FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Is that it?", Tallula whispered.

"Obviously you meat sack!", Kagoro shot back quietly.

"Oh would you shut it you overgrown bug!", Chris whispered harshly.

"What did you-"

Everyone stopped suddenly, too focused on the unexpected pain shooting up their side.They looked around and noticed Thraal biting fiercely into his left lower arm. When they all regarded the hunter, he released his arm.

"Now that I have all of your attention, let's plan how we are going to acquire one of those crystals."

"How? There are none in sight", Chris pointed out.

"When hunting, one must be patient and observe everything around him", Thraal stated as looked back at the Phain.

It took another hour of endless wandering before they found the creature they were looking for. It was greenish-brown with rubbery-textured skin. As Sor-dnaal said, they were blind but they had long ears and big teeth. Not only that but they had a portly frame and it looked like it was secreting some type of translucent fluid. It honestly looked like a demented, eyeless bunny. Currently, the group was watching the creature amidst a group of rocks a good distance away.

"If there is nothing-"

Thraal quickly clamped his arms around the Quezznar's jaw, silencing him effectively.

Just then, the Phain peeked its head up with its ears erect. They twitched while it slowly oscillated its head back and forth before resuming its task.

Thraal gave Kagoro an angry glare before turning back to the Phain. No one said anything for the next 10 minutes, watching it apparently sleeping.

"If it keeps on doing nothing, we will never find the crystal." Tallula broke the silence.

"I agree with the Dhifgos. We cannot just sit around while everyone else have probably found a crystal already", Kagoro complained.

"They don't have a crystal", Thraal replied as he eyed the creature.

"And how could you possibly know that?"

"Because if you only have one good source, you would ensure that ONLY YOU would eat from it and no one else." Thraal scolded quietly while pointing to the Phain. "This creature can only eat the crystals, so it will protect its food fiercely so that it can survive."

"Besides, if they did, we'd all be dead by now." Thraal added.

As if to verify his statement, the Phain began to vigorously burrow into the dirt, digging up a storm of dust. It was difficult to see what the Phain was doing but once the dirt settled, all but Thraal were amazed as an amber crystal was nestled firmly between the paws of the Phain. Below it was a small, yet deep pit full of those crystals.

Without a moment sooner, it began to savagely gnaw at the rock until it crumbled under the strength of the Phain's jaws. It hastily repeated the process and soon was munching on another crystal.

"Now what?", Chris asked.

"Now we obtain the crystal."

"And how do you propose we do that? It's not like we can walk up to the creature and ask for it", Kagoro pointed out.

"I swear, you all are pitiful life forms. We obviously have to take one from it!", Thraal nearly shouted.

"Think again genius. If one of us dies, we all die!", Kagoro snapped back.

"Do we have any other options left?", Thraal countered rhetorically.

"We could either send one of us to go get it or have all us rush in at once, increasing our chances of snagging a crystal", Tallula voiced.

"Not a bad idea but it wouldn't matter. If one of us gets injured, we all get injured. And if we are injured, we will surely die", Thraal responded.

"Why not both?", Chris voiced.

The other 3 gave him puzzled looks.

"Think about it: 3 of us can take turns distracting it while the 4th grabs a crystal."

"It is a good plan and it will be the one we use, considering how we should get this done as quickly as possible", Thraal decided, looking around for any signs of objection. A brief moment of silence passed, which Thraal took as a 'yes' from his teammates.

"Kagoro and Chris, you two and I will distract the creature while Tallula will grab a crystal once it is distracted."

"Why do I have to grab it. You are faster and a hunter!"

"You are a female, meaning you are lighter on your toes. Us males are leaner and stronger. And honestly, are you willing to risk all of our deaths simply because you don't agree with the plan?"

Tallula bit back a snarl and shook her head.

With everything settled, Thraal emerged into the clearing and slowly approached the Phain, flanked by Kagoro on his left, Chris on his right, and Tallula behind him.

"Since it relies on smell and hearing, we will make noise to distract it. We will do whatever it takes for you to grab the crystal. So do not fail us!", Thraal directed to Tallula.

When they crept close enough, the creature raised its head and turned towards the unknown scents. It growled more fiercely than usual since it smelled multiple scents.

It reared up momentarily before it slammed its front paws to the ground, simultaneously unleashing an ear-splitting roar that sounded deadly to Chris.

"Over here you infernal beast!", Thraal shouted as he broke apart from the group.

The creature gnashed its teeth together before pouncing in front of the creature, stopping Thraal from getting to close to its food. It snarled low but loudly, warning the intruder to back off.

"Oh it seems I will take one of your crystals!" Kagoro exclaimed while jumping up and down, alerting the creature to its presence.

The Phain snapped its head toward the new scent and charged at it fiercely. Kagoro narrowly missed being snapped it two. It roared loudly, no longer in the mood to warn the creatures.

It extended its claws and swiped at Kagoro, who ducked to avoid the blow. He scuttled away from it as it chased him.

"Hey look at me! I'm getting closer!", Chris suddenly yelled, grabbing the attention of the Phain. To be honest, Chris thought this plan would go bad really quick. He couldn't believe he was actually being bait to a dangerous creature who could kill him at any moment. But it's not like Chris had a say in the matter.

His stomach dropped when it came bolting at him, raking up dirt in the process. It unleashed its spine-tingling roar again as it closed in on him.

Chris screamed as he dashed to his left, the creature following him intently. He zigzagged here and there, trying to lose the creature on his tail, unfortunately for him, the Phain was quicker.

With it swipe of its paw it knocked Chris off his feet and into the air. Chris cried out in pain as he sailed across the plain and skidded upon the dirt upon impact. The other 3 froze up in pain at the moment Chris was hit.

It felt like he got hit with a baseball bat, and he became the home run. He laid there for a bit, trying to recover from the pain. Tallula had to push past the pain as the Phain shrieked, noticing that she was too close to its precious crystals.

She staggered to her feet and began running to a different direction. It was about to get her when Thraal screamed to get its attention. It skidded to a halt and changed direction, aiming at the Akkrozs.

The Phain screamed as it brought a paw down, which Thraal easily side-stepped. He kept dancing around the creature while it helplessly tried to him.

Again, Tallula tried her best to get close to the crystals but retreated when the Phain lunged at her.

Kagoro snaked his way in between Tallula and the Phain, doing his best to occupy the creature. The snarling beast swiped at Kagoro but inflicted no damage upon the Quezznar, due to his armored back. It felt more like a hard pat to the back to him.

"We can't keep distracting it", Chris said as he got up.

He quickly looked around and noticed there was nothing to help him like in the first round. Chris helplessly watched as his 3 teammates tried in vain to acquire the amber crystal.

"Don't just stand there! DO SOMETHING!", Thraal yelled.

It was then that an idea popped into his head. An idea so shocking and unfathomable, it would surely get him and his 3 comrades killed.

***

Thraal couldn't last much more of this. Their plan was falling apart faster than they put it together. The creature was currently deciding which of the 3 it wanted to kill. They were basically playing keep away with their lives; even thought they would all die if one of them was slain.

And what really made his blood boil was that the human was just watching, too scared to do anything. As far as he was concerned, this human was dead weight. He hardly contributed in their discussions, and currently wasn't even helping distract the Phain.

"Don't just stand there! DO SOMETHING!", Thraal shouted.

He gasped as he tucked to his left, dodging a swipe from the angry creature. It was useless; one of them-all of them were going to die. They were prolonging the invetible, it seems.

If I...

I get to know your name

Well if I...

could trace your private number, baby

The creature flagged his ears at the new sound. The Phain turned his head curiously towards Chris. Chris froze suddenly, not expecting the Phain to notice. It sniffed the air, noticing it wasn't anywhere close to its food. When all was silent again, Chris continued.

All I know is that to me

You look like you're lots of fun

Open up your lovin' arms

I want some, want some

The Phain got closer, curious as to the alluring melody. It heard the creature make percussive noises, forming a syncopated beat that had a flowing pattern to it.

I set my sights on you (and no one else will do)

And I, I've got to have my way now, babyyyyyy

All I know is that to me

You look like you're having fun

Open up your lovin' arms

Watch out here I come

You spin me right round, baby

Right round like a record, baby

Right round round round

You spin me right round, baby

Right round like a record, baby

Right round round round

Chris started beating a rhythm on his chest while singing, seeing as he didn't have any instruments on him.

The Phain was captivated by this creature. It was producing sounds it had never heard before, weaving indefinite and definite pitches together. The alluring melody, provided with the driving rhythm provided an audio delight for the Phain.

Chris couldn't actually believe this was working. He was all out of options and figured he might as well die trying. Chris sang the bass riff much to the creature's pleasure. Now to the 2nd verse.

I, I got to be your friend now, baby

And I would like to move in just a little bit closerrrrr

All I know is that to me

You look like you're lots of fun

Open up your loving arms

Watch out, here I come

You spin me right round, baby

right round like a record, baby

Right round round round

You spin me right round, baby

Right round like a record, baby

Right round round round

As he sang the chorus another idea sparked within Chris' mind. He waved his left hand in the air, as his right hand was tapping out the beat. He was trying to get the attention of his teammates who were standing there and watching him wordlessly.

It wasn't until Thraal tilted his head in confusion that he got his attention. He tried making motions that signalled them to get the crystal now, making his hand do a grabbing gesture followed by pointing to the crystal.

Thraal's eyss opened wide as he comprehended what the human mean. He slowly moved toward Tallula and relayed the message. She then crept backwards towards the pit.

Chris then pointed to the rock then brought his hand down on his head repeatedly before finally pointing to the Phain. Kagoro looked back and forth between him and the creature before nodding his head in affirmation. He glanced and Thraal and was satisfied to learn he understood as well.

I want your looo-o-ov-o-ovveeeee

I want your looo-o-ov-o-ovveeeee

You spin me right round, baby

right round like a record, baby

Right round round round

You spin me right round, baby

Right round like a record, baby

Right round round round

Chris incorporated his feet as he neared the conclusion of the song. He glanced back and forth at his teammates to see their progress. He was relieved to see Tallula with hand's reach of a crystal while Thraal lifted a heavy Boulder with his 4 arms with Kagoro behind him.

You spin me right round, baby

right round like a record, baby

Right round round round

You spin me right round, baby

Right round like a record, baby

Right round round round

Right when Chris finished, Thraal grunted as he heaved the boulder towards the Phain, smacking him right in the face. The Phain shrieked as pain shot up the right side of his face. It was about to counter when another boulder smacked the left side of his face. The pain overwhelmed and disoriented him. So much so that he fell to his knees. He didn't even notice Tallula successfully grabbing one of the crystals.

Thraal hastily grabbed his Boulder again and jumped onto the Phain while it was down. With a tribal cry he slammed the rock down onto the Phain's skull. It cried out in pain but was cut short when Thraal brought it down again. It's cries of agony soon died out as Thraal repeated the motions until the green blood of the Phain painted the rock and the ground.

He dropped the rock as he jumped down, exhausted. He turned to Tallula who was holding the crystal in her paws.

He turned back to Chris while panting for breath. In fact, Kagoro and Tallula were looking at Chris too. How did that work?

Chris looked around at his teammates and could only offer a sheepish smile. "I think we should hurry and go to the checkpoint."

***

It took a couple of hours for them to reach the checkpoint. The only obstacle they faced was the rockier terrain near the checkpoint. But at last, they reached the end.

Atop a shallow plateau, a good distance away, thy saw 4 figures running toward the top. Chris could see a pair of grey wings attached to one of their backs.

"It's Eone and his group!", Chris exclaimed.

"Then let's hurry!" Thraal growled as he broke out into a sprint. Chris, Tallula, and Kagoro followed suit.

They climbed over rock until they reached the top of the plateau. They glanced towards the far end of the plateau and saw Eone and his group standing there. What was odd was that there was no pods this time. They were all encased in a blue glow as well as their crystal, which was sitting atop a rocky monolith.

They were about to move forward to the other monolith, adjacent to the first one when pain shot up their left leg(s).

They collapsed to the ground in pain. They glanced around and were shocked to see another contestant, protruding from the ground, with its jaws clamped tightly onto Tallula's right leg.

The pain was excruciating. They could do nothing as 3 other members came out of nowhere and pinned them down. It took them awhile to realize that it was Solara and Tauron's team. Not only that, but the other 2 members who made up that team were the female counterparts of Thraal and Kagoro.

It was Shalokai, the female Quezznar, who had Tallula's leg in a vice-like bite. Tallula screamed in pain, kicking to get her to release her. Shalokai's plated body cushioned the blows, rendering her harmless.

Solara, who was currently pinning down Kagoro got up and walked over to Tallula. Kagoro could barely limp as he was still consumed with pain.

"Oh this was too simple", she grinned as she snatched the crystal out of her paws.

"Thanks for the effort. We appreciate it!", Solara snickered as she turned around and jogged to the monolith.

"Keep them down!" Solara ordered as she closed the distance.

"Nothing personal" Ryori, the female Akkrozs commented as she held down Thraal. He could do nothing but stare daggers back at her.

Chris' eyes grew as wide as dinner plates. He couldn't let this happen. Emily will not die in vain! The contestant who was pinning him down, Tauron, was currently watching Solara ensure their victory with a smirk on his face. Tauron's neck was turned to the side, exposing his left ear

With much effort, he thrust his neck as far as it would go and clasped his teeth around Tauron's ear, yanking it back down.

Tauron roared in pain as he was tugged down. The pain was felt by the 3 others, including Solara who stopped halfway to clutch her left ear.

With a twist of his neck, Chris slowly felt the ear give way a little. This did not go unnoticed Tauron who clawed desperately at Chris, trying to pry him off. However, his strikes were not coordinated considering how he was bent at an awkward angle and was filled with burning pain.

His swipes did manage to inflict deep gashes on Chris' forearms. Chris and his teammates felt the pain of the slashes but Chris didn't care. He was not going to die! He was not going to be responsible for the deaths of 3 others. Well, 2 since he did want to kill Kagoro.

To Eone's team, it certainly was a sight to behold. 8 contestants were writhing on the ground in pain. He glanced at his counterpart and noted how close she was to the obelisk. If she could only move past the pain, she and her team would win. But that would mean Chris would die.

Eone was anxious, but more importantly he was confused at himself. He surprisingly wanted Chris to win. Maybe it was because he made a deal with the human, or maybe it was some sliver of compassion that made him feel this way. Whatever it was, he couldn't explain it.

Tauron was about to claw at Chris but the human suddenly deflected his attacks and latched his hands firmly onto his face. With renowned effort, Chris pushed away while his teeth pull backwards. His effort was rewarded as Tauron screeched in terminal anguish.

A few seconds later, Tauron's ear was effectively ripped off of his head. Tauron fell back as he clutched his ear, wailing awfully.

Covered in a mixture of his blood and Tauron's, Chris got up to his feet and staggeringly limped to Solara, who was too distraited with the pain in her left ear flap.

With a pained huffed he bent down and forcefully yanked the crystal from her clutches. Solara, realizing that the amber rock was no longer in her possession, tried to re-obtain it but was met with a hard kick to the chest.

With an unstable gait, Chris pushed himself onwards to the monolith. He sank to knees as his arms roughly placed the crystal upon the column. All was still for a moment before a blue aura encased the crystal, himself, and his teammates.

Solara, Tauron, Shalokai, and Ryori looked at each other with petrified expressions before they all froze in pain. They twitched sporadically, choking on air as pain devoured their bodies. That was the last thing Chris saw before darkness filled his vision.