FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The dark and stormy night brews with thunder and rain, and through the darkness, a single figure rushes, covered in a rain-drenched cloak, their hooded lantern rattling and casting shadowy illumination throughout the storm-wracked hillside.

With each step, the figure speeds up, their rush transforming from a disoriented stumbling to a determined dash, each step causing the water to splash up around the boots that trod along the muddy path, heels digging deep into the hill as the traveler dashes over the flowing water of the flooded path. Under the hood, bright red eyes glare toward the glorious building above.

Upon the summit at the end of the drenched road sits the high walls of a fortified temple, beautifully sculpted in the likeness of perfect beautiful beings, their arms open wide in accepting gestures and embracing one another in the most intimate and perhaps even scandalous ways.

The traveler’s journey stops as they slam against the large stone doors, their gloved hands flat upon the architecture, fingers scratching at the entryway, forehead striking against the barrier, a growl rising from the hood. With a desperate cry, the traveler curls their fingers into a fist and pounds the hallowed entryway.

The peal of thunder and the rush of rains drown out the sounds, leaving them alone to face the silent and welcoming gazes, which become mocking parodies of the kindness that they claim to give.

Through gritted teeth and a hunched back, the supplicant stands up, glancing at the tall walls. Determination to get in at any cost floods their mind, and soon, through a cracking and a groaning of pain, the figure twists and contorts, their hands scratching at the wall again, but this time, the leather of the gloves breaks at the seams, and elongated nails, pointed and clawing scratch and deface the stone.

One hand and then another clasps and claws at the stone, gripping the imperfections, even through the pouring rain, digging, clawing, climbing, and as the traveler, no, the intruder, passes the welcoming statues, they tear gashes into the perfect flesh, leaving their smiles a cruel mockery of the otherwise lovely art.

The guard dresses in loose garb, reading a passage by candlelight. The constant downpour and peals of thunder make for a good reading ambiance. The quiet learning on time is unceremoniously interrupted by a loud THUMP.

The elven acolyte stands up, her ears quirking as she grabs her lantern and heads out the door of the small guardhouse. She gasps at what she sees and rushes into the storm, where her delicate night garb is immediately drenched, clinging to her supple skin. Her long, flaxen hair clings to her shoulders, her skin shines with the reflections of the rain, but she braves the cold, pounding torrent to hold a hand out to the hooded lump lying on the ground.

“My hand!” the acolyte says, holding out toward the traveler. “Please, can you take my hand? I can lead you to a priest and healer!”

The form remains motionless for a moment, with only the patter of water bouncing off the hood.

The acolyte gulps, glancing at the doorway. Her heart falls as she watches the entryway, but her glance is only momentary as the furred hand grasps her by the arm, digging into the flesh.

She screams, swinging her lantern at the creature, crashing the glass against the side of its head. It loosens its grasp, whimpering, stumbling to its feet as she clasps her wrist, red trickling down her arm.

“Nnngh… please…” the creature speaks, its voice gruff, though high. “Help me, I can’t… I can’t…”

The guard relaxes, albeit a bit, stepping forward into the stormy night, swallowing her anxieties, and gently letting go of her wrist to reach out again.

The traveler snaps, large jaws biting just inches from her face. She falls on her back, splashing into the water with a scream that pierces the storm.

He’s upon her, claws digging into her shoulders, his maw inches from her face, saliva and rain mingling as they fall onto her.

Red eyes pierce with black pupils down to the terrified creature, and a nose sniffs, pressing up against her neck.

She’s frozen, terrified, her eyes open, but seeing nothing as pure anxiety runs through her chilled body.

That’s when a palm thrust forward, striking the creature squarely on its black nose.

The lupine thing hops off the acolyte, snuffing and grasping at its face, while the acolyte curls up, rolling onto her side, clasping her face.

A hand rests on her head, providing psychological comfort and with the holy energies that empower his touch. The knight of love then steps between the beast and its prey, his long green hair pinned and his pristine chest glistening in the light radiating from his armor.

Rivulets of water run down along each muscle. Fiery red-orange eyes stare down at the creature reeling back from him. “This is not how one treats someone offering them aid,” he chastises.

The traveler hunches over, his maw the only thing escaping from his hood. He breathes a few ragged breaths before roaring and rushing toward the paladin, swiping both claws at him.

The knight doges aside as thunder claps, a leg sweeping, catching the traveler and knocking him down to the ground, his muzzle smacking into the mud with a splash.

A moment later, the paladin is on top of the hooded creature, shouting over the storm's fury. “Have you come here for help or harm? Answer me truthfully.

Muddy claws grip his arms, but the armor keeps him safe, deflecting the scratches.

He tightens his grip. “Answer.”

“H… help!” the monster roars.

With a nod, the paladin presses two fingers upon the beast’s forehead, and with a command, a shot of pure energy zips through and into the monster’s mind.

A moment later, it falls limp in his hands.