FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Julie looked out the rolled-down passenger seat window early one evening while the vehicle's radio ran ads, scanning passing vehicles, moving buildings, and busy sidewalks that increased exponentially as they neared Castelia Central. She held Midnight up next to her so he could watch as well, tucking her arm over his side to keep him leveled and comfy.

She was in her blue eeveelution jacket and loose-ish white pants for comfort.

His paw was on the dash below and his face over the window. He winced against chilled wind that brushed his ears and fur aside under a mild, gradually darkening mild blue sky with thin and smoky clouds drifting by.

They were in Anna's jeep, who was driving Julie and Midnight to the city's piers so they could catch a scheduled ferry to Johto in forty minutes. She wore black jeans and a red long-sleeved v-cut tee.

"We should be there in around fifteen mins," she said and took a quick, curious glance at Julie and her umbreon, which she'd done several times throughout the drive. Anna still couldn't fully comprehend that they were romantic partners. It didn't matter how long she'd known about the fact.

They were cute, for what it was worth. Julie was a sweet soul, and umbreon were naturally squeezable, but she wondered how it worked day-to-day and wondered even more how long they would last in reality. Anna had never witnessed a committed, intimate relationship between human and pokémon until now. It was virtually unheard of nowadays. The fact that it was an eeveelution made it all the more intriguing.

Julie nodded while looking at her. "Thank you for driving us, but I still feel bad for taking up your time... I owe you." She had finished her quarter a few days ago with flying colors-- although she had a solid B in Oceanography, but an A in history and speech, which surprised her since she had obvious nerves every time she stood up before the class.

Her mother had gone over and covered all expenses with Julie so she and Midnight were cozy during the pricey ten-day cruise, including daily meals, so there was nothing but smooth sailing ahead of them.

Anna grinned and turned on her left blinker, checking her mirrors while cars passed. She had to turn on the next light. "I was free today, so it's no trouble. I wouldn't want you walking or paying for public transport when I'm here." If anything, Anna felt she owed Julie. She would never forgive herself for bringing the poor girl to that party, especially after getting to know all that she'd gone through. It still stung.

After that night at her table, Anna still made a conscious effort to keep up with Julie. They'd gone out off and on and chatted, but Anna always ensured to respect Julie's preferences and never made more than a slight push. She counted on Julie's reciprocation as well, which she usually returned.

Julie admired Anna, truly. She was one Julie could trust and that didn't judge her for her past and present. She had that in Johto and now at her other place of residence. She was glad to have that here and hadn't felt luckier. It was rare to find and something worth keeping.

Midnight was busy enjoying the activity outside, feeling Julie push him up a little while she shifted in her seat. They slowed and were stopped in the turning lane at a red light.

He shot his eyes from a mini plaza across the street with a full lot, discount stores, and fast food restaurants that people occupied and that vehicles pulled out of to join traffic.

Lining the populated pavement beside them were marts and stores, like a donut shop people walked out of with sugary frosted bread, including a cheery panpour striding beside its trainer with a glazed one it took several mini bites out of, convenience stores, and a gas station at the corner.

He noted people and pokémon crossing the street, some glued to their devices while others ensured their child or pokémon were beside them in the crosswalk. He spotted an audino, lilligant, swanna, and even an espeon in a car that pulled up beside them, which reminded him of that series he'd watched with Julie for some reason. They were both activity-watching and locked eyes for a brief moment, but Midnight broke contact.

Anna sighed and leaned back against the seat, releasing the brake to inch up in the crosswalk after it cleared since the light was about to turn green. She glanced over at Julie. "So, you excited to head back to your fam?"

"I don't think I've ever been this excited... Maybe back when I first got accepted into the university, but this feels so much warmer and personal." Because it was, and Julie had to return more than ever.

Alyssa fell apart more every day, which Julie learned by calling her mother now and again. It broke her heart every time without fail to hear, and she knew her best friend was in the deepest ditch of her existence.

Julie didn't want Alyssa to suffer what Julie was or anything close. It's why she had even made an effort to help Angie, who was more or less pushing the days by. Julie noted her attending history after their talk, but now that the class was over, she would have to hope Angie kept living life and eventually start a path toward improvement. Julie wouldn't be able to interact with her continuously, but she'd be there every step of the way for Alyssa.

Anna sat up and checked the corner for pedestrians while cars passed without rest, then took the turn when she found a clearing, speeding up until hitting more traffic. "Enjoy that, and I mean it."

"I couldn't take it for granted even if I tried."

---

The city had only grown denser and the buildings taller while covering more ground the deeper they ventured into it, with corporate supermarkets placed several blocks from each other to stand out and deter competition, big restaurant chains on every other corner-- Wikiblux locations literally everywhere.

Vehicles lined and filled the roads during rush hour with irritated horns going off constantly, more people and their pokémon than ever populated the sidewalks, shopped, dined, stood in line for coffee after a long day of school or work or to wait traffic out.

Corporate skyscrapers were just as abundant, all around and overbearing, lit up and complementing the nightlife aesthetic. Castelia resembled massive cities worldwide but felt more expansive and awe-inspiring than most.

They arrived at the group of piers within the next twenty minutes due to traffic. Anna had parked at a meter nearby with lines of other vehicles, paid for ten minutes, and was walking with Julie and Midnight to the Prime Pier. It was to the east and second to the Cruise Ship Dock. West of the Prime Pier was the Unity and Liberty Pier.

People with accompanying pokémon checked in with employees wearing colored business casual suits on the busy piers at docked ferries with physical tickets and digital ones on their phones.

Julie had Midnight in her arms and her bag on her back she'd taken from the backseat, wearing a slight grin while approaching their dock with a large black and white ferry rocking against pristine blue waves. They passed people and flocks of pidove pecking at scraps on the pavement, luxury apartments and condos, and parked cars beside curbs.

Midnight eyed the Prime Pier ahead while feeling cooler breezes brush his fur over since they were by the ocean, seeing hundreds of people and pokémon waiting to board, and taking in the fresh, faint salty ocean air that crying wingull occupied. This was a long journey that many took annually, after all.

He remembered when he and Julie had taken it from Johto. The waves had rocked him to sleep during the night, usually resulting in a good night's rest, but he and Julie had also gotten seasick when the waters were rough, especially during storms.

"I've always wanted to take the Liberty cruise," Julie said, looking a half-mile left of the Prime Pier at much fewer people. It was around forty, pokémon included, though of a higher class level.

Not only did the cruise have a dress code, but it was nothing close to cheap, so people paid for great service all the way through the tour and were expected to have manners and at least a semblance of class.

"Oh yeah. I've been on that tour once before. I think everyone should go on it if they get to visit the city of grandeur. The garden was one of the most beautiful places I've seen. It's wicked they opened it to the public." Anna saw teens, men, and women in casual suits and dresses at the dock, with some of the pokémon wearing cute and sharp attire as well, otherwise well-kept.

Julie set Midnight down and took out her phone, having just remembered she would have to show one of the crew members proof that she owned a ticket. "I was thinking about going when I came back for next quarter. It's at the top of my list, but I would need to shop for a cute skirt and top."

Julie was looking at her phone off and on as they closed in, scrolling through junk in her email to find her ticket. She had meant to save it to a folder and should have days ago.

Midnight was glad to be on the ground, meanwhile, as he needed to stretch his legs after the drive here. He shook out his fur and looked at a flock of chirpy pidove ahead on the sidewalk that dispersed, flying off as they passed by.

Within the next couple of minutes, the sidewalk ended and spread to open asphalt that countless strolled across, to and fro from ferries that had dropped them off and ones they headed to.

There were benches placed before railings lining the pavement between piers that people sat on and food stands making quick bucks off hungry tourists breaking from their travels.

Julie stopped and turned to Anna while glancing at Midnight, who started walking ahead at first before noticing that she stopped. "You don't have to enter the madness with me. You've done all that's necessary by driving us here."

"You sure?" Anna had no issue walking her the entire way, even though it may result in her meter expiring.

She nodded, stepping aside to let some people by. "Really. I appreciate you saving us the trouble." They would have had to leave earlier on top of it taking longer to get here.

"Alright. Safe travels then you two. I know you've got a long cruise ahead, but you've both taken it here, so you know what's in store, huh?"

"Yes." And they'd have each other's company, which was all Julie needed for the journey to be enjoyable. "It wasn't bad last time. Week-plus cruises like this usually accommodate well for it. Are you heading home now?"

"Well..." Anna looked back for a second. "Now that I'm in Central, I might stop at a restaurant I haven't been to in a while, but ultimately, yeah. Today's slow. I've got nothing on my plate besides lunch, but you two've got something bigger. Go catch your boat," she grinned.

"Right." Julie took a step back. "But I'll make sure to keep in touch until I return." She would never forget Anna and definitely wanted to get together again. She was one among very few invaluable people in her life. Julie held a deep reverence for her.

"I got you. We'll talk."

---

Julie sat on the edge of the royal blue colored blanket atop their bed in her socks, pants, and a blue tee with 'Castelia University' sprawled across the chest area in white text. She'd bought the top and a samurott plush currently sitting in her backpack by the door last week to take home.

They were in the room they'd call home for the next week. It was a simple setting with a restroom by the door, a tall lamp that was on by the mattress frame and nightstand, and a sealed window to look out of. The walls were white with a current dim yellow fading glow layered across them due to the moon hitting Midnight's rings, which would intensify as night fell.

The cruise didn't have an open restaurant but did have a kitchen and room service. There was a black wired phone and a paper concealed by transparent plastic beside it on the nightstand listing menu options one could order and have brought to their room. The ticket paid for meals and drinks up to twice per day. It was free for one ticket holder and a human guest. The holder had to pay for anything more.

"I feel it in my stomach."

Midnight was busy turned while grooming his tail by the bed's center and had been for the past couple of minutes. Its bushiness made it a hassle to cover. He sat up and looked at Julie after hearing her speak.

"It's almost like the uncomfortable butterfrees I get before I have to stand before a crowd, but it's soso much better." Julie felt anticipation and happiness on an indescribable scale that made her want to tear up and quiver in order to express it. It was also weird, though, because warm emotions like that weren't common for her.

She could feel nothing else but it. She turned on the bed to face Midnight. "And you complete it for me," she smiled a little and reached her arm.

He walked to her and let her lean in to embrace him, feeling her squeeze his sides. "Mbre." Midnight nuzzled her head before she pulled away, eyeing her as she sat up. He could feel her eagerness and positivity, which calmed him and the air, releasing the perpetual tension they lived in while on that campus. Julie wasn't lying when she said she needed a break. He hoped to see her improve from her time at the university.

"Do you miss Johto too? I know you're kind of new to Goldenrod and everything there, but it's still your home region."

Midnight nodded. Being back in Johto's environment would feel more natural to him. He hadn't seen or experienced much of Unova or Castelia City, but it just didn't feel the same. It wasn't home.

She looked out the window at an endless dark ocean overlapping itself that the ferry's bow cut through and disturbed. She felt the subtle pulse of the ship's engine and props because their room was located toward the back of it, bringing her additional peace in a sense.

The sky was a serene navy blue dotted lightly with stars that met the roiling black sea, a priceless sight to take in, but it would lose half its novelty in the coming days as it had last time. "We've got to make this cruise interesting enough..." Meaning she wouldn't confine herself and Midnight to this room all day every day.

He lay on his side but sat upright on his chest. Did they? Fresh ocean air would be nice from time to time, but there wasn't much to this ship to begin with. Midnight recalled seeing a pool and chairs upstairs on the deck, but that was all he saw unless more came to be during the night.

"Maybe we'll go up top tomorrow and see what it's like, but I think we should just settle for tonight." Julie glanced at the phone. "Are you hungry?"

"Breon." He nodded. They hadn't eaten since lunch, and it was well past dinner.

Julie reached and grabbed the paper, scanning the breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and drink options each available during specific hours. "We have until ten to order dinner. It started at five." She took her phone out of her pocket to check the time, then set it aside. "Two hours left."

She flipped the paper and saw meals that were pokémon safe, a few of which she knew Midnight would enjoy. "I might get the fried basculin or tirtouga with a can of Violet. It's simple. They also have cupcakes... and I'm seeing dishes full of berries for you."

"Breh?" He perked and sat up again the moment he heard that. It made his stomach growl, taking him back to the rich berry bowls he hoped were in Johto.

"Really. I'm seeing a variety berry carton and sweet drizzled sushi infused with pecha and roseli. Either of those?" Julie looked at him.

She'd have to separate the options to allow him to choose, but he nodded regardless. They both sounded tasty.

"Maybe we could order both... My dish, pay for yours and dessert, and then share everything?" She stared up at the ceiling, pondering, then set her eyes back on him. "But that would make me feel bloated and sick. We'll just--" Julie looked at her phone's screen as it lit up and buzzed, seeing her mother's contact pop up.

"Hold on, love." She grabbed her device and took the call, holding it up to her ear. "Mom?"

"Julie, is everything going alright? Have you boarded?" her mother asked.

"Yes and yes," she grimaced a little. "I totally forgot to update and call you. Sorry. Me and Midnight are in our room now. I'll send you a picture after we hang up."

"It's okay, sweetie. The process can be hectic. I'm just glad everything is stress-free. How was the drive, and did you two eat yet?"

"It was great. Anna is so reliable, and we were about to order, actually." Jule glanced at Midnight." It's been hours since lunch, so Midnight is starving."

Starved? Hardly. Midnight had been attentive and was listening closely. He could have gone a while longer without food, but the idea of chewing a sweet berry-type sushi made him lick his lips.

"That's great to hear. I won't hold you hostage then, but I'm thrilled for you to come home, sweetie."

Julie grinned, "I knoww. I am too, Mom. Just over a week left. I want to do so much while I'm there."

"I figure. Don't forget Rebirth Day is coming up. That'll be fun... I'll call tomorrow around six in the evening to check up on you two if that's alright."

"Of course-- oh, and how's Alyssa? I called her a few days ago and she still sounded severely depressed." Julie feared declining was all she was doing.

"She is. I've even offered her a job at my Center to get her started without having to search around, which can be a hassle. She said she'll think about it, but she's in a dark place. I don't want to press as if I'm her parent. She's dealing with that enough."

"I get it. That could be awkward. Thank you for trying," Julie sighed. "I'll talk to her when I'm there."

"No issue. I know you'll get to her. Now go enjoy your dinner and time on the cruise. I wouldn't want to dim your mood and Midnight's rings."

She giggled, "we will. I'll be waiting for your call tomorrow. Good night."

"Night, sweetie, and don't forget to send those pictures."

"I'll take them right away. Don't worry." Julie let her hang up and lowered her phone, then looked back out the window while sucking her lip. "Hold on a while longer, Ali." She wanted to call her again, but what would that do? Julie talked to her and tried to put her on a positive outlook, but there was only so much she could say. It would be more impactful in person.

She pushed the subject aside for now and looked at Midnight, who was watching her. "I have to take pictures for Mom, then we'll order something. Promise."

Julie got up and went to the door to get a good view and angle of the room, opened her camera, then held it landscape before snapping a clear shot.

It captured the bed with Midnight on it, the window, glowy walls, and everything else. She then walked and stopped just before the window, taking a photo of the view a picture did no justice to, but it still looked pretty enough through the lens.

Lastly, she walked to the bed and grinned, "love, could I get a close-up of you? For both me and Mom."

"Umb." He wasn't the best at photos but would comply for her. He had never been in front of a camera as much as he had while he was Julie's.

"Thank you. Um... Do something cute?"

He could try. Midnight stared for a moment, brainstorming before raising his ears and slightly one of his front paws, widening his eyes enough to appear full.

"Perfect perfect. Stay like that," she smiled and snapped the picture, then turned her phone back and went to it in her gallery. "That's actually so adorable," Julie giggled. "Now I don't know which I want as my wallpaper." It was currently the one of him asleep in their dorm bed. "I'm going to have you pose more often now."

"Umbre..." Great. That meant he'd have to start getting creative-- and fast.

"Okay." Julie sat on the bed. "I'll send those in a minute, but let's order before we can't."