Furville - 2. Growing A Town

MAXIMUS MARKHAUS

The tiger stood in front of Max, his hands deftly working the tie into an appropriate knot.

“There you go. John will be the envy of the school with you beside him,” he smiled.

“Danke Henri.” Max mumbled, blushing.

“I’m happy I was able to see you go to prom before I left overseas,” Henri said. “Just remember, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”

“Did you feel like this with Sara?”

“Like what?”

“Like this night would change your life forever?”

Henri laughed.

“Nein Bruder. I just felt very nervous, excited.”

He clapped Max on the shoulder.

“You’ll be okay.”

The chime of the doorbell sounded in Max’s ears, and his stomach flipped. A second later, he heard his mother’s voice.

“Max, John ist hier!”

“Hey, I’ll be gone by the time you get back, but I want to hear all about tonight, okay?” Henri said.

“Ja. I’ll tell you everything.”

“Eh, you can leave out any sex,” Henri chuckled.

“You come back in one piece, okay?” Max demanded.

“Don’t worry Max. It takes a lot to put this tiger down.”

Max left the room, his stomach a bundle of nerves. It was horrible luck having prom on the same day his brother shipped out, but Max trusted Henri. He would keep his word no matter what.

 

DAVID ENTERAI

 

A chime interrupted David from the book he was reading. He set the novel aside, and walked to the front door as another chime sounded.

The dragon opened the door to an orange and yellow fox, her clothes torn and burnt.

“David Enterai?” she asked quietly.

“That’s me.”

“I need help.”

The fox’s lip quivered as she fought back tears, She met the dragon’s eyes, desperation obvious in her own yellow orbs.

David stepped aside, holding the door open.

“Come in.”

He led the fox through his house.

“So, miss…?”

“Themis. Themis Falis.”

“What is the problem you need help with? I’m assuming it’s magickal in nature.”

A flame leaked out of the fox’s nose, and David snapped his fingers, dissipating the fire.

“That… That is the problem…” Themis said quietly.

David nodded.

“Let’s take this outside. It’ll be safer there,” he said.

Themis followed the dragon outdoors, struggling against another outburst. They stopped thirty feet away from the house, and David turned back to her.

“Let it go,” he said, and the fox opened her maw, a torrent of fire rushing out.

As the flames died down, the dragon spoke again.

“How long has this been happening?”

“Since I can remember. It usually isn’t this bad.”

“Have you been through any emotional trauma recently? You don’t have to tell me what it was if you don’t want.”

Themis nodded slowly.

“Okay, so it is based on your emotions then. That gives us something we can work with. How do you feel right now?”

“Honestly, really scared.”

“And this is the most fire you’ve produced?”

“No…” Themis said, squeezing her eyes shut. “But I was angry when I did… When I made more fire.”

“It’s okay. We don’t need to talk about that,” David said. “The more emotional you get, the worse it becomes.”

“But I don’t want to just stop feeling. That’s no life.”

“You already seem reasonably controlled. I agree that you need to allow your emotions to run free. The trick is going to be letting the fire out in a controlled manner. Don’t ever try to bottle it up.”

David bade Themis to sit on the pavement, and she knelt after a moment’s hesitation.

“I’m curious, how did you know about me?” the dragon asked.

“My mother told me to seek the dragon of this town; that he had helped her when she was younger.”

David materialized a small steel kettle that he placed over a fire pit.

“Can you light this for me?” he asked.

“You… you want me to light the fire?”

“Yes please. You shouldn’t need too much fire.”

The fox held out her hand, and a stream of fire flowed from it a second later, engulfing the pot.

“A little less than that,” David said.

The flames stopped, leaving a blackened kettle raised over a burning fire.

“I’m sorry…”

“Don’t worry about it,” David reassured the fox, replacing the kettle with a wave of his hand. “I had my fair share of mishaps when I was learning myself.”

The dragon studied the fire for a moment.

“I want you to know you hold all of the power here. I do not intend to harm you in any way, and you are free to go any time you want.”

“Um… okay?”

“You seem a little too worried. You don’t need to be,” David explained. “Another question. Have you ever summoned fire when you’re happy?”

Themis shook her head.

“No…”

“It’s defensive then. You’re full of nervous energy, and it manifests itself as heat.”

“Is that good?” Themis asked after a moment’s pause.

“It is what it is. Neither good nor bad.”

David extinguished the flames in the pit.

“Can you try again? See if you can push the fire through a single finger this time. It should lessen the flow.”

Themis stuck out her hand again, pointing at the pit. The flames poured from her finger, less this time. The fox yelped as an errant flame appeared in her hand, and the fire flared, then died.

David stepped up to the fox, taking her injured hand.

“Aen eila,” he murmured, and the reddened skin returned to its normal colour, though the fur remained singed.

Themis flexed her hand in wonder.

“That’s a neat trick…” she said.

“Yeah. It can take the pain away at least,” David said. “How are you feeling now?”

“Tired.”

“Okay. Do you have a place to stay for the night?”

“I’ll probably get a hotel room,” Themis shrugged.

David nodded, materializing another kettle.

“Would you like to stay for some tea before you leave?” he asked.

“Um, no thanks.”

“That’s okay. I would like you to come back tomorrow, if you’re willing. If nothing else, I should be able to help lessen the fire inside you for another day.”

“I’ll be here,” Themis promised.

“Any time works for me, so whenever you’re comfortable.”

The dragon led the fox through his house again, and handed her a hundred dollars at the front door.

“For the hotel,” he explained.

“Um, thank you,” Themis said, taking the money.

“It’s no problem at all. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The dragon closed the door as Themis walked away, returning to his kettle to drink some tea.

 

2015

 

FAELAN EUNUCH

The fox sat beside the library steps, head in his arms. Passerby glanced at him as they hurried about their day, and he knew he was getting several stares from the people who drove by.

It wasn’t his red wings they stared at; he had them tucked behind him, out of the way. It wasn’t his muscles adding bulk to his body, or his long red hair either.

They were staring at his dress.

A rabbit approached, and sat beside him.

“First time in drag?” he asked. “I remember when I first started out. If you’d like, I can give you some pointers.”

The fox turned his head.

“It’s not drag,” he muttered.

“Ooh honey, you really need my help,” the rabbit replied. “Do you have a name?”

“Robert.”

“Do you have a name you’d rather use?” the rabbit prodded.

The fox shrugged despondently.

“Well, if you’ll allow it, I have a place where we can make you look fabulous.”

“I can’t pay-”

“Pfft, I don’t need money. But if you really want to give back, you could share your story with me. I’ve never been one to turn down a good tale,” the rabbit smiled.

The fox looked at him suspiciously.

“How do I know you’re not kidnapping me?”

“You have my word as a rabbit that tonight I will drop you off wherever you want to go,” the rabbit promised, standing.

The fox thought for a moment, then took the rabbit’s proffered hand.

“My name’s Cog, by the way,” the rabbit smiled, leading the fox around the corner, to where his car was parked.

They drove in silence for a couple minutes, Cog allowing the fox time to think.

“Do you always pick up random people off the streets?”

“Only when they need it. It helps me feel good, knowing that I helped even a little.”

The rest of the drive passed in more silence. Cog drove up to a large house, not quite a mansion, but close.

“This is where you live?” the fox asked doubtfully.

“Yep. Has been for twenty years now. You coming in?”

The fox followed the rabbit inside, into a room filled with books.

“Sorry about the mess. I’ve been meaning to clean for a while now,” the rabbit said.

Cog took his guest into another room, this one full of clothes, sorted by styles and time periods.

“Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in a few,” he said, stepping through another door.

The fox sat in a chair, and pulled out a phone. A moment’s examination revealed it was dead.

“Shit…”

“Is everything okay?” Cog asked, reentering the room.

The fox blinked in surprise. Gone were the rabbit’s jeans and tshirt, replaced by short shorts that showed off his legs, and a pink tank top that emphasized his suddenly large breasts.

“Um… do you have a charger I could use?” the fox asked.

“Of course dear.”

The rabbit found a charger and handed it to the fox.

“Plug’s right there. Now, first thing’s first. We need to get you some boobs.”

As the fox plugged in, the rabbit opened a drawer in a dresser.

“What size do you want to start with? With your frame, I’d avoid anything over a C.”

“I… I don’t know…”

“That’s perfectly okay. Let’s start you small,” Cog said, pulling out some breast forms. “You should be about the same size as me, though your shoulders look a little wider.”

Setting the forms on the dresser, the rabbit walked over to a closet and began flipping through clothes. He pulled out a black bra and handed it to the fox.

“Try this one,” he said, turning around to give the fox a moment of privacy.

After a moment’s hesitation, the dress came off, and the fox replaced it with the bra.

“So, what is your story, if you don’t mind me asking?” Cog asked.

“Long story short, my boyfriend found me dressing up, and decided he didn’t want to be with a girl. So he kicked me out,” the fox replied, hooking the bra on.

“Ouch. What an ass.”

Cog turned back around.

“We’ll have to teach you to tuck,” he said, looking down. “First though, you want to put these in your bra, like this.”

The rabbit held up the breast forms to demonstrate, before handing them to the fox.

“Now,” he continued as the fox finished. “We can do this the fun way, or the slightly more confusing way.”

Seeing the look of confusion on the fox’s face, he added,” I can show you how to tuck personally, which requires me to be naked, or you can watch a video that will give you the idea without the nudity.”

“I’ll take the video. No offence,” the fox said.

“None taken,” Cog grinned, grabbing his phone.

He found the video easily, and handed the phone to the fox.

“You can use the closet. There’s a light in there.”

“Thanks…” the fox replied uncertainly, taking the phone into the closet.

Cog waited patiently, knowing this could take some time. Finally, the fox reappeared, and Cog looked down.

“Perfect,” he smiled.

“They said something about tape,” the fox questioned.

“I wouldn’t use tape. It’s a pain to take off. Anyway, let’s get you a style. You don’t have to wear a dress. I think pants might look really good on you.”

The rabbit dug through his clothes, pulling out a pair of skinny jeans.

“Try these on,” he said, tossing them to the fox. “If they don’t fit, I have one pair in the next size up.”

It took a bit of a struggle, but the fox was able to get them on.

“What’s next?”

“Next is a shirt. We want to emphasize your boobs, but cut back a bit on your biceps. They do look nice though. What’s your favourite colour?” the rabbit asked, diving into his clothes again.

“I like orange, but it looks horrible on me.”

“Okay. Let’s try red then. You already have that theme going.”

Cog pulled out a red shirt, and handed it to the fox.

“So, am I correct in assuming you don’t really have anywhere to go?” he asked.

“Yeah. But I’ll manage,” the fox replied, pulling the shirt on.

It fit tightly, but the fox could still move freely in it.

“Looking good,” the rabbit said. “You don’t have to manage. I have plenty of spare rooms. You are welcome here anytime you need a place for the night.”

“Thank you. I can pay-”

“Not necessary,” Cog denied. “I could use more company, and you’re doing me a favour by taking those clothes.”

“Do you have a pair of scissors?”

The rabbit handed a pair of scissors over, and watched as the fox cut a pair of wing slits into the back of the shirt.

“The only thing left is your hair and face. I can trim your hair and style it if you’d like.”

“I don’t know if I’m ready for that yet…”

“No rush. I’d still like to fix your face up a little though. It shouldn’t be too hard.”

Cog led the fox into a large bathroom. Grabbing a tub of grey chalk, he bade the fox to sit on the toilet, before taking some chalk in hand and drawing on the fox’s face.

A minute later, he stood back to admire his work.

“Looking great,” he said, motioning toward the mirror.

The fox stood up to look, and gasped.

A young vixen stood in the mirror, hair a little messy, but still decent looking. She was a little muscled, but the muscles looked good on her, like they belonged. As she studied herself in the mirror, one thought floated through her mind.

“My name is Faelan.”

 

Faelan rolled over in bed, missing a warm body to take comfort in. This was a day of firsts for her. First day on her own, first day as a woman. And it was a miserable one. She didn’t know if she’d make it through the torrents of sorrow.

The fox wrapped her wings around herself, seeking the enveloping comfort that came with them. A trick she had picked up in childhood, where hugs were few and far between. But it wasn’t the same.

The room was strange, as was the bed. She didn’t like them; they reminded her that she had no home. The rabbit was nice, but she knew despite his promises, she could not stay long.

Silently Faelan cursed her ex, tears rolling down her face. It was his right to not want to be with her, but he could have let her find a place to stay before kicking her out.

A gentle knock sounded, and Faelan hurriedly rubbed the tears from her eyes.

Taking a moment to catch a breath, she called, “Come in.”

Cog entered the room quietly.

“I thought you could use some company,” he said, stepping next to the bed.

Faelan shrugged, barely visible in the dark of the room. She supposed this was going to happen.

“This may sound weird, and you are completely free to say no, but can I hold you? You don’t have to worry about me trying anything; I’m more into guys.”

“Sure.”

The rabbit lay on the bed beside her, and placed his arm over her torso. Though Faelan still expected he had a motive, she had to admit it felt nice. If sex was the price she had to pay for a night under a roof, she’d do it willingly.

After a moment, the rabbit started talking.

“I’ve had more breakups than I care to recall,” he said quietly. “They all hurt, even the ones where I was the one to break it off. One thing I came to realize is it’s okay to cry. It’s not a weakness. In fact, it shows that you are strong. Strong enough to say, fuck you society. I will grieve the way I need to.”

Faelan trembled slightly under his arm, but choked back her tears.

“I will not judge you Faelan. You have my word on that.”

The name sounded weird in her ears. Almost wrong somehow. She supposed she’d get used to it. But what if she had made a mistake? What if this wasn’t who she was; who she wanted to be?

And that fear broke her. Shaking, hot tears streaming onto her face, Faelan sobbed.

Cog held her close, whispering softly to her.

“It’s going to be okay. Everything will be okay.”

 

ZENOAN ENTERAI

 

The red dragon knelt next to the creature. He had never seen anything like them before, but that didn’t matter. What mattered was the blood steadily leaking out of their side.

As Zenoan reached out to examine the wound, the creature hissed, “Touch me and I’ll kill you.”

“You’re not really in any position to threaten anyone.”

“How do you know I’m not faking?”

“Because if you were you would have attacked me by now.”

The dragon examined the gash on the creature’s side, and sighed. He wouldn’t be able to heal this with any normal magic.

“So, what exactly are you?” he asked, pulling up the sleeve of his shirt.

“If you need to ask, you don’t need to know.”

“Do you at least have a name?”

“No.”

“Shame.”

Zenoan examined his arm, covered in various scars. It was deep; he needed a clear spot to work.

Pulling out a silver athame, the dragon pressed the blade against the side of his arm, and cut into it, just enough to bleed.

“”So you’re just going to kill me. Good luck,” the creature laughed at the sound of the blade.

Sliding the knife back into its sheath, Zenoan placed his hand on the creature’s side, ignoring the vicious growl. He focused briefly, and established a connection.

“You are an avuelent, and your name is Clarisse,” he said, as magic flowed between the two.

“Ugh, I hate mages,” Clarisse muttered.

Zenoan took a deep breath as the cut on his arm grew. Clarisse’s injury began sealing, leaving no trace it was ever there.

“You ever talk to a mage about your eyes? Maybe they could help you see.”

“I don’t need to see,” Clarisse spat, standing up.

Zenoan studied his arm, bleeding like a stuck pig.

“Melure,” he muttered, and the bleeding stopped, though the gash remained on his arm.

“Though I suppose one good turn deserves another,” the avuelent spoke.

She grabbed Zenoan’s shoulder, and their lips met with a great deal of spit.

Zenoan pulled back, surprised at how quickly Clarisse moved.

“I’m flattered, but I didn’t heal you to have sex with you,” he said, feeling his mouth go numb.

Venom. The little devil.

“Aen ceral,” he mouthed, wiping the spit off his lips. “Besides, no offense, but you’re a horrible kisser.”

The dragon could feel the venom fighting with his magic, but there was no real contest.

“None taken,” Clarisse grinned darkly. “Have a good day.”

The avuelent walked away, leaving Zenoan to die.

Or so she thought.

 

2017

 

KEL DANTHOS

Kel unbuttoned his pants, glancing over his shoulder at the dog who was lying on his bed. The dog was already naked, and Kel smirked. They had been in the room for barely a minute. This one was an eager mutt.

Kel slowly stepped out of his pants, and the dog whimpered slightly, urging him to go faster. His name was Tristan, Kel recalled dimly. Not that it mattered. He’d fuck this dog. Maybe let him sleep in the bed. Show him the door in the morning, and find a new conquest tomorrow. It’s how this always went down.

Pulling his shirt off slowly, Kel teased the dog, revealing his firm body a little at a time. The wolf’s fur was a light grey in colour, and his violet hair was swept back in a messy manner. He tossed the blue shirt onto the floor, and stalked toward the bed, studying his toy for the night.

Tristan stared at the wolf with wide eyes. Young, hopeful, eager, his yellow fur was short, his ears floppy. Blue hair hung over his left eye, hiding the vibrant green that his right eye showed off. Kel thought he was actually rather cute. Not quite unspoiled, but inexperienced enough that it really wouldn’t make a difference. After tonight though… Kel chuckled at the thought.

The wolf knelt on the bed, his dick poised at Tristan’s hole. The dog licked his lips nervously, his eyes finding Kel’s. Kel waited a second, before thrusting into Tristan.

The dog yelped, and squirmed. Kel gripped Tristan’s hips tightly, holding him down as he continued thrusting into the dog. As he neared his climax, Kel realized that his knot had slipped inside Tristan.

“Shit…” he shuddered as he erupted inside the dog.

Tristan moaned quietly, his legs wrapping around Kel, encouraging him to continue. Kel slumped with a groan, and the dog looked at him, realization dawning on his face. He giggled, and Kel scowled at him.

“This isn’t funny,” the wolf growled.

He tried to pull out, but his knot kept him firmly in Tristan’s ass.

“FUCK!” he snapped, causing Tristan to wince.

“It isn’t that bad-”

“Shut up.”

Tristan’s mouth closed, and he lay back with a sigh.

Kel’s dick continued pulsating, cum dripping into Tristan.

“Aren’t you going to jack me off or something?” Tristan asked a minute later.

“No.”

“What the fuck?”

“Look, I just want to get out of your ass and I want you to go.”

“I thought there was something between us!”

“When? When did I ever give you the impression this was more that a one night stand?”

“Apparently it’s not even that! You’re kicking me out without even getting me off!”

“Fuck this.”

Kel pulled back hard, and his dick slid out. Tristan screamed in pain as Kel’s knot was ripped out of him.

“Get dressed and go,” Kel snapped.

“With pleasure.”

Tristan winced as he sat up. Grabbing his clothes, he threw them on, and went to the door.

Turning back to Kel, he said, “You are an asshole. I hope I never see you again.”

“Doesn’t bother me one bit,” Kel snorted.

Tristan left the room, slamming the door behind him.

 

MAXIMUS MARKHAUS

Max read the last letter again. Neat German lined the page, the words burned into Max’s mind.

 

I have almost saved enough to buy my way out of the outfit. By the third of next month, I should be on my way to America. I’m coming home Brother. I’m coming home.

Henri

 

The twenty year old tiger folded the letter neatly as he heard someone ring the doorbell.

“Can you get that please Max?” his mother called.

Sighing, Max left the room, passing Henri’s empty room as he walked down the hallway. All that remained within was a bed, and an easel, lone testaments to their faith in Henri’s safe return.

Opening the door, Max came face to navel with the tallest rabbit he had ever seen. Looking up, he saw a face worn with the stress of a hard life. The rabbit wore a dark shirt and a pair of cargo pants, making his grey fur seem almost as white as Max’s.

“Are you Max Markhaus?” the rabbit asked.

“Who are you?” Max questioned in return.

“I served with your brother. Can you get your mother for me please?”

Max felt a lead weight materialize in his stomach.

Turning, he called, “Mother, there’s news about Henri!”

The tigress was there in an instant, worry etched across her face. Taking in the rabbit, she shooed her son aside.

“Ma’am…”

The rabbit took a deep breath.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry to tell you, but your son Henri fell in combat on October second. I’m not here officially; someone else will come. I just wanted to let you know. I was there when he died.”

His mother whispered something, and closed the door. Max watched her walk to her room and close the door. A few seconds later, he heard a muffled scream.

He was numb, his mind ceasing to work. He found himself standing before the door to Henri’s room, opening it slowly. Maybe there was something left, anything to help this sense of loss.

But in the end, all that remained was an empty room, testament to a brother who would never return.

 

FAELAN EUNUCH / PIP LAPIN

Faelan was uncomfortable.

Not in a bad way. The rabbit’s arm draped across her shoulders was nice. But she didn’t usually have this period of relaxation after meeting her clients’ needs.

This one was different.

“You are really good at this,” the rabbit said.

Faelan laughed.

“Practice makes perfect,” she said.

And the money certainly helped too.

“So Pip, you got me all night. Ready for round two?”

 

A day after breaking the news to Henri’s family, the guilt had become too much for Pip to bear. A night of sex proved to be the perfect distraction. Made temporarily wealthy after arriving in America, Pip was able to get a hotel room for a night, and someone to share the room with him.

He could see the Adam’s apple in Faelan’s throat, though she hid the other evidence well, discreetly directing his attention elsewhere.

Still, she had nothing to fear from him. And he wanted to show her that.

“Actually, let’s take a shower,” he suggested.

 

Faelan shrugged. Her tape would hold. If the rabbit wanted a watery lay, she would comply.

“Your wish is my command for tonight,” she said, standing up.

“So if I asked you to juggle flaming bowling pins, you would do it?” Pip grinned.

“Ugh, another thing I forgot to put in the fine print.”

The fox took the rabbit’s hand, and pulled him up, admiring the firmness of his body.

“Are we doing this?” she asked.

“Lead the way madame.”

And his accent…. The fox’s ears twitched at the sound.

 

Pip let Faelan pull him into the bathroom. Getting the water just right, the fox stepped into the tub, waiting for Pip to follow.

Grabbing the curtain rod, Pip ducked under it as he followed Faelan. He dwarfed the tub, his body taking up most of the space.

Faelan chuckled.

“You don’t take showers with other people very often, do you?”

“Do rain showers count?”

Dropping a glob of shampoo in her hands, Faelan began running her hands gently over Pip’s entire body.

“No, they don’t,” she replied.

 

The rabbit kneeled as she worked, allowing Faelan to reach his head. She continued her task until he was truly lathered.

“Vous mains sont incroyables,” Pip murmured.

He stood up and grabbed Faelan under the arms.

“What the hell are you doing?” she yelped, as he picked her up and turned around so he was in the water..

“Washing off,” he replied, setting her back down.

Faelan shivered as a breeze hit her wet body. Pip took his time, making sure no soap remained on his body.

When he was finished, he took some more shampoo, and knelt again.

“Your turn,” he smiled.

 

He started with her head, massaging her ears, before running his thumbs down her cheeks. He scratched under her chin gently, and a look of absolute bliss came over the fox.

Moving down to her shoulders, he kneaded them, focusing on the base of her neck. He worked down her back, enjoying the soft moans escaping her maw.

As he drew even lower, the fox took a step back.

“Are you okay?” Pip asked.

“Yeah. Just don’t go down there please.”

Pip backed off immediately.

“I’m sorry. I should have realized you kept it hidden for a reason,” he apologised.

“Wha- wait, you know?”

“Um, yeah. Or at least I figured.”

Faelan turned, and leaned against the wall. Pip tried to move aside so she could wash herself off.

“How many others knew?” the fox sighed.

“Probably not many. You hide it very well,” Pip said. “I only knew because of this.”

He touched her throat gently, feeling her gulp under his finger.

“So, you’re doing this to get rid of it?” he asked, when Faelan remained silent.

She nodded mutely, squeezing past him so she could rinse off.

“If you don’t want to talk about it, we don’t have to.”

Pip stepped out of the tub and grabbed a towel, as the fox said, “Thanks.”

 

“So, you know my story,” Faelan said thirty minutes later, as the two lay back on the bed again. “But what about yours?”

“There really isn’t one.”

“My friend says everyone has a story. But if you don’t want to talk about yours, that’s okay,” Faelan said.

“I guess there is a story, but I still don’t want to talk about it,” Pip replied.

“Okay.”

 

“You’ll be okay.”

Pip bolted awake, breathing heavily as he tried to remember where he was.

“Bad dream?”

His eyes picked out Faelan’s shape in the early morning gloom. The fox was sitting against the wall, swiping the screen of her phone.

“Yeah,” Pip breathed heavily. “Did you sleep at all?”

“Nah. I sleep during the day.”

Picking up his own phone off the bedside table, Pip checked the time.

“I need to get going,” he said, standing up.

“What, no morning quickie?” Faelan grinned.

“Nope, I’m good. But can you turn on the light?”

“Sure.”

The light came on, and the fox watched Pip pull on his underpants.

“Your pants are over there,” she said, pointing.

“Merci,” Pip replied, grabbing them. “Hey, um, thank you for last night. If you ever need anything, call me, okay? I’ll do what I can to help you out.”

“I’ll remember that,” Faelan smiled, watching Pip write on a piece of paper. “If you ever want another night together, you be sure to let me know too.”

She collected her things as Pip pulled his shirt on. Taking the paper with Pip’s number on it, she tucked it into her purse.

“Do you need a ride anywhere?” Pip asked.

“Nope. The bus system is very efficient in the town.”

The two stared at each other, both drawing this out.

“We should probably get going,” Faelan said.

“We should,” Pip sighed.

Turning off the light, the two left the room, and went their own way, hoping against hope to see the other again someday.

 

TRISTAN THARN

Tristan sat at a bus stop, the hood of his grey sweatshirt drawn over his head to ward off the chilly December wind. A light scarf was wrapped around his neck, its red color clashing with his green eyes. In his hands, he held a small flat box covered in messy wrapping paper. He had a pair of headphones covering his ears, and he was trying to drown all cares out with the music that poured into his head.

Without much success.

Another dog sat beside him. His grey fur reminded Tristan of Kel, and Tristan almost winced upon seeing it. But unlike Kel, the dog had no hair, only fur. He wore a tight fitting black shirt, and loose blue jeans. His arms sat bare in the wind.

A gust of wind blew Tristan’s hood back, and his hand shot out to return it back atop his head. He knocked his headphones off, and cursed.

“That’s some good music,” the dog said, as Tristan picked his headphones back up. “Two Cellos, right?”

“Yeah,” Tristan replied quietly, making sure his scarf hadn’t slipped.

The bus pulled up, and Tristan leapt at the chance to escape any more questions. Taking a seat in the back, he saw the dog find a seat closer to the front. Turning his music up even louder to drown out the sounds of the bus, he zoned out. Having made this trip so often, he knew his body would rouse him at the right stop.

And sure as the sun rises in the east, he stepped off the bus fifteen minutes later, following the dog.

The park looked great today. Golden brown leaves blew across the ground, while enough remained on the trees that they weren’t denuded. A group of kids ran screaming and laughing past Tristan as he made his way to the metal pavilion.

Cog set down the soda he’d been sipping and stepped up to Tristan, giving him a quick hug.

“Hey! You two are the first here besides us,” he said, motioning to himself and Boom, who was getting up from his own seat.

“Two?” Tristan echoed uncertainly, placing the box on a table, beside two other wrapped gifts.

The grey dog walked up to Boom, and hugged him.

“How’s it going Jake?” Cog called over to them.

“It’s going,” the dog grinned.

“Hey Tristan. Nice scarf,” Boom said, nodding at him.

“T-thanks,” Tristan faltered.

“There’s soda in those coolers over there if you want some,” Cog added.

A blue dragon approached the group.

“David! You made it!” Cog beamed at him.

“I told you I would,” David smiled. “I am a dragon of my word.”

“I think I see Abbie and Themis,” Boom said, walking off towards a couple of foxes.

Tristan sighed as Kel approached from the other side of the park. Cog was caught up in conversation with both David and Jake, and didn’t notice.

Kel walked up to the table next to Tristan, and placed a box on the table.

“I need to talk to you Tristan,” he said quietly.

“About what?” Tristan growled.

“That night. Can we walk please?”

“Fine.”

The two made their way to a copse of trees. Tristan turned and glared at Kel.

“Okay, talk.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Is that it? That’s all you have to say?”

“I want to make it up to you.”

Tristan looked at Kel coldly.

“And how do you plan on doing that?”

“Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night? I’ll pay.”

Tristan let out a quiet growl. Free food. But he’d have to be civil with Kel. He didn’t know if he could do that. But free food…

“Fine. I’ll be at your place at six.”

“I could pick you up. It’s a bit of a walk-”

“No. I know how long of a walk it is. I mean, I had to walk home with my ass bleeding in the middle of the night.”

Tristan turned, and stormed away.

Back at the pavillion, he noticed Faelan and Pip had joined the party.

“Hi Tristan! You look great!” Faelan said.

“Um… thanks,” Tristan replied.

“Now that everyone's here, we can get started on the food. Pip, Boom, if you'd please,” Cog said brightly.

“I'll cook hamburgers if you cook hot dogs,” Pip offered, as he and Boom moved toward the grill.

“Deal.”

Tristan sat next to Abbie, who was sitting at the edge of the group with a bored look on her face.

“Not a fan of parties either?” he said.

“I'd rather be reading,” the fox yawned.

“I know the feeling,” Tristan sighed.

“Does something seem off about David?”

“I think I heard him tell Cog he broke up with his fiance.”

Abbie nodded.

“He does seem a little lost,” she said.

The two sat in silence for a few minutes.

“I saw you talking to Kel earlier. Are you going out with him?” Abbie asked suddenly.

“What? No. He had his chance with me. He’s trying to make it up to me, but-”

“Well, at least you’re giving him another chance.”

“What about you? Anyone getting to you through those books?”

“Just Mr. Darcy. And that’s really all I need. Relationships suck.”

“Who?”

Abbie sighed.

“He’s a book character. Pride and Prejudice,” someone said behind Tristan.

“Hey Themis,” Abbie smiled.

“Hey yourself. Lunch is ready for anyone who wants it,” the fiery fox said.

“Thanks,” Tristan replied, stepping past her.

He made his way over to the grill, where Boom stood placing a hot dog on a plate for Kel.

“Thanks,” Kel nodded slightly, before walking away.

“Hey Tristan. What will it be? Hot dog or hamburger?” Boom asked.

“Hamburger please,” Tristan requested.

Boom slipped a patty between two buns, set it on a plate, and handed it over to Tristan.

“Thank you,” Tristan said, moving towards an empty bench.

A minute later, Jake sat on the bench across the table.

“You’re rather quiet for a dog,” he said.

“And you’re rather nosy,” Tristan observed, taking another bite of his burger. “What, am I supposed to howl every minute of the day?”

“That’d be a good way to get the attention of the AWOO police.”

“Ha ha,” Tristan said drily. “So what do you want?”

“I’m just being friendly,” Jake shrugged. “It’s Christmas time. You know, the time for being merry, and happy?”

“Pfft. We’re supposed to be happy one day of the year, then go back to being miserable for the rest of the year.”

Faelan slid onto the bench beside Tristan.

“Hey you two. What are you doing over here?” she asked.

“I was trying to cheer this guy up,” Jake replied. “So far it isn’t working.”

“Hmm… Challenge accepted,” Faelan grinned. “I am going to make you smile Tristan.”

“Or, you know, you two could go sit with everyone else and not let me bring you down. Go be happy and stuff,” Tristan suggested.

“Oh no, we’re doing this,” Jake denied.

“Doing what?” David asked, sitting next to Jake.

“Making Tristan laugh.”

“Trying to,” Tristan corrected under his breath.

“Count me in,” David laughed.

“Yeah, there’s a cause I can get behind,” Kel said, joining the four.

“What wouldn’t you get behind?” Tristan grumbled.

“Girls?” Kel shrugged. “No offence,” he added to Faelan.

“None taken. I wouldn’t want you behind me anyways,” Faelan said.

Tristan snorted, and Kel shot him a disparaging look.

“You could get behind me,” Jake suggested.

“Nah. I’m tentatively taken,” Kel replied.

“Really? By who?” Tristan asked.

Kel sighed.

“You’re not making this easy, are you?”

“And why should I? Especially after the shit you pulled the last time.”

“I apologized for that!”

“What about you Faelan? Seeing anyone special?” Jake asked loudly.

“Pip asked me out on a date last night. You?”

“Look Tristan, is it really that difficult to imagine that I might have changed? That I’m no longer that selfish dog that took advantage of you?”

“Prove it,” Tristan snapped.

“I’m trying to but you won’t let me!”

“Hey, is everything okay here?” Cog asked, approaching the table.

“Everything’s fine,” Tristan growled, standing up. “Excuse me.”

He stormed away, finding another empty table to sit at. Slipping his headphones over his ears, he turned on Two Steps from Hell, and forced himself to take some deep breaths, trying to lose himself in the complexity of the music.

Two songs later, he felt a lot better. Opening his eyes, he saw David sitting across from him.

“I’m sorry about all that,” he said quietly.

“I’m here if you need to talk about anything,” David offered.

“Thanks. I just… I don’t know how to forgive him for what he did to me,” Tristan sighed.

“Kel? Why? What did he do?”

“He made me feel like I meant something to someone. Then he ripped that away from me.”

“That happens a lot actually. I mean, just look at me and Maya.”

“Yeah. I’m sorry to hear about that, by the way.”

“I’m dealing with it,” David shrugged.

“But now he wants to actually be in a relationship with me, and I don’t know if I can trust him again.”

“Second chances are a part of life. But so is knowing when enough is enough. But even if you don’t get back together with him, forgiveness is a necessity. Or you’d drive yourself insane with hatred.”

“I don’t know if I can forgive him though.”

“I’m going to get a little graphic here for a moment. I have been injured a lot in my life. People have shot me, stabbed me. But my body has always healed itself. Your heart will do the same. It may take years. You may be left with a scar on your heart. But it will heal.”

“Thank you David,” Tristan said, standing back up. “You want to head back to the party now?”

“Yeah. I don’t want Cog to get worried about us.”

They made their way back and Cog approached David, as Tristan sought out Kel.

“What do you want?” Kel asked roughly.

“To apologise. I’m sorry for how I behaved today.”

“It’s okay. I deserved it.”

“Hey guys! We’re going to start opening gifts,” Cog called, walking towards them. “You’re going to join us, right?”

“Yeah, give us a minute,” Kel said.

Tristan watched Cog move back to the group.

“You tried to apologise to me, and I blew you off,” he said quietly.

“Hey, I’m over it. No harm done, right?”

“I guess not.”

Kel held his arms open, and after a moment’s thought, Tristan stepped into them for a hug.

“We should get back over there before Cog has a fit,” Kel grinned.

“Yeah. Let’s avoid that,” Tristan agreed.

As they approached the group. Tristan saw Themis scoot closer to Abbie.

“Hey Abbie! You know you’re sitting under mistletoe, right?” he called.

Abbie blushed bright red, and Tristan caught Cog grinning widely. Themis turned, and kissed Abbie with a look of glee, and Abbie stared down at the floor.

“Alright, who’s first?” Boom asked.

“Well, since you asked, let’s start with you,” Cog said, handing Tristan’s present to Boom.

The dog unwrapped it carefully, and smiled as he held up a black bandana.

“Awesome! I’ve been needing a new one,” he grinned.

“And it matches you too,” Pip added.

Tristan smiled. The selection had been rather small, and he had been unhappy with the choice he had made, but the fact that Boom liked the bandana definitely made up for it.

“Okay, you get to pick who’s next,” Cog said, nudging Boom.

“How about Themis?”

Boom stood up and found an envelope with Themis’ name written neatly across it. He handed it to the fox, and she followed his example, opening it slowly and carefully. Unfolding a sheet of paper from inside, she read the words on it quietly.

“Thank you so much,” she said, brushing a tear from her eyes.

She stood up, and walked to the table with the presents on it. Picking up a flat box, she handed it to Cog.

“Thanks,” he said cheerfully, before tearing the wrapping paper off in one fluid motion.

Opening the box inside, he lifted up a crocheted sweater, and laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Boom asked.

“I bone my dog…”

“Huh. I wonder how they knew?”

That sent Cog into another fit of laughter. Tristan caught Kel smirking, and snorted. Apparently the wolf had a crafting side to him.

“Okay, Jake’s turn,” Cog said, sobering up.

He picked up a long narrow box, and handed it to the dog.

Jake took out a pocket knife and sliced through the wrapping paper to reveal a cardboard box. Cutting the tape off, he opened the top of the box, and peeked inside.

“Oh my gosh!”

Jake pulled out a six foot long walking stick.

“This is amazing!” he exclaimed, running his hand down the staff. “Thank you!”

Setting the stick aside, he picked up another gift, and handed it to Faelan.

Faelan looked at the wrapping.

“Hey Pip, can I borrow your knife please?” she asked.

“Have at it.”

Pip handed a small dagger to Faelan, and she carefully sawed through the tape covering the present. A minute later, she held up a pink hoodie.

“Dang! This sparkles!” she chuckled. “It’s awesome!”

She stood up, and made her way to the table.

“Let’s do Kel next,” she decided, picking up a small package.

Kel took the gift from her, and tore into the wrapping.

“A collar?”

He held it up and cocked his head, looking at Tristan.

“It wasn’t me,” Tristan shrugged. “I’d have gotten you a… something different.”

It looked nice though; a thick black leather band with steel studs in it.

“I like it. I really do. It’s just kind of a strange gift.”

Kel placed it on a table, and grabbed a gift at random.

“Here you go Abbie,” he said, handing her the box.

Abbie tore at the tape holding one side of the wrapping down. Peeling the paper back, she gasped.

“The full series! It even has the Silmarillion!” she exclaimed, tearing the rest of the paper off. “Thank you so much!”

She placed a boxed set of books on the bench beside her, and went to the table.

“Okay, David next.”

She handed the dragon a long narrow box, and sat back down, admiring her books.

David ripped the wrapping off in long strips, and opened the box. He pulled out a black violin.

“This is beautiful,” he said quietly, removing a bridge and a bow from the box as well. “Thank you.”

He picked up a bulky box next, and carried it to Tristan.

“Merry Christmas,” he whispered to the dog as he set the box beside him.

“Thanks,” Tristan smiled, before ripping into the paper

A plain cardboard box sat underneath the paper, and Tristan carefully opened the top end of it. Inside was a guitar case.

“No way!”

Tristan pulled it out of the box and set it flat on the table. Opening the case, he gazed in wonder at the guitar, a black instrument with an ivory fretboard and bridge. On the pick guard, in neat silver lettering, was his name.

“This is amazing!”

“You and David should start a band,” Kel suggested.

“Yeah, Kel could be the drummer,” Jake laughed.

Tristan stepped up to the git table, and picked up the last present, a flat book shaped one.

“Here you go Pip,” he said to the rabbit.

“Thank you,” Pip smiled.

He peeled the paper back, and smiled.

“A new journal! Thanks guys, my old one was getting full.”

“And now for one last gift,” Boom said.

He rose to his feet, and stood in front of Cog.

“Cog, you are an amazing rabbit. You took me in when I was in need. You gave me a roof over my head, fed me, and helped me in every way you could. And whenever I could, I helped you as well. But now I ask you for one more favor.”

Boom knelt on one knee, and held out a black box.

“Cog, will you marry me?”

Cog wiped a tear from his eyes.

“Of course I will,” he breathed.

Boom stood up, and embraced the rabbit, before slipping a ring onto his finger. They kissed as the group started clapping.

Kel sat next to Tristan.

“Hey, when we leave, I’d like to drive you home,” he said.

“I’m not rea-”

“I don’t mean to have sex or anything. I just want to save you a trip on the bus. Especially since you’re carrying that guitar.”

“Thank you,” Tristan said gratefully. “When do you want to go?”

“I was going to say goodbye to everyone now, then leave. If that’s okay with you,” Kel said.

“Yeah, that’s perfect.”

They stood up again, and made their way to the group that was surrounding Cog and Boom.

“Hey, I’m going to head home. Congratulations you two,” he said.

“Thanks! I hope you have a good Christmas,” Cog smiled, hugging Tristan.

“Thank you. You too,” Tristan smiled.

Boom gave him another hug, then Tristan slipped out of the crowd, and went to pick up his guitar.

“Ready?” Kel asked, holding the collar.

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

 

DAVID ENTERAI

David sits at a lonely corner of the bar, nursing an AMF. Not his drink of choice, but tonight is about getting drunk and forgetting the past.

A tiger steps in front of him, swaying slightly.

“Hey. You look like someone who’s good with swords. Wanna show me your skills?” he says with a lopsided grin.

David smiles slightly as he stands. He’ll show the tiger some skills alright.

 

Five minutes later, the tiger stares at the dragon in confusion.

“You actually have a sword?” he says, dumbfounded.

They both laugh at the absurdity of the moment, as David sheathes his father’s blade and places it back in the saddlebag of his Harley.

“I’m David, by the way,” the dragon says, extending a paw.

“Maximus, or Max to my friends,” the tiger smiles, shaking the offered hand.