FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

**This is only the first chapter of a work too long for a text file.**

Read and/or download the PDF here: https://mega.nz/file/mepmUDxC#ACq26371ItFxvoONgHlFtcrk_4-7jHIb_6nyZLeE7dI

Or download the EPUB here: https://mega.nz/file/uPoAWAoa#aZ01sozcwFgSb4pvbpKY5-Ru-fcns6I7x2XRHxSRti4

A Worrying Letter

The rhythmic trundle of wagon wheels sounded across a sunny field, one of the few noises to break the tranquility of the day. Grasses rustled in a gentle wind, occasionally stirred as birds and mice fled the road. The sun shined overhead and bathed the land in its warmth, countering the cool breeze of an early spring. Despite the sights and atmosphere, the natural seclusion of the path left it lonesome. There wasn't another soul for as far as the eye could see, a fact the pair inside was somewhat thankful for. An arcanine and an alolan ninetales shared that comfortable space, both of their gazes turned toward the outside world.

Modi gazed upon the far-flung field, lost in its quiet splendor. A slow breath filled her modest chest, and a quiet exhalation let it free. The arcanine was short by most standards, barely surpassing chest level on most of her peers, though her width made up for it. Equipped with hips that tested the limits of lesser doorways, she comfortably filled her seat while she daydreamed. A slight paunch splayed against her lap, an overhang barely noticeable when she stood. Powerful thighs matched the breadth of her hips, ample canvases for the black stripes of her fur. A backdrop of orange endowed her with the typical patterns of her species, complete with a broad, fluffy tail that cushioned her back.

A thought broke the peace of her moment and she reached into her bag. Scrolls and tomes clattered against each other while she searched, until her paw finally found a slip of paper. She produced with an unfurling flourish, then reviewed its contents. The hand-written note remained unchanged since it fell into her possession. The script was hurried and scrawled, but thankfully legible. Splotches of purple and blue dotted its paper, some as droplets, others as broad spills. Despite its unchanging nature, Modi perused its contents again. She left no detail unscrutinized, and she committed its every aspect to memory.

There's something wrong at the Rolling Hills. People are disappearing and no one can be trusted. Send help! - Jenny, Umbreon

While Modi reviewed their only clue, Magni let out a sigh. Unlike her partner, the icy ninetales filled her side of the wagon. The ceiling forced her into an uncomfortable slouch, and the bench beneath her hips strained under her weight. Toned arms crossed under her bountiful chest, each larger than her head. They rested upon a generous belly built from constant indulgence, a plush layer of fat that concealed the strength beneath. The thickness of Magni's thighs only slightly hid the power in her legs, partially due to her compressed stature. A massive, two-handed axe at her side completed that passive display of intimidation, a weapon likely as heavy as her partner. The barbarian shifted in her seat, a motion that rocked the wagon.

"You must have looked over that thing a thousand times," she grumbled. "What could you have possibly missed?"

Modi shrugged. "I don't know, but it's all we have to go on."

"Because we haven't got there yet. You need to take breaks," she sighed. "I'm worried you're going to burn yourself out before we even get started."

"But what if there's a coded-"

Magni snatched the letter and cut that thought off.

"I'd bet my hide there's no code here. It says exactly what's on the paper, no more, no less." The barbarian lifted the note to the light and dramatically cleared her throat, then read it aloud. "There's no room for a code, barely enough room for what's there." With more theatrics, she crumpled the note and stuffed it into her top, a band of fabric that struggled to contain her breasts. "There's nothing more to do until we get there. You should relax while we still can."

The arcanine sighed. "You're probably right. I can't miss anything though. If someone really needs our help, we owe it to them to leave no stone unturned."

"That doesn't mean turning the same stone over and over again."

"I know, but this is our first case like this. It's not just some goods that have gone missing."

"Which is why you need to be on the top of your game," Magni grinned.

"Both of us need to be, really."

The vixen's eyes sparkled with a idea. "How about this. You do things your way, and I'll do them mine. We'll work together and share info of course, but who ever finds this umbreon first wins."

"Magni I really don't think we should make a game out of this."

The ninetales laughed. "Sounds like you think you'll lose."

Before Modi could rebuff that accusation, a voice from the driver's interrupted. "We're about there, ladies. Rolling Hills Winery is just over this ridge."

The following minutes passed in a blur. Modi grabbed her bag and scoured the cart for her belongings, packing away notebooks and trinkets alike. Magni simply reclined on her bench and watched the arcanine work, heavy axe by her side. Modi slung a heavy pack over her back as the expansive winery came into view, and the pair spent the rest of their ride admiring the sight.

The Rolling Hills Winery spanned every step of the wine making process. Several wooden buildings stood in a circle around the center of the complex, surrounded by expansive fields. Distant figures wandered the organized rows of berries and fruits alike, reaping the bounty of carefully cultivated lands. Carts loaded with produce converged on one of the farm's larger buildings, one among many rustic structures. A sprawling farmer's market filled the rest of the grounds, a grand operation that drew in travelers from across the country. Some came to buy all the kegs and bottles they could carry, while others savored the atmosphere and experience. The winery catered to both tastes, offering lodgings and festivals alongside the business. Faint music filled the air, even from that distance, and it grew louder with their steady approach.

As the pair pulled up to the main gate, a figure rushed to meet them. The greedent was only slightly taller than she was wide, and her fluffy, folded tail rose just higher than her shoulders. The rodent sported a rich coat of brown fur, a darker tone on her face and front while a lighter covered the rest of her curves. Her prim attire sported the Rolling Hills logo, and a sharpness in her eyes betrayed otherwise soft features. Her posture dripped with authority, indicative of someone high in the chain of command. A flash of confusion crossed her face for an instant before hospitality overrode it, and a broad grin spread across her snout as the wagon pulled up to the main gate.

"Welcome to Rolling Hills," she offered. "Sorry for the sparse greeting, but I wasn't expecting any more visitors today."

The wagon rocked with Modi's exit, adding a stumble to her step. Her chubby frame wobbled with that motion, and once recovered, she rose to her full, lacking height. Embarrassment smoldered in her muzzle as she brushed herself off and turned to the squirrel. "That's to be expected. No one expects the Guild of Investigators."

The greedent's smile flickered. "I imagine you're here for an impromptu vacation? Or perhaps some wine? In either case, I can accommodate you with some time."

"Neither," Modi replied. She reached into a satchel at her side and presented a scroll, a document that confirmed her identity as a registered investigator. "We're here to look into a possible disappearance."

The greedent leaned in close and browsed the scroll, reading it under her breath. Her eyes scanned the document with lightning speed, combing it over with unexpected swiftness. A sigh left under her breath, and she seemed to accept its authenticity. "On what grounds do you think someone's gone missing? Pokemon might lose themselves in drink around here, but no one actually goes missing."

Modi stowed the scroll into her bag, and in the same motion produced the note. "The guild received this a few days ago," she explained, showing the slip's message. "That's cause enough for us."

"It must be a slow week," she scoffed, "This is obviously a joke or some scheme for a free stay."

That took Magni aback. "Ma'am I can assure you that this is quite serious. The guild doesn't play games with these matters."

"Then I demand to see your orders."

The wagon rocked and tipped with a groan as Magni stepped out. She towered over the pair of her peers, and her muscled silhouette cast quite the intimidating shadow. The broad swell of her belly only slightly undercut that quality. A glint of sunlight caught her fang when she grinned, and the air rumbled with her husky voice.

"I have it here." The ninetales produced a scroll from her top, begging the question of where exactly it was held. "If what you say is true, then we won't have much to find. We'll be in and out miss...?"

"Ahh, apologies. I am Lady Indigo, owner of the Rolling Hills. I think you'll find the only thing that's gone missing around here are my manners, apparently."

Modi smiled. "A pleasure. I am Modi, and my associate here is Magni."

The ninetales offered a grunt and a nod.

Lady Indigo folded her arms. "I suppose I don't exactly have a choice in this," she sighed. "I can show you around while we prepare your room, but please be discrete. I can't have you scaring off guests."

"You won't even know we're here," Modi said.

Magni said nothing.

**This is only the first chapter of a work too long for a text file.**

Read and/or download the PDF here: https://mega.nz/file/mepmUDxC#ACq26371ItFxvoONgHlFtcrk_4-7jHIb_6nyZLeE7dI

Or download the EPUB here: https://mega.nz/file/uPoAWAoa#aZ01sozcwFgSb4pvbpKY5-Ru-fcns6I7x2XRHxSRti4