FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Freddy stowed his rucksack in the overhead locker and settled into his seat, pulling his hood over his pricked ears and adjusting the volume on his iPod. Sitting quietly, eyes closed, he waited for the Greyhound bus to start its engine and set him off on his journey. Today was his sixteenth birthday and he had spent it alone, as he had the day before, and the day before that.

The arctic wolf might be small at 5' 2" and 125 pounds but he took pride in his appearance. His soft white fur, spotless and tangle-free, glistened in the low light. His clothes were all by top designers - this season's style - and fitted his slender frame perfectly, the light blue collar round his neck was of the finest Italian leather. All purchased with money given as presents from distant grandparents.

It was time to change his life.

The bus's engine coughed into life, the vibrations stirred the wolf and he opened his eyes, looking out into the night. As the bus pulled away, tendrils of mist roiling in its wake, Freddy pressed his nose against the window; his breath condensing on the cool glass. He stroked the window with a paw as memories of better times were triggered by streets and landmarks slipping past. Times of friends and family, times when this town loved and nurtured a young wolf pup. Summers that seemed like they would never end, playing games in the park. Winters of snowmen and snowball fights. Birthdays that were celebrated. Fun, happiness.

Love.

But all that was gone, the town had turned his back on him. Loathed and reviled by all, rejected by his family. The cause?

In a word: puberty.

That rush of hormones, the growing realisation that males held his interest. The increasing attraction to his best friend, the stumbling confession and stolen kiss. The bloody muzzle that resulted from it. The taunts that followed next day at school, they still echoed in his head . Fag, poof, tail-raiser - he had heard them all, stood up to them all.

Disowned by intolerant parents.

He was tired of waiting for his knight in shining armour to come and rescue him, so he was running. About to become another statistic. Run to the big city and find a better life.

Still a tear ran down his muzzle as he bade farewell to his home town, knowing that he would never return, no matter what.

As the last streetlights faded, he sat back in his seat. The past but a memory, he could only look forward now. Freddy closed his eyes as the tune he had chosen as his theme song for this venture flooded through his ear buds. A smile spread across his muzzle as he hummed along to Noah and the Whale. When the chorus started he softly sang along to himself.

Because tonight's the kind of night

Where everything could change

Tonight's the kind of night

Where everything could change.

A loud hiss of air brakes as the bus pulled to a halt jolted him awake. Yawning, Freddy stretched his cramped limbs, starting to become aware of his surroundings. The bright lights and jostling crowds told him he had arrived. Pulling his bag from the locker, he started down the aisle to the open door.

Time to put his plan into action.

He had planned this day for a while, emptying his savings accounts to leave no trail, not that anyone would bother to look for him. Everything he owned was in his rucksack. He would find a cheap place to stay while he found work and built his new life.

So young and so naïve.

Freddy hopped off the bus and, fluffy tail waving happily, set off to find the hotel he had found on the internet. It wasn't far and he had planned the route, it was perfect, nothing could go wrong. Leaving the lights and crowds of the bus station behind, he set off into the night, unaware of the cold, dangerous eyes that followed his progress. Eyes that had seen it all before, recognised the type of youth. Knew a victim when they saw one. A dark form flitted through the shadows tracking its prey.

No one heard the screams.

**********************************************

It was a beautiful spring morning as the trim Doberman strolled down the city street, the sun shining warmly from a clear blue sky as he adjusted his sunglasses to keep the rays from his ice-blue eyes. He had left home in plenty of time to make his business meeting. In no great hurry, he was contemplating stopping for a relaxed coffee at a café he knew on the way.

His ears flicked as they caught the sound of whimpering from a side alley. Normally he would pay no attention and carry on past but there was something about the pitiful sound that called to him. Appealed to a nurturing side that he was unaware he possessed.

Stepping into the gloomy, dank passage he followed the sounds until he came across a huddled form crouching in a doorway.

"Hello?" he called to the shape which recoiled from him in fear. "It's OK , I mean you no harm," he continued. The form uncurled itself and looked up at him through suspicious, tear-stained eyes.

The Doberman looked down at a small arctic wolf, not much more than a pup, its fur was dirty and matted. Blood was crusted over cuts and abrasions on its muzzle and arms. Last season's designer clothes hung, dirt-encrusted and torn off a malnourished frame, a light blue leather collar ringed his neck. A razor blade glinted in its paw.

"Stay away from me," it croaked weakly. "I just want to die, I can't take it any more."

"Put the blade down, pup, it's not a solution," the Doberman ordered. "DO AS YOU ARE TOLD," he snapped when he wasn't obeyed.

The wolf dropped the blade in surprise, whimpering softly. The Doberman came to a snap decision, hoping that he wasn't going to regret it. Holding out his paw to the wolf, he spoke firmly.

"Come with me, pup," he commanded. The wolf didn't move, just looked at him with distrust. "Pup, whatever I might have in mind cannot be worse than where you are now, can it?"

The wolf thought for a moment then slowly stood, grasping at the wall for support. "I guess not," he groaned.

Only now could the Doberman see the full pitiful state the wolf was in. Frankly he was shocked; it only hardened his resolve. Leading the young wolf out of the alley, he summoned a cab. Writing on the back of a business card, he gave it to the pup.

"Go here and ask for James, he will be expecting you. Do as he instructs you without argument and wait for me there. I have business to attend to so I will see you later, we will discuss matters. Can you do that for me?"

The wolf lowered his ears submissively. "Yes sir," he whispered.

The Doberman passed another card to the cab driver along with some cash. "Take him to this address, I have your licence number so if he doesn't arrive safe and sound, expect to be out of a job by tonight," he growled.

Closing the cab door he watched as it set off, turning right at the next set of lights. Nodding to himself he strode off down the road, all thoughts of a casual cup of coffee gone from his mind as he pulled a mobile phone from his pocket, making a call as he walked.

"James," he spoke, "Tyrone Briggs here; I have dispatched a young wolf to you. Please ignore his current state and ensure that he is fed and washed, and get him some decent clothes to wear. Be pleasant to him please, he is in a very vulnerable place now and needs careful handling," he instructed brusquely before hanging up.

Arriving at a tall glass-fronted building, he flashed a security card against the keypad by the door which slid open noiselessly. Stepping into the air-conditioned interior, he nodded to the receptionist.

"Good Morning, Mr Chairman," she said demurely.

*********************************

The cab pulled up to the curb on a smart street, the cab driver nodded to a black-painted door as the wolf opened the car door and climbed out. Checking the card in his paw he walked up to the heavy wooden door and rang the bell. Nothing happened for a few minutes and he was beginning to think this was just a bad joke, when he heard a lock click and the door swung open. An otter in a butler's outfit stood in front of him.

"Yes?" he enquired, looking the wolf up and down in barely-suppressed distaste.

"I was told to come here and ask for James," the wolf muttered nervously.

"Ah, you must be the young... gentleman... I was expecting. Please come in," the otter said, stepping out of the way.

The wolf stepped inside and the door closed quietly behind him

"Could I trouble you to wipe your hind paws on the door mat? Then please follow me," the otter instructed, walking off down the carpeted hallway. Turning left down a passage, he opened a door into a large, tiled bathroom.

"There is a robe behind the door. Kindly put that on when you are finished. Once you have showered thoroughly, you can soak in the hot tub until I come to get you," the otter intoned coolly. "Now, do you have any particular dietary requirements?"

"No, anything is good," the wolf stammered. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me, I have my instructions. Now, if you will excuse me, I have work to do," the otter announced, closing the door as he left.

The wolf stripped out of his filthy rags, inspecting himself in the full-length mirror. He was ashamed how far his standards had dropped since arriving in the city. Turning on the shower he stepped into the steaming cascade of water, groaning in bliss as the heat seeped into his tired, aching muscles. Reaching for the fur wash he started to lather himself up, the suds turning brown as the filth lifted from his thick pelt. Rinsing off the dirty foam, he lathered himself afresh. He murred softly as he worked the suds into his sheath and furry sack but resisted the temptation to pleasure himself. For now anyway.

Once he felt clean again, he shut off the water and stepped out of the cubicle. His wet fur, plastered tight to his skin, betrayed his lack of nutrition over the last months, with his ribs standing out clearly, not an ounce of spare flesh could be seen anywhere. A trail of water followed him across the tiles as he headed for the tub, sighing loudly as he sunk into the hot, roiling water, the powerful jets massaging and relaxing him as he dozed. He couldn't help but wonder what price he would pay for this slice of luxury. But it didn't matter, to feel this good even for a little while would be worth it.

There was a sharp rap on the door as the otter entered.

"Your food will be ready directly, Master..., I am sorry but I don't know your name. That was remiss of me," the otter said apologetically.

"It's Freddy," the wolf replied smiling. It felt good to smile again, he had almost forgotten how.

"Master Freddy, lunch is served. If you would dry yourself, please and stand here." James said curtly.

Freddy climbed out of the tub reluctantly, whining softly as his body left the comforting cocoon. Rubbing the worst of the water off with a large soft towel, James then directed him to a fur-drying cabinet that finished the job in a few seconds. With his soft white fur fluffed up and gleaming he stood in front of the otter as he had been told.

"Please stand with yours arms out parallel to the floor and your hind paws three feet apart," James instructed, pulling a tape measure from his pocket. Quickly he took the wolf's measurements, jotting them down in a notebook. Freddy gasped as the otter's cold paw pushed against his taint while his inside leg was recorded.

"Put on your robe, then go to the dining room. The door is opposite this one," the otter declared while picking up his old clothes. "In the meantime I will go and burn these," he said disdainfully.

"Not the collar, please, James," Freddy whined. The otter picked the collar out of the pile between two claws as if contagious.

"Very well, but it needs a clean," the otter grumbled. "I will return it shortly, now go and eat. I have arrangements to make."

Freddy slipped into the towelling robe, snuggling into the soft fabric. Pulling it about him, he tied the belt round his narrow waist and made his way to the dining room, his neglected stomach growling in anticipation. Opening the door, his nose was assaulted by an array of delicious scents, cooked meat, fresh bread and coffee amongst them. Grabbing a plate he worked down a line of tureens shovelling a bit of everything onto the platter, it was overflowing by the time he got halfway. A place was set at the end of a long table, everything polished to a dazzling shine. Sitting down Freddy started to eat, stuffing his muzzle full and chewing hurriedly so he could swallow and fill his muzzle again. Emptying his plate he went back for a second helping, not stopping until he could eat no more. He was sitting sipping hot coffee as the otter returned.

"Feeling better, Master Freddy?" the otter enquired.

"Much. Thank you, James," the wolf replied happily. "James, can you tell me anything about the Doberman that sent me here?" Freddy continued.

The otter paused briefly. "I fear not, that is something you must ask of him. Now if you would follow me we will get you dressed and ready for his arrival."

Freddy followed the otter into a side room where rails of clothes lined the walls, a rainbow of colours met his eyes. A small mouse stood in the corner appraising him.

"Take your pick," James instructed waving his paws over the rails. Nodding to the mouse, he continued, "He will make any adjustments necessary. Try not to take too long, your sponsor will be here directly."

Freddy ran his paws down the clothes, giggling like a little pup in a sweet shop. Everything was by top names and all in his size, all so him. He would sell his soul for this. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he had to play this right. Putting his instincts to one side he started to pick out more conservative items, he felt the Doberman would prefer it. Having put on underwear he slipped on a pair of navy blue slacks and topped them with a pale blue button-down shirt.

"If I might suggest something, sir?" the mouse obsequiously, rubbing his paws together .

"Feel free," Freddy chuckled.

The mouse ruffled through some jackets before pulling out a complementing blue sports jacket .

"I think this would complete the ensemble, sir," the mouse opined. Standing behind Freddy he helped him into the coat.

Freddy inspected himself in the mirror, it wasn't his normal look but he did appear smart and presentable. The door opened and James walked in. Missing nothing, he looked the wolf up and down appraising him.

"Very suitable, Master Freddy, however there is one thing missing," said the otter with a twinkle in his eye as he walked behind the wolf. Freddy felt something slip round his neck and looking in the mirror he saw his collar, clean and gleaming, round his throat.

"There, just a little bit of the real you," smiled the otter. "Now if you would follow me, your presence is required in the drawing room."

As Freddy followed the otter down a corridor, he wondered how big this house was, it seemed to go on and on and there were at least two floors above this one. Then they stopped in front of a pair of large, ornately-carved doors, the otter knocked twice and waited.

"Come," a gruff voice called from inside the room.

The otter opened the doors and led the wolf inside. "Master Freddy, sir," he announced.

Freddy looked round the room, seeing the Doberman from this morning sitting in one of a pair of armchairs in front of a roaring log fire, a glass in his paw clinked as he swirled it round. A tray of drinks sat on a table between the chairs.

"Thank you James, that will be all until I call for you," the Doberman instructed.

"Yes sir," the otter replied politely as he left the room, closing the doors behind him.

"Come and sit here with me, pup," the Doberman said, pointing to the chair opposite him. "What would you like to drink?" he asked politely.

"A cola, please, sir," Freddy replied as he walked across the room and settled into the chair.

"Ice?"

"Please."

"Well, you certainly look much better than when we first met, respectable even," the Doberman said approvingly as he passed Freddy his drink. "Now tell me a little about yourself," he requested, steepling his paws under his muzzle, watching Freddy with cool blue eyes.

Freddy dropped his gaze submissively, not wanting to upset this dog, he could feel the aura of strength and power that surrounded the hound.

"Well, as you know my name is Freddy," he began hesitantly. "I am sixteen and alone."

"Really?" the Doberman retorted coolly. "I will tell you what I think. I think you are a runaway, that you had a good life at one time but for some reason you chose to leave it behind. Why is that? Tell me how you ended up in that alleyway about to take your own life.

"But before you do let me caution you, I require complete honesty - deception will put you back where you came from. Is that clear, pup?"

"Yes sir, sorry, sir," Freddy replied meekly, ears splayed flat against his head.

"So shall we start again?" the Doberman growled

"I am sixteen and my name is Freddy, Freddy Marston. I come from a small country town, up-state, where everyone knows everyone else. Yes, I did have a good life once, I wanted for nothing. Good school, good grades. But it all went badly wrong and I was left with choice but to leave."

"So what went so badly wrong?" the Doberman interrupted.

"I am gay," Freddy mumbled timidly.

Looking up at the Doberman and seeing no reaction, he continued, "In my town, that was not tolerated and it turned its back on me, I was bullied and reviled by everyone. Friends and family rejected me; so you see I am alone. I ran to the city with a plan, I had money to survive for a while but I was mugged within minutes of arriving and struggled ever since."

"Thank you for your honesty, Freddy," the Doberman replied more kindly than before. "I will repay it in kind. My name is Tyrone Briggs, owner and chairman of Briggs Industries and I am gay as well. Life has been good to me, I have made it so. When I heard you crying in that alley, something about it called to me and when I saw you there I knew that I could do something worthwhile and use my good fortune to give something back. So I have a proposition for you. Are you interested?"

"Yes sir, I am," Freddy replied, his curiosity piqued.

"Glad to hear it, pup. I will require you to give me full details of your past and I will have them checked out. Don't worry, no one will be alerted. If you check out, as I believe you will, then I will give you the opportunity to get your life back on track. You will complete your education, that includes college should you qualify. Afterwards I will give you an entry level position within my organisation; from there it is up to you what you make of it. I will support you and provide a home for you to live in until such time you can support yourself. What do you think?"

"It sounds too good to be true," Freddy replied dubiously. "What do I have to do for you in return?"

"I am a dog of honour, my word is my bond and I expect you to conduct yourself the same way. I am not looking for a son or a toy pup lover, but I do expect you to be obedient and to follow my rules. No more than that. Should you fall short of those requirements, you will lose my favour. Is that agreeable?"

"Yes sir, thank you. I won't let you down," the wolf replied, grinning from ear to ear. "What do I call you, sir?"

"Hmm, I hadn't thought about that," replied the dog pensively. "Tyrone is too familiar, Sir too obsequious, Dad would be inappropriate. Uncle Tyrone? Yes, I think that fits the situation. Is that alright with you Freddy?"

"Yes, Uncle Ty."

"Tyrone, please. At least for now," the Doberman chuckled. "I have every faith in you, pup; I believe you will make a success of your life from here." The dog continued, standing and holding out his paw.

Freddy stood and took the proffered paw, feeling himself pulled into a big warm hug.

"Welcome to the family, nephew," the Doberman smiled.

"Thank you, Uncle Tyrone, it feels great to be here," the wolf replied happily, feeling like he belonged for the first time in what seemed a long, long time.

His Knight had arrived at last.

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