FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

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Fairwood chapter 3

The Fugitive

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The sky was dark, nothing broke through the endless clouds that flew like a great blanket in the night. Everything was silent and still. The fresh scent of grass and rain lingered in the air. It was depressing.

Freedom shouldn't smell like that. Freedom shouldn't taste like pain. It shouldn't feel like making the worst mistake of your life. But who knows the real feeling of freedom? The furs who never experienced how the walls close in you in the middle of the night, who never knew what it was like to live without future? No....they have no idea.

Something moved in the darkness, pace steady, padding on the soft grass ... Keith turned around and took one last look at the prison he lived in for three and half a year. The buildings of Hanessy High lay on the green fields like a sleeping monster.

Why did Keith feel like making his biggest mistake?

He was free. He managed to accomplish that so many young students had never dared to dreamed of: He broke out. Still, why was it so painful when the smell of freedom literally assaulted his every sense?

Because he was alone. His plans didn't work out as he thought. On his side should be a crimson dragon, smiling with joy, just like Keith would smile. The feeling couldn't be described properly...it was a mixture of guilt and desperation. Like the shaking sensation of great mistakes, when your whole soul shivers in fear to make a decision...and you know that it can't ever be good, no matter what you choose.

***

Fourty days ago

Darkness filled the halls and rooms in Hanessy High. It was way past midnight, the whole school was silent.... sometimes small gurgling sounds came from the tubes in the walls, then the silence returned, sometimes there was a loud crack.....the wind was playing with a door on the seventh floor that led to the roof. At night every student of Hanessy High lay in their beds. Some clutching their toothbrushes, that they previously sharpened, others clutching a piece of glass they broke from a window, wrapped in a piece of cloth. They were asleep, but barely. Every sound would wake them up....distant sounds of steps, a closer noise of breathing, signaling there were some movement in the darkness. Their eyelids would open instantly, give one moment to adjust to the lack of light, then look around quickly....searching for any source of danger. By day the toothbrushes and shards of glasses were hidden under their clothes, in their socks or under their matrasses. But when night fell, these tools of self defence came to rest in their owner's paws.

Though in one room these measures of safety weren't necessary. They had knives to protect themselves but didn't need them at night.

A small gasp echoed in the room, the darkness constant, the sounds of two bodies vibrated in the air. Another gasp, followed by an almost inaudible growl and moan, the never stopping creaks of the matrass were the rhythm.

The thick clouds in the sky flew in a slow, mournful dance, led by the wind and lit by the crescent moon. As a particulary big cloud finally moved away the room lit up in a soft, silver light.

A pair of hazel orbs looked into blue ones, bathing in the moonlight, but still clouded from their passion and lust. The crimson dragon pulled the black one into a deep kiss, his paws roamed on the others back. Another growl and louder moan escaped their muzzles. The matrass let out another small creak as the black mated with the crimson dragon. Slow, deep thrusts.... sending waves of electric jolts down their spines that made their heads spin in pleasure. Their battle of tongues never ended, just stopped for a moment, nuzzled each other, bit the other sensually then continued even more passionately. They didn't dare to bite too hard, that would just leave marks and they couldn't risk that. The black dragon's hips rose and descended, his thrust never sped up, just mated the red dragon ever so slowly. David craved for more, he wanted Keith even deeper inside of him, to feel that wonderful cock making him full and complete. The crimson dragon moaned and shivered under the black one, he bit Keith harder and clawed at his sides. It made Keith growl in dominance..... it was a part of male mating. When it came to sex, there always had to be a dominant one, making the other, submissive his. David was the sub this time, he was laying on the matrass on his back with his legs parted and tail taken by Keith. The bites and nips served one goal, to make Keith fuck him harder. The black dragon nipped back at David's muzzle, his teeth teased the crimson skin and David whimpered submissively. Keith quickened his thrusts, making David moan and hug him close. It was insanely good to have Keith fuck him. Every time the black dragon hilted David felt his body spasm in exreme pleasure. Keith kissed him softly, almost apologizing without words for the nip, David parted his lips and kissed back.

Keith couldn't believe how amazing it was to mount the other dragon. David was so tight, his bowels gripped his cock and milked him every time he pushed in. A small shot of precum slickened Keith's way in David's tight hole and Keith panted as the pleasure increased ten times.

Another cloud swam in front of the moon and the silver gleaming died, leaving the mating pair in the dark. When they were together, joined by their bodies and souls, the whole world seemed like a grayish, silky blur, that surrounded them but didn't matter. For David there was only Keith, his love and his wonderful piece of meet that made him whole; and for Keith there was only one dragon he cared about, loved and protected.

Keith broke the kiss and panted heavily. David shivered in delight as Keith's warm breath washed over his neck, followed by the black's small bites and nuzzles. They were lost in time. They didn't know how long they were making love or how many times they mated that night.

David cried out a little and whimpered again as Keith took his neck in his muzzle, gently biting David, but not hurting him.

The crimson dragon felt the whole world slow down and he wanted to scream in pleasure as a strong paw stroked his erection, but no sound came from his throat. He was held perfectly by the black male. Keith was in controll and the dominant male began to caress David's pole in a slow, teasing motion. The pleasure boiled in David's body, he closed his eyes, and waited with his breath held back for his release. But the heavenly paw left his cock, leaving David puzzled and unsatisfied.

The crimson dragon whined a little, his claws scratched Keith's skin in anticipation. Then the pleasure came back even more intense as the black male began to fuck him hard and fast. His thrusts shook the bed and David moaned along with the matrass in the mind blowing pleasure. The crimson male shivered under the black. His passage spasmed every time Keith hit the most sensitive parts of David's insides.

Keith bit down even harder on David's neck, his saliva flowed down on the younger dragon's neck and Keith gave a passionate lick to David. The black dragon felt his orgasm getting close with each powerful thrust he made inside David. Their sweaty bodies swam in pleasure and love, they were whole in that moment. The black dragon felt David's body tense up one last time, then the smaller male relaxed and gave his mind and body to the blissfull orgasm. Keith felt something hot splash againt his chest and dribble down on his skin. Then another shoot of warm cum hit his chest and the white fluid came in thick ropes along Keith's thrusts. David's muscles rested in peace, except his cock and tail. Keith almost roared as he felt David's passage literally grip his sensitive flesh.....and the black dragon came with a muffled cry of extasy.

David numbly realized that Keith's warm cum flooded his insides. His worn out body felt both tired and alive. Then Keith collapsed on top of him and the black dragon's weight felt so good. They panted against each other, their breath bathed the others's sensitive skin. David mumbled a small "I love you....", he wasn't sure he said it or just dreamed it. Keith pushed himself up and David felt oddly empty and cold. Then warmth embraced him....Keith pulled the covers over themselves, he pressed his muzzle to David's neck and whispered ever so softly: "I love you too." Keith inhaled David's scent then he began to lap at the young dragon's neck, his tongue soothed the skin he bit and Keith began to lick David's chest and stomach. A small, satisfied murr escaped the crimson's muzzle as Keith licked up the cum. Then the black dragon gathered the remaining fluids from his own chest and licked his paws clean. He didn't want the cum dry on their bodies.

Keith lay back on the bed and hugged the lightly snoring dragon close to himself. A small smile appeared on his black muzzle as he dozed off.

Six wonderful months.....that's how long they had been together.

The neon lights lit up in a distant room, it was an office in section A, far away from Keith's and David's room. Carl Lenward sat down at his desk and opened a box, that had been sealed three years and four months ago. On the top of the box was written: Bailey, Keith. There was an ID with Keith's serious picture on it. There was a report from elementary school, there were lots of certifications, copies of awards and competitions he participated in and won. There was a science competition he only ended up second. "Science race of the Capital." Carl mumbled under his black nose. "The only thing he ever lost....." Carl then opened another box and took out a three years old newspaper.

The title: "Keith Bailey, the gifted dragon." Carl red out. "Scientists often praised the National Science Competetition as the selection of the next generation. Whoever wins the great race of minds has a straight way to one of the best colleges. The young and clever furs who enter the competetition are tested in many ways. They have to fill the sheets that contains five hundred questions. Perfect logic and serious knowledge are required from almost every part of science to be answered correctly. These boys and girls are often described as bookworms but they are the future. Rowan Hammond won the competition with fourhundred eightynine answers and a perfect project work he made in 1989. This is the record in the NSC that nobody broke in fourteen years. That was the case till this year's competition, Beacuse Keith Bailey, a fourteen year old boy from the capital won the competition with fourhundred and ninty five right answers and project work he presented to the judges, including Rowan Hammond who have been working as a scientist of the NASA and judge in the NSC. Every fur can enter the competition between the age of fourteen and eighteen, everybody watched muzzle hang open the young dragon who not only broke Dr. Hammond's record but became the youngest winner ever in the history of NSC. It's an amazing work that Keith Bailey presented to us. -The rumours about cheating are completely false because this young dragon understands more the advanced physics of Edelstein then I do.- Said Dr. Hammond to Weekfur. Everybody waited for Keith's next brilliant presentation of his knowledge in the Fur's Mind national competition, and the young dragon didn't let down the furs who praised him as the gifted dragon. Keith's way to the best colleges were open, the only requirement was to finish the first year in high school. The furs of the nation expected Keith to shine again in the Science race of the Capital. That was the point when the young dragon's carrier and star began to descend. Keith only finished second and after the competition the police found a judge dead in his house, who had been stabbed and every evidence showed that the gifted dragon, Keith Bailey was the murderer. The news were shocking to the furs, the promising dragon killed a man. The court faced a difficult case. The accused has never shown antisocial behaviour or agression before. Keith stated that he was innocent in the trials but the evidence showed the opposite. The reason behind the dragon's action might have been the fact the Dr. Cross, the victim voted against him. Keith denied that he killed the professor but couldn't answer what he had been doing in Cross' house after his death. Keith Bailey was sent to a reform institution and didn't hear about him ever since. The police later discovered a piece of headfur in Cross' house and realized that Leroy Peterson, formal collegue and friend of Dr. Cross commited the cruel murder not Keith Bailey. The court acquitted Keith from all charges and cancelled the decision about punishment. Still, nobody seemed to remember Keith's name. The police tried to cover up the case. This is another crying proof of the problems of our police forces and serves of justice. But again, where is Keith Bailey? Weekfur tried to make a report with Derek Bailey, the father but he refused and moved away three days ago. We don't know where Keith Bailey is, he might be with his family, or at some reform school the court put him. No matter how bad we feel that the court and police ruined Keith's life, we can't give back the dignity that proud furs stole from Keith. Will we ever hear about Keith Bailey? We don't know that, but a star has always been and always will be a shining phenomenom of the sky and as Dr. Hammond said- Keith will always be praised as the brightest mind among the young furs in the world." Carl finished reading out the article.

"Keith, Keith ...... life have been rough to you." Carl whispered as he put the newspaper into his drawer with the other certificates, only the ID remained untouched on the bottom of the box.

***

"Keith, I've been thinking lately......what would...I mean what will happen after you graduate?" David asked sadly.

"I don't know, David." Keith answered and put down his pen. He has been trying to solve an equation in David's homework that the crimson dragon had problems with. It was a quadratic equation, a piece of cake for Keith.

"Seriously, Keith."

"I love you David. You know that. I'll wait for you outside."

"Really?" The crimson dragon asked back and hugged Keith.

"Watch it! We can't be seen like this!" Keith hissed and David backed away immediately. Keith smiled warmly at his lover. "I mean it, David. I don't know what I'll do out there, but I'll wait for you."

"I love you too, Keith."

The black dragon finished the last equation and handed the sheets to David.

"Colins won't whine about your homework this time."

"He didn't whine last time, just hit me." David replied darkly.

"You gotta' be more careful David. The least you can do is your homework."

"Yeah, yeah, but you always wear me out at night."

"SHHHH!" Keith said warningly and looked around if anyone heared them. Only a ram was selecting books in the other side of the library.

Then Porter entered the the room. Keith growled menacingly at David and stood up. The crimson didn't even blink he was so used to the act. Sometimes they faked hatred for each other just to confuse other students.

"King, Lenward is looking for you. He is waitng for you in his office." The bear said with flattened ears as Keith gave him his coldest look.

"What does he want with me now?" Keith said but Porter just shrugged.

"Dunno, but he seemed more insane then ever." The bear's last words scared Keith and David.

***

Lenward sat behind his desk, a dangerously cruel look rested on his muzzle, his eyes burned in anger. After a few minutes the dragon he wanted to talk to entered his office.

"Good afternoon, Sir."

"Have a seat, Keith." Lenward said and Keith sat down in front of the sheperd, on the other side of the table. Carl's lips twitched a little... "Read this, Keith." Lenward said and put an opened envelope on the table.

Keith didn't know what Lenward wanted, but obeyed. Then his heart skipped a beat. On the letter....

Keith Bailey

Hanessy High

Owren County

Son, I know it had been three years ago since we last talked. But I didn't regret my decisions about you. I hope you changed and become a real man. As I said back then, I would never forgive you for your sins, and I never will. You let me down, when you turned to be a tailraiser.I don't know if you changed, but it doesn't matter. The shame you brought on our family will never be undone. So I have no choice but to break our last bond that ties us together. I will no longer accept you as my son, I disown you, and we'll never see each other again. I used to be proud of you, now I'm ashamed that I have to live the day, when my first son becomes dead to me. But it's necessary to protect your brother from you. The court will declare you as an adult on your eighteenth birthday, and from that day you won't be my son. Do whatever you want, but never come to me, ever.

Logan Bailey

"So, Keith? Personally, I found rather interesting your father's letter. But I think you forgot to tell me you are gay." Lenward spoke softly and Keith's paws started to shake. His anger boiled in his veins, his right paw, that held the letter crushed the piece of paper in his strong grip.

"Keith Bailey.......the fag.....the fag who fooled me....." Lenward whispered. "Our deal is over, Bailey. You are nothing more than a tailraiser. You'll get exactly what fags deserve."

The black dragon couldn't say anything to that.

Lenward stood up as Colins entered the room. The shepherd's little apprentice saluted to his master.

"Sir, what can I do for you?" He asked happily.

"Lock Bailey into the chamber."

"How long?" Colins asked back.

"A week." The otter looked really surprised.

"A whole week? But ...isn't it a little bit too much?"

"I just received the information that Mr.Bailey here is homosexual. As a gift for keeping that fact as a secret, he'll get seven sweet days in the chamber. Of course after you work him up a little."

Colins nodded then moved to the black dragon with ground shaking steps.

"Not in my office, Colins." The otter stopped for a moment, then grabbed Keith by the collar and shoved him out of the room.

The otter's next move wasn't stopped.

***

Keith lay on his left side, with his legs pulled up to his chest, this was the only way he could lie on the floor of the chamber. His muzzle hurt like hell, just like his abdomen. He didn't have internal bleeding at least, Butcher checked him after Colins beat him up. The old skunk didn't really care that Colins did that to him.... He checked if everything was all right, then said that Keith was completely healthy.

The metal taste in his mouth left after a while, the blood on his muzzle dried on his scales. But he didn't care about that. He thought about his father... after three and half a year his father managed to make his life even more horrible with a single letter. Lenward knew about him. So he'll figure out that David is in the picture too, maybe he already interrogated him...

Then a word echoed from the other side of the door.

"Bailey..." It was Lenward. "Here is your roomate, David. Would you like to say something to him?"

"Sir, why am I here?" David's voice spoke from the other side.

"Why? Of course to say goodbye to each other. I won't punish you too much David, because you never hid the fact that you're a fag. Keith made that mistake."

"What? He's gay?" David said with faked amazement. He really learnt everything from Keith.

"I don't buy your crap, Carter. Another lie and you'll end up in a cell." Carl growled warningly. "Since how long have you been together?"

"What? We're not together!" A gasp followed David's words, Keith shivered as he heared that Lenward hit David.

"So, how long?"

"I....Ihh, don't know what you're talking about." Lenward punched him on the nose. David almost lost his balance, he covered his muzzle with his paws and backed away.

"That's it Carter. You just earned a day in a cell." Keith heared as David and Lenward left.

Then after a few minutes the sounds returned and Lenward spoke again.

"Well, Bailey.... you could have avoided this by telling me the truth." Keith couldn't do anything in that moment, even breathing was hard for him. "Seriously, Keith, you really believed that I wouldn't know about this? Huh?"

"Three years and a ...half is kinda' ......good, though." Keith whispered lightly, loud enough that the shepherd heared him.

"WHAT?"

"Nothin' sir.....nothin'." Keith mumbled half asleep. Then a loud bang disturbed him as Lenward kicked the door. The whole hallway echoed in the metallic sound.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY, FAGOT?" Carl growled menacingly.

Keith smiled in his strange, half awake state. Even that hurt him, but didn't matter.

"I said .....I had done.....a good...job." He whispered.

"Really? REALLY?" The german shepherd growled louder. "Long ago I said I could turn this place into hell for you if I wanted.....you'll see it Bailey."

"It doesn't matter...." Keith mumbled back from the floor. Now that surprised Lenward.

"What?" The dog said, his voice gave away he was really puzzled.

"It won't matter...it doesn't ......" Keith whispered, his mind began to clear, the fog that clouded his senses from the pain began to lift. "I'll be free. My father...my father.....said it..."

"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?" Carl roared.

"The letter.....I'll be free.....the court will declare me....adult." Keith smiled wider, the blood on his muzzle stretched along his smile. "I'll get out of here...."

"...No....." The dog whispered. Keith chuckled as he heared the dog.

"I'll be free...AND YOU'LL ROT IN THIS PLACE!" The black dragon said with a laugh, who would expect such a loud voice when he was beaten like this? "You're a prisoner like me, aren't you? You'll die here, in your pathetic office......and I have a future! A life to live and you have nothing just your fuckin' job." Keith laughed again, but his laughter made him caugh. His insides and skin burned in pain for a couple of moments then it slowly began to fade. Keith even saw stars before his closed eyes from the pain. In that moment, he wasn't scared. Because he will be an adult fourty days later, and with that he'll be allowed to make his own decisions, he won't have to live here anymore.

Keith gave himself to the promising world of dreams, he couldn't hear the shepherd's loud swearing from the other side, or how the dog kicked the door again.

***

Keith woke up to another bang. He jumped a little and his leg joined his hurting parts as he kicked the wall.

"Wake up, Bailey." It was Lenward again.

Keith slowly recalled what he said last night, back then it seemed to be a really good idea to talk like that, but now.....

"You know Bailey you kept me awake whole night. I couldn't sleep till I figured out how I can make you stay." Keith's eyes snapped open, his heart began to beat faster.

"It's true that as an adult you can leave Hanessy High, but I don't think the court or the police would let a murderer wander on the streets."

"I'm not a murderer!!!" Keith said. "I didn't kill Elijah Cross, the court dropped all the charges!"

"Yes, that's correct, but I don't talk about Cross. I talk about Jeremy Aust." Lenward smiled like Satan itself. Keith just stared at the blank walls, his mind worked hard to figure out what the shepherd said 'couse it sounded insane.

"Jeremy Aust?" The black dragon whispered.

"Yes. He died because you knifed him. The police couldn't find the murderer, but they will recieve a call with the details."

"You can't ...I didn't ....HE CAN'T BE DEAD!" Keith yelled and his tears started to flow down his muzzle. It can't be true....Aust can't be dead....that would mean he....killed Aust. Keith would be a murderer if that was true.

"Do you know what I have in my paws, Bailey? It's the death cerificate of Jeremy Aust....wanna' hear it?" Keith stared at the blank walls.

"Jeremy Aust, born in 1984 on the second of May, in Dallas. Died in 2002 on the six of June, in Clarvine. Male dingo, good phisique, mother: Mary Jonas; father: Steven Aust. Cause of death: stabbed wound on the right side, damaged kidney, bled out in the hospital. Mady by Dr. Earl Benton, anatomist.

"He can't be dead...." Keith whispered.

"Look, Keith....here it is, see it with your own eyes." With that, Lenward pushed the certificate he read out under the iron door into the chamber. Keith grabbed it and read it through. It seemed to be original. There was everything: the signature of the doctor, the time when the paper was filled, the stamp .... Jeremy Aust was dead.

"Yes, Keith. He's dead. The captain of the local police department is a friend of mine, so imprisoning you won't be a problem. That's my gift for your birthday."

Lenward padded away, followed by the black dragon's yells and shouts.

"Fourty days Bailey, that's when I'll call the police!" Lenward yelled back from the end of the hallway.

***

Keith sat on the floor, he hugged his legs to his chest. His back hurt, though his wounds on his abdomen and muzzle healed, he couldn't stand the small cell anymore, he was let out each day to use the bathroom and eat something. Lenward didn't come to him since the first day of his detention. He didn't speak to David either. His worst fears were that David could be hurt, even more than he was. Colins and his brutal paws made Keith scream in pain. He wished David didn't have to experience the otter's brutal side.

It was his last day in the chamber. Keith stood up, he had to support himself while his muscles and legs got accustomed to the new position. He turned around slowly and the light of the moon brightened his features.

The hole in the chamber was the only thing he didn't hate. The small, fist-sized hole was the last connection with the world. Keith stared at the beautiful craters of the moon, he always admired it, how it changed periodically, how distant and close it was. The moon was always there even if he didn't see it. How many times he cried at the window of his room looking up to the bright orb...he never counted. But the moon was always there, witnessing his tears and cries. The silver drops started to flow again. He wanted to hold back, but why would he? Nobody would see him, just his old friend, high in the dark sky...

"Why?......why?" The black dragon whispered in the silence. "Why me? WHY?" Keith put his paws on the wall, his claws scratched the hard concrete.

"Why do I have to live like this?" His pleads and questions had never been answered.

"Is it because I'm a murderer? I didn't ..... I never wanted to hurt him. I never.... He wanted to rape me..... I had to defend myself...." The clouds enveloped the bright moon and Keith was more alone than ever.

"Will I ever be free?" Keith cried softly in the night. He leant closer to the wall, he let his head rest against the cold concrete and sobbed. "Do I even deserve freedom?"

He wanted to be free... he needed to leave the school. He knew he wouldn't be able to survive. Not if he is kept in cells . How much will he get for killing a man. His young age would be on his side, but he was sure Lenward would lie about everything. The dog had the power and connection to ruin his life.

Then a small thought entered his mind, like a little bird, that flew freely with the breeze of an early summer morning. Keith thought about breaking out. He didn't know how he would escape... but even the thought was able to light the fire in his soul. The single determination was enough to make him smile.

Yeah, he will definately get out.... and he will bring David with himself. Wait..... he was a murderer, David won't be happy with him. Keith will run away, hide from the police and the court. What if David doesn't want to live with a murderer?

Keith coughed a little then brushed his tears away. He will ask David later, when Lenward lets him out.

***

Keith didn't even dare to breath, the dust filled his nose and lungs...he needed to caugh so badly but couldn't. He must not blow his cover. The black dragon was in the airway of the Old Section, where the chamber was, he managed to crawl from the bathroom to the principal's office. He was about five feet above principal Jr.Wentworth Hanessy, a black rat with weapon mania and serious crush on money. The middle aged bastard was filling some papers. He always did that till four o'clock, than he would stand up and put the documents into the safe of his office and leave. The safe was kept right behind the picture of his own father. Wentworth Hanessy 1930-1990 Founder of Hanessy Reform High School- that was written under the brown rat's picture. Keith looked at his watch...one minute to four...

Then Hanessy stood up, folded the papers in half, then padded to door, he locked it then walked back to the picture. He put his paws on both sides of the frame then carefully placed the picture on the floor, right in front of his feet. Keith smiled as Hanessy raised his paw and entered the combination. Eight numbers....Keith watched without blinking as the rat's fingers moved: 1, he couldn't see the next but heared the beep of the safe, 3, he couldn't see the next one either, 1, and the last three was out of sight as well. Keith sighed softly, he couldn't see the combination....again. Hanessy opened the safe and Keith saw a lot of green bills there...... Hanessy placed the folded papers next to an old brown envelope, then closed the safe and placed the picture on the wall. The rat started to wistle, put on his hat and bomber jacket, his black paw searched in his pocket for the keys, opened the door and left. Keith stayed there for a while. He should be back in the bathroom in ten minutes, doing his chores. The black dragon took a last glance at the set of keys that Hanessy kept on the top of his wardrobe, as replacement keys. That was the very base of Keith's plan. On the set were every key he needed. He will steal those keys, use them to escape..... First he would get out of the old section, then go to David's room and they will both leave the school at night. He couldn't steal the spare keys now because Hanessy would come back later, the rat always worked till late night and checked if everything was in order. Where was he between four and seven pm?..... Nobody knew. But the rat always came back with a small smile on his face...

That's where the problems starts. Students are not allowed to be in the Old Section, except when they were in the chamber or in other cells, spending their detention, and no matter how much Keith tried to open the lock of the iron door...he failed. Even Porter couldn't open it with his small, home-made 'break' equipment. He always said that he could open anything with a hole on it.... but the chamber was too tough....even for him.

So Keith figured out how he could be in the Old Section 'legally'. He will be locked into the chamber... funny isn't it? The symbol of his captivity will be the place where he will launch his plans. How will he open the door? With a key of course. The next problem was how he should steal the key... more correctly from who he should steal....

The principal was out of question, he couldn't get close to him. Colins and Gewan always used the keys to the cells and the chamber so they would notice immediately the missing piece of metal. Olridge didn't have it, so there was only one fur left to steal from. A dog, a german sheperd....Satan itself.

Lenward was the only logical scenario. He never used his keys to the cells, he always let Colins and Gewan lock the students into the chamber, while he sat back and relxed in his comfy leather chair. Keith had to steal his key. Not the whole set, because that would be noticeable. Just one, a big, black key.

Keith caughed a little, then started to crawl back to the bathroom. Hopefully the teacher won't be there when he arrives. The sound of his moves weren't too audible. Then he landed on the floor of the bathroom, right in front of a toilet, he quickly grabbed lid of the airway, stood up on the toilet and put it back to its place. He looked around, the tiles were dry, the teacher will see immediately he didn't do anything. So Keith grabbed the bucket and splashed a generous amount of water on the floor, he began to mop the small ocean he created. By the time he was done Gewan came by and told him to put the mop and other stuff away and go back to his room right after. Keith obeyed and ten minutes later he was sitting on David's bed. But David wasn't sleeping in that bed any longer. Lenward placed the crimson dragon into an empty room. Keith couldn't talk to his lover ever since. It has been twenty days since he recieved his father's letter, and Lenward made sure he didn't have any peaceful moment. Keith had to do three times as much work around the school wich worked perfectly into his plans, but he couldn't find a good time to talk to David.

***

David padded up to the seventh floor, his heart raced as he aprroached to the place where Icetail almost raped him. Ten minutes ago he was sitting in the library with Spots and Smoke, talking about girls.... David couldn't really participate in the conversation. Boobs, pussies, vaginas....it was all boring for him. But the hyena and bear really enjoyed the whole fantasizing.... that they would find some nice girl...fuck her and leave in the morning just to find another one. Psychos.... that's when they started to ask David, what kinda' bitches he preferred: brunettes, blondes; vixens or bunnies. He was really grateful when a timid looking mutt padded to him and gave him a small letter. It was from Keith, there was only three words on the paper: Bathroom, Icetail, Now. David figured out quickly where he needed to go.

So there he was, in front of the bathroom. His tail twitched a little as he opened the door and padded in. Keith stepped out from a stall, a small, apologetical smile played on his face.

"Hi David." The crimson dragon didn't answer just jumped on Keith right there, hugged him, kissed him passionately. The two dragons kissed deeply for long minutes, their tongues fought against the other, lips sealed softly... and it was over. Keith looked into David's blue orbs with tears in his eyes. The crimson dragon hugged the black one tighter and nuzzled his neck. David's senses swam in the scent of his love.... he missed the black dragon so much.

"David.....we need to talk." Keith said and his smile faded. "I.....I..." He had no idea where to begin. Maybe his father's letter would be a good start.

"My father sent a letter, that's why Lenward hit you, that's why he makes me work all the time and keeps me in the chamber."

"What? How would a letter...?" David started but Keith interrputed him.

"He wrote in the letter that I was gay and Lenward red it. He knows everything." David opened his mouth to speak but couldn't say anything.

"David... we don't have much time, first..... I'm going to break out."

"WHAT?" David said a little bit too loudly.

"Shh! Keep it down! I'm gonna break out and you'll come with me!" Keith looked into David's eyes and couldn't decide if David was frightened, surprised or afraid.

"I know it seems unbelieveable and insane but we need to get out!" The younger dragon stood like a frozen statue.

"Why?" David aksed.

"Lenward is .......torturing me..... every day. He said he would make me stay. He ....." Keith felt like he was lying, and honestly he was. "He said he could send me to prison."

"No....He can't!" David stammered.

"Before you say anything you need to know that I'm ....." Keith couldn't say it. He simply couldn't make his mouth and tongue to talk. What will David think about him? What will David think about Keith Bailey....the murderer dragon?

"I'll go with you, Keith." The black dragon smiled as David said those precious words, even if his insides burned with guilt. He should tell David. But Keith was too afraid from the reaction.

"I love you."

"I love you too." The crimson dragon kissed him again.

"So, how will we get out?" David aksed with a little fear in his voice.

"Don't worry about that. I'll do everything..... you just have to wait and be ready. We'll break out at night, I'll come for you and we'll be free."

"But...how?"

"Don't worry, it will be just fine." Keith whispered as he hugged David.

Keith felt like the worst fur of the world, a pathetic, evil, selfish dragon; a murderer, a liar. He felt so happy and calm in the crimson dragon's embrace.... it was more painful as David pulled back and smiled at him.

"I'm a murderer." Keith said sharply, his eyes shone in fear and desperation.

"What???"

"Lenward said it. He showed me his death certificate. I killed him."

"Keith! What the hell are you talking about? If this is about Elijah Cross, than...."

"It's not Cross! It's Jeremy Aust, the dingo I knifed!" David just stared into the emptiness for a while.

"Are.....are you sure?" He finally broke the silence.

"Yes, he died in a hospital. I killed him." Keith said and sat down on the radiator behind him, he buried his muzzle in his black paws, at least David coludn't see his tears.

"It doesn't matter....." David said. "It was self-defence. They can't blame you for defending yourself."

"But I killed.... I killed him." Keith started to sob softly, he wanted so much to hold back, to be the strong, he didn't want David to see him like this. Then he felt as David's warm paw pulled his black ones away from his face, gently forcing him to stand up. Keith cried even more to this. Then the young dragon hugged the black one tightly.

"I love you, Keith. You're not a murderer....."

"But...But." Keith blabbered like a little cub who just hurt his feet on the playground. David held him gently and Keith pressed his muzzle to the crimson's neck as his guilt struck him like a thunderbolt.

"Do you.... still want to.... come with me?" Keith murmured to David's neck.

"I'll follow you wherever you go." David whispered back.

"Even if we have to hide? Even if.... the police will chase us?"

"Yeah...." David kissed the black dragon softly on the lips, he tasted salty tears. He brushed the shiny teardrops away and smiled nervously at Keith. "So we are gonna' break out.... huh?"

"Definately."

***

Keith lay on the floor of the chamber again, he smiled in his misery. He had the perfect plan to steal Lenward's key. Three days...and he'll be eighteen.

Every day was harder. He wasn't able to sleep at night anymore.

Sometimes when his body won over his nerves and fears, he slept a few hours, no matter where he slept, in his bed or on the floor of the chamber.... his dreams were filled with the images of his father and Lenward. Sometimes he had a nice chat with professor Cross about physics and modern sandwich making, then he dreamed of Jeremy.... in the locker room, everything covered in blood.....dreams are strange, aren't they? And if he was lucky he dreamed of David, making love to him. In the end he always woke up to a small noise, and his fears took controll over his body again.

***

David panted heavily. It rained cats and dogs. He couldn't see the other end of the football field. Crazy teachers, making them practice in such a crappy weather....

A harsh whistle screamed in the heavy rain.

The two lines crashed against each other, David ran past two defenders and he was behind the defensive line, he just needed a good pass to win the match. His quarterback spotted him instantly and passed the ball. The eyes of the players followed the ball with both fear and excitement. The loser team would have to run in the rain for another fifteen minutes, and wouldn't get dinner that day....the price was great.

David didn't care about the game.

The ball flew elegantly in the air, he jumped ....the ball felt heavy in his paw....then he was tackled by someone, a guy he didn't see coming from the right. He snatched the ball from David's paw and they both fell on the ground. The mud and water flooded David's muzzle, he even swallowed some. But another feeling croused through his body, like fiery electricity. It was not disgust from the horrible taste in his muzzle.

The defender fell right on his left leg. David cried out as another body slammed on his...then another, the waves of great impacts crushed him...He never cried out like this, he never thought that anything could be this heavy, or that anything could hurt like this. He almost passed out from the intense pain in his left leg.

Then the furs who tackled him got off and Gewan called off the match.

David couldn't stand up from the ground. His leg just wouldn't move. Even to the smallest move of muscles, his nerves seemed to overload with unbearable pain in his leg.

The teachers and students made a circle around him....David couldn't decide how long he lay there but nobody dared to move him. Then utcher came, an old skunk.

"His leg is broken." He said after examinig David's hurt leg. "Well, son, you won't play football for a while.... or walk."

***

Keith stood in front of Lenward's office, he wore his usual uniform, his physique changed a little, his muscles weren't so defined, his arms and legs looked thinner. The never stopping fear and torture did their things to the black dragon's body. But it will end.

The reason he stood in front of the hated and feared office was because Keith was about to begin his most difficult misson. He was about to steal the final key.

In five minutes, the old, rusty and heavy key of the chamber would be his and Lenward would know nothing about it. (If things work out like Keith planned.)

"Bailey? What are you doing here?" Lenward asked as he opened the door, after Keith knocked twice. An awful smile appeared on the dog's muzzle.

"Sir.....I want to.....I need to tell you something." Keith said, he changed his voice a little, to make it a little shaky, to sound just as scared as possible.

"Really? It's too late Bailey..... I don't take back my word. You ARE going to be imprisoned." Lenward said and grinned widely. Keith knew the dog would said that.

Then there was a loud bang, a scream....then roar, followed by the deep, unmistakeable sounds of the crowd.

"What the hell?" Lenward pushed past Keith. He ran towards the sounds that came from the entrance hall. But Lenward stopped suddenly, and Keith felt his soul froze right there. He underestimated Lenward....

The german shepherd ran back to Keith, pushed him away roughly and entered his office, ran to his desk and fished out a key. That's when Colins ran into the room with a fire extinguisher, panting, his muzzle was bleeding.

"Carl.....hurry the corridor is on fire!!!"

"A moment!"

"We don't have time! The whole section will burn down!" Lenward put his key back and grabbed the fire extinguisher from the wall. Keith watched this from behind the door, he hid there when Colins came, so when Lenward and the otter would leave, he would not be noticed. Maybe his plan will work.....

The german shepherd and otter ran off fast and Keith was in Lenward's office immediately. He opened the drawer and there it was. A bunch of keys lay in the bottom of the drawer. Keith found the thing he desired in a second, the old key slid off the ring that held it and Keith grinned like a maniac. He got it.

Keith put back the keys he didn't need. The black dragon let out a long sigh. He thought his heart would explode in his chest right there. He quickly ran out of the office and didn't stop till he was in his dorm. He put the chamber's key into his left boot and waited. After three minutes a harsh yell disturbed him. Keith froze, Lenward was in his room.

"Show me your paws, Bailey." Lenward yelled, obviously pissed as hell.

"Turn around Bailey and show me your paws!" Keith turned around slowly, paws raised high, face emotionless, he just stared at the sheperd. "The next time you light the hallway...Bailey at least be careful enough not to be seen.....you really thought they wouldn't spit it out in a second that you were behind this? Why did you do it? WHY?!"

"Answer me, Bailey!" Keith almost took a step back, the dog seemed so dangerous. Then the principal appeared next to Lenward. The german shepered quickly put his gun away.

"Carl, is everything all right?" The rat asked.

"Bailey caused the whole fire in the hallway." As soon as the shepherd said this, Colins ran to them. "He won't talk." Lenward finished.

"Then a week in the chamber would make him talk." The rat said.

"Unfortunately we can't lock him just for two days, because Mr. Bailey will be an adult, you saw his father's letter Sir." Lenward said and smiled at Keith.

"Oh yes, I almost forgot. Two days it is. and we'll see goodbye to Keith." The principal said then padded off.

"Colins.....please, be kind and walk Bailey to the chamber after I talk to him." The otter just nodded.

"You know Keith, I have no idea what you wanted with the fire thing but it won't help you. The police doesn't like pyromaniacs or murderers. Don't worry Bailey, a small fire won't stop me from calling the them."

"Lock Bailey into the chamber, Colins. Oh and don't let him out just on the end of his detention. We'll see how he tolerates the lack of water and food."

Keith have never been so happy to see the walls of the chamber.

***

The lid of the airhole fell on the table with a small thud, followed by Keith. The dragon landed carefully on the light brown wood and grinned like never before, he put back the lid back to its place then walked to the wardrobe and grabbed the spare keys. Keith padded to the door, the lack of light made it impossible to find the right key. He should have thought of that.... he padded to the table and opened the drawers, he looked for something that could provide him some light. He didn't risk to light the neon in the room. Then there it was....a box of matches. He walked back to the door and lit one, the keys jingled in his paw, it seemed to be insanely loud in the silent night. Then he noticed the picture of Wentworth Hanessy, the previous principal's cold face looked like an arrogant, selfish prick.

"Just like his son." Keith whispered, then he looked at the numbers right under the frame. 1930-1990. Keith stared at the numbers and it suddenly made sense. He hissed as the fire burnt his fingers. The pain was quickly forgotten as he placed the picture from the wall and put it on the floor. He raised his paw and shakily entered the numbers, the year of Hanessy's brith and death. The safe beeped and the lock opened...

He didn't thought that would work..... he opened the safe, lit another match and the light of the small fire brightened the tiny safe. The many many Benjamins grinned to the black dragon. Keith blew the fire before it could burn his fingers again.

Keith laughed a little, he couldn't keep his body in controll, he was so damn surprised and excited..... his tail lashed back and forth, making small circles on the ground behind Keith. Keith stepped to the drawer, the door opened with a little 'creak'. There were some clothes, Keith fished out an expensive, long, black leather coat, it was a little tight but warm. The cold weather outside required proper clothes. His usual uniform wouldn't protect him from the cold. He should bring David a nice one too, Keith grabbed another jacket, it was also made of leather. Maybe Hanessy had leather fetish...

Keith walked back to the safe and put some money into his pockets, he didn't count it but it had to be at least five thousand dollars. Now that would make their life eaiser out there...

Another match.....the small light brightened the room and Keith had finally found the right key, the door of the office opened with a metallic click and Keith walked with a small bounce in his steps towards Section A.

He found quickly the second key, he saw Gewan and Colins using it so he reckognized it...and the second door obeyed.

Three stairs upwards, the hallways were silent. Keith reached the room (number 23) where David slept. He knocked tiwce....no response. He knocked a little harder.....still nothing. He grabbed the handle and the door opened. Keith stepped into the room, lit another match.... it was empty! The freakin' room was empty!

Keith started to breathe faster, his heart throbbed in his chest..... "Calm, down...calm down....maybe he is in the cells..." Keith stepped to David's bed, his stuff was there: his bag, some clothes, books.

"All right....don't panic." Keith whispered and blew the fire.

His chest tightened as he approached the Old Section. He shouldn't be going back there. But he had to find David. No matter what.

Keith paded up to the cells. He moved quietly. His heart seemed to beat in his ears like drums. He opened the door that led to the cells.

They were all empty.....no there were something in the last cell. Somebody.

Keith padded to there, soft breathing came from the cell. Keith lit another one...... and almost roared in desperation. It wasn't David. The guy, sleeping peacefully on the uncomfortable matrass was a gray wolf.

The black dragon stared at the young wolf then blew the fire with a lazy wave of his paw.

"Wake up!" The wolf in the dark stirred. "Wake up cadet!" Keith yelled, not too loudly. The guy quickly stood up, he almost lost his balance, then said: "YES SIR!"

"Why are you here?" Keith said coldly.

"I'm in detention, Sir!" The guy answered. It seemed he believed that a real teacher was on the other side.

"Have you seen a crimson dragon?"

"What?" He asked back.

"Have you seen a crimson dragon, before you were locked here?" Keith said with a growl.

"Ye-yes, Sir." Keith's heart skipped a beat, he stepped closer.

"Where and when?" His voice was all shaky again. The 'prisoner' seemed to hesitate.

"At football practice... this afternoon."

"Where is he now?" Keith asked, he couldn't make his voice sound like a teacher anymore. He didn't care if the guy realized he was not a teacher, he needed to know where David was.

"He .... the ambulance took him to a hospital, his leg is broken."

Keith repeated the answer in his brain over and over again. He didn't believe the stranger.

"Do you know his name, cadet?"

"Da....David sir, his name is David.

Keith closed his eyes and felt like collapsing on the floor right there.

"What's your name, cadet?" His voice was cold again, cruel like it was expected from the King.

"Kevin Archer....sir."

"Are you telling the truth, Kevin?"

"Yes, Sir but why are you..? Keith didn't hear the last words because he ran off. His boots clamped on the tiles, he almost got lost in his mad sprint, he lit another match, the light sparkled on his tear soaked muzzle.

"This can't be happening.... why? How? ....." Keith stood there in the middle of the hallway, the fire illuminated his surroundings.... He was at the principal's office again. Keith padded into the room. There was the picture on the floor, the safe and wardrobe opened..... and Keith sat down on the floor, next to the old fart's picture.....he dropped the burning match on the floor with the brown jacket and the little fire died on the cold tiles.

Keith sat there, crying uncontrollably, shaking.... He failed. He promised he would free David and he failed. He was a murderer and a liar. His his anger boiled in his soul. It wasn't his fault. Everything was because this fuckin's institution. He should burn down the whole school..... the thought quickly desappeared. No .... no more blood will cling to his scales.

He should wait for David....Yeah. He will wait.

Keith hit the wall with his right paw in his anger. He can't wait for David..... Lenward will call the police, he can't stay any longer.

He was a murderer, maybe....maybe this will be better for everyone. David doesn't have to live like an outcast. Honestly.....Keith won't be able to give David the real life he deserved. Living with a murderer.....oh, Keith was a thief too now. The thick rolls of money in his pockets were the proof... But if he stole a 'little', why shouldn't he take everything? Yeah..... that will be the price of his freedom. The price for breaking David's leg.

Keith stood up and automatically began to put the money into his pockets, but they were already full. So he stepped to the wardrobe, lit another match, he grabbed the other one from the floor, so he wouldn't leave any sign. Keith put back the brown jacket where it was. He found Hanessy's 'hunting' bag on the bottom of the wardrobe, he took a quick glance at the insides of the bag, there were a long knife, and.... a gun. Weapon mania, huh? There were a box of bullets to the revolver, Keith examined the gun, there was a small, silver writing on the barrell. "To my beloved son". Keith walked back to the safe, he put everything into the bag. His whole being shivered in anger and guilt.

He closed the safe, put the picture back on the wall, closed the wardrobe and took a deep breath. He ran his paw on the soft leather, it was hot under the thick jacket, but he didn't care. He checked if everything was in place, then left the room and closed the door behind himself. Keith walked out of the Old Section and closed the heavy iron door. He padded up to David's room again, he was playing with his luck now.... he should be busy getting out but no, he was in David's room. Keith sat down on the crimson dragon's bed. He gently took the pillow into his paw and inhaled his lover's scent deeply. Then he put the pillow back on the sheets, and grabbed a book from David's bag. He serached for a pen in the brown bag and found one on the bottom. It was David's favourite pen, he knew it just by holding it in his paw. Keith opened the box of his little servants, the matches...... there was only ten left. He lit one.... and started to write on the first, empty page of the chemistry book. He used two more matches, then tore the page from the book, folded it into a small piece after he finished, and put it into David's pillow. When David will change the sheets (they always had to do it for themselves) he will find it. Maybe.

Keith collected the burnt matches and put them into his pocket. After a long minute of sitting in the darkness he stood up and left the room without looking back. Keith didn't cry while he wrote his letter. He felt nothing.... he felt completely empty. But now, as he got farther and farther from David's room his tail started to shake, his tears began to flow....and Keith kept walking and walking to the entrance hall. He remembered everything .... the day he first saw David.... 'he leant on the bar'....Keith smiled a little in the darkness..... 'David headed for Section C first'....

Then Keith stopped for a moment, he could turn back, he still had the chance and the time.....

The memories of David flashed before his eyes. How Icetail held the knife at the crimson dragon ....... the evening Keith told everything to David about his past. Every single day and night he spent with the handsome crimson dragon.....

Keith raised his shaky paws with the keys in it, how he found the correct key to the Hall, he didn't know.....he didn't even bothered to light a fire. The great, metal door opened and the soft breeze caressed Keith's face. He closed the door, locked it and continued his way to the registration office. The gaze of latticed windows followed Keith in the darkness, nobody could see the black dragon as he padded slowly to the yellow building.

He opened the next door..... the office changed since he last saw it, but he quickly found the room where his belongings were kept. He opened the box, that Olridge sealed a long time ago. Only his ID were in his box. Then he stood up and turned on the lights. He wasn't afraid of being caught anymore..... because the room had no windows to look through. Maybe he wanted to get caught.....

He put his ID away, but his gaze fell on another name: Carter, David. He opened the crimson dragon's box, the photograph of David and his friends smiled up to him, happily, careless just like children could smile. Keith put the pictures into the inner pocket of his newly stolen jacket and closed his eyes. The whole school seemed to pull him back... like a great magnet. Keith found David's ID and looked at the piece of plastic card for a while, he engraved every information of the card in his brain: David's home, date of birth, his father's and mother's name.

The black dragon put the box back, turned off the lights and with the small fire of his last, unused match he opened the main entrance. There were a few cars in the parking lot. Keith slashed every tire with Hanessy's knife.

The sky was dark, his old friend, the moon didn't witness his great escape. The school lay behind Keith, on the green fileds, like a well-fed, sleeping monster. The black dragon broke into a sprint and his tears flew behind him, like tiny briliants.

to be continued

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