FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

It was an odd sensation, transitioning from hard metal to soft grass, from white walls to the rough, brown bark of trees with their green leaves. My mind told me I had just stepped outside, yet I knew I was still on the space station, a conundrum I could not fully wrap my head around.

It was calming, grass beneath my feet, even if I can't feel it through my boots, an artificial breeze blowing across my face and shaking the leaves of the trees. The air here felt fresh and clean, pure compared to the recycled muck the majority of the station used.

I did not get to stand idle and examine my surroundings for long though, Nala dragging me along towards a mass of water in the center. It was the size of an Olympic swimming pool, a small waterfall near the back supplying it with freshwater, or as fresh as you could get on a multi-million ton space station.

There were so many people here, beings of all different shapes and sizes! Skals and Kilnoids, Sivecs, Venmar and Silistains! There must have been at least a hundred people milling about! Looking around confirms a suspicion I've been having since this morning. There were no Asta, except for that one at the table who had been with Green, I have yet to see another one.

“Hey, Nala, why does it seem like there are almost no Asta on the station?" I ask, looking up to her as she dragged me along, a huge smile on her face.

“Because there aren't any, asides from the one from earlier. There are a few Asta staff members however."

That didn't exactly answer my question, but my words died on my tongue as we got closer to the pool of water. I'm not entirely sure where Nala is taking me, but she seems to be making a beeline for something.

Korza rushed ahead of us, veering off to the side as she joined a pack of Venmar, all of them welcoming her warmly. They must be some of her friends, possibly even her own pack; it wouldn't surprise me if that were the case.

Na'Rutha broke off as well, heading over to a small group of aliens where she was greeted with a one-armed hug from one of her own, the Kilnoid being just a tad smaller than she is. A Silistain with dark purple scales slithered up to Na'Rutha, where she proceeded to wrap her long serpentine body around the giant, eight-foot monster, her arms resting around Na'Rutha's neck. Na'Rutha laughed at this but suddenly became flustered as the Silistain placed a kiss on her cheek, looking at the usual big and boisterous Kilnoid with loving eyes.

Nala led Reyna and me towards a larger group of aliens near the water's edge, some of whom turned in our direction and waved. Nala returned the gesture, one arm wrapped around my shoulder while the other went up in greeting. The whole group gives us their attention as we get closer, all of their gazes fixing on me instantly.

I start to slow my pace, and as we walked up to them, I tried to hide behind Nala. I didn't want all this attention, it made me so uncomfortable I just wanted to poof out of existence! Nala, however, was not having any of it, pulling me forward to stand in front of her, her hands resting on my shoulders to keep me in place. They all looked down at me curiously, heads tilting and eyebrows raising.

“Good morning, Miss Vertikal," said a Skal stepping forward. Her scales were a spinach green, yet tan on the underside of her chin and neck, as well as the bottom of her swaying tail. The tan probably went all the way down her body. She was the same height as Nala, but her lack of wings made her figure smaller in comparison. Two ivory horns curved back along the top of her head, decorated with golden jewelry, and in the center of her face, right between her hazel eyes, was more bony protrusions. These, however, were much smaller, their tips smooth and rounded rather than pointed and sharp, all of them connected together by a single gold chain. She looked more like a dinosaur than the dragon that Nala resembled. Dangling from one of her pointed ears was a golden chain with a red jewel.

“Good morning, Teth, I hope you are doing well today," Nala responded, a huge smile decorating her features.

“Yes, I'm doing fine, but I'm pretty sure you are not here just to ask me about my day, now are you?" Teth smiled knowingly, her gaze dropping from Nala down to me.

Nala chuckled at that, “No, I'm not, I'd like to introduce you and everyone else to our newest member, Jason." Her hand came up and ruffled my hair affectionately.

“Umm, hi…" I squeak, my face flushing in embarrassment. Teth and the other nearby Skals let out a musical chirp, the sound being their equivalent of laughter.

“Oh, just look at him!" cooed a Silistian, her scales a dark blue and bright orange, “He's adorable! I had heard rumors that a human had arrived here but I had no idea it would be a boy! And a cute one at that!"

“I suppose he is rather… nice looking," huffed a particularly snooty looking Skal as she glared down her muzzle at me, head held high.

“What's wrong with his hair though? I've never seen such a young human with white hair before," someone voiced, their tone light and airy. Suddenly, I felt someone run a finger through my hair, then another, and another! They were long and dexterous, wrapping strands of my hair around each finger. “And it's so soft too, just like fur!"

Looking to my left I find a Sivec standing next to me, her bottom set of arms extended and feelers running through my hair. Her exoskeleton was pale pink in color, gossamer wings flowing down her back, making it look like she was wearing a sparkly transparent cloak. Unlike Mistress Green with her large solid black eyes, the eyes of this Sivec looked relatively normal. Large, yes, just like the rest of her species, but hers were expressive and full of life! White sclera surrounding a large, dark pink iris.

“It is, isn't it, Pink? It's one of my favorite things about him!" said Nala, the joy she felt about showing off her newly acquired pet barely being contained. So much for not being a trophy for her to flaunt.

“Pink?" I question, “Are all Sivec named after a color?" I look between Nala and Pink as they both look at me in confusion. First, there was Mistress Green, and now there is Pink. I haven't met a lot of Sivecs in my time, but those that I have I never got the name of. The first time I had met one of these intelligent bugs was when I was a part of the R.O.F, but I never did get to know any of them, not like I wanted to anyways.

Pink laughed, her mandibles wiggling as she let out an odd trilling sound full of clicks and clacks.

“No, silly boy. You see, our names are composed of a complicated series of sounds you humans cannot reproduce with your vocal cords. A very rough translation of my name to English would be, Roo-Silis, some Sivecs, especially when talking to other species, will use their translated name, some will just give themselves a new one. I chose Pink because… well, I'm pink!"

“That makes sense I suppose." I give her a weak smile before someone else grabs my attention.

Encouraged by Pink's forwardness, everyone started closing in, asking questions, touching my hair, and generally just being curious. Soon people from outside our little group started wandering over, news of my arrival spreading like wildfire. For the next several hours, I answered hundreds of questions, chief among those being why my hair was white. When that came up I usually dodged the question by saying it was a medical condition, which wasn't technically a lie.

I was introduced to dozens upon dozens of people, all of whom were part of Nala's faction, or “Family" as she preferred to call it, and with how everyone acted towards each other, I could see why. They really were like a family. I couldn't remember most of the names I was told, yet Nala seemed to know everyone personally, if it wasn't for her sticking by my side the entire time, I don't think I would have been able to bear it.

She dragged me around, introducing me to everyone she could. She seemed to be having fun, and the smile she wore throughout the whole thing was infectious. Even though I'm tired, and all the walking is making my legs hurt, I can't deny that I am enjoying myself.

***

I don't how long it has been since the meet and greet started, but the sun had started to go down and the lamps around the courtyard had turned on.

I lay sprawled out on a couch in a lounge area, my head resting on Nala's thigh –at her insistence- as I tried so desperately to get the sleep I had been craving all day. I was failing miserably though, my eyes never wanting to shut and leave myself vulnerable. I knew Nala was there, and that with her around nothing bad would happen, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that if I dozed off something was going to happen.

Nala's claws comb through my hair gently, carefully, never once scratching me or being forceful, unless it was to get a knot out of my hair. Her claws made a surprisingly good comb.

Just this morning, I was terrified of the Skal who I was now using as a pillow, but Nala's constant affection has made me putty in her hands. Something I found I was not at all bothered about. Reyna was there as well, coiled up in an armchair and snoring lightly. Korza and the pack of Venmars she had run off to earlier were all sprawled out on the floor, some sleeping, others playing a card game I was unfamiliar with. I had met all of them of course and turns out they were, in fact, Korza's pack. I could only remember a few of their names though, and I wasn't sure which name went with which wolf.

Na'Rutha sat on the other couch with that purple Silistain from before, their lips locked together tightly as they made out. It turned out the Silistain was actually Na'Rutha's… Girlfriend? Mate? They weren't exactly clear on what they were other than that they're together. I think her name was Celeste. An appropriate name, because up close she had swirling hues of blue and light purple mixed with her dark scales. She even had a few small white dots spotted around her body, giving the impression of stars.

The entertainment sphere on the shiny onyx cube was powered on, a small, round, blue light emitting from the black snow globe-shaped device. A holographic display was suspended in the air in front of me and Nala, random News and Sports channels flickering across it as Nala swiped her hand through the air to change the channel. Most of the channels were alien in origin, the news anchors or sports announcers speaking in languages I couldn't understand, though Nala seemed to speak many of them, stopping every so often on a news channel to watch for a few minutes before scrolling to the next. She swiped the air once more, changing the channel from some alien sports game to another news station, a human woman appearing on screen.

“Thank you, Mr. Jonathan, for next week's weather forecast! Sadly, the next bit of news we have for you folks today isn't as sunny as what next week is looking to be—“ The Anchorwoman was cut off as Nala scrolled past.

“Hold up, go back!" I exclaim, shooting up out of Nala's lap and staring at the display. Nala raised an eye ridge but didn't question it, swiping right to get back onto the human news channel.

“--The renowned terrorist group known as the Ravens Of Freedom, previously thought to have been decimated several years ago, have reemerged in the outer rim," the anchor woman said.

What? How… That doesn't make any sense! The R.O.F was completely destroyed! How had they managed to rebuild so fast, it has only been four years!

My hands are clenched so tight I feel the telltale sign of blood oozing forth, my now long nails cutting into my palm. I chew my lip nervously, watching the holographic display as the news anchor continued.

“Thankfully, the situation is currently being contained by the Alliance military, however, any information leading to the arrest of members from this extremist faction will be rewarded generously!" Announced the news anchor, she then lifted a coffee cup to her lips and took a drink of whatever was inside.

A warning popped up on screen reading, “Warning, this next section contains graphic content and images not suitable for children." It remained there for a few minutes, allowing any parents watching to get their young children out of the room.

The warning disappeared and the new anchor returned, “We have received news from the frontlines, the war between the Alliance and the mysterious alien race dubbed, Wraiths, is still on going. Unfortunately, there is no end in sight to this bloody conflict. Several Alliance worlds have fallen to the control of these despicable creatures, but do not be disheartened for the Alliance has recaptured several resource-rich planets! Within time and with the cooperation of all alien races within the Alliance, we are sure to exterminate these parasites from the universe."

A picture of one of these mysterious aliens popped up on screen, and it became quite evident as to why there was viewer discretion warning.

They were horrifying-looking creatures, their skin black as tar and stretched over bones like latex. Their head was human-shaped though a bit elongated, their faces completely blank, lacking in all facial features save for a lipless mouth with gaunt and bony cheeks. They had slender necks and human-shaped torsos with four arms. The top pair had hands with five stretched and pointed digits, but the bottom pair was something else entirely, thinner than the top and in place of hands, the arms formed sharp scythe-like appendages. From the waist down was where it got even stranger, their hips flaring out and descending into a mass of tentacles that made it look like they were wearing a dress. Rumor had it they didn't even walk upon the ground, rather they floated a few feet above it, and while the body of a wraith was the same size as your average human, this floating ability of theirs made them look much larger.

It was veritably impossible to ascertain one wraith from another, their bodies androgynous and lacking in external genitalia. They wore no clothes, but the armor they equipped for battle was grotesque, looking like flesh and organic matter fused with some type of alloy, the segmented plates of bio-metal protecting them from head to waist.

“How long ago was this broadcast?" I ask, looking to Nala.

“It's hard to tell, it's a human broadcast, which means it most likely came from Earth. If that is the case, then the transmission must have hopped over at least half a dozen quantum relays," she explained, “Broadcasts from the closest inhabited system take about a week to arrive here, so with that information, I would deduce that this broadcast is at the most 4 or 5 months old." She made a downward motion with her hand, the holographic screen disappearing as the entertainment sphere powered down.

"These… Ravens Of Freedom. You seemed distressed at the news, tell, why is that?" She reached out and grabbed me, guiding me back down to rest my head against her leg, her fingers returning to my hair. I relaxed back into her touch, my eyes closing as I savored the warmth she produced. She is almost like a living heater, always so warm and radiating heat.

“They're just terrorists, I don't actually know what their real motives are, even though I had been with them for three or so years."

“You were a part of this terrorist group? Why?"

I open my eyes at her question to find her looking down at me quizzically. I look away for a moment to try and think of an answer, debating on what I should and shouldn't tell her. It came to my attention that the others were listening in as well. Korza and her pack's ears were perked and turned in our direction like little satellite dishes. Na'Rutha and Celeste had ceased their make-out session to listen in, and Reyna had awoken from her slumber, most likely due to my shouting earlier, her head tilted in our direction.

I decided to give them a bit of the truth, not all of it, not yet anyway, but enough to satisfy them.

“They found that my skills would be useful to them, so they got in contact, informed me they wanted to recruit me to their cause. I declined… they wouldn't take 'No' for an answer…" I curled in on myself, bringing my knees closer to my chest as I thought about what happened after that. The cold, the dark, the pain… It… It was too much.

The constant behavior therapy, the dark rooms with their computer screens, the lack of food and sleep. I spent the better half of two years locked up deep underground with wires connected to my body. I shiver as I remember my time with the Ravens, but it was okay now, I was far from Earth, thousands of light-years away from the planet I called home… I never did get to say goodbye to my cousin, Amelia…

“Tell me; what are your skills, Jason?" Nala's voice was soft and gentle, the musical lilt of her people's language slipping into her words as she spoke.

“I, my good lady, am a connoisseur of data, funds, information, and everything else in-between!" I say sarcastically, uncurling and raising a finger into the air as if making a factual statement.

“Hmm, so in other words you're a hacker," She states, ruffling my hair while I look up at her and smile.

“Yeah, I'm a hacker, one of the reasons I have the suppressant collar on is because my implants allow me to connect to anything that emits a signal and manipulate it."

“I kind of like it, it makes you look like the cute little pet that you are! All curled up in my lap with a collar on, oh you are just the most precious thing I have ever seen!" She croons, cupping the side of my face and looking down at me with a smirk.

I feel heat burning at my cheeks, my face flushing red as I grow flustered at her comments. “O-Oh shut up you… you giant lizard lady!" I am, admittedly, the worst at insulting someone.

“Lizards are cold-blooded, Dear." Her smirk grows even larger as I open and close my mouth, unable to come up with a retort. “And I do suppose I am rather large, aren't I?" Her eyes grow mischievous; her tongue sliding out to lick the side of her snout as she sensuously traces one of her breasts, cupping it in her clawed hand as she reached the peak.

My eyes grow wide in surprise, mouth agape as my mind fries itself. Fear, arousal, and uncertainty all clash inside of me as I tried to process what I'm seeing. I shake my head vigorously to remove any dirty thoughts I was having, rolling off Nala's lap and standing up as quickly as possible. My face was so hot it felt like it might melt off. I have never been so embarrassed, uncertain, and confused in my life as I was at that moment.

“I uhh, I… I think I am going to head to bed now! It's g-getting late and I'm exhausted!" I announce nervously. I can hear snickering coming from some of the Venmars lying around, and even Na'Rutha was chuckling a little, Celeste slapping her on the arm and admonishing her. Reyna was trying hard to hold in her laughter, her body shaking as her hand covered her mouth.

“I think I shall do the same, come, Jason, I'll escort you back to your room." Nala grinned at me, her needle-like teeth showing. She got up off the couch and stretched, reminding me of just how big she really is.

I roll my eyes and sigh, “I know how to get back to my cell on my own I'm not a kid who needs a babysitter!"

“No, but you are my pet who needs his master to look out for him," then her voice turned serious, “Moreover, I do not trust anyone to not pull anything if they see you walking back on your own." She steps forward, and before I know what's happening, picks me up and into her arms, like what a husband would do to his bride on their wedding day.

“N-Nala! What are you doing! I can walk on my own!" I splutter, embarrassment flooding me once more as I tried to wiggle out of her grip.

“Nonsense! You have been complaining all day of how exhausted you are and so I shall carry you, my pet needs his rest after all." She leans in until her lips are right next to my ear, her warm breath washing over my face and making me shiver. “I may have said that you can make whatever choices you want, but unless you decide to join with someone else, you belong to me."

I just huff and look away to prevent her from seeing how red my cheeks were getting, crossing my arms as I dangle there in hers. She just chuckles at my childish display, her voice light and hypnotic as she mixes both a human laugh and that strange musical trilling her people use to express amusement.

“Goodnight, everyone," Nala calls, starting to make her way towards the grav-lift on the other side of the room, a chorus of “goodnights" following us. Soon after, I heard everyone breaking down into laughter, the sound gently fading as Nala carried me away.

***

“Now then, which one is it?" Muses Nala, walking down the corridor looking at the digital plaques hanging above each door, the name and number of which prisoner slept in that particular cell scrolling past.

“Aha! Here it is!" She stops in front of a door, no different from the dozens that run up and down the corridor, except the plaque over this one reads “Prisoner X-1475" before my name “Jason Aladora Wilks" scrolls past to take its place.

As much as I complain about Nala carrying me, I cannot help but feel safe in her arms; her gentle grip and warmth of her body making me nod off on the way up here. Regretfully she shook me back into full consciousness, setting me back on my feet and keeping me steady.

“How come you had to wake me up?" I complain groggily, rubbing my eyes as I look at the sliding door and then up at the plaque above it.

“Well first off, it's because we're here, and second off, it's because I can't open your cell door," she explains.

“Oh, right," I mumble, rubbing my eyes to get rid of the bleariness.

“If you need anything, Na'Rutha lives right across from you." I look across the hall at the plaque above the adjacent door, “Prisoner X-1476" scrolled across, Na'Rutha's name trailing behind it. “Reyna and I are just down the hall, numbers 1482 and 1483 respectfully, if you need anything just come get one of us."

“Okay, thank you. Umm, I guess, goodnight then." I was about to turn around and enter my room when Nala cups my face in her hands. She bends down and places a kiss on my forehead, her warm, soft lips leaving a tingling sensation where they touched. She pulls back and smiles at me, leaving me dazed and confused, feeling all warm and tingly inside as she smiled at me with such real emotions.

“I'll give you tonight and tomorrow to settle in, after that; I can't promise I'll be able to hold myself back." Her gaze is loving, yet there is something else lurking beneath those golden orbs of hers, something deep and primal, something I wasn't sure if I wanted to see let loose or not.

“Wh—what do you mean by that?"

“You'll find out sooner or later, now, go get some sleep."

“R-Right, sleep… I'll just… do that. G-Goodnight."

“Goodnight, Jason, sleep well." And with that, she flashes me one last smile and starts walking back down the hall towards her own cell.

I watch as she goes, my eyes drifting over her figure, her strange appearance oddly alluring to me. Her strong physique and draconic appearance are like something out of a fairytale, yet are very much real. Then, as if she knew I was admiring her, she parted her wings, giving me a clear view of her long tail and wide hips as they swayed back and forth in tandem, her rear bouncing slightly with each step she took. I swear she is doing that on purpose! The muscles in her legs flex with every stride, her clawed toes clacking against the floor like heels on a hard surface. She looked so strong yet so graceful, an air of confidence and power following her wherever she went.

I shake myself out of my gawking and turn towards the door, my jumpsuit feeling a bit tighter than usual. Stepping up to the door, the eight-foot slab of metal splits down the center and slides into the wall, becoming flush with the doorframe. After taking a few steps inside, the door slides shut with a hiss, leaving me alone in my bleach-white room.

I felt cold without Nala here, her natural body heat like that of a space heater. My heart sank a little as I realized it was going to be another cold and lonely night, plagued with nightmares and memories I had long since tried to suppress. I know I shouldn't be feeling this way so soon after meeting her, but I already miss Nala's presence, her warmth, her affection, the way she looks at me with such raw emotions. It all felt so good, warm tingly sensations running up and down my body. It was a complete contrast to the past four years.

Quickly, I climb into bed, the mattress compressing and hugging my body gently. I lay there amongst the white sheets, head resting on a pillow as I listen to my surroundings. The soft rumbling of air traveling through vents, the hum of the station as its bio-generators kept it running. I could hear footsteps and muffled conversation coming from outside my door, doors sliding open and closed, prisoners making their way to bed after a long day. Slowly, the noise started to die down, the hum of the station the only sound that remained. For what felt like hours, I lay there, staring at the ceiling, wishing for sleep but too scared to close my eyes. I didn't want the nightmares to come back; they were always horrible, always so intense. I never could get used to them.

Perhaps now that everyone is asleep I can go take a shower. With that thought in my mind, I slip out of bed and pad over to the door, the metal floor cold beneath my bare feet.

Then I stop, realizing the door was now locked seeing as it was past curfew. I had gotten so use to the freedom Artemis seemed to allow the prisoners that I didn't even think about a locked door! How foolish am I!

I sigh, turning around and about to head back to bed when I hear a ding. Looking back I see the blue light above the door had turned on, and walking back over, the doors slide open.

Slowly, I make my way out of my cell and back down the corridor towards the showers, blue light from security turrets tracking me. More than likely Artemis was watching me through the built-in cameras.

It was dark in the hallway, the lighting strips on the ceiling powered off, but the light coming from the hanging turrets provided enough illumination to see just a few feet ahead of me.

Reaching the end of the hall, I come out into the room with the lift and showers. Immediately I make a right, my eyes having adjusted to the darkness enough that I can make out the outline of the entrance. No lights are on, and there was no sound of running water, which is good, it means I am alone.

Entering the showers, I shiver as the cold metal transitions to cold tile. I walk around the center wall that blocked the showers from view, causing lights to turn on automatically, a motion sensor hidden somewhere detecting my movements.

The showers themselves were located in a long rectangular part of the room, and just before the main wash area were alcoves with benches, lockers, and racks of towels. In each corner of the alcoves were large, metal and glass cylinders, however, I am not sure what their purpose are.

I look around one more time and listen intently; just to make sure I was truly alone. Satisfied that I was by myself; I enter one of the alcoves.

Unzipping my jumpsuit and pealing it off my body I lay it across one of the benches, I leave my black boxers on, not comfortable enough to remove them even if I was alone. Next I peel off the adhesive patch on my shoulder, revealing a small incision scar from when Artemis put the I.D chip in me.

Leaving the alcove and entering the showers, I walk over to the closest one. On the wall were two sliders and a button in between them, the showerhead protruding from the ceiling several feet above me. I press the button and freezing cold water starts to pour out of the showerhead, cascading over my body and making me jump and start shivering. Quickly I press my finger against the slider on the left and move it up, red bars appearing on the digital display to show me how hot the water is. Soon enough, the torrent of cold gave way to hot, steam starting to fill the bathroom, the water flowing towards one of the many drains in the floor.

“Ah, this is nice," I sigh, tilting my head down and letting the warm water wash over me, my hair starting to get soaked as well.

I stand there for several moments, just basking in the warm water, my muscles relaxing. A good hot shower was something I have always enjoyed, yet it was not readily available in the R.O.F, nor in any other prison I had been to. It was nice though, being able to wash away a year's worth of nonexistent dirt and grim. The doctor I saw after I came out of stasis had made quite sure I had was clean from any bacteria, also it wasn't like I could get dirty when frozen in time.

There were dispensers on the wall; some labeled “Soap" others “Shiner." I didn't know what “Shiner" was but I definitely knew that I needed some soap. The only problem, however, is that the dispensers were high up on the wall, and I could just barely reach them if I stood on my toes. After several failed attempts at activating the automatic dispenser, I finally managed to trip the sensor, a large amount of soap, more than I needed, squirting into my palm and falling to the floor with a splat.

***

I stood beneath the warm water for a long time, my body and mind in a sort of trance or meditative state, just standing there and thinking as I enjoyed myself.

I'm still not sure what shiner is, but I had managed to get some, and, after a little bit of experimentation, I found that it worked quite well as a shampoo. My hair was now softer than ever, silky and free of knots. I had also come to find out, that washing my back now was quite a chore. With fur covering it, I am unable to just scrub away, having to go with the fur because otherwise going against it makes me feel all weird and tingly. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling, but it was extremely distracting, leaving me shivering and having to wait for the feeling to fade.

My thoughts are interrupted when the sound of clicking reaches my ears, like shoes against tile or… claws.

From around the corner came a Venmar, her pack in toe. I quickly recognized the white and brown markings of the Venmar from this morning. Numa I believed her name was, Mistress Green's lieutenant. She spied me almost instantly, her mouth turning up into a predatory grin as she and her pack approached me.

How the hell did she get here? She's not part of tower 14 is she? Wait… Can other prisons even enter other towers that were not their own? Apparently so, seeing as Numa was here. Either that is intentional, or Artemis has a huge security flaw that not even she is aware of.

Speaking of Artemis, why the hell are there no turrets in here? I get that it's the showers, but with how the station is absolutely covered in them I'm surprised she would allow even the showers to go unguarded.

“Well what do we have here? I wasn't expecting to find Nala's little pet half-naked in the showers, not that I'm complaining mind you," she drawls, sauntering over and looking down at me. My face heats up as I remembered the only thing I am wearing is my now soaked underwear.

“Numa, was it? What do you want? You're not even supposed to be here," I say, crossing my arms and glaring up at her.

“We were actually looking for you, boy. Mistress Green wanted me to deliver you a message."

“Yeah? And what is this message exactly?"

“She says, 'At tomorrow's council meeting, if you don't join with her, she will make sure that you're cousin, Amelia, is sent a little gift." I tensed at that, my eyes growing wide in surprise.

“How… How did you—“

“Know about your cousin?" Numa finished, “Mistress Green has her ways. So, unless you want your dear ol' cousin to go bye-bye, I suggest you do as she says."

How did they know? How the hell did they find out about my cousin? Granted, it was no closely guarded secret that she raised me, but not even the R.O.F knew of her existence, if they had, they would've had a much easier time controlling me. This had to be a ruse, a trick of some sort; it wouldn't be that hard to get information on me, especially if they managed to bribe a guard or something along those lines. The station's databanks contained every single detail about every single prisoner! Information was out there, it was just the matter of going through the correct channels to get it. I would know, I did this kind of stuff for most of my life. Right now, I needed more information, and my only channel was Numa.

“How do I know this isn't a trick?" I ask narrowing my eyes at her.

“We know her name, and we know who she is! If you won't believe us then her death will be your fault," Numa snarled.

“Do you know where she lives? How about what jobs she has, or where she works, which planet she's on?" I could tell Numa was growing more frustrated by the second. Her mouth opened then closed, her brow furrowing as she tried to think. I could see the gears turning in her head as she attempted to come up with an answer.

“You're in no position to be making demands of me, human!" Numa growled, advancing closer with her teeth bared. I step back, body tensed and ready to run in case she tried to do anything. Her response, however, was music to my ears. It was easy to tell she didn't know anything, her rough and tumble act and avoidance of the question confirming as much. Though that did not rule out the possibility Mistress Green might know more.

“Listen hear, pup, you will join Green tomorrow, or else your precious cousin will not see the light of day again! Green promised you to me, and I intend on getting what I want!"

She stepped forward, faster than I expected, and pushed me back into the flowing water, not caring that she was getting wet as well. Her hand wrapped around my throat, shoving me against the wall, her claws digging into the back of my neck, warm liquid flowing down my back that was most certainly not water.

“L-Let me go!" I wheeze, one hand gripping her wrist while the other tried prying her fingers off my throat. I was afraid, yes, but I was also mad, my anger overruling any other emotions as I glared at the Venmar and gritted my teeth.

“I don't care if that dragon bitch has claimed you! You belong to me now, not that whore of a Skal!" Numa's face was inches from mine, her breath washing over me, drool dripping as she bared her teeth and her hackles rose only to be matted by the running water.

She looked insane, her eyes wide with rage and predatory lust. Her pack did not do anything, just stood back and watched, some guarding the doorway to keep a lookout for anyone else. Most of them looked uncomfortable with what was happening, yet there were still a few with that same dangerously perverse look in their eyes, smirks on their faces as they watched their Alpha choke me against a wall.

“I... Do not… Belong to… you!" I gasp. I could feel myself becoming lightheaded, my breathing becoming ragged.

Numa's grip tightens even further, cutting off any small intakes of air I was managing to pull off, darkness starting to close in around the edges of my vision. Her claws dug into the back of my neck evermore, warm blood spilling out and splattering on the titled floor.

“You. Belong. To. Me! You are nothing but a slut, a fucktoy for me to use whenever I like! You got that!" Her words were emphasized when she forcefully grabbed my crotch, her claws poking holes in the cloth as she palmed my groin. My eyes grew wide and I started to struggle, muffled and ragged screams coming from my throat as I tried to make some sort of noise in hopes someone, anyone, might hear!

Suddenly, Numa loosened her grip, just enough for me to take in a lungful of air before her lips collided with mine. I let out a muffled scream in surprise, my eyes wide as saucers. Something long and wet tried forcing its way into my mouth, but I held my lips closed, determined not to let her in.

I was terrified yet enraged all at once! She wasn't allowed to do this! Only one person is allowed to kiss me and it was not her! With what little strength I had, I balled my fists, and with only one goal in mind, I let fly!

I wasn't strong enough to cause any real damage, but when my fist made contact with the side of Numa's head, the shock itself made her drop me. I drew in a huge lungful of air, my chest rising and falling as I tried to take in as much oxygen as I could. I sat on the floor in a daze, my head swimming, so many emotions running wild inside me. A small pool of water formed around me, the liquid stained red from my blood; it did not last long though, getting whisked away down the drain.

I look up to find Numa holding the side of her muzzle, red liquid dripping between her fingers, a look of shock on her face. She was soaked, jumpsuit and all, her fur matted and dripping. Slowly her expression turned to one of rage, her hands dropping to ball into fists.

I had somehow managed to bust her lip, her tongue sliding out and licking her muzzle clean. She let out a deep growl, barring her teeth once more, her sharp canines showing, this time covered in shine of red. She started to advance on me, something deep inside myself telling me to get up and run! I ignored it though, pushing myself to my feet as we both glared daggers at one another. I was not about to let her have the upper hand.

I was so angry! So full of… of hate! First, she threatens my family, then she molests me again, and then she steals something I can never get back! I wanted to hurt her, to cause her so much pain she would know never to mess with me again! I felt something inside me, a primal urge to fight, a determination to come out on top and prove that I was not weak!

I moved, faster than I ever thought I could, darting forward with my fist raised! Instantly I was within Numa's guard, her face a mixture of surprise and confusion. I swung at her, putting everything that I had into the punch, forgoing aim and hoping I could just hit her as hard as I could.

My fist made contact with her stomach, a huff of air escaping her as she stumbled backwards. I did not let up, throwing another punch into her stomach before tackling her to the ground. I grip the front of her jumpsuit and raise my fist.

My knuckles make contact with her face, her head whipping back and smacking against the floor. Her pack did not intervene, they just stood there watching, letting their Alpha fight her own fights. If she couldn't beat a single human who was shorter than she was, her image as Alpha would be tarnished and her packmates would challenge her right to the position.

My hand was covered in blood now, my second strike busting her nose and making it bleed. I pull back my fist and strike her again, then again, and again! I went in for another punch, but as I was about to make contact, her hand snapped up and snatched my wrist, holding it there as I tried to tug away.

She glared at me, the look in her eyes one of contempt, but slowly it turned to amusement, a smirk coming to her lips.

“You have some fight in you. I like that; it'll make breaking you all the more fun!" She cackled, spitting a mixture of saliva and blood out onto the floor.

Her hands shot up, one gripping my right wrist while the other closed around my throat again. She threw me to the side, my body hitting and sliding a few feet on the wet tile. I let out a gasp, all the air in my lungs leaving my body! In a second, she was on me, crouching over me and jabbing her knuckles into my stomach! Another strike hit me in the face, my vision going white and my mouth filling with the taste of copper.

Her hand came down again, the back of it hitting me in the side of the head and making my ears ring. She grabbed both my wrists and pinned them to the ground with one hand, giving me a frenzied look as she leaned closer. Decorating her lips was a smile so excessively wide it couldn't possibly be considered sane, her hot, stale breath washing over my face as warm saliva dripped onto my face. Her chest was heaving, deep ragged breaths leaving her, yet I don't think it's from exertion.

“I'm going to have so much fun with you and by the end of it you'll be begging me for more!" She laughed, her other hand coming up and caressing the side of my face before she gripped it tightly. “You're fast, little one, but I'm much faster, much stronger, and I plan on using you however the fuck I want!"

Her hand let go of my face and began trailing down my body, her claws digging into my skin and leaving behind trails of blood.

I scream! Not out of pain, no, the adrenaline was numbing that, but out of pure frustration! I hate this! I hate all of this! I wish she would die! There's something inside me, screaming and howling to get out, to reach forth and take control so it can kill her! So I can kill her!

Wait… That's not right… Why would I think? I don't want to kill anyone, even her, I never wanted to kill anyone! Those deaths… They—They weren't my fault! It wasn't my fault! I didn't do it!

I'm brought back to the here and now when Numa grips my wrists so tight it feels like she might break them! Her hands trail up and down my body, leaving shallow gashes in my skin as she toys with me. I start to hyperventilate, my struggling becoming fiercer, and my eyes wide and unfocused. My vision started to blur, tears welling up in the corner of my eyes. I tried to blink them away, to show that I wasn't this scared, but it was no use, the tears sliding down my face to mix with the bloody water pooling around us.

“I can smell your fear, Jason," she said, leaning down and licking the tears from my cheeks, “Taste your despair! You are delicious, and I must have more!" She pressed her lips against mine again, muffling my screams as her hand found my pelvis and started to slide beneath the waistband of my boxers.

Out of nowhere, people started yelling, the sounds of hurried feet slapping against the tile as what must be a fight broke out near the entrance to the showers. Numa pulled back from her forceful kiss, her hand freezing just above my more sensitive area as she looked up to investigate the noise. Before I even knew what was happening, Numa went flying, her body forced off mine and thrown across the room where she landed with a pained whimper.

I don't know what's going on! My mind feels so fuzzy, I can't breathe properly, my body is shaking and in pain, my vision unfocused! I feel like I was back there again, back with the Ravens, bright lights blinding me as they tore me open again, and again, and again!

They're here, I'm sure of it! Why else am I in pain? I had been good though! I had just given them what they wanted! I didn't complain, or fight, I hadn't tried to run away again! So why? Why were they doing this!

The back of my head throbs with pain, my body feels like it's on fire, and my mind is being bitten by a thousand snakes! All of them coiling around my head and squeezing, biting, gnawing away at what makes me human! A dark figure hovers over me, blocking out the light, their clawed hand reaching towards me.

“No! P-Please no more! I'm sorry… I'm sorry! I'll be good, I'll be good I swear!" I whimper, my eyes shut tightly as I wait for the bite of claws to pierce my skin. Their hand rests on my shoulder, but there was no stinging pain, no mocking laughter. Just a gentle grip as someone ran their hands up my shoulder to cup my face in their hands, a thumb softly caressing my cheek and wiping away the tears.

“Shh… It's okay now, Jason, it's alright," they said, their voice gentle and soothing. They sounded familiar, their tone soft and concerned.

I open my eyes slowly, a long snout with a sad smile and a pair of golden eyes greeting me. Suddenly it all came rushing back to me, I wasn't on Earth in a bunker, I was on the Artemis station, in the showers. Numa… she had attacked me, tried to do things to me. The person in front of me was…

“N-Nala?" I ask, voice shaky and barely more than a terrified squeak.

“Yes, pet, it's me," she responded. I don't know what came over me, but with the last little bit of strength I had, I threw myself at her, wrapping my arms around her neck as I buried my face in her shoulder and started crying even harder.

“I-I'm sorry… Numa… She… She--! T-Then I tried to fight… B-But I couldn't…"

“Shh… It's okay now, you don't have to worry. I will protect you better from now on, I promise." One of her hands found its way into my hair, petting me gently as she picked me up into her arms.

“Na'Rutha!" She snapped, her voice deathly cold.

“Yes, Ma'am?" responded the Kilnoid walking over.

I glance over Nala's shoulder with tired, tear-filled eyes. Reyna is restraining several of the Venmar from Numa's pack. Korza was there too, she and her pack restraining even more. All the ones I had noticed earlier who had looked uncomfortable with what Numa was doing were huddled together in a corner, unrestrained but not daring to cause any trouble. I had not realized it before, but Numa's pack was large, sporting around a dozen or so Venmar. Yet Reyna, Na'Rutha, and Korza easily subdued them, along with help from Korza's pack.

“Let the others go, as is their culture they simply followed their leader, they had nothing to do with what happened." She tried to move me into a different position but I refused to budge, wrapping my arms even tighter around her neck and gripping her sides with my knees. She sighed but continued to hold me, her hands adjusting themselves to better support my legs. She turned around so she could face Na'Rutha, giving me a view behind her of Numa struggling to her hands and knees as she wheezed from Nala throwing her so hard.

“This transgression against my property must not go unpunished. Deal with her…" She paused when she felt my grip tighten even further, I did not like the idea of someone dying because of me again, no matter how much they deserved it.

“…But do not kill her." She finishes, walking away towards one of the alcoves. “And wait until we leave. I don't want Jason hearing this."

“With pleasure, Ma'am," cackled Na'Rutha, grinning like a lunatic as she cracked her knuckles and approached the fallen Venmar.

Nala entered the same alcove I had gotten undressed in, walking over to a bench where she tried to set me down. I whimper and hold on tighter, not wanting to let go of the one thing I knew was safe.

“It's okay, pet—Jason, everything is alright. I just need to set you down so I can get you a towel okay?" I didn't want to let her go, but reluctantly I nodded and loosened my hold, allowing her to sit me down on one of the metal benches.

She went over and snagged a towel off the rack, coming back and kneeling in front of me. I sat there silently, staring at the floor with unfocused eyes. I could feel Nala manipulating my limbs so she could dry me off, she was so gentle, so very careful, like I was an expensive doll or precious gem she was scared she would break. She wrapped my head in the fluffy white towel, scrubbing my hair to get it as dry as possible. She dapped at the back of my neck and at the other lacerations covering my body, a hiss of pain escaping my lips as I wince.

“Sorry, didn't mean to hurt you. Turn around so I can have a look at that," she says softly, pulling the towel away, the once white fabric now stained red. I did as I was told, silently turning around so she could have better access to my injuries. A sharp intake of air from Nala informed me that whatever damage Numa had done was bad.

“Is it bad?" I ask, I was already sure it was, but I just wanted to confirm it.

“I'm afraid you'll have to spend a few days in the infirmary. The cuts on your chest don't look too bad, but your neck… Well, the only reason you aren't feeling too much pain right now is probably shock and adrenaline."

“I'm sorry…" My voice broke at that, fresh tears starting to fall.

“Hush now, Jason, this wasn't your fault!"

“B-But it was… I-If I had just stayed in my cell… O-Or maybe if I had gotten someone to come with me! If I wasn't so weak… If I wasn't so… so… human! Then I might have been able to do something!" Nala grabbed my shoulders and spun me around, a look of irritation on her face.

“Listen here, Jason, it was not your fault! Part of you is human, but I love that part of you! You are not weak, at least not as much as you think you are. I saw the results of what you did, you managed to break her nose and bust her lip. That alone is impressive." The forcefulness of her words startled me, the unwavering tone in which she spoke forcing me to believe her.

“I… I…" I can't find the words I want to say, everything getting caught in my throat. My heart was pounding inside my chest, and I was looking at her with such awe she started to smile.

She rested a hand on my head and gave me a gentle pat, “There is no need to say anything, Jason, now come here."

She wrapped me in another towel, leaving the used and bloodied one on the floor. She then hefted me into her arms, carrying me with such care it made my heart melt. I rested my head against her shoulder, my eyes starting to droop as the adrenaline wore off and left me feeling exhausted.

Her warmth seeped into me, her arms becoming a perfectly acceptable place for me to sleep in. “Sleep now, my dear, I'll take you to the infirmary to get patched up, and I promise I won't let anyone hurt you again."

I was so tired, my body in pain, and my mind feeling like it had been shattered into a million pieces My eyes grew heavy, and now that I was safe in Nala's arms, I let them fall shut, my body shutting down completely and sending me into the blissful void of dreamless sleep.