FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Leena's eyes were still moist from tears, she blinked rapidly, struggling to regain focus as she soared through the urban landscape. The cityscape transformed under the golden embrace of the setting sun, turning the towering glass buildings into a mesmerizing tapestry of warm amber hues. But the beauty surrounding her couldn't dispel the lingering pain that resonated within her.

With each beat of her quivering wings, Leena felt a throbbing ache pulsating in her head, a haunting reminder of her father's relentless grip on her horns. The memory of his overpowering presence and the crushing sensation of being slammed against the desk replayed in her mind again and again. Waves of frustration and helplessness surged through her body, causing tremors and quakes that threatened to break her spirit.

In a moment of despair, a wail erupted from deep within her, a desperate cry for help. Struggling to maintain focus through teary eyes, she peered ahead and noticed the distinct silhouette of the four spires on the horizon. These lavishly adorned apartment buildings pierced the sky, casting their imposing shadow over the rest of the city's skyline, much like her father's suffocating hold on her life.

Leena adjusted her course with a graceful sway of her tail, deliberately steering away from the spires. As she extended her wings into a glide, the weight of her emotions burdened her flight, and she continued to sob softly, allowing the afternoon breeze to cradle her in its gentle embrace. Gradually, she descended, her descent mirroring the descent of her thoughts and memories.

Within the recesses of her mind, Mike's innocent face burned brightly, etching itself into her memory. The pleading look in his eyes as he was escorted away by the police haunted her. Guilt coursed through her veins, knowing that her love had jeopardized his future. The realization that her father would relentlessly punish him as long as she resisted only intensified her pain. Tempting whispers crept into her thoughts, urging her to sever their relationship for Mike's sake. She contemplated turning back and begging for his forgiveness, a glimmer of hope telling her that he might release Mike from his clutches.

She shook her head vigorously, hoping to dispel the voices that clouded her judgment. Deep down, she knew her father would never release his grip so easily. He relished in seeing his plans through to the bitter end, even if it meant inflicting pain to prove his righteousness. Yielding now would only serve to prove his power over her.

Leena's descent brought her closer to the bustling city below, where the sounds of car engines and honking horns reached her ears. Amidst the urban noise, her thoughts wavered, considering the option of going to the police for her father's assault on her. But she remembered it was her who had struck him first, the lingering traces of blood on her paw serving as a stark reminder. A sinking feeling gnawed at her stomach as she realized she had no solid ground to stand on, no recourse to turn to.

With a mix of frustration and self-reflection, Leena tightly shut her eyes, willing herself to glide lower and lower, descending below the towering heights of the surrounding buildings. In the recesses of her mind, fragments of memories resurfaced, echoing Mike's voice calling out to her, pleading her not to do anything reckless. Regret surged through her chest as she recollected how she had brushed aside his words, dismissing his concern in her rage. "I don't need a strong dragon. I need a smart dragon," he had uttered, his words now haunting her conscience.

The scent of the city streets wafted into her nostrils as she continued her descent amidst the unforgiving concrete structures. In the midst of her inner turmoil, Mike's unwavering belief in her intelligence and cunning pierced through the darkness. "You are a smart dragon, Leena," his words echoed within her, jolting her back to reality.

Her eyes flickered open just in time to see the imposing brick wall of a building looming before her. Reacting with instinctual swiftness, Leena unleashed a forceful flap of her wings and a swift flick of her tail, adjusting her course to narrowly avoid a crash. The gravity of what she had almost done washed over her for a fleeting moment, causing her heart to skip a beat, but she quickly refocused her attention, channeling her energy into the rhythmic beating of her wings. Rising swiftly above the rooftops, she scanned her surroundings, seeking a point of reference to regain her bearings in the vast urban expanse.

With a subtle twist of her tail, Leena altered her course, a glimmer of determination kindling within her. Despite feeling isolated, she knew she wasn't entirely alone; she just needed some time to collect her thoughts. Fuelled by newfound confidence, she beat her wings with greater intensity, propelling herself forward as the dying sun painted the city in fading hues.

As the city gradually succumbed to darkness, street lights flickered to life, casting their warm glow upon the streets below. Leena landed gracefully at a familiar bar, the rhythmic beats of music resonating even from outside its the front door. She noticed her paw, still marred by her father's blood, mostly dry but visually unsettling. Hopping on three legs, she instinctively tucked her messy paw under her chest, hastening her way towards the bar's restroom. There, she diligently washed away the traces of the grim encounter, cleansing her face and paws. The vibrant orange scale paint that once adorned her snout and eyes now disappeared, revealing the subtle, pale scales beneath.

Emerging from the restroom, Leena sought solace in the area where she and Mike had shared their first date. Nestling herself amidst the cushions, she sat in solitude, observing the lively bar. The constant hum of voices, intertwined with the captivating melodies flowing from the speakers, enveloped her senses, creating a soothing backdrop that allowed her mind to gradually settle and regain clarity.

Her gaze wandered around the bar, longing to see Mike emerge, donning his waiter's apron, but deep down, she knew he wouldn't. She understood that the responsibility to mend their situation lay squarely on her shoulders. She needed to devise a plan, to find an avenue her father hadn't accounted for.

Lost in her thoughts, she was abruptly interrupted by a deep voice beside her. Startled, she turned her attention to the male dragon standing there, his posture gentle and unassuming, devoid of the typical swagger she often encountered in dragon males vying for her attention. "Um sorry I said, is there any chance I could sit here."

Leena's amber eyes met his, her gaze unwavering as she formed a response. "Sorry, I'm really not interested. I have a boyfriend," she replied firmly.

The bronze-brown dragon's expression softened into a warm smile, a glimmer of understanding dancing in his eyes. "Oh no, not like that. I'm just looking to sit down. This place is packed," he explained, sensing her scepticism. "Honestly, you are really not my type. My boyfriend just dumped me," he added sadly.

Leena looked into the dragon's eyes and could tell he was serious, her eyes glanced around the room and saw that there was indeed nowhere else to go. Her cheeks flushed with a slight embarrassment, realizing she had hastily assumed his intentions. Shuffling across the cushion, she made room for him, an apologetic glint in her eyes. "Sorry, my boyfriend just got arrested," she admitted, her voice tinged with melancholy. She saw his mouth slightly agape, then closing without uttering a word. "He didn't do it," she added.

"Mondays... Am I right?" the dragon quipped with a weak chuckle, attempting to alleviate the heaviness of their respective burdens. "Geevin," he introduced himself, a paw gracefully pressing against his chest as a gesture of camaraderie.

"Leena." She replied with a polite nod, scanning around the room, her attention momentarily drawn to the flickering glow of the television screen behind the bar. As she cast a fleeting glance, her heart sank at the sight of Mike's face plastered across the display, accompanied by the voice of the newscaster narrating the alleged crimes. Resisting the urge to listen to the details, she knew they would be trumped up charges that she wouldn't be able to help with in the courts.

Her gaze swept across the room, landing on Ben, who stood watching the unfolding news. He absorbed every word, every implication about his friend. The news segment concluded, transitioning to the latest sports stories, but Leena's mind barely registered the victory of the Cresties in Dragonball or their prospects of going on to win the championship.

Leena's stomach churned as she saw Ben's eyes fixated on her. He began to make his way towards her table, concern etched upon his face. Leena's head drooped slightly, bracing herself for the inevitable conversation. "What happened? Did Mike steal company secrets?" Ben asked.

Leena let out a weary sigh, her voice carrying the weight of resignation. "No, he's innocent. It's my father... he doesn't want us together. He framed Mike, but there's nothing I can do," she explained with a tinge of sadness, catching a glimpse of Geevin's gaze briefly lingering on her before feigning busyness, as if trying not to intrude on the private conversation.

"What? That's nuts!" Ben exclaimed in disbelief. Witnessing Leena's defeated expression, he settled himself into a seat across from her, his voice softened. "What happens now?" he asked.

Leena's slender shoulders slumped, her voice barely above a whisper. "If I break up with him, truly end things... Maybe my father will drop the charges. But I don't know," she confessed, the weight of uncertainty palpable in her words. "He might just want to prove a point, to assert his control."

Ben shook his head, a tinge of anger flushing his cheeks. "Nah, that's not right. You two are too adorable together," he protested.

A feeble smile played at the corners of Leena's lips, appreciating Ben's support even amidst the gloom. "Thanks, but I don't see any other way," she admitted, her voice tinged with defeat. "I keep racking my brain, wondering if there's something I've missed, some leverage I could use against my father. But I don't want Mike to suffer anymore," she confessed, her voice quivering with unshed tears. "Not any longer, not because of me."

Ben, aware of the bustling activity in the bar, knew he had to return to his duties. He cast a sympathetic gaze towards Leena, his desire to help etched in his expression. "Let me know if I can be of assistance, anything at all," he offered sincerely, rising from his seat with a sigh of frustration mingled with determination. With a final nod of solidarity, he made his way back to attending the patrons.

"Thanks," Leena whispered softly, her voice laced with gratitude. She discreetly wiped away a stray tear and absentmindedly fiddled with a drink coaster, her sharp claw dragging across the damp cardboard.

"I'll be right back," Ben said, "I've got something for you," he added before swiftly retreating back behind the bar counter.

Leena could sense the neighbouring male dragon shifting uncomfortably, fully aware of the conversation that had unfolded but choosing to feign interest in the pictures on the walls. She sniffled softly, her emotions still raw. "Do you have any ideas?" she whispered, her gaze darting discreetly towards the other patrons.

Geevin shuffled slightly and swallowed audibly before mustering a response. "Um, sorry. It's not my place," he hesitated, his words tinged with regret. Observing her crestfallen expression, he offered a feeble consolation. "But it sounds rough. I hope it gets better," he murmured, his sincere sentiment earning a flicker of gratitude in the form of a small, fleeting smile from the orange-scaled dragoness.

Ben returned, clutching something in his hand, his face beaming with a mix of excitement and anticipation. "Mike forgot to clear the memory card," he announced, flipping on a small action camera. The screen on the back flickered to life, revealing a collection of images Mike had captured during their skydiving date. Ben navigated through the pictures, showcasing moments frozen in time. "Like I said, you two look adorable together," he commented, holding the camera for Leena to see. Her paws trembled as she reached out, her claws delicately cradling the device. Peering down at the pixelated image, she beheld a snapshot of Mike's pale yet happy face, his smile mirroring her own as he perched atop her shoulders while they soared through the sky.

Seeing her paws shake, Ben gently placed his own hand upon hers, providing a steadying presence. "Hang onto it. I'm planning on upgrading anyway," he offered, his stomach tightening as he witnessed Leena's tearful gaze fixated on the screen.

Leena lifted her head, blinking back tears and nodding in gratitude to Ben, her voice momentarily eluding her. Ben offered her a reassuring smile before returning to his duties. As Leena's eyes scanned the surroundings, she noticed the dragon seated beside her watching Ben's departure, his interest piqued.

Clearing her throat, Leena mustered the courage to strike up a conversation. "You mentioned your mate left you?" she inquired, her tone gentle as she delicately turned off the camera and tucked it securely into her harness.

Geevin nodded solemnly, his gaze distant. "To be clear, he was human," he clarified, a hint of sadness tainting his words. "We simply weren't meant to be together, I suppose," he added with a touch of resignation.

Leena pondered her own thoughts, her father's disapproving voice echoing in her mind, casting doubt upon her feelings for Mike. Yet, she knew deep within her heart how much she loved him. "If you found the right person," she began, her voice tinged with a seriousness that demanded attention, "what would you do if they were in danger?" Her claws tapped softly against the drink coaster as she awaited his response.

Geevin locked eyes with her, his expression unwavering. "I would protect them from the world, no matter the cost," he asserted with conviction. His gaze remained fixed on Leena, unwavering in its intensity. "I would throw myself in front of a bus if I had to," he added.

Leena's eyes saw that he was serious, she turned back and looked around. Thinking deeply as to what she could do. Her mind ran through the same scenarios again and again, coming to the same conclusions. She closed her eyes and tried to think, the loud sounds of the busy bar filling her ears and calming her down. Her head tilted from side to side as she wrangled options in her head, before perking up as she thought of something she hadn't before, she had been so focused on what she wanted, she forgot about what her father wanted, her eyes snapping open as she realised a final move in their twisted game of power.

A wide, genuine smile spread across Leena's face as she turned towards the male dragon beside her, her voice filled with gratitude and newfound resolve. "Geevin, was it? Thank you. Thank you so much," she expressed sincerely, gratitude shining in her eyes. With that, she swiftly rose from her seat.

Geevin, caught off guard by the sudden shift in Leena's demeanour, gaped at her in astonishment. "Um, thanks? But... what did I do?" he inquired, a mix of confusion and curiosity evident in his voice. However, Leena didn't provide an immediate answer, her focus now firmly set on finding Ben.

Leena's vibrant scales glistened under the dim lighting of the bar as she trotted over to Ben, a mischievous glimmer danced in her eyes, causing a warm smile to spread across Ben's face. "What's up?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Can you film me saying something? I don't know how to work the camera." She said and fished the action camera Ben gave her out of her harness.

Taking the camera from her, Ben contemplated the bustling atmosphere of the bar. His team was fervently struggling to meet the demands of the patrons, the air filled with the clinking of glasses and lively conversations. "Now?" he questioned, and saw her nod eagerly, her anticipation palpable. Realizing the chaos around them, Ben suggested, "Okay, let's make it quick. The alleyway outside is quieter." He gestured for her to follow him, leading the way behind the bar.

As they maneuvered through the bustling kitchen, Leena could feel her heart thudding against her chest, a blend of excitement and nervousness coursing through her veins. Thoughts raced through her mind, the words she longed to express fighting for prominence. Upon stepping out into the narrow lane, the air hung heavy with the pungent scent of dampness, mold, and discarded trash. It was far from picturesque, but the relative quietude offered solace.

The camera emitted a faint beep, indicating that it had powered on, as Leena settled herself next to a blank wall. Its rough texture provided a modest backdrop for her impending message.

"Okay, ready?" Ben's voice carried a mix of anticipation and concern as he held the camera up, positioning it to capture Leena's every word. She met his gaze with a resolute nod, and as the small red recording light illuminated, the weight of the moment settled upon them.

Leena parted her lips to speak, but an unexpected wave of apprehension temporarily stifled her voice. Swiftly regaining her composure, she swallowed and tried again. "My name is Leena. My mother is Seelena, and my father is Kaarak," she began, her tone firm yet tinged with vulnerability. "My father is the CEO of Large Scale Developments, and recent events have made me want to set the record straight."

Pausing momentarily, Leena glanced at Ben's, witnessing a mixture of worry and support etched across his face. She took a deep breath, steadying herself to continue. "My father is a vile creature, a venomous head atop a toxic workplace," she confessed, "He freely wields threats of violence to enforce compliance among his colleagues, and many are gripped by fear, silenced from speaking out. He has taken advantage of multiple dragonesses employed by his company, using nondisclosure agreements to stifle their voices. However, I have not signed such documents, and I hope to bring these to light."

Ben's eyes widened in astonishment, yet he maintained his focus, keeping the camera steady as Leena continued.

"His designs are riddled with flaws, as he frequently cuts corners to save costs. Those who have used his company's services should double-check his work. But concerning the recent arrest of his assistant, Michael, some may speculate that he was colluding with a competitor. However, the truth is..." Leena's voice quivered momentarily, her emotions threatening to overpower her, but she composed herself and continued. "I asked Michael to transmit those documents. I guided him, revealing which ones were important, and together we emailed them. But I knew precisely whom to send them to, to inflict the same pain upon my father that he has inflicted upon those around him."

Ben's jaw dropped, his astonishment palpable. Yet, he remained resolute, keeping the camera trained on Leena's tear-glazed eyes, allowing her story to unfold.

"I have known Michael since our university days, and I was aware of his fondness for me. I shamefully utilized that affection to my advantage, manipulating him into aiding me. However, he merely executed the actions. I was the one behind it all," Leena confessed, her voice sounding heavy with remorse. "I believe my father suspects the truth, but he would rather see Michael locked up than his own daughter. If he were to find out that I am recording this, I dread to think..." She paused, her words hanging in the air, as she feigned swallowing a fictitious lump in her throat. "I don't know what he would do to me. If you deem it necessary to arrest me, you will find me hiding in my room at home," she concluded weakly. Her gaze shifted to Ben, signalling the conclusion of her confession, prompting him to end the recording.

The deafening silence of the alleyway enveloped them, intensifying the weight of their shared secret as the camera ceased its recording with a final beep. Lowering the camera, Ben's eyes locked with Leena's as she lifted her gaze from the ground, a subtle smirk adorning her snout. "Do you think it's believable?" she inquired, anticipation glimmering in her eyes. Ben nodded, acknowledging the convincing nature of her confession.

"By confessing, do you believe your father will drop the charges if you are arrested?" Ben questioned, his voice laced with concern as he powered off the camera.

Leena drew in a deep breath, a determined expression replacing her previous smirk. "It doesn't matter if he does. Can you send that recording to the police, the media, and anyone who will listen? I don't see how the police could charge Mike if there's a confession like that. I may end up in prison, but I don't care. The most important thing is that Mike will be free, and I can't work for my father while I'm locked up. The only way he can have me is if he drops the charges," Leena declared, her voice resonating with unwavering resolve.

"I'll send it tonight. I have a laptop in the kitchen," Ben assured her, retrieving the memory card from the camera. "So, are you going to head home?" he inquired.

Leena sighed, contemplating her next move. "Not yet. I'm going to go for a flight, grab some dinner, and remember good times I had with Mike," she responded, a tinge of sadness colouring her words. "If I don't get to see him, can you please tell him I'm sorry and I will try to get in touch with him?" she added, her request tinged with a mixture of longing and regret.

Ben nodded understandingly. "Of course. Here, keep this with you," he said, retrieving a business card from his back pocket. It displayed the contact information for his bar and catering service. "If you are pretending to have used him, it wouldn't look good if you called him directly," he explained.

A smile flickered across Leena's face as she accepted the card. "Thank you, Ben, for everything," she expressed, her gratitude evident in her tone. She glanced down the length of the alleyway, peering toward the road. "On the plus side, it already looks like I'm dressed in a prison jumpsuit," she chuckled softly, spreading her wings slightly to reveal the vibrant hue of her orange scales. Her attempt at humour served as a brief respite from her underlying nervousness.

Ben bid her farewell with a nod. "Everything will be alright. If I don't see you again, it was a pleasure meeting you," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of reassurance and bittersweet farewell. He turned back toward the kitchen door, stepping into the bustling activity within, while Leena prepared herself for the uncertain journey that lay ahead.

Leena gave a polite nod and padded her way down the alleyway towards the street. Her chest tight with anticipation, but also somewhat relieved that she had found a flaw in her father's plan, essentially turning his own trap against him, albeit at the cost of her freedom. But she didn't care, she was controlling the narrative and with a large flap of her wings she took to the night sky. The street fell away from her as she climbed above the rooftops, she reached into her harness and pulled out a small light, a requirement for night flying. She flicked it on with a claw and held it under her, its white light illuminating her orange scales from underneath so the world could see her.

She could see the spires, knowing her father was inside one of them filled her with dread. She knew it would take a while for the police to do anything, so staying out late was the best course of action. "Noodles, shower, bed." She said to herself, echoing the promise she had made with Mike. Her chest still tight at the uncertainty of not seeing Mike again, if her father stuck to his plan and let her go to prison, Mike would surely visit. If he dropped the charges, then there was a slim chance Mike and her could disappear together. The more she thought about it, the less likely it would be that her father would drop the charges, "at least it's me in there and not you Mike." She said, reassuring herself that her move was sound.

Leena gracefully descended from the sky, her wings extended to slow her descent as she landed with a gentle thud just outside the bustling eastern markets. The vibrant sounds and enticing aromas filled the air, instantly tantalizing her senses. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation as she padded her way through the lively crowd.

Making her way through the maze of market stalls, Leena's sharp senses led her to her favourite noodle shop. The tantalizing scent of sizzling spices and the melodic clanging of woks filled her nostrils and ears. The sight of the friendly teal dragoness, her scales glistening with a hint of moisture from the heat, stirred a sense of familiarity within Leena. The teal dragoness expertly maneuvered through the kitchen, a flurry of movement as she stirred countless woks, flames dancing whenever she added a burst of flavourful spices.

Joining the queue, Leena patiently waited her turn, her eyes flickering between the sizzling dishes and the teal dragoness who caught sight of her. A warm smile spread across the teal dragoness's face as recognition sparked in her eyes. "Hey, you! It's been a while," she greeted Leena, craning her neck to peer around her and asking, "Where is your friend?" The sadness in Leena's eyes did not go unnoticed, stirring a sympathetic concern within the teal dragoness.

"Just noodles for one, Reevian," Leena replied, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

Reevian nodded awkwardly, her eyes reflecting her genuine care. She swiftly set to work, making up a bowl for Leena, and made sure to add extra pieces of meat in an attempt to bring some happiness to the crestfallen dragoness. In mere moments, the bowl was complete, and Reevian slid it across the counter with a gentle smile.

Leena reached into the small pouch of her harness and retrieved her credit card. However, her heart sank as she tapped it on the payment machine, only to hear an unhappy beep followed by a message saying the card invalid. The disappointment flashed across her face, her wings drooping in dejection. Reevian, observing the forlorn expression, quickly interjected, her voice confident yet compassionate. "Yup, that went through," she lied, maintaining steady eye contact with Leena, her gaze unwavering. As Leena's mouth opened to speak, Reevian swiftly continued, determined to ease the orange dragoness's distress. "I heard it go through; it's okay. I hope you enjoy your meal," she reassured, nudging the bowl closer to Leena's paw.

Leena was rendered speechless, her throat tightening with overwhelming gratitude for Reevian's unexpected act of kindness. A wave of emotion washed over her, and though she longed to express her appreciation, she nodded silently, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Aware of the queue forming behind her, she carefully cradled the bowl in one paw and hobbled on three legs across the bustling eating area in search of a quiet spot where she could eat alone.

As Leena savoured each mouthful of noodles, the flavours on her tongue triggered a flood of memories. She couldn't help but reminisce about the time she had brought Mike to this very spot, his innocent face adorned with a hint of nervous charm as he struggled to maintain his composure. The image of the vacant chair across the table from her tugged at her heart, and she fought back tears, her body trembling with a mix of emotions. Thoughts of what lay ahead weighed heavily on her mind, but amidst it all, one resolute notion echoed within her: as long as Mike was safe, nothing else truly mattered.

Caught in her bittersweet recollections, Leena was jolted back to the present by a polite voice that reached her ears. She turned her head and found herself facing a military recruiter who was standing beside her. "Hey there, what brings a fine specimen like yourself here?" the recruiter inquired, his tone laced with genuine curiosity and concern.

"Shitty family," Leena responded flatly, her voice tinged with bitterness, before shifting her gaze back to the empty chair.

"Well, in the military, we're kind of like a big happy family... Wait, you're that 'ness, aren't you?" the recruiter remarked, recognition dawning upon him. Leena turned to him, her expression quizzical. "Leena, right? Orange scales, black paws. Your father told us not to talk to you."

Leena nodded sadly, acknowledging the truth of his words. "The one and only," she replied with a hint of resignation.

"He sounded like a piece of work," the recruiter offered sympathetically, his discomfort evident as he fidgeted with the stack of flyers he carried.

"You have no idea," Leena mused, her eyes momentarily flicking to the pile of papers in the recruiter's hands. The images of dragons and humans embarking on daring adventures across distant lands adorned the majority of the flyers, each paragraph promising freedom and excitement.

Noticing her interest, the recruiter pulled out one particular flyer that highlighted the construction and engineering career opportunities offered within the military. He extended it toward her with a polite smile. "Still wanting to build things?" he inquired, his voice laced with genuine curiosity and a glimmer of hope.

Leena gazed out beyond the marketplace, her eyes tracing the outline of the low buildings that surrounded it, finally settling on the tall spires that her father had constructed, reaching proudly toward the sky. "I know what he told you would happen if you tried to recruit me. So, save your breath, no one can help me now," she spoke softly, her voice tinged with resignation. Her attention was drawn back as the recruiter pulled up the vacant seat in front of her, confidently taking his place.

"What if I could help?" he proposed, a cheeky smile playing on his lips.

A flicker of surprise danced across Leena's features, her scepticism giving way to a glimmer of hope. Her confession had painted her father as a violent and despicable creature, cementing the expectation that she would remain trapped at home. The notion of the police arriving to arrest her, only to discover her absence, sent a rush of excitement coursing through her veins. The prospect of fresh claw marks on her father's face, testifying to a fierce struggle, fuelled her racing thoughts. Above all, the vision of one day being reunited with Mike, knowing that her supposed demise would render him useless to her parents and dismantle her father's plot to frame him, filled her heart with determination.

"Could you help?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on the recruiter as her mind whirled with possibilities.

The recruiter's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with newfound enthusiasm. "I was told not to hire a dragoness named Leena, with black paws and orange scales. But sometimes I write things down wrong," he admitted, retrieving a folder of paperwork from his bag and clicking a pen.

Leena's thoughts raced between the grim alternatives of prison or the military, neither of which she had ever envisioned for herself. "I would need to come back, though. I have someone here who will need me," she stipulated, her voice laced with a mixture of determination and concern.

The recruiter nodded understandingly. "Ma'am, we call them tours. We don't hold you captive. There will be plenty of time to catch up with loved ones between deployments. And if everything settles down here, you can leave when your time is up," he reassured her with a warm smile. "So, how about it? Do you want to be a part of building something significant for us?"

Leena's smirk widened as she gazed at the towering structures her father had erected. "No," she stated flatly, her voice carrying a mischievous undertone. She looked back down, a sly smile curling the corners of her lips. "What have you got in the way of blowing them up?"

The recruiter's face lit up with excitement. "Oh, we have that. We have plenty of that," he replied eagerly, pulling out a different flyer. The images depicted dragons carrying charges and explosives in their harnesses, confidently marching towards the camera while bright orange explosions illuminated the backdrop. It was followed by captivating visuals of dragons soaring low over war-torn landscapes, leaving destruction and ruins in their wake.

Leena's eyes sparkled with a blend of curiosity and determination as she flipped through the flyer, her interest piqued. "When can I start? I can't go home," she declared, her focus unwavering.

"We usually recruit in waves, and the last one began a few days ago. But if it's for your safety, I can provide you with a letter, and you can begin training tomorrow. It's probably a few hours' flight north from here, but I imagine you can be there before dawn," the recruiter explained, and saw her nod. "Your food and accommodation will be taken care of, but we will need an account or an address to send your pay checks."

Leena furrowed her brow, the notion of being paid not being high on her list of concerns. She pondered for a moment before retrieving a business card from her harness. "Use this address, but can you make them out to a Michael?" she requested, passing the card containing the address of Ben's Bar to the recruiter.

The recruiter took the card, diligently copying down the details of the address. "Of course. Any medical conditions we should be aware of? Anything in the family?" he inquired, his gaze scanning her form.

"I can breathe fire, but that's about it," Leena replied with a casual shrug of her wings.

"Well, I think you'll fit right in," the recruiter remarked, turning the paperwork around and extending a pen toward her. "As I mentioned earlier, we can't recruit a dragoness called Leena, so what should I call you?"

Leena scanned over the paperwork, noticing that her age and date of birth had been fabricated, while next of kin and family information had been deliberately crossed out. As she reached for the pen her eyes glazed over the artwork on the flyer, the slogan that didn't rhyme still said proudly across the front. "Say Tally-Ho and join today."

---

Her wings beat throughout the night, the dying glow of her battery powered nav light dimming with every hour she flew. It's white light shining off her painted orange scales and black paws. Her eyes were glossy, her jaw tight. Every beat of her wings was a surge away from her parents, and away from Mike. But she knew it was not goodbye, she hoped he would understand. She swallowed back her emotions, and shook her head and neck in a shiver, the night air chilling her scales as she flew towards her new home. She reared her head back and thrust it forwards letting out a deep powerful roar that echoed off the countryside before flicking her head forwards sharply, the two glands in her throat jetting out a stream of volatile chemicals, blending with the frigid air. In an instant, the mixture ignited, unleashing a brilliant stream of orange fire that sliced through the velvety darkness like a gleaming knife.

She maintained the flame for as long as she could, the night air quickly becoming warm on her scales as she flew through the oily residue. The aftermath of her fire clinging to her scales, quickly covering her glossy orange appearance in a layer of soot and grime. "I'll come back for you Mike, I just need to be dead for a while." She thought to herself. She clamped her mouth shut, snuffing out the flame and flew through the dark cloud, her answer to the recruiter's question still on the tip of her tongue.

"Taalli, I'm Taalli"