seems familiar and proficient with the bat, and we only have one other. It's in use too."

Mr. Evans turned his growl to Daws.

"I'm sorry you think it's ruined, but it's needed as a resource. Few here can swing one of Sanway's machetes without endangering themselves and others." Daws shifted. "Come with me, please. I need to talk to you about the use of Tyler's car."

"I bought the runt the car," Mr. Evans jabbed, getting in one more point before following Daws towards the rear of the store.

I breathed out relief from my tense chest. Burt released his hooves, where he'd clenched the hoofed fingers into a larger double hoof. Shadow lowered the bat, shuddering out his fearful anger and tension. Kespar moved closer to the practicing group of furs, walking as slow as he pleased.

"Fox fur needs to let things go," grunted Burt. "There's more important things to deal with. I don't understand where he puts his priorities."

I didn't get it either. Mr. Evans was gone. Furs lingered, staring. Wonderful.

I didn't mind most of the staring furs. Peter and Michael were both giving me strange, hard stares, speaking in hushed tones. I shivered, thinking of how Peter's soft paws-

With a grunt, I shoved the hammer handle in my pocket, and it stuck far out into the hot summer air. "I'm done with this. You think this is really going to work, Daws?"

Daws frowned at me, moving away from the watching furs. With a lowered voice he said, "There's not a lot I can do in just an afternoon. But a little confidence might be enough for furs to survive."

Burt nodded his horned head, joining Daws. "Anything at this point to help them survive. We don't have much time either. Daws told me those buses won't be at the location long. We have to be there to meet them."

Daws stopped, turning back to us. "We'll rest up tomorrow morning. As long as we head out tomorrow, we should make the rendezvous with plenty of time. I know you're worried, Tyler. Let us pick up some slack. We should all make it."

I sagged. "I'm sorry, Daws. I didn't get hardly any sleep last night. I'm on edge."

"Don't worry about it, pup," Daws said, giving me a brief shoulder pat. "Stick with Shadow. He'll be able to keep away a few of the Creeps."

"The zombies?" I clarified.

"Yes, I suppose they are zombies." Daws shook his head and looked back at the chatting and relaxing furs. "What little media we have left has been calling them 'Creeps'. I'm sure it's a bit easier for furs to deal with the thought of them that way."

"Denial you mean," I gruffed. I shook my head. I was too grumpy. I realized I'd missed lunch too. "I need to eat," I grumbled with a sigh.

"Food?" Shadow's ears perked, and his tail wagged.

I grinned, shaking my head. If the world was going straight down to the deepest hells, count on Shadow's stomach to lead the way.

***

"...And that's the planned route," Daws finished as I blinked away drowsiness.

Finally. All I wanted to do was sleep.

The last hour had been like being back in high school with a substitute teacher. A few furs paid attention while others fidgeted and whispered to each other. I'd started being interested but couldn't concentrate through the fatigue and general stress of the last several days.

Was there such a thing as long-term stress? It might be a real thing, comparing to regular stress. Long-term stress might explain why I was getting less able to handle things. We could all be stressed out of our minds and not realize it because it was so prevalent.

I stood with Shadow, wanting nothing more than to snuggle with him in our tent, watched over by some flunky of Daws. I loosed a great sigh. At least we'd all sleep well tonight, too tired for our worries of tomorrow to keep us up.

If it were so easy....

Mr. Evans moved past a few furs, cutting us off from our destination. I really, really didn't want it. Couldn't my blood relative leave us to our sleep?

"You." Mr. Evans addressed me, standing straight, almost rigid. His gaze spelled trouble, and I struggled to keep eye contact.

I shook my head. "What do you want," I hedged, hoping for time enough to have Daws notice and come over. "I don't have any reason to talk to you."

The imperfect fox gritted teeth. "I'm here to bring Listeners back so the scientists can get a look at you."

I knew this. Why-?

Amber fox eyes glared harder. "When you were little, I thought it was funny you liked that male rabbit so much. When you didn't grow out of it, it wasn't funny anymore. Now you're with this wolf. I have no problems with wolves, some of the best soldiers I know are wolves. What is a problem is you two... doing what you're doing."

Of all things. Shadow was silent next to me, shifting on nervous paws.

I glared back. "It's who I am, and it's not wrong."

Mr. Evans growled. "You're destroying what seems a good wolf. Whatever family he has will not appreciate what you've dragged him into."

"What Tyler's dragged me into?" snapped Shadow. "If anything I-"

"Hold on, Shadow." I placed a paw on the heaving chest. "I need to do this."

Shadow pulled his head back and looked ready to take Mr. Evans on. He stilled and relented, his body relaxing a bit, giving me a sheepish nod.

"Letting a wolf do your fighting for you?" Da- Mr. Evans smirked. "Just shows what a fag you are. Bending furs and twisting them gay."

"Being gay isn't a choice," I said. "It's not hard to understand, and I like who I am. But it's not easy. You think it's easy being accepted by furs? By you!?" I ended, shouting.

Daws was looking, gesturing at the bear Kespar to get his hairy ass over to us. The roo Murphy was closer, heading our way fast.

I wasn't ready to let this go. "I don't know what your deal is. I never have understood why you seem to hate me!" I shrieked my years of pent up oppression and rage at him. My black paws made fists, ready to pummel the much stronger fox into some kind of fighting-understanding like they had in martial arts films.

"My problem is that you're a pathetic little runt." Mr. Evans voice was cold and low, contrasting mine. His glare was more biting than ever. "Which means you can't be mine. You make me look ridiculous and stupid, makes me look like I allowed my wife to sleep around."

I opened my muzzle but he wasn't ready to let me speak.

"I've known furs like you," he continued with a snap. "Ruined the best friendship of my life. Almost ruined the team. My team," Mr. Evans snapped.

"What are you even talking about?" I yelled, his words stinging, burning me all over, along with my anger.

Mr. Evans voice rose. "Pay attention, runt-fag. I had - yes HAD - my two best friends on my baseball team. Turned out they were gay, tail-lifting together. They obviously weren't my friends anymore. Well, I got them kicked off the team. We won that year. Gays like you weaken the pack." He stared down his long muzzle at me.

I blinked in disbelief. My heated anger, I could feel turning frigid. What a horrible jerk!

I stepped one painful step closer, pointing my finger. My voice shook, but I managed to spit out my words. "You think you're perfect? Look at you. Your two best friends fell in love with each other, and you felt betrayed. So you turned your back on them. What a small-minded, cruel thing to do. You've made yourself pathetic, not me, and certainly not your former friends."

"I'll beat the living gay out of you, tiny fag!" snarled Mr. Evans. "I've had it with your attitude. Sitting in with MY family. Pretending you have a place. Fags don't have a place!"

Mr. Evans' black fists came up.

"Aaaand, that's enough you two," said a new voice. An unwelcome kangaroo inserted himself bodily in the small space between us.

Burt stepped in close to the big fox's side, huffing hot, angry breaths over the red shoulder. I wanted to get in more, get the stupid, big-headed fox to realize the universe didn't revolve around him. I wanted to punch the living daylights out of those amber eyes. Just another moment!

"You alright there, Tyler?" grunted Burt, not taking his fierce gaze off the fox.

I nodded trying to calm down. I let my fists relax, loosening my paws and stretching my fingers. Without the immediate anger, I was left feeling the exhaustion lingering in my body. With a dismissing wave of my paw at the angrily muttering fox, I pulled Shadow towards Daws and Kespar.

"Well, I was expecting it to happen sooner or later," the gray wolf sighed. "You alright, Tyler?"

I shook my head. "I guess. I'm just so mad. Confused. I don't know." I rubbed at my muzzle, realizing I was dripping angry tears.

Shadow gripped my paw, and I turned to look at him. He looked unsettled, upset.

"Shadow?" I brought my other paw up to his arm, trying to catch his eyes.

He met my gaze and nodded, chewing on his lips. He looked... kind of okay. I needed to get him somewhere quiet before we both lost it.

"Daws, you get those pillowcases I asked for?"

"Sure. Pillowcases and safety pins." Daws tilted his heavy head. "What did you want them for?"

"Tent opening is too ripped," I mumbled. "We're going to sleep."

"Okay pups," the wolf said. "I'll have someone outside your tent."

"Please don't, Daws." I groaned. "Can't we have a bit of time? We're not going anywhere."

"Sorry pup, things are too unstable." Daws didn't have to mention some of the why's. "Not taking any more chances. I've heard a few things about what happened before my team got here, which also concerns me."

I sagged. It was disappointing, but at least I could be there with Shadow, who was looking a little numb to the world.

I put up with Burt, Daws, and Kespar following us to the tent. Daws wanted Kespar to check the tent, make sure it was 'safe'. I rolled my eyes thinking it was a bit ridiculous. What or who would be in there!?

When it had been declared 'clear, Shadow slunk through the torn entry. He was quiet while I got a bit creative and pinned three pillowcases together, forming a makeshift door. I was relieved they'd found pillowcases for us, because many bed sheets were in use for areas of privacy and shelter.

I wasn't sure how long the tent would hold the little 'door' to it. Didn't really matter. We were leaving the next day. No one would care to bring a ripped tent, even if it were from my home.

As I crawled in to join Shadow, I realized I'd miss the green tent. It was one of the few things I had of my family. My pocket was thick with the family picture and angel-kitty toy. The tent had been raided by Dad's goons in search of the Curtain-growth jar; the side pocket was empty.

Closing the pillowcase flap gave the illusion of privacy. I breathed out some tension, fumbling my way through the dimness towards Shadow. He flinched a bit when my paw touched him, and he mumbled a brief apology.

I frowned. "Shadow? Are you okay?"

After a moment he hummed a neutral response. My heart sank through my own, recent upset. I'd fought with my dad, with Mr. Evans. It was an unstable and upsetting situation for me. It had probably stressed Shadow's trauma-memories.

I snuggled up to Shadow's back, and he allowed it, managing not to pull away, though he did tense. As I stroked his side, petting his black fur, he sniffled, allowing himself to relax. I nudged my nose into the fur over his shoulders. I breathed in his calming scent, calming my reaction to seeing him so upset.

"I didn't like it," Shadow mumbled.

"What?" I murmured into his fur.

"I didn't like it when you just went with your dad, when he took you away. It felt like you didn't even try."

"I-" I sighed. "I'm not the strongest fur. And when it comes to facing my dad...."

Shadow shifted his rear a little closer. "I know what it's like. To not feel you can stand up, to stand up for what you need and what you know is true."

"It's disheartening," I grumbled. "I never felt smaller."

"It was like that with my dad. You're supposed to listen to your parents. But they're just furs too, and they can go too far. When you stood up to your dad, I was proud - like I'd had a part in it too."

I clutched him tighter, feeling the cool evening on my head and the heat of my Wulf snuggling in my warmth. Someone shifted footpaws outside the tent, and Shadow flinched, tensing. It was one of the military furs keeping an eye on us. Urgh.

I nudged my nose again into Shadow's shoulder-fur, licking there to bring up his scent. I moved my questing nose up higher, nudging into his neck as he relaxed. I felt his tension bleed away, and he hummed a more content sound.

"Tyler?" he whispered. At my little mumbled response he continued in a low voice, "Do you think we'll ever get better? Things still scare me so much. I can't remember the last time I could stand up to someone like you did to your dad."

I closed my eyes and let myself feel Shadow beneath my arm, wrapping around a bit of his middle. He was so much larger than me. He was strong; I wished he could see it.

"I see you as better, as strong already, Wulf. I feel safer when you stand by my side and growl at furs. And you stood up to the zombies at the farmhouse. You haven't gained confidence in what I already see in you."

Shadow paused a long time. "I don't think I've ever been strong. Was my dad right? My place in a pack is meant to be an omega?"

"Wulf. No one should be put through what you went through. Your dad was a horrible, horrible ass. You did nothing wrong. I want you to realize it. Nothing was your fault, but it did happen."

"It did," he whispered. "I want to erase that time. I wish I'd never lived, cause I wouldn't-"

"No, Wulf. Don't go down that path." I clutched my fingers into his fur. "It happened, but it's in the past. It formed you. You would be a different fur. And I love the wolf you are, no matter what your past."

He sniffled and snuffled, rubbing a paw across his muzzle. The black wolfy mass in the dark rolled over, turning to me.

I pulled his saddened muzzle to my chest, and we lay in the dim tent holding each other. I could feel a bit of lower hardness, and knew I was also plumping up, but our time in the green dimness was not sexual. We shared heat, warmth and comfort.

Shadow's breathing evened as he calmed, but I knew he was still awake as he stroked my back. I felt myself calming, too. My mind started to slip a bit towards sleep.

"My Foxy," whispered into my ear.

My acknowledging hum filled the last moment I was awake.

>>>>[[[NOTE: DAY 21](/?page=%5B%5BNOTE%3A_DAY_21)]]<<<<

Awareness was slow to come, green-hued and quiet. Warmth around me pulled me back towards sleep, but after a moment, I knew I was coming awake. Shadow's paw was wrapped around me, fingers lax over my creamy belly. The big bad wolf behind me sleep-moaned into my nape fur. His paws sleep-twitched in my bellyfur.

Of course he was hard.

I snickered into my good paw, recalling the morning not so long ago when he'd been hard between my legs in my house's attic. I hadn't known then his attraction to me, or realized my own attraction. I had been terribly embarrassed.

Now?

Shadow completed me, filling me inside my soul. I hoped I could make Shadow as happy as he made me. We enjoyed time together and matched the other's needs. He was my steadiness, my bravery. I was his light in the dark. The dim light from the tent gave his black fur a slight green reflection. In many ways, he was my light too, my Bardawulf in the dark.

The warm body stirred behind me, a nose sniffing into my nape. The twitching fingers stretched. The long groan of air should have tickled my neck, but instead sent a shiver down my spine.

"Morning," he rasped, sending another sweet shiver.

The black arm circled me, a wolfy paw gripping my hip. I had to smile as he shifted again, bringing his hardness up to wedge between my clothed butt cheeks. The tip pressed, causing a new heated feeling in my belly.

"Shadow?" I whispered. "I think we have a guard outside."

"Mhmm," he hummed in response. His muzzle moved forward, next to my ear. "Remember in your family attic?"

"When you humped me in your sleep and messed in my fur?" I snickered.

"Aw, it wasn't so bad. I thought you were cute, blushing and embarrassed. I was terrified you'd throw me out though." He pushed his hips into my rear, pressing his hardness towards my core, but it slipped, nestling under my own clothed hardness.

"I wouldn't have. I didn't know what to do, how to respond." I smiled remembering the warm morning, the final morning waking to familiar surroundings. Since then I'd been lost, lost until I found my heart's new home with my Wulf.

While my mind wandered, Shadow continued to bump into my soft rear. His paw anchored my hip down, fingers gripping hard. My tail drooped over his hip, and the world tilted when a zip of sensation edged up my spine. I whimpered without meaning to and heard someone move outside, near the tent.

I sucked in a surprised breath and moved my muzzle to my good arm, letting my maw fill with my furry forearm. I closed my eyes, and the earth moved beneath- actually it was my hips shoved forward on a heavy thrust.

Shadow grunted into my ear. "Damn," he whispered. "I wanna do it...."

I shook my head, eyes wide. Some military type was right outside! No way was I going to hide moans and the muted slapping of furry flesh.

Shadow licked the fur, down to the skin of my nape, pulling up scents and shivers. "Not all the way. Just be silent. It'll be okay." His paw skimmed over my hip, moving over my front. Warm fingers invaded the darkness of my boxer briefs.

Fingers brushed past my peeking tip, stroking up and down my sheath. They rubbed my shaft inside the soft fabric rippling pleasure through my insides. Had a simple sheath-rub ever felt so good?

Wait? Had he ever rubbed me that way? Did I-

Insistent paws pulled at my hems, and I lifted my hips, feeling my own urges rising to meet his. Deft fingers slipped my sheath down to its base, exposing my twitching, pink pointer. The fabric of our blanket rubbed against its tip, causing me to shudder.

"You okay?" a black wolf whispered into my twitching ear. At my quick nod, he licked my neck. "Good," came another whisper, and he nipped at my nape.

Stifling a happy yip into my arm, I wiggled my hips, trying to get more friction against my hot shaft. His one arm, half-pinned beneath us, wedged low, gripping above my hip, anchoring his steady thrusts between my furred thighs.

I was feeling it more. The heat, the rhythm. The wolfiness of Shadow.

The fur outside called a greeting. We both froze, until someone further out responded with a cheery hello. Soon voices were outside the tent, asking about us. I wanted to listen... no I didn't care to listen.

Because Shadow grumbled a whisper into my neck, "Not enough time, dammit."

He reached down to press his thick length against my unformed knot and cock base. His thrusting, which had been gentle became urgent, claiming. Gripping my hip with bruising fingers, which I ignored due to my own excitement, he thrust hard and sharp. His breath clenched, fighting back pleasured grunts.

Furs were asking about us, complaining about something. I wriggled my torso, because I couldn't move my hips. I bit into the pad beneath my thumb, feeling an unstoppable rise in sensation. I came hard, feeling like I wanted to scream, settling for an arm-muffled whine.

Shadow bit hard into my shoulder, almost drawing blood. He tried to keep quiet through his own climax. He huffed hard, twice, then thrust forward again, his hips shivering against me. My fur and some of the blanket was spritzed with two furs' creams.

My vision sparkled, and I tried to regain my breath without anyone noticing my soft, heaving sounds.

Furs continued to speak outside the green tent. Had they noticed? I should have cared... if I could have made a coherent thought.

Shadow loosed his teeth, whispering some vague apology. I wanted to go back to sleep, but I knew the furs wouldn't leave. They were there to 'gather me up'. After a few minutes of letting our knots fade and our lengths slip back into warm sheaths, Shadow made some purposeful snuffing into my neck.

"Time to get up," he snickered.

We made a show of noise, getting ready to leave the tent. After dressing, I double-checked that I had my family photo and the angel-kitty, not wanting to forget them later. We might not come back to the tent again.

I realized it was the last time I'd be in the green shelter from my home. It was the last remaining 'place' which was still home.

Shadow noticed my stillness. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I breathed. "I just realized this is still like a little piece of my home. We're leaving it behind."

"Hate to say something so cheesy, but home is where the heart is."

"Home to me is where you are, Wulf." I smiled and pushed gently at his shoulder with my good arm. "It's true. Since my da- Mr. Evans isn't my home anymore. But I can't help but be sad."

"Don't worry," Shadow said, pulling me into a brief hug. "Sadness passes. Or at least it becomes more distant. Believe me, I know."

I managed a smile. "Fine."

We exited the tent in a better mood, to the impatient voices beyond. Though it wasn't much brighter outside in the dim FurShopper, I did notice one fur sniff the air and turn to look at us with disgust.

Great. Sanway shook his head and snorted scent out his nostrils. "Furry Hells. Nasty."

There was the big military boar we'd seen at yesterday's Curtain, checking furs into the restrooms. He paused in his conversation with Howard, giving a nod to the goat. "Howard says there's peanut butter pancakes for breakfast. I'm here to make sure you pups eat before our long walk today."

So... why was Sanway here?

The springbok crossed his arms and took a step closer to Howard. "Nasty," the antelope repeated, glaring.

The boar ignored the comment. "I never introduced myself. I'm Bill. I know you're Tyler, and the wolf is Shadow."

"Okay," I muttered.

'Bill' nodded. "Off we go, pups. I'm keeping my eyes on you for now. Don't overexert yourself before the trek. A light breakfast and then rest."

Howard smiled, gesturing us forward. The springbok stomped ahead in front of us. Why, why was Sanway there? The antelope stared at us while we grabbed food. He didn't touch the food in front of him, instead glaring at us while we ate.

Howard pulled out his old, mechanical watch. "It's 9.2 miles to rendezvous with the buses. Problem is, we have injured furs, young furs all with different walking speeds. Not to mention there will be obstacles and... things impeding us."

I put food into my muzzle. Yum. Pancakes again; only allowed one. Better enjoy it. Shadow was trying not to wolf down his food for once. He paused after each big bite to look around at the furs gathered for the morning feed.

"So about 9.2 miles..." Howard pulled out his watch and mumbled something about previous calculations to each landmark.

I nodded, filling my muzzle with pancake. Helaina and Peter were both giving me the stink-eye from a few tables away.

Howard continued, drawing my attention back from the hostile glares. "Now, how long might we walk before dark? At that point, our rate of travel will definitely decrease. Plus there's the question of debris, unforeseen circumstances.... How long to the overpass? How much longer to the-"

The goat was in his own world, mumbling figures. He sat up straighter.

"Ah!"

Without a word, he left the table. Sanway blinked, then followed, cursing us under his breath. The antelope paused long enough to flip us off with a hooved finger.

Nine miles? I didn't want to walk so far, especially with the undead wandering around sporting rictus grins and Curtain-gleaming eyes. I didn't want to see the fluids coming from their muzzles. I couldn't stand the thought of a zombie throat loosing a mangled cry or anything else near me.

Couldn't the dead rest, like they were supposed to?

"Tyler." I looked up.

Shadow nodded to the wolf and ferret pair as they spoke their rudeness. "Daws will make sure they don't cause problems."

I shrugged. I wanted to agree, but I didn't like the way Peter smirked. I looked away, catching Bradley staring at me while Isaac puffed his chest out and threw his head back, laughing. He was loud and annoying. I had to the lion credit; the furs around him did seem to gain some brightness and confidence.

"Any problems, Bill?' asked a familiar fur.

"No, Sir," saluted the boar to the military wolf.

"You eat too?" asked Daws, still facing Bill.

"Not yet," the boar admitted.

Daws thumbed towards the serving table. "I'll watch them a few minutes. Go get some grub. Just don't eat too much; we have a long walk later."

The boar grinned and went off for some food. Daws turned towards Shadow and me as we finished our food at the table. He studied us, then sniffed the air.

He sighed. "You two need to calm down on your 'extra activities' while you're not in a position to shower the scent away."

My ears dropped. I'd hoped the air around us had dissipated the scent of my messed fur.

Shadow grinned at me, whispering, "Marked ya."

Damn wolf. Two of them. Daws signaled with a paw. Kespar moved forward, giving a lazy salute.

Daws ignored the careless attitude beyond a slight frown. "Get some deodorant spray and some air spray. Pull it from wherever."

"Yessir."

As the boar sauntered off, Daws crossed his arms, sitting next to me. Ignoring Shadow's warning glare over pancakes, he sighed. "Bill's been with me forever. Just wish he'd put in a bit more effort. Can't fault his loyalty though. He was the first to jump in next to me when I volunteered to come out here."

Shadow continued to eat, staring down the other wolf who ignored his gaze.

"I know you two are together, it's impossible to miss. Try not to step on too many toes. Some furs still have a hard time accepting same-gender couples."

"Like Sanway," I mumbled.

"What?" Daws asked. When I didn't say anything, he grunted, placing paws on the table. "Howard says its about nine miles. That's true. Furdom Military had to check for a route, clear of obstructions as well as set up relay points and refueling spots. We're damn lucky they were able to confirm a clear route to so close. "

I nodded, looking up at the wolf at my side. The big canine was thoughtful, waiting until I finished my pancake before speaking.

"You're from Furnon?" At my nod, he continued, "You might have passed the highway overpass on your way here. The air survey showed the overpass is possibly damaged, with a lot of the creepers on the highway below."

"Okay?" I asked, a little confused.

"I'm telling you because you're the single fur I must get out. You and Shadow," he amended at a nearby growl. "I want to get everyone out, but if things get bad, I'm getting you out, above anyone else."

I gulped, "What about the young?"

Daws hesitated. "Like I said: I want to get them out too. Don't make it difficult to manage you, or I might not be able to get everyone else out of here. Got it?"

A lump stuck in my throat. It was a hell of a warning. "Got it," I mumbled, bowing my head.

"So no acting out or triggering anyone before we're all back to safety. I want you to know how serious this is."

Feeling a weight settle over me, I nodded, eyes glued to the table surface. Cold crept along my spine.

"So long as we're on the same page," Daws stood. Giving me a pat on the back, he spoke, "Bill's back, so I'll leave you in his care for now. On the road, I expect you to be next to me the whole way."

I nodded, unable to speak. I heard a wolf across the table growling, but Daws ignored the rudeness and headed off. I didn't look up until Kespar got back with spray for my odors, though Shadow grumbled throughout the time.

***

TWEEEEE

The whistle sounded across the FurShopper, calling to any and all to survive the noontime. Some few rushed to the restroom at the back, but most headed the same direction with shoulders drooping, dreading another round of torment.

Shadow and I had spent the morning with the young, playing with the toys. Tara was sad to leave the toys, limping around to say goodbye to each one. Diana quietly played with male and female toy pups, and I thought I caught Jacob's name in her mumblings.

I hoped she was doing okay after her brother's death. Whenever I tried to talk about it, she wouldn't respond. They had seemed close, though all siblings fought.

Did she had questions in her mind, as I did for my mom and sister? Had I been cruel to my sister, always hiding in the dark, dangerous utility room? Had I shown enough appreciation and love to Mom while she was trying to hold our little family together?

Some questions were more difficult to consider. Questions rose of Mom's and Kaylee's last thoughts. I didn't want to wonder how painful, how shocking their last moments in the Curtain's light were.

Shadow and I faced the restrooms, earlier than usual due to Bill's prodding. The boar was impatient to get us safely inside. Bill directed us to the females' side of the restrooms, I was happy to see Burt waving to us. I led the way to the corner the bull had claimed with his growing family. Michelle was already settled to the floor, cradling a wrapped bundle of warm calf.

"I'm relieved to see you, pups," Burt huffed out a great sigh. "I've been worried. Michelle's been fine, but the calf is struggling with the Curtains each day. I'm getting really worried. She's nursing fine, but I think she might be losing strength."

I couldn't hide a bit of worry as I tried to smile. Michelle looked worn out, and the calf was still with watchful eyes. Was there legitimate reason to worry? Who knew what effects the Curtain would have on a newborn.

I shivered thinking of the Curtain's probing of my own mind. It had been horrible enough. Thinking of a baby facing it each day....

Hopefully, the Curtain-entity had not noticed the little life. Even more, I hoped the Curtain had done nothing to the tiny calf. She watched me from the cow's arms, wrapped legs dangling over a strong, protective cow arm.

I shook my head. Burt was watching me with a worried smile.

"Everything okay, Tyler?" the worried bull asked.

"Yeah. Just thinking."

"Worried?" the bull frowned. "I know I am."

I shrugged. I had to believe everything would get better once we were all out of the 'Red Zone'. Maybe we wouldn't have to worry about simple survival and could continue with some enjoyment in life. I was tired, exhausted of the 'survival' state of mind. I wanted to worry about a college test. I wanted to be able to wonder what the next level of a video game might be like.

Something bumped into my side. A little, gray pika had collided with Shadow, her teary face gazing up at him.

"Brynn." The wolf smiled. "Miss me?"

She gave several emphatic nods, clutching the wolf's shorts and leaning her head against his side. He gave a happy smile, setting a paw to her shoulder. I couldn't help the warm fluffy feelings coming to my troubled surface.

Burt grinned. "Little tyke has been keeping close to us. The collie parents, Erin and Roger, were trying to keep her with them, but she kept coming to us. She wants to be with you guys, but you're always running around. We all worry about you."

I squatted down next to the happy pika, taking care with my injured arm in its sling. She ducked away from my free paw when I reached towards her.

"She does that with everyone but Shadow." Michelle chuckled. She looked exhausted. Her remaining calf-bump belly was a good bit smaller. I could tell she was straining to keep a positive attitude through it all. Michelle seemed a wonderful wife and mother.

Burt sat on the hard floor, as we still had a few minutes while the military-types did final checks and sealing. He was watching Michelle with a fair bit of worry. Was the cow's condition that worrisome?

The bull seemed to be in good spirits otherwise. "You pups ready to hit the road?"

I groaned. "I don't want to, but I think we have to."

"Daws won't leave you to stay. He's making sure everyone gets out," Burt nodded.

I could tell he wanted to believe we would all make it. Realistically, some of us wouldn't make it, not with the lingering dangers outside the FurShopper. We'd been insulated from some of the horrors, some of the chaos.

The FurShopper wasn't as strong as we had all believed. How long would it be before the roof collapsed? Just how bad was the Curtain putting stress on structures?

It was putting a lot of stress on furs. It devastated and killed any fur who remained exposed to it. I still didn't know why some ferals survived. Why did some birds survive, but went insane and attacked?

Burt was saying something to me.

I cleared my throat. "What?"

Shadow snickered, ignoring my responding glare.

"I want you to stay close to us if possible," Burt repeated.

"I'll try, but Daws is calling the shots. He has me followed everywhere," I griped as Bill settled next to me after speaking with McStanz at the door.

The boar passed me deodorizing spray and a can of air freshener. I stood up and did my best to hide secretion scents. Ignoring a few grumbles and mumbled complaints, I settled back down with Shadow, being careful to have my injured arm on top of my body.

Shadow looked disappointed. Was it because I no longer reeked of his scent? He could be so cute. I licked his nose, and his eyes sparkled with happiness. He grabbed me, pinning me to the floor.

We ignored Bill and others, complaining. I buried myself in the wolfy warmth. Brynn snuggled in between us, causing me to feel jealous. Just a little bit, because the little pika was becoming dear to me also.

A timing warning was called. We three ignored the furs, the room, the chaos world around us. The Curtain dropped.

The Curtain fell over me, over us all. It started as a vibration outside, moving inside. Each of my nerves sung with stinging sensations, ever so slightly, ever so much with devastating intensity.

The tune strengthened in my head, becoming a landscape my consciousness danced with, moved across. The 'thing' searched.

"..."

The tune shifted, and I struggled to follow, to adapt.

"..." came again, like words unspoken, a non-language inside my thoughts.

The tune faded, as did the strange presence. My being of stinging, stimulated senses smacked into the wall of nothingness when the Curtain lifted. My senses couldn't handle the nothing, reeling in a crazed back-lash.

My body panted on the cold floor. A wolfy arm was over me and a smaller furry presence was cupped between our heats. My thoughts recovered as my breath did.

What was that? The Curtain was changing, adapting too, like the creepy zombies wandering around with terrorizing snarls fixed on their muzzles. What in all the furry hells!?