# Aimless Fate: Chapter 1

Author: FeralFENRIR
Tags: Coyote, Death, Fox, Friendship, Husky, Mutt, Red Wolf, Sad, Short Story, Suspense

#1 of Aimless Fate

&nbsp;

Hey guys! Well here it is, my first post! XD &nbsp;After what seems like forever writing the first chapter, its finally done and put up! &nbsp;Hopefully you guys will enjoy it! &nbsp;I went out on a limb with this story, trying to use a normal fur, instead of a soldier or something, and having interesting things happen to him. &nbsp;Feel free to comment and let me know what you think. &nbsp;I would love to hear your thoughts and get better as I write more. &nbsp;:) &nbsp;Hope you enjoy! XD

Also, a special thanks to my friend invudontseeme: &nbsp;Thank you for being my friend, supporting me in posting my stuff, and putting up with all my questions! :) \*hugs strongly\* THANKS!!!

-Feral

&nbsp;

&nbsp; **Aimless Fate**

Chapter 1

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The canine turned in his bed.&nbsp; He yawned, stretching for his phone on the nightstand beside his bed.&nbsp; Pressing a button, the screen lit up.&nbsp; The clock read 1:09 p.m.&nbsp; Sitting up, the canine eased out of his bed and walked to his bathroom.&nbsp; Along the way, he glanced at the few pictures he had framed.&nbsp; His favorite was of himself, with his friends, Mike and Michelle.&nbsp; It had been taken at the nightclub, Underworld, in the nearby city of Clearwater.&nbsp; All three had their arms over each other, sweaty, covered with glowstick fluid, and with drinks in their hands.&nbsp; Stray smiled at himself and his friends.&nbsp; They were all smiling from ear to ear, in the picture.&nbsp; He was the mutt between Mike, the fox, and Michelle, the husky.&nbsp; Stray was actually happy in the picture, not pretending to be, as he usually did.&nbsp; With his two best friends, alcohol, blinding lights, and good music, who wouldn't be?&nbsp; Stray wished everything could be so nice.&nbsp; He missed Michelle.&nbsp; The three had been inseparable throughout school.&nbsp; Even in college they had hung out frequently.&nbsp; Now, Stray hardly saw Michelle.&nbsp; A more recent picture showed her working as a bartender at Underworld.&nbsp; She was spinning a bottle in one hand, while getting ready to pour with the other.&nbsp; Michelle was pretty good, although Stray had no idea where she learned how to do that.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;He smiled remembering that night with his friends, as he went into his bathroom.&nbsp; Looking into the mirror, he stared at his black fur.&nbsp; He stretched, yawning loudly.&nbsp; Running his hand through his hair, he saw his green eyes looking back at him.&nbsp; His gaze was drawn to the white mark across his left eye.&nbsp; A white crescent cut through his solid black fur, like a bright moon over his eye.&nbsp; He sighed, looking over himself.&nbsp; He was a mutt, a mix breed, looking like half coyote and half husky.&nbsp; Stray wasn't even sure what mix he was!&nbsp; His parents had died when he was just a pup.&nbsp; He knew his mother was a husky, but his father. . .&nbsp;&nbsp; The canine shook his head, throwing off thoughts of his parents and splashed water on his face.&nbsp; It felt good on his soft fur.&nbsp; He began to dress, finding his clothes.&nbsp; After putting on some torn up jeans and a black tee, the canine picked up his phone.&nbsp; He slipped his keys in his pocket as he touched his friend's name.&nbsp; "Hello?" the voice asked.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Mike, what are you doing?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Killing time," the voice replied, "You just wake up, Stray?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yup," Stray answered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Must be nice," the voice on the other side said.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey! We don't all have a mansion." he laughed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's not a mansion!" Mike said, "Just a house."

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Better than my apartment," the canine muttered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hush! Are you coming over or what?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm already down the stairs. Be in the truck in a few, later."&nbsp; He hung up his phone, unlocking his truck.&nbsp; Mike was his best friend, and really his adoptive brother.&nbsp; Mike was a fox, from the East.&nbsp; His family came from some desert country across the ocean.&nbsp; Stray wasn't quite sure of the geography, but he knew the general area.&nbsp; He also knew that he had money.&nbsp; The canine wasn't sure how, but he did.&nbsp; They didn't flaunt it, and his house wasn't a mansion, rather a large, nice house like Mike said.&nbsp; The land it was on, however, was outside of town and not cheap.&nbsp; There was also the fact that they had their own bodyguard.&nbsp; Stray didn't worry about it though.&nbsp; Mike's family had basically taken him in.&nbsp; He thought of how he came to know Mike as he drove up his friend's long driveway.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He had been young, only a pup, when his parents were murdered.&nbsp; His father had told him to run, find help, and get away.&nbsp; Stray had listened.&nbsp; Running, terrified and in tears, he fled into the rainy night.&nbsp; He had no idea of what he was going to do.&nbsp; The scared pup ran to the park, which was not far from his home on the outskirts of the city.&nbsp; Stray never looked back, even after hearing the gunshots.&nbsp; The pup ran, the rain soaking his fur, until he reached the park.&nbsp; He finally came to a tree overlooking a small lake.&nbsp; Collapsing, the young canine, cried under the tree. &nbsp;The rain continued falling from the sky. &nbsp;A fox, also taking refuge near the tree, noticed the distressed pup, and came over to him.&nbsp; "What's wrong?" He asked, touching the pup's shoulder.&nbsp; Stray flung himself backwards, splashing on the flooded ground, eyes wide at the tall fox in front of him.&nbsp; "It's ok little one." The fox said reaching out.&nbsp; Having no energy to run, Stray had just sat there, cold and shivering in the frigid rain.&nbsp; "Come with me," the fox said, covering Stray with his jacket, "Let's get out of the rain."&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The fox had taken Stray to his place and Stray told him everything- everything but his name.&nbsp; The frightened pup was afraid to let the fox know it.&nbsp; The fox was named Sean, and he was Mike's bodyguard. He would later tell Stray that the tree overlooking the lake was his special place, where he went to think.&nbsp; His fur was so light; it was almost white, instead of tan.&nbsp; He gave the canine his new name, "Stray", when the pup refused to tell him his real name.&nbsp; Years later, Stray chose to forget his real name, linking it with the loss of his parents. Stray became his permanent name. &nbsp;Soon, he was adopted by Sean, and he and Mike became friends.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray smiled at how his life had been changed.&nbsp; The furs who murdered Stray's parents were never found, but Sean had convinced him to let it go.&nbsp; He had taught Stray about karma, and to let fate deal with certain things.&nbsp; 'Look at what I have now,' Stray thought as he turned the truck's engine off and stepped out.&nbsp; His boots crunched on the gravel, as he walked to the front door of Mike's house.&nbsp; It was nice, large enough to be comfortable, yet small enough to be homely.&nbsp; A large lawn surrounded the house, with woods bordering the property.&nbsp; Stray remembered he and Mike had been scolded for running into them when they were younger. It was a nice place; he thought, away from the city.&nbsp; It was a peaceful retreat.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Mike opened the door.&nbsp; "About damn time you got here!" he said playfully, hitting Stray lightly as he stepped inside.&nbsp; Mike was a brown fox, thin with black tattoos over his arms and shoulders.&nbsp; The tattoos twisted and curved around, like artistic vines, with runes interspersed within them.&nbsp; They were tribal and represented things in the foxes' culture, such as luck and wisdom, Mike had stated.&nbsp; He wore a black tank top, showing off his tattoos.&nbsp; The neck was cut low, allowing Mike's hourglass necklace to be seen.&nbsp; He never took it off, for any reason.&nbsp; It was some sort of family heirloom, or something Stray remembered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Traffic," Stray shrugged, jumping at his friend and making him flinch.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Whatever, you just don't want to get dominated on Xbox!" Mike jeered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No crying when you lose, pup." Stray retorted.&nbsp; As they made their way to the game room, they met Sean in the hallway.&nbsp; "Hello, Sean."&nbsp; &nbsp;Sean nodded, looking at Stray with his dark eyes.&nbsp; He passed the friends and walked off.&nbsp; When Stray looked back, the light fox had disappeared, a habit of his. &nbsp;Sean had always been mysterious and would vanish occasionally.&nbsp; Stray had lived with the bodyguard until he was old enough to look after himself.&nbsp; Sean was a quiet fox.&nbsp; He never really said much and it bothered Stray sometimes.&nbsp; He was always doing something though.&nbsp; If he wasn't working out, he was reading, or sleeping. He may not have spoken much, but he thought plenty, his deep eyes masking his thoughts.&nbsp; Stray looked up to Sean, however.&nbsp; The fox was pretty much his father and Stray had grown up thinking he was invincible, that he could protect him and his new family from anything.&nbsp; Stray still somewhat believed that to this day.&nbsp; He never got use to his disappearing act however.&nbsp; &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray shook it out of his mind; he had a game to win.&nbsp; "Where's my controller?&nbsp; I can't use those smooth sticks, you seem to like."&nbsp; The black canine asked, sitting in his chair.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Here it is, douche bag.&nbsp; Now, stop whining."&nbsp; Mike said, handing his friend the controller.&nbsp; "What are we playing first?"

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray thought for a moment, "How about that failure of a shooter everybody plays?&nbsp; I need to rank up for my new gun anyways."&nbsp; The fox turned the system on, and started the game.&nbsp; Minutes later, the room was filled with gunshots, explosions, and obscenities.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"That's right! Sit down!"&nbsp; Stray yelled jumping out of his comfy chair.&nbsp; Returning to his chair, he let out a high pitched scream as another player shot his character.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Laughing, Mike called out to his friend, "That wouldn't happen if you didn't suck!"

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Shut up! Look at the board. I'm sorry, who's at the top?"&nbsp; Stray almost choked on his drink when Mike jumped up with a loud curse, and almost spiked his controller into the floor.&nbsp; "Who sucks now, noob?"

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Want me to kick your ass?"

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Please, I'd love that."&nbsp; The canine smirked.&nbsp; The two friends played for most of the afternoon.&nbsp; They stopped to eat, after Stray almost broke a controller when one of their online matches lagged out.&nbsp; Mike had some burgers that they grilled.&nbsp; The fox threatened to stab his friend, when the canine acted like he was going to trip him in the kitchen.&nbsp; He retaliated by shaking Stray's soda can when he wasn't looking.&nbsp; He howled with laughter when the can spewed, spraying the canine with sticky fluid.&nbsp; After Stray cleaned up, and hit Mike with a well aimed empty can, the two returned to their game room.&nbsp; Instead of playing video games however, they decided to listen to music.&nbsp; Mike pressed a button on his remote, and the surround sound filled the room with music.&nbsp; The friends talked as they listened to metal and dubstep.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray spent the whole day with his friend, hanging out and not worrying about anything.&nbsp; This was his and Mike's routine, ever since they were pups.&nbsp; They did everything together.&nbsp; Stray couldn't have asked for a better friend.&nbsp; When he had been picked on in school for being different, Mike had stood up for him.&nbsp; One day, some kid had been teasing Stray, calling him a mutt.&nbsp; The pup kept saying Stray didn't belong, that he was different.&nbsp; Mike had stepped in and, without hesitation, punched the kid.&nbsp; Stray had never seen the shy fox do anything like that. It was usually the other way around, with him holding Stray back.&nbsp; After the pup had run off, Mike hugged his friend.&nbsp; Then he had told Stray that even though he was different, he was his brother.&nbsp; It was the first time Stray had felt accepted.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;It was a great day.&nbsp; First, the pair had played Xbox, filling the house with their raucous laughter and yelling.&nbsp; Then, they had grilled burgers for dinner, eating until they could barely move.&nbsp; Finally, they had put on the radio, listening to metal and dubstep, and talked about whatever came to mind.&nbsp; After hours off relaxing and enjoying the day, Stray finally decided to leave. &nbsp;He wished every day could be just as good, but it was the weekend, and come Monday, back to work.&nbsp; "Well, I guess I'll see you later." Mike said, walking Stray outside.&nbsp; The sun was just sinking over the horizon, making the sky orange.&nbsp; Stray's keys jingled as he swirled them around his finger.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yeah, you better be ready for our next game though, that was just sorry!" Stray taunted, smiling.&nbsp; He opened his truck door.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You got lucky!" The fox said, laughing and giving him the finger, "and I still think the singer from Dearly Beloved is hotter than the bassist from Wolves of Eventide!"

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Whatever!" Stray laughed, cranking his truck and heading towards home.&nbsp; He chuckled to himself, glad he and Mike were friends, and imagining the hot, she-wolf bassist from his favorite band.&nbsp; Stray didn't make many friends, but the ones he did, he kept for life and would do anything for them.&nbsp; The drive back to his apartment was uneventful, just listening to metal while the city lit up for the night.&nbsp; While the nocturnal city population woke up, Stray concentrated on what he would do for the rest of the night.&nbsp; He had the morning off from work, so he could stay up a little later tonight.&nbsp; The tired canine could prop up in his worn out couch, fix him some Long Island Tea, and watch movies or read until he fell asleep.&nbsp; Sighing, Stray realized his life wasn't much, but he was content.&nbsp; The bills got paid, he was free to do whatever he wanted, and nobody bothered him for the most part.&nbsp; 'Although a female companion would be nice.' He thought, feeling kind of lonely.&nbsp; Stray didn't date often.&nbsp; In fact, he didn't interact with others if he could help it.&nbsp; He was just happier alone, something most people couldn't understand.&nbsp; The canine cast the thought away, arriving at his apartment.&nbsp; Leaving his truck and heading up the stairs, he headed to his door.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The key slid into the lock and Stray twisted, unlocking his door.&nbsp; Stepping inside his dark apartment, he slid his keys in his left pocket, shut the door, and hit the lights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hello," a voice said.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Shit!" was all Stray could manage, seeing a large, red wolf stretched out on his couch.&nbsp; The wolf was smiling, looking directly into Stray's eyes.&nbsp; In the wolf's paw, was a pistol, pointed at Stray.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Don't do anything stupid and you might live," the wolf said, still smiling.&nbsp; Another wolf stepped beside Stray, holding a knife.&nbsp; Stray's heart pounded and his blood ran cold.&nbsp; He was beginning to shake.&nbsp; Looking around his apartment, he noticed it had been trashed.&nbsp; There was also a third wolf standing in his bedroom door.&nbsp; "Here, why don't you sit down?" the wolf with the gun asked, motioning for Stray to sit beside him.&nbsp; Stray walked towards him, having no choice, trying to keep his composure.&nbsp; His thoughts swirled, trying to find a way out of this.&nbsp; He sat, eyes locked with the wolf.&nbsp; "You look tense." the wolf commented, laughing, as his friends laughed with him.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "What do you want?" Stray growled.&nbsp; The wolf with the knife stood beside him.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, we want you," said the wolf, matter-of-factly.&nbsp; The wolf beside Stray pulled an elastic band from his pocket and slid it up Stray's arm, tying it tightly.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Why?" Stray asked, trying not to show his fear.&nbsp; He fought to keep his breathing steady and his body from shaking.&nbsp; The wolf holding the gun never stopped smiling.&nbsp; He leaned closer to Stray, giving him a good view of the gun.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Let us worry about that," the wolf smiled, "is he ready?" the wolf asked his companion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Yes." His companion answered, placing a syringe at Stray's bulging vein.&nbsp; "Night, night, pup!" he growled, forcing the clear liquid into Stray.&nbsp; Stray felt his heartbeat begin to slow as his vision faded.

&nbsp;

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stray could hear his own breathing.&nbsp; He opened his eyes and strained to see.&nbsp; Darkness was everywhere.&nbsp; Something tickled Stray's face.&nbsp; He realized it was carpet, old, musty carpet.&nbsp; With a soft groan, Stray tried to push himself up.&nbsp; Something rolled him over and a gun was placed inches from his muzzle.&nbsp; "Finally awake?" a voice asked.&nbsp; Stray gritted his teeth; knowing it was the smiling wolf, and remembering his predicament.&nbsp; "Good. Here's the plan, mutt.&nbsp; We know you're close to the light fox, the family bodyguard.&nbsp; You are going to call him and give him the routine, 'I'm being held hostage, do as they say or I die bullshit'.&nbsp; Tell him to go to your apartment, unarmed.&nbsp; Tell him to surrender to my guys.&nbsp; If he does, he will be unharmed.&nbsp; You will live, too.&nbsp; After that, my friend with the knife is going to stay here with you, while we go inside your friend's house and kill him and his family.&nbsp; Be a good pup and listen to us and you will live, I promise." The wolf said, teeth gleaming in the dim light.&nbsp; Stray started shaking.&nbsp; Mike, his brother, was in danger.&nbsp; Sean couldn't help because of Stray.&nbsp; Stray's stomach knotted.&nbsp; He realized that _he_ was the reason his family was helpless.&nbsp; No! They couldn't die because of him!&nbsp; He wouldn't let that happen.&nbsp; "What do you say?" the wolf asked, staring into Stray's eyes with his cold, golden eyes.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Fuck you!" Stray spat, with every ounce of bravado he had.&nbsp; The smiling wolf growled, kicking Stray hard in his ribs.&nbsp; As he doubled over, trying to breathe, the wolf jammed the gun to his cheek, pushing his face into the floor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Look you little bitch!" he growled, fangs showing, "You _will_ make the call."&nbsp; The wolf reached up and slammed the butt of the handgun under Stray's ribs.&nbsp; Stray felt the air leave his lungs, not able to make a sound.&nbsp; "Next time you defy me, my friend cuts you.&nbsp; Understand?&nbsp; Piss me off and I may just take you in with us and make you watch as we kill your friend."&nbsp; Stray focused on breathing again, not the pain in his chest- or the fact that he was in Hell currently.&nbsp; The smiling wolf watched as Stray lay, unable to move.&nbsp; He took a cell phone from his jacket pocket and gave it to Stray.&nbsp; Stray noticed it was his and, despite the events of tonight, the screen wasn't cracked.&nbsp; "Call the fox."&nbsp; The smiling wolf commanded.&nbsp; Stray managed to sit up.&nbsp; It was hard to find Sean's name with his hands shaking so much.&nbsp; He finally pulled the name up.&nbsp; Stray just stared for a moment.&nbsp; He was about to seal his family's fate.&nbsp; After pressing this name, it was over.&nbsp; They would die.&nbsp; Stray's mind frantically searched for an escape, _any_ escape, but there wasn't one.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hurry up!" the smiling wolf growled, threatening another blow to Stray.&nbsp; Stray felt a knot in his throat.&nbsp; He closed his eyes, letting a tear roll down his cheek.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I'm sorry."&nbsp; He whispered, pressing Sean's name.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sean answered on the fourth ring.&nbsp; "Hello?"

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sean listen, I've been kidnapped.&nbsp; Go to my apartment.&nbsp; Go unarmed, alone, and surrender to the guys there.&nbsp; If you do as they say, neither of us will die tonight."&nbsp; There was silence.&nbsp; Stray's heartbeats counted the seconds.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Stray-" Sean started.&nbsp; The smiling wolf yanked the phone away and hung up.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well, that's that, let's go."&nbsp; With that, he popped open the doors on the other side of the space.&nbsp; Stray realized they had been inside a van the whole time.&nbsp; The smiling wolf and another wolf got out, shutting the doors behind them.&nbsp; Stray was left alone in the darkness, with the wolf holding the knife.&nbsp; The wolf sat opposite Stray, playing with his knife.&nbsp; While Stray sat there, something clicked into place in his mind.&nbsp; They were in a van.&nbsp; The smiling wolf and his partner were _walking_ to Mike's house.&nbsp; That meant they were near!&nbsp; Stray's heart lifted.&nbsp; If he could escape, he could warn them!&nbsp; One problem stood in his way - the wolf with the knife.&nbsp; Stray's heart pounded and his breathing picked up.&nbsp; He didn't have much time.&nbsp; If he could move quick, knock the knife away, he'd have a chance.&nbsp; Stray took a breath to steady himself.&nbsp; He had one chance at this, if he failed, it was over.&nbsp; He locked eyes with the wolf, keeping the knife in his peripheral vision.&nbsp; The wolf just sat there, with a smirk, the knife in his hand.&nbsp; When Stray focused his eyes on him, he leaned back, moving his hand- and the knife, to the side.&nbsp;

_&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;There!_&nbsp; Without thinking, Stray kicked as hard as he could at the wolf's wrist.&nbsp; His boot slammed it into the wall of the van with a loud _Thunk!_&nbsp; Stray thought he felt bone snap.&nbsp; As the wolf howled in pain, the knife fell from his hand.&nbsp; Stray leapt forward, one hand curled into a fist aimed at the wolf's throat, the other grabbing for the dropped knife.&nbsp; The wolf saw Stray coming, but Stray was too quick.&nbsp; His punch landed in the wolf's throat.&nbsp; The wolf fell over, retching, as Stray grabbed the knife.&nbsp; With one last look at the wolf, struggling to get up, he slashed the knife across the wolf's throat.&nbsp; Blood sprayed over the van's floor.&nbsp; Stray stood, catching his breath.&nbsp; He had just taken a life.&nbsp; He had just knowingly killed someone else.&nbsp; The wolf's eyes stared at him, as his blood poured from his neck. Stray's hands were shaking uncontrollably, and his heart felt like it would burst.&nbsp; Shaking his head violently, Stray forced himself to forget about it for the moment.&nbsp; 'Can't dwell on it, Mike's in danger!'He thought.&nbsp; Opening the van's doors, he jumped out.&nbsp; Looking around, Stray saw trees everywhere.&nbsp; They had to be in the woods near Mikes' house.&nbsp; The bastards had snuck in to get a quick entry and a quick get-away.&nbsp; Now, Stray had to find Mike's house.&nbsp; Glancing around, Stray noticed there were lights coming through some of the trees.&nbsp; Stray sprinted in that direction.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray ran.&nbsp; He crashed through the woods clumsily.&nbsp; He didn't care. He had to reach Mike.&nbsp; Stray's foot caught on a root and he fell.&nbsp; Cursing, he pushed himself up and regained his momentum.&nbsp; Branches clawed at his face and arms.&nbsp; He did not care.&nbsp; He had to reach Mike before it was too late.&nbsp; Looking ahead Stray could see the house now, just through the next trees- _Bang!_ The sound echoed through the woods, sending birds to the night sky in every direction.&nbsp; Stray nearly fell again, stopping in his tracks.&nbsp; 'No, no, NO!' His thoughts screamed.&nbsp; He ran again, as fast as he could.&nbsp; Stray made it to Mike's lawn.&nbsp; The front door had been kicked open, so he made for it.&nbsp; Stray panted, he was halfway to the door- _Bang! Bang!_ Two more shots.&nbsp; "_Fuck!_" Stray breathed, reaching the door.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The house was quiet.&nbsp; Every light was on.&nbsp; It was still, as if the house was empty.&nbsp; 'If only it was- 'Stray thought.&nbsp; It was like the gunshots had taken all the sound from the area.&nbsp; Stray couldn't even hear his own panicked breathing.&nbsp; His mind raced, trying to decide what to do.&nbsp; It ran through the situation in less than a second.&nbsp; 'The two wolves were here, still in the house.&nbsp; Mike and his parents were most likely dead.&nbsp; All I have is a knife- against two wolves with handguns'.&nbsp; Stray didn't like the facts, but they were true.&nbsp; He had failed- his family- his best friend- both were dead.&nbsp; It was his fault.&nbsp; Now- now the bastards were going to pay.&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray slowly moved through the foyer, knife clutched in his hand.&nbsp; Surprisingly, he was calm.&nbsp; Nothing mattered now.&nbsp; He was going to kill these bastards.&nbsp; If not, they would kill him.&nbsp; It didn't matter to Stray, either way; he knew what he was doing.&nbsp; Suddenly, there was the sound of something breaking upstairs.&nbsp; Stray focused his breathing, and crept up the stairs toward the sound.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Come on, let's go!" A voice urged.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Shut up!" the other growled, and Stray knew instantly who it was, "We have time.&nbsp; The mutt is still in the woods.&nbsp; No one is coming.&nbsp; Let's take what we can find before we kill him and leave."&nbsp; The wolves were in the master bedroom.&nbsp; Stray knew he could slip in the study, located before the bedroom, and not be seen. &nbsp;He quickly snuck in the room, glimpsing the intruders, from a crack he left in the door.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm going downstairs to look." The third wolf said, walking towards the stairs.&nbsp; Stray had another wild idea.&nbsp; Hell, it had to work, otherwise he was screwed. The wolf casually walked towards the stairs, getting nearer to the study.&nbsp; 'Here we go',Stray breathed, 'now or never.'&nbsp;Stray burst out of the study, right in front of the red wolf.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"What the-", was all he said, before Stray grabbed the hand with the gun and twisted it behind the wolf's back.&nbsp; Turning him to face the bedroom, Stray put the knife to the wolf's throat.&nbsp; He glared at the smiling wolf.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;"Well well, this is unexpected!" the wolf said with his sickening smile.&nbsp; Stepping into full view of Stray, he looked at his partner, held by Stray. "That's cute, you taking a hostage.&nbsp; Do you want my gun?" he smiled, offering the gun to Stray.&nbsp; Minutes passed, as the two canines stood opposite each other.&nbsp; Deciding he had waited enough, the wolf raised the gun with his cruel smile, "Too bad, I don't care about him."&nbsp; With that, there was a loud _Bang!_ and Stray's hostage cried out.&nbsp; Stray's eyes were wide, as his hostage's lifeless body slid to the ground.&nbsp; The wolf laughed.&nbsp; "Now what, mix-breed?&nbsp; You're plan is ruined.&nbsp; If you give up, I'll execute you like I did your friend.&nbsp; Quick and painless."&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fury flooded Stray.&nbsp; He wasn't sure what happened next.&nbsp; He only knew that he had picked up the gun from the dead wolf and had leaped over the banister.&nbsp; His boots hit the floor hard and he tucked into a roll, running for the kitchen.&nbsp; The smiling wolf howled with laughter.&nbsp; "Run! Run little puppy!&nbsp; You have nowhere to go!&nbsp; I'll catch you, and when I do, you'll suffer, I promise."&nbsp; The wolf made his way down the stairs, casually strolling to the kitchen.&nbsp; Stray was taking cover behind the counter, praying he wasn't about to die.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The wolf stepped into the kitchen.&nbsp; "Hungry?&nbsp; I hope you like whatever you're eating because it's your last meal pup!"&nbsp; Stray took a breath, readying the gun.&nbsp; He could tell where the wolf was from his voice.&nbsp; Once he broke cover, he had to be quick and accurate. 'Here goes nothing!'Stray thought, standing up.&nbsp; It happened in slow motion.&nbsp; Stray stood, looking at the wolf.&nbsp; Their eyes locked.&nbsp; Stray put the sights on the wolf, as the wolf's gun drifted towards him.&nbsp; Stray squeezed the trigger.&nbsp; Gunshots exploded in the room.&nbsp; For a brief second, chaos erupted in the small room, and then the silence returned.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray stood, shaking immensely.&nbsp; There was a sharp pain in his left shoulder.&nbsp; Stray looked and saw blood soaking his shirt and running down his arm. &nbsp;It felt like it was on fire.&nbsp; Ignoring the pain, Stray made his way to where the wolf had stood.&nbsp; The wolf lay on the floor, panting.&nbsp; Blood was collecting on the floor.&nbsp; Three holes were in the wolf's left chest.&nbsp; He looked up at Stray, moving his right arm, the gun still in his hand.&nbsp; Stray put his foot on the wolf's wrist.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The wolf _still_ smiled.&nbsp; "You-" he coughed, "You don't have the balls-"

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray looked dead into the wolf's golden eyes, pure hatred filling his vision.&nbsp; He brought the sights on the wolf's face.

&nbsp; &nbsp; "Fuck- you!"&nbsp; Stray pulled the trigger.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray dropped the gun.&nbsp; It was hard for him to breathe.&nbsp; Pain burned in his arm where he had been shot.&nbsp; The smiling wolf, the one who had started this nightmare, was dead.&nbsp; None of that mattered.&nbsp; Mike was dead.&nbsp; Mike's parents were dead.&nbsp; Stray's family was dead.&nbsp; The worst part was that this was the second time it had happened.&nbsp; Almost 20 years after losing his biological parents, he had lost his adoptive ones, too.&nbsp; Stray closed his eyes, failing to hold back his tears.&nbsp; He collapsed, sobbing.&nbsp; When he could open his eyes again, he noticed something the wolf was wearing.&nbsp; A gold hourglass, with two diamonds for the glass, on a gold chain was around his neck.&nbsp; Stray crawled to the wolf.&nbsp; He took the hourglass in his hand.&nbsp; "This doesn't belong to you, bitch." He growled, as he removed the necklace.&nbsp; Standing up, he placed the necklace around his own neck.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray searched the house for his friend's body.&nbsp; Opening the doors to the living room, he found it.&nbsp; Mike's body laid face up, staring at the ceiling.&nbsp; His parents' bodies were in front of him, together.&nbsp; Stray stepped over to his friend- his brother.&nbsp; Kneeling, he saw the hole between his eyes.&nbsp; Stray screamed at the ceiling, fresh tears flowing from his eyes.&nbsp; He screamed for what felt like forever, howling until he was hoarse.&nbsp; Why did Fate hate him?&nbsp; Why did it torture him?&nbsp; What had he done to deserve any of this?&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stray screamed at the sky.&nbsp; Wailing, he continued, cursing Fate and Karma.&nbsp; When he was finally spent, he looked at his friend's lifeless eyes.&nbsp; "I'm sorry." He cried, "I'm sorry I got you killed.&nbsp; Sorry I couldn't save you.&nbsp; Sorry for everything.&nbsp; I never deserved you and your family.&nbsp; I'm so sorry."&nbsp; Stray closed Mike's eyes.&nbsp; He made his way to Mike's parents, doing the same.&nbsp; Finding enough strength to move, Stray decided he needed to get away from here.&nbsp; He needed to leave and never come back.&nbsp; He wanted to forget this nightmare ever happened.&nbsp; Stray went to the garage.&nbsp; Turning on the lights, he grabbed the keys to Mike's Corvette.&nbsp; Stray yanked its door open and cranked it.&nbsp; The engine roared.&nbsp; Backing out of the garage, Stray turned towards the driveway.&nbsp; For a few minutes, the only sound was the metal on the stereo and Stray's breathing.&nbsp; Where was he going to go? He couldn't go to his place to get anything, and Sean- Sean was probably dead already.&nbsp; Stray gripped the steering wheel and yelled.&nbsp; He'd figure something out later, but now, he needed to get away.&nbsp; Stray threw the car into gear, let off the clutch, and hit the gas.&nbsp; Rocks flew behind the car as Stray sped out of the driveway, and into the night.

Source: https://sofurry.com/s/dmBxLOA1
Part of the series Aimless Fate
Next: https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/257990-aimless-fate-chapter-2.md