FSE

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'The fight itself ain't even the worst of it ya know? Once your in the battle really the only thing you can do is just go at it like you were born for it, everything just moves so fast you have no time to think over when you might buy it today or if you even will. The worst part is just before, when you think about family n' your future n' things. And you worry over every little thing that could go wrong out there. The battleplan never survives first contact with the enemy s' what they say right? Well, I stopped worryin' bout that. Just you watch me, I'll be out there mashing bugs like no tomorrow and come home with girls all over me!'

-unknown private of the 58th airborne, interviewed shortly before the failure of operation Winter Gate and the fall of Alaska, the 58th was wiped out to a man.

>The dust was still clearing, J-troop 3 reported 'Titan's magazines had just detonated. The light tank ahead of you rumbled over the incline and sped down the hill, Thatcher jumped after it.

>You warmed the jets to leap over the drop after them, the battlenet was alive with chatter. LT-troop 9, farthest ahead in the clouting dust and smoke, reported that the enemy still wasn't advancing shortly before their transmission was cut.

>You came down at the lip of a shell crater, but this place wasn't choked with the viscera and detritus of dead bugs the bombardments usually caught. What the hell was happening?

>Thatcher was already up in the air again ahead, punching rockets out towards the crag almost a kilometer and a half away.

>Some vague mass moved in the haze ahead, Thatcher pursued the movement with the steady thump of his autocannons as he bolted forward.

>You had no luck getting a missile lock, your radar confused by the chaos, you looked towards Thatcher's thumping advance.

>Just in time to see a blinding white shot impact his cockpit, his AC turned skywards, still firing as the whole machine locked up.

>His screams over the radio were the only thing you could hear, shortly before his whole machine turned to fire.

>You jumped again, heart hammering, just in time to avoid another white ball of hissing death.

>Thermobarics detonated ahead, bright blisters of orange fire casting everything in hard shadow as you landed.

>Silhouettes of more machines moved ahead, jumping and sprinting, desperate to close the distance to the crag.

>They were never this accurate this far out, not before, what the hell was happening?

>The battlenet was no help, reports overlapped in warbling chaos as the dead screamed their hearts out over the lines.

>You sprinted forward after you landed, the jets had to cool, the dark sky backlit by dozens more thermobaric detonations, AC tracers streaked in long arcing lines towards the crag.

>A machine ahead jumped, but too late, it was caught by the leg and span into the dirt. Who even was that? Rook? Tim? Melbourne?

>Another squadron dashed serpentine to your right, the leader was caught in the chest, his heavy shoulder launcher misfired, the missile careening wildly forwards.

>It detonated in another orange inferno, catching the forward most machine at its edge.

>They had the right idea, you jumped diagonally. Two more shots screamed past, one aimed at the ground and the other aimed for the top of your jump.

>It would have caught you center mass if you hadn't picked another direction.

>Heat alarms chirped in your ears, there was no time, you had to move.

>You sprinted to the left as another shot almost clipped your right arm, you raised it, the steady clatter of 50mm shells hopefully throwing off their aim.

>You jumped again, ignoring the screaming heat alarm, the gauges don't matter, you have to live.

>You slowed your descent with thrust but something was wrong, you came down too hard.

>the left leg screamed as its joints buckled, you could still stand, drag yourself somewhere safe.

>The light tank rumbles by your feet, but catches a shot and is thrown backwards, fuel and ammo cooking from the unbelievable heat.

>You had forgotten about the crag!

>You turned just in time to see your death screaming towards you on white fibrous wings. Backlit by the fires and dust of hell itself.

>Heat, burning, unbearable heat.

>You had only wanted to fly.

>... --- ...

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Chapter 3: Repair & Redeployment

>You stirred from your rest, brought up by the hiss of rain. You hoped it wasn't quite as bad as it sounded.

>The cot groaned as you picked yourself up, the dim greying blue of an overcast sky peeked through the tent flap.

>You had no idea how long you slept for, yesterday wore you down to the bone. The fact nobody had sounded reveille pointed to the rains being as bad as you feared.

>You stretched with a wide yawn, the cot snapped in protest.

>You stood up still gathering your bearings and stretching, and tapped your head on the tent beam. You forgot how low these damn things are.

>The cot across from you was empty, they must have woken before you.

>Cautiously you unzipped the tent flap just enough to stick your hand out.

>Immediately it was drenched by icy sheets of water.

>You growled as you pulled your hand back in, of course it was freezing rain, the worst kind, and it was coming down heavy. It always soaked straight through your fur and left you a shivering mess.

>Wiping down your soaked paw on your blankets you contemplated where Tom could have gone too.

>You guessed not being covered in fur is an advantage if you don't want to get wet, he probably dried off easy.

>You sat down, hoping it would let up soon.

>Still the rain came in hissing sheets, the smell of wet land overwhelmed anything the wind may have carried, your ears couldn't pick out anything subtle over the deluge of noise.

>Was this what it was like?

>To be human?

>Practically scent-blind, half deafened, cold, only relying on your eyes.

>And alone, so alone.

>The rain drowned any scents from the others. Tune your ears as you might you hear no one else close by.

>You hate the rain.

>You tinge with sympathy towards Tom. You didn't even know where he was.

>You have to wonder how often he feels this way.

>You didn't want to step out into the rain and make yourself sick, but the encroaching sense of isolation was edging up your spine.

>You needed some sort of sign that at least someone was present.

>Scanning around, you settled on the silvery shape of something on his table.

>His gun.

>You held the revolver carefully, making sure not to mark its gleaming silver finish with your claws.

>Inscriptions edged along its surface, six segments of some foreign script were engraved on the cylinder, seemingly one for each chamber.

>You noticed a seventh inscription on the thumb groove of the hammer, the same unreadable lettering.

>Turning it over a large engraving dominated the side of the barrel, a name, flourished by floral lines that flowed like waves 'Mariah'

>Someone he knew? someone he cared about?

>You ran your nose over the black leather grip, trying to pick up his scent. A faint trace of it was there from his palm, but it wasn't much, he must clean this thing regularly.

>You whined softly in disappointment, old pack instincts were picking up, anxiety over being truly alone.

>You of course knew the others were still around, but your instincts needed confirmation, movement, a fresh scent, something.

>And you were unwilling to go out in the downpour, your coat didn't adjust well to the wet cold of the north, getting soaked wouldn't help.

>You shiver as the icy fingers of the rains bleed through the fabric of the tent and grip at your sides.

>Throwing on some clothes you think about what things of his would carry a fresh scent.

>You manage to crack open his footlocker. You hope he doesn't notice the claw marks along the inside of the lid when he returns.

>Harness? no. flak jacket? maybe. workout clothes. bingo!

>Almost like some sort of evolutionary narcotic, the heavy scent of his sweat grounds your nerves.

>The sign of life accepted by the animal within you as proof you had company.

>You weren't being weird. promise!

>Then your ears twitched, you slammed the lid, about had a heart attack, and launched your head into the crossbeam all in the span of a few seconds.

>Sitting on the floor clutching at your scalp, ears pinned back, you saw Tom standing at the flap looking bewildered and soaked under a rain coat.

>Oh God he must have seen you, your ears are flush with fire right now.

>he regarded you before zipping the tent back up and unbuttoning his coat.

>Dropping the water-repellent garment and producing a pack, he drew out a heavy fleece coat and another rainsheet and tossed both at you.

>Both seemed to be in your size.

>He was now standing over his foot locker, another fleece coat in hand, and looking at you with a quirked brow.

>He knew not to say anything right away, let your wilting nerves do the persuading for him. It was working

>You relented, not wanting to put undue stress on either of you.

"Look, I'm sorry if it seems weird that I... messed with your clothes. But the rain It. It just blocks out all the smell..."

"I need some kind of scent, I get nervous if I can't smell anyone else around."

>Tom seemed like he didn't know what to feel right now. He sighed heavily, steadying his crutch.

>"Fuckin. Whatever... Just put those on, Vilka wants a more proper introduction than that shit show yesterday."

>He clasped on the coat and threw the rain sheet back over himself as he stepped back into the frigid torrent.

>He hadn't asked you to help him walk this time.

>One step forward and two steps back.

>Idiot

<Tom>

>Well that was fucking weird.

>Finally come down off of all the drugs they pumped in to you in hospital, you thought maybe things would calm down a bit.

>Of course, you momentarily forgot you were now bunkmates with an anthro.

>You also forgot that reality itself has a vendetta against you.

>You then walked in with fresh cold weather gear for both of you, only to find she was gently inhaling your spare tanktop, the one you ran PT in.

>The excuse she offered about needing the scent of another person within easy reach made some sort of sense.

>You had heard before that anthros get antsy during heavy rains, dulls their senses and they start getting panicky.

>You didn't imagine it was severe enough to warrant breaking and entering.

>This new information was making you panicky.

>Vilka had practically cornered you when you ran to the supply bunker early in the morning to pick up gear suitable for this shit weather.

>Well she really just stood at the door looking pleased with herself until you eventually agreed to her proposition, if only to get her to stop staring at you.

>Said proposition was a more, 'personal', meeting with her and the senior officers of the platoon.

>Basically everyone but the grunts.

>The only thing that didn't make you consider the benefits and drawbacks of going AWOL was she agreed to your condition you bring Teth'ra with you.

>She seemed puzzled, until you started explaining Teth'ra had helped you greatly during your recovery, even stopped by everyday to keep you occupied.

>At that point her expression was looking less pleased.

>Leaving out any mention of the balcony or your near breakdown outside the bunker (your amazed no one saw that), you explained that you were raised in a purely human city, and anthros were foreign to you.

>Aside from the bold faced lie about why you were really so averse, this meant Teth'ra was your gateway in to understanding and befriending the platoon, and without her talks would be getting nowhere fast.

>Her satisfied grin had morphed into an intent grimace at that point.

>She tried to stare you down with hard eye contact, it may have worked if she hadn't flinched the first time you two played at this.

>You were swallowing your fear for your own sake, without Teth'ra there to act as a buffer you may do something you'll regret.

>You put that same burning intensity to your stare that your old sub-gunner told you you got when killing bugs by the truckload.

>5 seconds later you imagined her wearing a red sash, that turned your glare downright murderous.

>2 seconds after that she broke off suddenly and agreed to you bringing your favorite jackal along.

>You then shouldered past her and left before she could gather up her courage after you played what must have been one of the most important staring contests in your life.

>Now you were here after taking a walk around the base to think.

>The rain bought a real grounding weight to your back, that made those imaginary importances riding your shoulders feel real.

>And the smell was refreshing, crisp, and solitary.

>It drowned out the memories of bad smells, burning flesh, streaming blood, rotting bodies.

>Those were already horrid enough to deal with when they occasionally leaked into your compartment, you didn't want the experience in high definition.

>The jackal eventually stepped out of the tent, looking as large as ever.

>Draped in what was more likely a tarp for covering small cars than a rain sheet for keeping your kit dry.

>It even hung over the tip of her muzzle, making her resemble some sort of olive green grim reaper, if the specter of death had a snout and very obvious hips.

>She must really hate rain, you guess with all the fur you couldn't blame her.

>What you could blame her for was touching your stuff, even if her excuse was making you think twice.

>Even with how much you've been getting to know her, the two of you are still very, very different.

>What you walked in on just reinforces that.

>She wasn't saying anything on the way towards the command tent, maybe she was being hard on herself for her little episode.

>Maybe you should apologize. You were a bit hasty in your reaction over it. Though you doubt you'd be heard over the incessant rain.

>Of course now you had to go stare down Vilka and her goons, you didn't have to be scared, Teth'ra would be there to keep you safe.

>You mentally prepared yourself, reinforcing your state of mind back into being the perennial ball of rage.

>When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Get Mad!

-I DON'T WANT YOUR DAMN LEMONS, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THESE?!!-

>You arrived at the command tent, and found a note explaining that due to the lord on high ringing out all of his old towels over your heads that your little meeting was being held under a solid roof, one of the now empty barracks as troops had departed en masse this morning to join the offensive.

-I'M GONNA BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN! WITH THE LEMONS!!!

>One trip halfway across the goddamn base in hurricane force rains later you were simmering with rage, fucking perfect.

>You had enough of this goddamn rain.

>You looked back at Teth'ra following passively under her tarp.

>Why did you get the feeling you were being followed by a dog that had just been kicked?

>Maybe you could repair this... somehow.

>That level of connection you felt that first night, when you really didn't even know exactly what she was, that felt nice, it would be nice to have it again but something seemed to be making her flighty beyond the rain.

>Maybe you could snap her out of it with some strategic prodding at the local chain of command, if only to get her to keep herself from doing more weird shit.

>You pulled open the door and stepped inside the nice warm barracks, hardwood floors squeaking under your drenched boots as you shook the rain sheet off your back.

>You inhaled the air, untouched by the weather, and grumbled deeply, this much rain got old fast. You liked a light drizzle, not a repeat of the flood.

>You looked back to see Teth'ra peeling off her tarp, she looked miserable.

>fuck

>You were about to start prepping the 'I'm not mad BUT' speech, but you were interrupted by Vilka calling from somewhere further in.

>"Well master sergeant, we're waiting."

>...

>"Should I start calling you Tommy?"

"Just hang on a fucking second!"

>Last thing you wanted was for a pet name from the bitch

>You huffed heavily, your friend looking... well shit, almost exactly like a dog looks when it knows it did wrong but is just so SORRY.

-stop melting my heart you monster-

>You sigh more gently this time, your anger blunted into more of a burrowed hatred rather than actively simmering.

"Look, I'm not... mad. About your..."

>Vague hand waving? emote you hack!

"...scent deal, just... we'll talk about this later okay?"

>She nods, that might just be the best your gonna get out of her right now.

"But for now I need you to shape up before we go into the lion's den aight?"

>Another nod, she's not looking quite like someone stepped on her tail now.

>You wish she'd say something... anything really.

>You started hobbling off towards the source of Vilka's obnoxiously cheery voice, by your best guess you would be having a mental throwdown with round about a dozen anthros that likely didn't like you after your stunt yesterday.

>That was more manageable than 50, yet still your breath was on the wire.

>inhale, count to four, exhale

>She'll be there to keep you guarded.

>They can't hurt you

---

>Teth'ra seemed to get the gist and toughened into a more neutral expression, you could still see a touch of nerves edging through with minute twitches of her tail. She was at least trying, bless her heart.

>Although the jackal had rather quickly shed her coat saying it was too warm, you had no qualms about dealing with a little heat.

>The heavy winter waist coat added a wide layer of bulk onto your figure, enhancing the image of the mechanic/ athlete.

>You popped your collar over your neck and pulled your goggles to sit just above your eyes. With less of your face to read that may keep them from taking advantage of any twitches from your part.

>You hated having to think like this, with human officers simply pulling your best impersonation of an easter island statue was enough.

>Anthros on the other hand, if they could read you as well as Teth'ra, needed to be grimaced at from a healthy distance with as little on your part in terms of expression, body language, or changes in inflection.

>Damp boots still squeaking on the hardwood, you came into an empty R&R hall to find Vilka and 5 others, one of which was the badger.

>Half an enemy force is still an enemy.

>Vilka immediately eyed you as you entered, the movement of her bushy tail was easy to pick out.

>"Glad you could make it Tom" Her lips curled into a generic smile as her eyes still examined you up and down.

>You were glad for the extra layer, the Coat and baggy utility pants did much to hide you from a gaze you were quickly growing uncomfortable with.

"Use my rank or last name if you would."

>In your experience officers that got chummy this early on tended to be the same ones that used people. Cut the informalities short and they have to scramble to find some other way to work their chains into you.

"sir"

>You added absentmindedly, a conveyance that you weren't here to make friends, and a faint cue that you didn't respect her authority.

>You sat on one of the unused pool tables and folded one of your legs over the other, noticing a flick of movement from Vilka's muzzle.

>Was that what you thought it was?...No, there's no way. Get back on to the task at hand.

>You stared away from Vilka as you got to work identifying the other threats in the room.

>First up: the badger you recognized from yesterday.

>Not quite as short as you remembered, but still built with a distinctively wide and stocky stance. She seemed more agitated and bored than anything.

>She seemed to be more interested in Teth'ra than you as the jackal sat down on another table ahead of you and to your side. Perhaps the two of them have some sort of rivalry?

-all of them hate her and by extension us-

>shut the fuck up brain

>As the jackal and badger had a presumed stare down, you turned your attention to one of the others wearing base sergeant's chevrons.

>There was what you guess was a mouse or rat, bright white fur with cherry red eyes, she was thin and dexterous. A frock of fur on her head teased into some sort of psuedo-hair and two small incisors peeked over her lip.

>You sized her to be slightly shorter than you as she caught your gaze and then quickly turned away, fidgeting with something in her paws and flicking her gaze to various things across the room.

>Looking on you found a bear, maybe the only one here larger than Teth'ra. If not in terms of height than in terms of bulk.

>Large and brown, and covered in dense fur, definitely a bear, she seemed to regard you rather warmly as you passed over her, even though she looked like she was on the verge of falling asleep. Looked likely to be a bog standard brown bear.

>Then those teeth showed in what may have supposed to have been a motherly smile at one point.

-NOPE-

>You mentally screamed to think on the possibility if she was a larger and more aggressive breed of bear, like a Polar or Grizzly. Or, mercy on your soul, a Kodiak.

>Looking back across Vilka you saw the one sergeant sitting the closest to you and Teth'ra, a silver vixen.

>First thing that catches your eye is a nasty scar across the top of her muzzle, and another one that almost dug into her right eye.

>But somehow it hasn't deformed her, her pale green eyes give you a wink as you get the general sense of her.

-oh boy here we go-

>You then promptly stare ahead at nothing in particular, contemplating if you were more intimidated or disgusted by the obvious flirt.

>Your brain is eagerly running back to the 'sex monsters' train of thought. They have you outnumbered 3 to 1. But your far from cornered.

>And finally, the beastie sitting in Vilka's shade.

>...

>Holy fuck is that a fucking sabertooth?

>Those fangs must be as wide around as your wrist.

>Are there fucking dinosaurs too?

>You can't handle being jumped by a motherfucking t-rex.

>She's pretty much Vilka's size, much to your relief. Her jacket bears the patches of a master sergeant, fresh too, likely to keep you from pulling rank on what must be the LT's right hand.

>You still have seniority of experience and over 100 tons of building sized 'fuck you' on your side, assuming the bureaucrats haven't weaseled you out of a rumbler.

>She seems to be scanning through a sheaf of papers in her paw, the clawed digits managing not to tear a hole in them.

>Vilka clearing her throat brings you back to the matter at hand... paw... whatever.

>"Well everyone, you all know master sergeant McWhicky."

"No you don't."

>The wolf's breath caught in her mouth, and for the briefest instant you saw confusion, but she quickly resumed.

>"But he does not know any of you."

>You kept quiet at that one, you were snippy, but unwilling to push it.

>The badger gave a growling huff as she picked herself up from her spot leaning against the wall.

>"Heya, names Maxine Baker." She offered a paw forward but you weren't moving from your spot, you gave a casual sort of wave.

>turning your wrist in the 'hey cool I get it' sort of way. She huffed again but didn't plod forward on her stubby legs.

>Her voice was gruff and high, and the hard k in her last name almost made her cough out the syllable like a gunshot. Like her species' infamous aggression manifested in the way she spoke.

>She went back to looking bored as the vixen took up the slack, not moving but looking over to you intently.

>"I am Lyudmilla, and I see you hev made friends with my star corporal. Vhet will be most... interesting-"

>She spoke with the deliberate hint of a slavic accent, her voice smooth and practiced. You caught the slightest hint of sarcasm at the mention of Teth'ra.

>You lightly flexed your legs to keep the blood flow away from your sin-sword, trying to tempt you with that practiced taste of the exotic. Fukin witch.

>Your gaze flicks away from the fox as Teth'ra seems to grumble something under her breath.

>"Sergeant Astroya, proper introduction. if you would." Vilka seems to let the hint of a growl follow her sentence.

-it begins-

>for fucks sake brain.

>"Of course, I hev merely never seen a man get so close to Magual without her mauling the poor thing."

>Teth'ra growls in response. "And I've never seen you stick by anyone of em' that disappears between your legs."

>Oh shit

>You have to admit it's actually funny, as you suppress a snort and clear your throat

>Lyudmilla takes a paw to her chest and cocks her brows at Vilka like a powdered aristocrat balking at the roguish upstart.

>The badger chortles from the other side of their little half circle. That earns her a snobbish glare as the vixen's wide ears fold down.

>"She's got ya there Lu, never were for more than the one night stand huh?"

>"Bah! I hev merely not found the right vun. Not everyone is so crude as you, you little she-demon. hmph!"

>Another round of laughter from Maxine, even the rodent seems to relax and produce a shallow grin.

>The... well, your starting to narrow on rat, something about the fluff around her cheeks, speaks now.

>"Hi... I'm uh.. Sergeant Cherbrie. Eva... Eva Cherbrie... heh." Her voice is light and almost squeaks, it's actually kinda cute.

>demure, shy, and evidently a bit awkward. You could see her as the sort of cutie you would try to charm the pants off when you were young and stupid, if she was human. Yet for now she's just the least threatening, maybe you could actually get acquainted with her.

>You had to at least make an attempt to integrate right?

>"Anyways. it's uh. nice to meet you!... Mr. McWhicky.. sir." Her looks say rat but her demeanor screams mouse.

>"Would you like to come to um.. d-dinner?"

>....

-program:Brain has suffered a runtime error. initiating reboot. start in safe mode? yes/no-

>You blinked hard as every thought in your head ground to a screeching halt at once.

>di-did that demure little mouse just ask you out? after she just met you?!?! FUCKING WHAT

>"PHAHAHHAAAA haa ha ha, Look at that Lu, even Eva makes more of an effort to reel in a catch and keep em than you!"

>Teth'ra jumps in, coming off the tail end of a wheezing, breathless laugh "Damn Eva! never thought you had it in ya!"

>The vixen seemed stunned, making a mixture of half sighs and hissing inhales in between bouts of stammering.

>She finally found her bearings. "Oh please! she couldn't maneuver her way out of a paper bag if vere was so much as a mention of sex!"

>The mouse in question squeaks bashfully and buries her head in her hands. How the fuck is something that cute an NCO?

>And why the fuck did she ask you out?

>Vilka steps in looking rather annoyed. "Dammit Eva. You were supposed to leave that to me!."

>"sorrryy, it.. it just slipped out" Now you were thoroughly confused.

>The she-wolf sighed heavily "The platoon is heading out to a formal dinner in town Wednesday, before we're shipped out later. I want you to be there Tom."

>...

"I'm not really sure. I'll be busy with tuning and adjustments, a new Rumbler takes a lot of time and ca-"

>"Consider it a personal favor. And a way for us to get acquainted."

>You considered arguing but she seemed very insistent, your sure she had something more in mind than just dragging you out of your hole.

>You would probably just end up 'forgetting' about it anyway.

>The whole time the vixen and badger continued their argument, which had come to some sort of conclusion.

>Blowing off Vilka, you keyed in to what they were doing and tried to stabilize your rather confused state.

>As Lyudmilla glared at the badger, Maxine merely returned the very model example of a shit eating grin, then it turned cocky as she gave a challenging wag of a finger to the vixen and thumped a fist on her collarbone. With this sort of typical banter your tension ebbed away slowly.

>Teth'ra just looked back and smirked at you as she returned to spectating the soon to be catfight. The vixen's voluminous tail twitching angrily as your thoughts wandered.

>Maybe you were a bit hasty in your initial judgments, although they seemed to retain behavioral quirks from what animals they resembled, they seemed to act like anyone else. As foreign as they looked.

>Granted the flirty vixen was just fodder for your mind to keep running up the nymphomania angle, Teth'ra's more than odd behavior in the rain made you think maybe they were slaved a bit more to their senses and instincts than it may first appear.

>Yet they still had claws, and teeth, and a lot of them were bigger than you.

>But maybe, someone like that demure little mouse, with dull scrabbling claws and teeth made for gentle nibbling rather than tearing and slashing. Less in touch with their internal animal.

>Perhaps one far off day, when the bugs were gone, when the marauders lay in smoking ruin, and you finally have a real home. Then maybe you could bring yourself to entangle with someone who lived in the skin of a beast, or even love them.

>But that was a dream, one you may never have, the bug swarms grew more by the day, the marauders determined to kill all of mankind, even if it ends them.

>and as for a home... what could you even do when you left the military? sure you had your machine smarts, but you weren't certified by any of those foppish civilian engineering schools. Common mechanic work may not pay well enough for you to keep your legs under you, like your poor dad and his factory job.

>You had escaped death a few times out here, but you weren't one to push your luck.

>And soon enough you would be heading out into the heart of the war, where your luck would be pushed with or without your say.

>All it takes is just a bridge too far.

>...

>Might as well watch the catfight and forget about your lack of a future.

>Teth'ra was snickering as the badger and vixen started towards their mock confrontation, the fox trying to adopt a pose of elegance as the badger put up her dukes and bounced around with vigor.

>The stubby brawler's stance wasn't bad, but her footwork was sloppy. It practically screamed 'I have no plan of attack other than wing it'

>If it was a real fight Lyudmilla would already be on the floor, her savant pose was worse than no stance at all.

>Then something heavy impacted your shoulder and you jumped out of your skin.

>Wrenching your shoulder back away from the distinct sharp points of claws and ducking backwards, you stamped your legs under you and pushed to the right, launching away from the direction of attack as you caught your footing under you.

>Whirling around you grasped at your holster, for the gun that wasn't there, why the fuck didn't you bring it?!

>But you paused and found your answer as you stared into the stunned countenance of the bear.

>If you had it on you and loaded, this could have been a disaster rather than just.... whatever it was!

>Still, you stared wide eyed at the bear, those massive claws, sharp as razors had almost pierced into you, the threat was there, you have to keep your distance.

>Your breath comes in deep, ragged shunts, your lungs processing as much as they could to keep you alert.

>Your heart hammers in your ears. The claws, those fucking claws.

>Asses the situation: bear in front, 5 to the side, no 6, no weapon, outnumbered, exit beyond the enemy.

>A figure peered around the wolf, threat number 6, those teeth, knives that could punch through your throat.

>...

>The glint of teeth

>The flash of claws

>Your rooted in fear, helpless

>You can't even choke out a scream

>"Tom!"

>Your vision blurs as a shot of steel races up your spine, and suddenly your staring at deep blue eyes.

>The jackal's face is wracked with concern, and then anger, she turns to the bear.

>"You still got snow in your ears Darla!!? Ya DON'T sneak up on people like that!!"

>The bear mutters something as the jackal turns to you, features twisted in some faux sympathy again.

>She speaks gently "Tom. look at me. It's gonna be okay, just calm down."

>Something familiar in the jackal's voice sparks at something in you. The pace of your breathing drops slightly. Your right leg shakes slightly, a flaring pain you didn't notice surrounds your knee.

>"Are you alvright?" The fox advances.

>More claws, more danger, you back away quickly, don't let them get close, ignore the pain.

>"Back off Astroya, let me handle it."

>It has a name? that can't be right. animals don't have names.

>"I am perfectly capable o-"

>"I'm the only one he knows!" The jackal hisses, some spark in you squirms at her voice, but why?

>She takes slow measured steps, claws low, shoulders down, shes not a threat.

>No! she's trying to trick you! You back away, arms raised... why are you shaking?

>Something in the blue calls towards you. No. No! its a trick! It's all lies! they walk and talk like men but their animals all of them!

>You've seen what they really are.

>Some spark in you crawls as you scan over her eyes. stay down dammit!

>"...hey." That spark is flaring, you shake. Stop! "Tom, its me, you got nothing to be scared of from me."

>"I won't hurt you." Why does it sound so genuine? It's a lie! Those teeth will gnash into your neck, the claws tear you to ribbons!

>Something warm twists as you feel uneasy, electric waves wash out from your center as your whole body convulses lightly.

>What is she doing to you? Why are you shaking dammit!

>She's getting too close, no. No.

>"I will never hurt you Tom. please, I can help you."

>"Just let me in."

>Those deep blue eyes. sapphires. calling. calming.

>No. she.. she can't be, she's one of them.

>stop shaking. Stop Shaking!

>Something warm has infested you, it's trying to take over. Make it stop!

>A soft whine, like a dog, those eyes catch yours.

>They look on the verge of tears. why?

>you can't stop shaking.

>"Look at me Tom. I promise with everything I am, I won't hurt you."

>"It's okay."

>The inner warmth consumes you.

>....

>You blink your eyes slowly, something dances on the tip of your tongue. Some haze can't quite form it.

>Something approaches, you take shaking steps backwards, don't get close. don't get close... please.

>Your back hits a wall, no, a corner. You have to fight but you can't.

>Blue, that lovely blue, somehow it has your complete attention, can you destroy something like that?

>You shrink into the corner, hoping to be left alone, for a chance at escape.

>It towers over you, everything is bleeding darkness, is this it?

>It leans down, breath washing over your hair.

>You have no future.

>Something touches you.

>Everything tenses, bracing for the end, it does not come.

>Some... clarity fogs over you.

>... those eyes again

"t-"

"Teth'ra?"

---

>Wordlessly, she pulls you in close again, every nerve is alive, your heart still pulses angrily in your core.

>Her breath is shaky, and you catch sight of her tail, bristled and tense.

>You feel like you could melt into her, but the others are here, you can't let your guard down.

>Shakily you stand yourself upwards, she supports you the whole way.

"I. I have to leave, please."

>Your pleading is quiet and childish, you hide yourself behind her large frame as she helps you walk out.

>"Corporal Magual, Explain!" The hairs on your neck stand, you tense to run for the door, the jackal locks her grip around your back and pulls you closer under her side.

>"Back off!" she growls. Thankfully the owner of the other voice seems to let the challenge go unanswered.

>Soon enough, your out of the hall. She throws on her coat, barely bothering to button it, and then throws the rain sheet over the both of you.

"t-tent"

>You choke, the door opens and she helps you out into the rain, it's not as bad as before, but the pressure knots your back.

>Everything twitches and shudders as you try to unwind the tension from your body.

>She says nothing, hurrying you along back to your cot.

>Shame licks at you, why won't she say something? say anything!

>You panicked, fell back on instinct, and let it take over in your fear.

>Your an unstable mess, your a burden.

>You slump more from the shame dragging you down than anything else.

>She's the only one you have now, and she saw. Saw how much of a shivering fuckup you really are.

>Every time you thought you found some sweetheart before, and you opened yourself completely to them, they ran. Everytime they recoiled at what you are, and suddenly it's 'not that kind of relationship', then it turns to the breakup, then their off in someone else's arms, whispering in their ears, laughing at you.

>You got used to it, learned to shut yourself in and use them, like they used you, the ones that hurt were those you called friend.

>You got to know them, and they you. They would prod and edge on, trying to bury deeper into what you are.

>Gently, always gently you would dissuade, turn them away with a twist of phrase, distract them with a joke, steer towards something fun when they edged too close to what you hid.

>You never forced them away, out of some vain hope if they uncovered it naturally, they wouldn't leave.

>...

>That they would understand.

>They never did. And now there she was, a complete accident had shattered your facade like so much glass.

>At least she was letting you pick up your pieces before she abandoned you. Not that you could blame her.

>You had known her for all of a week and it was already over, must be some kinda record.

>Your whole dynamic moved at breakneck speed, and it crashed just as hard.

>That deep pit dragged your heart in, and it wasn't coming back out anytime soon.

>It moved so fast, and a week from now you would both be dead.

-you have no future-

>You cringed, wanting to just curl in on yourself and cry, the rain was doing a hell of a job weeping for you though.

>She hurried you along as your breath came in heaving shudders, your eyes watered and stung. The floodgates would open after she was gone.

>No need to let her see you shatter further.

>It's a terrible day for rain

>She still said nothing as she helped you into your tent. She tossed the rain sheet aside and starting taking off her coat.

>You threw yours off and let it slump in a pile on the lid of your footlocker.

>Hobbling over to your cot you set yourself down and left your crutch against the back pillar.

>You hung your head and waited for the shouting to start.

>It's a cold, creeping sort of despair really, It climbs your throat as its withered black vines bear dry fruits with no substance.

>You taste the air, damp and heavy.

>It knots up in you, that flowering realization. Your alone, so truly alone.

>Chancing a flick of the eyes outward, she hasn't moved. Why is she still there? Why doesn't she leave?

>The tempo of your lungs is more evened out, just waiting for her to leave, so you can stop pretending that your holding it together.

>Men don't cry in front of others, especially a man in the army, it just doesn't work that way.

>You hear some squeak from the wind, it must move to pick up for the slacking rain.

>Some slight smell leaks in through the outside, the clinging artifact trying to stimulate you to move, to do anything really.

>Another noise from the wind, but something sounds off. You raise slightly trying to listen over the softened hiss of the storm.

>It comes again, just over the pattering clamor of droplets. It sounds like... a sob?

>That damnable human curiosity gets the better of you, and you forge on into the dark, raising your head.

>She hasn't moved, the fleece thrown to the ground by a jilted hand. Your narrow eyes crawl upwards, nothing is telling you to stop.

>You let yourself open your eyes as you raise them full. She stands unmoved, Her back tight and shoulders wilted as dead roses.

>Her proud grey ears laid low like the sails of a decrepit sloop. Another short rasping croak and her back jumps as her head moves like a petal caught in a breeze. The clear crystal of a tear rolls off her cheek and spats against the ground.

>Your sanguine core stirs in its prison.

>Why is she crying?

>Your the one who should be crying.

>"Wuh-why do you hate me?" It comes in a whimpering choke, punching you in the chest like the words had made material as they flew.

>The heart rattles its chains.

>You had never even thought, how alienated she must feel from you, your actions reflected on it. The way you shied away as you learned what she was. Your hesitance to speak out for her. The crass way you disregarded her today.

>The way others retreated from you.

>She had acted out because she was scared. Scared of being alone.

-like you-

>And you had shirked her because it was just some quirk in her behavior.

-yer a scumbag alright-

>not helping.

>Now she was going to make you cry for entirely different reasons. Your heart thrashed furiously in its pit, a hunger stirring that demanded you at least try.

"... Teth'ra"

>She's not trying to hide it anymore, her restraint slips, her shallowed breaths louder and more obvious as she quakes.

>"Don't Lie!... I saw how you looked at me. Like I was some kind of animal!"

>"That's what we are to you right? Animals that pretend at being human? What I am!"

>Where is this coming from?

"Teth'ra I-"

>"What if I don't want to be human?! To be normal!... What if I just want to... to...." A powering sob racks her frame, she shudders as she buries her muzzle into her hands. Legs quivering. She's openly weeping now.

>Your heart is screaming.

>Fuck this subtlety shit. time to load up and roll out.

-she saved you, you owe her this-

>Yes... yes you do. You steel yourself as you lurch off your cot and take an aching step forward.

>Your leg screams its own chorus as you move, it can go fuck itself, your heart is louder by magnitudes.

>Shakily... another step. and then another.

>Just like that first day of Rumbler practice. When you first crammed yourself into an armature. Step by step.

>Tears of your own well at the corners of your vision as you edge closer to her, without the distinct tap of your crutch, she seems not to take notice.

>Every cry that escapes her hits you behind the ribs, yet more reminders of how terrible you were. Your on the verge as you stand behind her. She no longer looks like the giant you were so scared of, she looks pathetic, small, pitiful.

>She looks like you feel.

>You reach up and seize her shoulder with a firm hand, careful to make certain your grip can be easily slipped, and the points of your nails face away, as if you had claws of your own.

>She jumps slightly and seems confused but doesn't shrug off the touch, you go in for the kill.

>You pull her shoulder towards you, forcing her to turn on trembling legs to face you.

>You nail the left hand on her free shoulder as she faces you now, blue eyes watering like the ocean itself had sprung a leak.

>You catch them in your own eyes this time, you do nothing to hide the pain that contorts your image.

>You have to carry her now.

>You have to hold her together.

>Despite trying to hold some sort of strength to your voice it all collapses like molded stone, you stammer it out, wavering and warbling.

"I'm Sorry! Okay Teth'ra... I-I'm sorry that I've been so fucking wrapped up in myself!"

"I've been trying! Trying so fucking hard to see you as a person, And I know you are! Your wonderful! but I just can't. Fucking get over it!"

>Goddamnit it's all falling to pieces, you aren't supposed to be crying, not now.

"So please. Just stop alright? Your gonna make me cry now you fuzzy idiot!"

>Now you need support, how much of a pussy are you?

>You press down on her shoulder and she seems to oblige, lowering herself until the two of you are at about equal height.

>You aren't sure which one of you pulls for the embrace first, but you crash into eachother. It's rough, but your saved from toppling over by the fact she's kneeling and is unable to really lean her weight on you.

>Still she sobbed as she buried her muzzle under the crook of your chin. The crying accentuated by sharp, pleading whines. Poor girl.

>This calls for heavy artillery.

>Even as you bite back your own streaming tears on allowing her, 'your angel', to get like this, you curl an arm over her shoulder and bring your hand around to meet the ruff of her neck.

>You hoped that the canine part of her was as predominant as you were hedging your bets on right now, the chin rub was a fantastic trick, and now you hoped some more of the sort of attention you would give to a hurt dog would help her.

>this stuff is soft as downe, and you bury your fingers in and find her skin.

>Silky grey ruffles under your touch as you scratch in gentle circles along the back of her neck, her breath sharpens noticeably as she buries herself into you further, the whining becomes softer, she opens her mouth slightly and you can feel the heat of her breath washing over your neck.

>For a split second your worried those teeth may nape you, but she shoves her muzzle forward, stopping before she tilts your head skyward. The bridge of her muzzle nestled against your jaw, the soft fur of her face feeling like velvet remnants of the strangest beard you ever tried to grow.

>You lean your whole hand into your scratching petting, working into the tense coils of her neck, another needy whine and she squirmed against you.

>It's working. At this point you aren't sure what part of her is actually the one thats in control, the friendly neighborhood anthro, or the doggish jackal, currently pleading for your attention. In either case both of them are fine by you, always were a dog person.

>"Don't go." She whines sharply again.

>Your other hand lowers onto her upper back and you start scratching, journeying your fingers over the furrows and hills of her physique.

>She gives a shuddering breath and an almost moaning whine as you feel her tension start to melt away.

"I won't."

>Her muzzle flicks under you as she rests her chin on your shoulder, it almost fits into the hollow of your throat like a puzzle piece.

>"No. I mean it... I can't see someone else go and leave me all alone again." Her voice rumbles into your throat, its an odd feeling.

>Wait... again? dammit Teth'ra!

>Something about the knot in her back tells you she needs to talk about this.

>You hope she doesn't have to make you ask. But as the seconds drag on it seems like you might.

>It's cliché as all hell but fuck it, your life is becoming more like a soap opera as the days slide past.

"Who hurt you?"

>She immediately tenses, a little air is forced out of your lungs as she whines mournfully.

>Probably should have been more delicate with the wording, because she's not being quite so delicate with your ribs right now.

>The jackal almost seems to emit a low howl as she pulls herself against you. Your torn between the threat of being crushed if she squeezes any harder, the urge to cry yourself, and that churning feeling yelling at you to fix her.

>Dammit Jim! Your a mechanic not a therapist!

>But your the best she's got right now

>You decide to tough it out, you give her a pat on the back and move a hand to cradle the back of her head while you keep your other on her neck. While gently shushing into her ear. Which isn't hard since the thing is practically right in front of your lips.

>She takes a moment but then inhales deep. Here it comes.

>"I'm an only child... b. But, I wasn't always."

>...

>"My parents emigrated out of Egypt in the 70's, they came to the states. To get away and start a family."

>Egypt, of course her folks came from that hole in the sand, where else would a name like hers occur?

>"I almost didn't happen ya know?... Mom was beat real bad in one of the attacks, caused all sorts of complications later. Because some backwards asswipes fuckin stoned her, Because she was an animal!" Her breath comes in quick inhales and shudders, even as her despair creeps into her voice she's trying to hold it together.

>'because she was an animal' She likely wasn't thinking about it but the accusation was clear. This is one hell of a guilt trip.

>"They didn't have much. Gave up everything to get out, but they wanted to settle somewhere arid. Best environment for us pups right?"

>"So they took the cheapest option they had.. Utah.... And there we were, one of the only anthro families in state, surrounded by humans and that weird little cult of congeniality they got goin' on down there."

>"They had me first, came out a bit late and a touch on the large side, but mom was a champ. Her second was a still birth, I was too young to even remember how she cried."

>"Then, when I was five they had Dera'ket... Was excited as hell to have a little brother... Someone else I could play with!"

>"None of the other kids would come near me, either they were scared of me, or their parents forbid them. My claws hadn't even really come in yet, but still 'accidents will happen' they kept saying."

>"My dad didn't fall for their bullshit, wanted to storm out there and snarl at them why they were trying to get rid of us or convert us. Mom always erred towards caution though."

>...

>"Wasn't an active sort of persecution. Mostly just avoided us despite the missionaries coming to our door on the regular."

>"We were always invited to the social functions, either too late for it to actually matter or some thinly disguised rally for their hokey religion... I'd rather that they would've just left us alone rather than pretend like we're accepted."

>"Where it really showed was at school, the teasing, the bullying, the thinly veiled threats."

>"Hey look it's the mutt. Anubis is here. The mighty hunter shows herself.... Wanna be tamed bitch?" She cringed at that last one.

>"I managed well enough but Dera'ket.... He wasn't as tough as me, but I always tried to look after him as the oldest in the litter."

>"Despite the trouble I would get into, I chased away his bullies, bared teeth at punks, got in a few scraps after my claws grew in."

>"They would always get off scot-free, because according to their dipshit puritan parents, they were perfect little angels that could do no harm. Meanwhile I was the little terror with teeth and claws and nasty things. 'Why can't you just act like a normal girl?'"

>"But fucking year differences pulled us away from eachother... I would come home to him crying in his room, I would have to get mom because he wouldn't let me in."

>She's edging closer and closer to hysterics as she speaks, the shudders rocking the both of you become more desperate, some pleading part of her hinting to not spill her heart out.

>Too little, too late.

>"It got worse and worse after I started high school.... Puberty came at me like a truck, and I was always on the edge of my nerves. Often times I would have to force my way in his room when mom wasn't home and he was crying."

>"jus-Just to hold him close, and lie straight to his little ears that everything was gonna be ok!"

>"But he would just come home worse and worse! I... I-I tried everything! But he never let me in!"

>You know whats coming, but you can't brace yourself enough.

>Her grip tightens, she's approaching the breaking point.

>"And then one day he j- he ju- he just..."

>"HE NEVER CAME HOME!!"

>You honestly find some pain from your chest as she her arms constrict around you, burying you into eachother. She lets loose a long crying howl. Before bawling her eyes out.

>You find yourself sobbing now, because of her.

>You must remind her of the downward spiral her brother took, the one that must have ended with him taking his own life.

>The isolation, the bullying, a suicide in the family, a sibling even, an only sibling.

>Makes your own shitty days at school seem like a cakewalk.

>You had no idea. And your heart is breaking its chains trying to leap out of your mouth.

"I'm sorry Teth... I'm so sorry..."

"I had no idea."

>"i-It's not your fault!" She chokes out... This girl is turning your heart inside out and reshaping it to be three sizes larger.

>Your not sure what to feel other than sorry for her, every emotion swirls in your head.

>The strength is fading from her legs, you can feel her weight start to hang off of you. You tense your legs trying to keep her upright as she slumps, arms holding strong.

>"Don't Go! don't go don't go don't go!" She's begging like a broken child, frantically nuzzling you along your collar bone and neck. Her black nose a bizarre cold spot that nudges at you deeper. She must think your trying to pull away.

>You relent defeat and gently let her pull you down. You'd be lying if you didn't have to fight a little to get a decent lungful of air.

>You let her pull you slowly, dropping your good leg to take most of your weight, and the other being kept out of the way as to not aggravate your condition. Your sure not to drop onto her in a heap as you go from standing to sitting before she leans her weight on you as shes above you now, and trying her best to curl into your chest.

>Your positioning is awkward and you cant really hold her up, at least not without possibly throwing out your back, damn she's heavy.

>You don't skip leg day but lifting with your back is a bad idea, so you settle to let her down easy, shifting your legs slowly so you aren't laying on yourself. She still does not relent the vice grip she has on you. The whole time she's nuzzling and whimpering and crying.

>Forget opening the floodgates, the fucking Dam broke.

>How long has she kept this in?

>The last few inches to the ground drop away as both of you hit softly, you make a mild grunt of discomfort, choking it in to stay strong for her. Despite your tear slicked face.

>Something crackles and pops at your hip, you look up investigating as Teth'ra whines, not letting you pull away.

>"Don't gooooo-" Christ, shes like a puppy.

>Your damn hand radio is barking something, you take it out of the belt loop and turn it off, tossing it into the tent.

>Fuck it, this is more important right now.

>You have a bereaved jackal girl clinging to you acting like a pup some punk nailed with a rock, All of your dad's little wisdoms and your experience about raising your own pooch kick into gear.

>You knead your hands across her back, everything of hers twitches and uncoils as you work in with the heavy petting.

>She isn't letting go yet but her whimpers are getting steadier, less intense, you do your best to help her work out of it.

>Still she holds her head under yours, nose buried into your collar, the chilled spot twitching uncertainly.

>You work your hands up in tandem, and you bring them around to her head as you cup both sides of her jaw, fingers spread into the ruff of her cheeks.

>She freezes.

>Now it's your turn.

>You nudge her up, well sideways, until you can see her clearly. Those blue eyes glimmer and spark like the dancing ocean at sunset.

"I won't leave you."

>You go in for the kill running one hand up her cheek to tease the base of her ear while the other slides forward to stroke her chin.

>This never failed to make your old girl happy. It oughta do the trick for a 7 foot+ jackal.

"The sort of pain your going through is terrible, the last thing you need is to be alone with HuIT"

>The last syllable is strained as she squeezes you.

>The tears are finally being held back as she gave an almost mirthful growl "mmmuarf~"

>Was that a bark? an honest to god bark?

>"You better damn well mean that." Her voice still wavers.

>She inhales greatly as her death grip loosens, to the applause of your ribs. But you know that her little pouring out hasn't ended yet.

>Are you ready for round 2?

>You aren't sure but fuck it you have to try. Especially since she isn't letting you go until she's done.

>Her eyes are distant as she recounts.

>"After Dera'ket was... gone. Something in me snapped, and I just. Calmed down I guess."

>"I forced myself to stop in some stupid hope someone would come by.... someone.. like you."

>Not sure if the heart squeeze is from her words or her clinging to you.

>"But no one came around came around back then, they all kept their distance. So I got pissy, started lashing out, pulling stupid stunts."

-doesn't that sound familiar?-

>...

>"I.. I was so damn stupid. Kept getting in fights, hitting the weights only so I could be even scarier in a scuffle. Kept thinking, 'they wanna see a predator? give em' one!'"

>"I even sharpened my claws and filed my teeth for fucks sake!"

>Somehow the image of a spunky young Teth'ra taking an iron file to her canines is more endearing than it is frightening.

>"I hung around with the bad crowds, still didn't make friends, I was just the big angry bitch they used to keep things civil since I was always looking for a fight."

>"But still I.. I looked for someone, I was desperate... Mom almost shut down after it happened, and dad. Dad just growled at the neighbors and hit the bottle. I didn't want to be alone... I DON'T want to be alone."

>She passively runs a hand along your back as she continues.

>"Sophomore year I saw some skinny nerd eating all by his lonesome. I moved in with all the subtlety of Patton charging across Africa."

>*snrk* "Once he figured out I wasn't there to disembowel him, he was... actually very sweet. Thought it was just the coolest thing ever the queen bitch of the school wanted to know such a little dweeb."

>"His older brother didn't like the look of me. He was some college ball jock with a bigger padded cup than a brain. Overall fucking scumbag too, not just some angsty kid like me or those punks I hung around."

>She looks more distant now, ears low.

>"Then I had to distance myself, My first heat came on, and hard... It was really for the nerd's sake more than mine."

>"Mom told me that the first heat is always one of the worst, and you can't even trust yourself within sight of anyone you might uh.. fancy. Ya know?"

>"So for once I was a good girl and took my pills, and argued with the teachers over hiding myself away in study hall rather than attending class. Had to get mom on the phone. Humph, swear that was the angriest I've ever heard her."

>"But one day when I was starting to come down off it, The jock and three of the angrier fuckboys I had more than one fight with came out of nowhere when I was walking home. They cornered me in an alley. barking some shit about 'taming the beast'"

"Oh god Teth'ra.. They didn't-"

>"No, I about bit their dicks off." She manages a small laugh.

>"The sight of the cops coming across a scared little 16 year old jackal in an alley, teeth and claws dripping with blood and hugging her own tail must have finally done something. Everyone backed off real quick. I sent those four to the fucking hospital, One of em' even in critical condition."

>"Teenagers got juvie and expulsion. And as for the nerd's big bro? Tried as an adult and put away in prison, for attempted rape with intent to murder."

"Think he's in one of the penal outfits?"

>"Humph... If he is and the bugs haven't gotten too him first, remind me to tear his goddamn throat out."

>"All of them said I went feral, turned into some kinda monster. I barely even remember what happened myself, Just came to with em' screaming on the ground and the taste of blood in my mouth."

"And the nerd?"

>"Blamed me for his brother getting the slammer, no idea where the hell he went, I shoved him aside, hurt to do it but I knew better than to keep someone that could hurt me close."

>"The whole thing was a wake up call to my folks too, they snapped back into actually taking care of me. Dad even took me out to get licensed and got me a ratty old truck so I would never have to walk home again."

>"Course I got yelled at and beat over the head for just about every stupid mistake I made since the suicide. But it was better than them leaving me to turn into a street rat."

>"Then the draft started and I was an early pick... and here I am."

>She had recovered over the course of the final leg of her speel.

>...

>"I uh. I should... Probably let go of you. now. Right?"

>Back to her old self, you would sigh in relief if she wasn't holding you so close.

"Yeeeeeah- You probably should."

>She gingerly relaxed her grip and scooted away from you, avoiding eye contact. Her ears doing some odd swiveling dance.

>She sat up and you moved to do the same, illiciting a pretty heavy groan, fuck why were you so sore?

>Immediately Teth'ra snapped to attention, looked to you, looked to your crutch at the back of the tent, and then back to you.

>"Oh shit! you didn't walk on your bad leg did you?"

>You moved to stand.

"Te-"

>"-NO NO NO! Don't walk on it!" Immediately She squats low and shunts her arms under you for another princess carry.

>Was she seriously fussing over you even after the breakdown she just went through?

>She hefted you off the ground, and you threw an arm around her back for support.

"I'm fine! don't y-"

>"No your not fine! You've had a very stressful day, you need rest."

"I need rest?!?! After that little collapse back there? No you ne-"

>This time you were cut off by being dumped unceremoniously on your cot, and you cover being thrown over you, which you immediately fussed with.

"Teth'ra! don't yo-"

>A furred hand pushes your chest down, as she continues doing.. something, with your sheets "I'll be fine"

"I'm not the one that spilled her heart on the floor!"

>A soft growl and she manhandles you as she tucks your blankets under and around you.. wait, was she cocooning you with your own damn blankets?!

>Feeling unusually brave you square your shoulders and heave outward trying to squirm out of your fabric prison.

>She shoves you back down and tightens the bundle around you, growling as she places a hand just below your neck.

>Satisfied with her work she steps away. "I'm going to go explain in detail to command how Vilka fucked up today, this is going on a report anyway so might as well beat her to the punch. YOU stay here and get some rest!"

>She then throws on the tarp and leaves into the far more mellowed rainfall.

"Teth'ra"

"... Teth'ra!..."

"Teth'ra!!"

>You huffed heavily as you set your head back against your pillow

"TETH!!!"

...

"motherfucker"

>Thinking on it you were actually a lot more tired than you remembered. Today was mentally draining.

>You sighed as you tried to settle in to get some sleep...

>Were the insides of her ears redder than usual?

---

>You awoke gently to darkness. Warmth constricted you on every side... oh, right. Teth'ra had decided to treat you like some sort of human burrito, you wished she would have stuck around and talked to you instead of running off. You were left relieved, but also confused and tired. Every feeling from the day had swirled like the rolling of the ocean within you, you weren't certain what exactly bubbled up to the surface.

>You looked over to the jackal in question. Sleeping soundly, practically melted into her cot. Seeing her so relaxed reassured you that nothing else had gone wrong while you were out. You felt a tinge of guilt for how you were thinking before, so focused on her species rather than what kind of person she was.

>And she was a wonderful person.

>More feelings fluttered within you, dancing like a cloud of birds in a waltz through the air.

>Well, you couldn't just fall back asleep to set your rhythm in line with the standard, you had to get up and do something to facilitate that.

>Damn this blanket wrap is tight.

>Still you gently strained out against it and started shimmying, if you could just get your shoulders free enough to snake out your arms.

>You muffled your sounds of exertion as not to wake Teth'ra.

>Eventually with a groan you shook your shoulders free and managed to work your arms out, and felt along your cocoon for the telling edges of the blankets to roll it off you.

>Hell she tied some knots in here too, just to keep you from squirming out easy.

>Mental note: if you ever need someone restrained and your short on zipties just pass the jackal a bedsheet.

>Managing to untie and roll out the crinkled mess that was your bedding, you finally got step 1 complete, now for step 2... this might get tricky with those sat-dishes for ears.

>Slowly... ever slowly. You creep your legs over the side of your cot and gently teeter forward.

*pop*

>...

>dontwakeupdontwakeupdontwakeup

>A slight roll of her shoulder but nothing more, the ice of your spine goes back down.

>The fabric of your cot makes a few more soft pops and snaps as you pick yourself off of it with all the speed and dexterity of someone handling a live bomb.

>It feels like 10 minutes have crawled by when your weight is finally off the noisy fucker and you can stand upright.

>Amazingly Teth'ra still hasn't stirred aside from the minor fidgets a sleeping body does. Either your being more ninja than you think or she's sleeping awfully sound.

>Still taking it slow, you creep over to your crutch and pin it under your arm, and start walking towards the front of the tent, being careful not to make any distinct tapping sounds from your faithful wooden assistant.

>You freeze solid as the jackal produces the low throaty murmur of a growl, you sucked in air, waiting for her to bolt upright and ask what the hell you were doing.

>But it trailed off almost... pleasantly? she pulled a short intake of breath and moaned lightly.

>Phew, just the stirrings of pleasant dreams.

>That's a relief, no need to abandon your plan to shake her out of a night terror.

>A few more feathered steps and you were squatting over your footlocker, praying that the hinges don't fucking squeak.

>How long has it been since you last oiled the hinges?

>The lid peeled open without any verbose complaint, fantastic.

>You rustled through your clothing to find you prize, tucked away at the bottom.

>You raised the polished black case and set it to your side, careful that the handle doesn't make any clattering ticks. And closed your footlocker again.

>Step 2 accomplished, now for step 3 to edge you out of the danger zone.

>You hike the case under your free arm and edge out, slowly unzipping the flap and slipping out the half opened envelope.

>A clear night sky greeted you. Crisp night air slowly whistled by, things seemed oddly still despite the fact you were on an active military base.

>Seems like the majority of the troopers housed here abandoning it to join the offensive gave you some peace and quiet, long as you stay within the perimeter and don't bother the patrolling night sentries, fine by you.

>You stamped off to a certain little rock outcropping at the north of the eastern field, the pale kiss of moonlight touched everything as it hanged in the sky.

>For the next little while you engaged in some self recommended physical therapy to get your leg worked out so it would still be in shape when the doc gave you the go ahead to start running on it.

>When you felt winded enough you sat down and cracked open the case to get yourself back into a restful mood.

>Nothing does that quite like a song, so you pulled up your guitar, cleared your throat, and started plucking out the first tune to come to mind.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSe2k3P8wRE

[--------------------------------------------------------Chapter End------------------------------------------------------------------]