FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

I'd like to dedicate this chapter another fellow writer who's a pretty cool dude. Shadow Lion . . . This chapter is for you! So please enjoy!

"Kid it's 7:14am and there's no breakfast! What's the hold up?"

"Sorry Shirl. I'm just going through my grandpa's old journal."

"Well can you hurry up?! You got a hungry wolf and rabbit in the kitchen!" Jeeve closed his eyes and hung his head low. "Hey kid? You alright?" Shirlene asked while sitting next to Jeeve on his bed. "I'm fine Shirlene I just . . ."

"Just what?"

"I learned some history while I was down in that hole. I learned that my grandpa used to be a patriarch on Alteria, but something happened to him."

"Well what happened to him?"

"I don't know . . . My only clue is someone named Nigel. He knows what happened to my grandfather and I have to find him." Shirlene fell back against his bed and said "Well Jeeve I don't know any Nigel characters, but I promise you we'll find the guy."

"Thanks Shirlene. I'm done moping now, so I'll go make breakfast." Jeeve got up solemnly and walked to the kitchen. Shirlene got up as well, but stopped when she saw his grandfather's journal. Shirlene picked up the journal and flipped to a bookmarked page.

"What's this?_ A diary entry?"_ Shirlene poked her head out the room and made sure no one was coming, and began reading "My beloved Kiza . . . I regret to inform you of the successful attack on the Matriarch capital. There were 40 survivors out of the thousands that resided there. You told me this event would come, but I did not heed your word . . . I will take our child to my world and leave him the care of some good folks. When I return we will flee to the northern isles and reside there . . . Until we meet again my love . . . Jethro Javari."

Shirlene set the book down and shook her head. She had not been expecting any of that. She left the room as it was as and ran off to the kitchen to join the others. She took her seat next to Clover and scratched under her chin. Clover whined at the contact, then quickly tried to bite Shirlene. "HEY! WATCH IT MUTT!"

Jeeve turned around and quickly dashed for Clover, picking her up and cradling her in his arms. "Hey! Don't yell at her!"

"Don't yell at her?! She almost bit my hand off!"

"Well why would she do that?"

"Because you haven't been feeding her, that's why."

"SLANDER! I feed her every day!"

"I told you already. Wolves need blood to survive too kid."

"I thought you were kidding! Besides . . . Only vampires suck blood."

"Trust me kid, you're gonna wake up one morning with fang marks around your neck and blood on your sheets. So I would suggest feeding her now, before this becomes an issue." Jeeve brought the hungry pup up to his face and grimaced. The thought of having his blood sucked by a wolf, did not go over well with him. Clover looked up at her father with large pleading eyes, hoping he would cave in and let her feast on him. Seeing his apprehension Shirlene said "What's gonna hurt more? Your little arm? Or the fact that you let me die because you wouldn't feed her."

"Clover wouldn't kill you!"

"Is she gets hungry enough she will. She won't go against you, but I knot this little monster would drain me dry in a heartbeat!"

Jeeve relented and said "Fine if that's how it's gonna be then. But how is she gonna do it? What do I need to do?"

"Just tell her you're okay with it and the little tyke will take care of the rest . . ."

Jeeve looked Clover in the eye and said "Alright girl, let's be gentle about this. I'm alright with you sucking my blood, but please don't bite down too hard!" Clover yipped happily and squirmed around in Jeeve's grasp. Once she was comfortable, she immediately latched onto Jeeve's wrist and began sucking vigorously. Jeeve winced at the first contact, then shrugged as the pup continued sucking.

"So what? Am I like breastfeeding her or something?"

"Yea something like. Wolves are kinda weird, like I could never take one in as a kid, but I'm proud of you for not being a little bitch and accepting responsibility!"

" Thanks . . ._ I guess?"_

"Alright if everyone is done being a bother, the news is on and I want to see what the news has to say about my awesomeness today!" Jeeve sat down with Clover and stared intently as the broadcast came on.

"Good morning Alteria. I am Shadow Lion, filling in for Ronald today and just when you thought Alteria was settling down. Today's story is one that has officials and researchers baffled everywhere. The Lauren Sea, originally gone for decades, has returned and the people are overjoyed. As you can see here, animals from all over have came to see the miracle for themselves. Now here's the interesting part . . . When we approached Queen Takota about the sea and its return she gave us an . . . interesting response. Well we'll just let you hear for yourself." Just then the screen switched to a live feed of the fox queen, speaking to press from around the world. A bold reported stood and asked "Your majesty! How is this possible?! The entire sea returned?! This brings up a plethora of questions!"

"I'll tell you how it's possible. The Heroes of Alteria brought it back!" The reporters all exchanged confused glances, leaving another one to ask "Wait your highness! Did you say heroes?"

"Yes I did. The heroes of Alteria brought the sea back upon my request."

"But who are these heroes?"

"They are the same ones who escaped the clutched of the Kiren ARK Tower! They are the ones who destroyed the Red Tail Clan! They have come to bring about a New World Order!"

Shirlene smiled brightly and said "Hear that pal? We're gonna bring about the New World Order! That's a pretty big jump from being a couple of loonies eh?"

"I'm kinda worried how the rest of the world is going to handle a huge revelation like that. I mean I'm not here to bring about a new world order. I actually don't even know why I'm here!"

"Ah don't sweat it! The more publicity I get the better! If people think we can do the impossible, then the money will keep coming in!"

"Really? Money is all you can think of right now!?"

"Kid . . . Money is all I ever think about. Well money, food, and power."

" . . ."

"Hey shut up! They're getting to the good part!"

"Your Majesty, mind my meddling, but why would you turn to criminals to restore the ocean? I'm quite positive His Honor Kyoto would have . . ."

"Have what? Brought the ocean back for me? Tell me reporter . . . Have you ever seen his honor?"

"Well I-I . . ."

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe none of you have laid eyes upon his grace have you?" When no one correcter her, Takota continued saying "His grace is an amazing animal, but he would never in his life . . . leave his castle to help anyone. This deed was done by real heroes!"

"Those are bold claims your highness!"

"Those are true claims and I will not back down from them . . ." _The news feed switched back to Ronald and he continued saying _"So as you all can see, there are major controversies surrounding the Lauren kingdom currently, and I hoping that these get resolved at the Royal Summit tomorrow. We should expect the major hitters to show up tomorrow, but I wouldn't count on any Green Lake representation."

Shirlene yawned and switched the broadcast off. "Well that was uneventful! I was expecting some mayhem to happen on Lauren too!"

"Don't be sad Shirl! It looked like those animals were happy to go swimming again." Shirlene waved dismissively and got up from the table. Jeeve smirked and looked down at the sleeping pup in his arms. He hadn't even realized Clover had stopped sucking his blood. He looked at her muzzle and saw little dribbles of blood and smiled. "I guess it wasn't so bad . . . Even if it was a little morbid!" Jeeve rubbed her belly and leaned back contently. He cherished these fleeting moments, where they didn't have to fly to some place and save the day. Jeeve smiled at the pup once more and began dozing off to dream land with her. The duo slept peacefully before an ear shattering siren rang through the ship.

"INCOMING TRANSMISSION CAPTAIN! PRIORITY ONE! PLEASE RESPOND!"

Jeeve and Clover shot up and listened as an angry rabbit began cursing and shouting "YOU'VE GOTTE BE KIDDING ME!! I JUST HELPED SOMEONE YESTERDAY!"

"Well aren't we popular!"

"Tell me about it Kid. Hey Computer! Tell the loser to take a hike! I'm trying to enjoy my day off!"

"CAPTAIN I DO NOT RECOMMEND IGNORING THIS MESSAGE! IT'S BEING SENT FROM A DISTRESS BEACON IN THE . . . GREEN LAKE KINGDOM!"

Shirlene began whining and pouting like a child, saying "Why Computer?! I'm tired!"

"PATCHING THE SIGNAL THROUGH CAPTAIN!"

"Uh . . . You want us to go or something?"

"Nah, just pop a squat in that chair over there. I'm guessing that whoever is calling already has an idea that there's two of us."

The trio waited anxiously as the video signal tried to come through. The picture and audio was unnaturally fuzzy and distorted, leaving the rabbit captain to shrug her shoulders. The video suddenly came through crystal clear, causing the crew to jump back startled. On screen was a frightened white rabbit. Her clothes were tattered and torn, giving off the impression that she had been attacked.

"PLEASE I NEED HELP! IF ANYONE CAN GET THIS, PLEASE SEND HELP!"

"Hold your horses kid! Let's start with introductions first."

"Wha? Oh yes I'm sorry. I'm Queen Natalia of The Green Lake Kingdom . . . AND I NEED YOUR HELP!!"

Shirlene casually flipped through a schedule book and replied "Well do you have a reservation?"

The royal rabbit sat stunned, " I need a RESERVATION?!"

"Yea what'd you think? That we had all the time in Alteria?" Natalia brought her paws to her face and began sobbing uncontrollably. Jeeve shot Shirlene a disapproving look and said "I'm sorry about my partner your highness, she can be a little insensitive sometimes. Please tell us what's going on."

"Civil dissent has arisen in Green Lake. My own citizens are trying to break into the castle and overthrow me!"

"Why is this happening?"

"A whole slew of reasons! Though I don't have time to explain! I can hear them now looking for me!" Jeeve shot up from his chair and looked to Shirlene saying "How long would it take us to get there Shirl?" The pilot pressed a few buttons on the computer and replied "Eh . . If I throw on the afterburners . . . Maybe ten minutes."

The royal rabbit looked mortified and said "Please hurry! They'r-" Jeeve and Shirlene exchanged worried glances as the video signal shut off, leaving the audio in its place. They could hear several loud voices on the other end.

"Alright you Slag! You had your time to fix this, and now it's time for you hang high!"

The trio could hear Natalia's screams and shouts of protest on the other end. Tables, lamps, and vases were knocked over as the lynch mob drug the princess out of her hiding spot. "NO! IT'S NOT MY FAULT! YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!! PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME!" The audio signal began shorting, then suddenly ended, leaving the rabbit, alien ad wolf pup to ponder their next move.

Shirlene pressed a few more buttons on her console and said "Go get ready kid. We'll be there in nine and a half minutes."

"Will we get there in time?!"

"Trust me kid! The C Wing's never been late before and she won't start now!" The ship roared to life and began flying to the Green Lake Kingdom. Jeeve quickly got dressed and met Shirlene in the bridge. "Are we almost there!?"

"Calm down kid! You'll give yourself a heart attack!"

"Sorry! But I'm worried for the queen!"

"Yea I'm a little worried too . . . Never thought it'd get this bad."

"What do you mean?" Shirlene set the ship in autopilot and swiveled around to him, trying her best to think of how to tell him. "Well you remember when I told you about how society will fuck you up, if you're not a predator?"

"Well I don't remember those exact words, but the sentiment sounds familiar."

"Anyhoo that rabbit Queen you saw up on screen is the first of her kind. I remember when the coronation happened. A lot of us prey got real excited, thinking change was on its way. Boy were we wrong!"

"What do you mean?"

"Well the girl's parents were originally the head honchos of Green Lake. They were kick ass rulers too! I would travel down to Green Lake whenever I felt like taking a load off, but that all changed when . . . It got out."

"What's it"

Shirlene seemed upset for a moment, but shook off the negative feeling and replied "Interspecies romance. For the longest we thought the king and queen were both wolves, but it turned out that the King's wife was actually a rabbit . . . Go figure."

"Wait don't tell me. The prejudice animals got upset and rose up against the King and queen?"

"Bingo kid. The monarchs were beheaded on intercontinental T.V too! The young princess was spared, but problem after problem has hit Green Lake, causing her to not look like a cool hotshot ruler."

"That's awful! I can't believe someone has had to go through something like that! We have to help her before it's too late!" Shirlene nodded in agreement and throttled the C Wing. The Ship began its fiery descent into Green Lake, resembling something more like a meteorite than a ship. Jeeve looked out the large window and pointed excitedly at some crowd gathering.

"Shirl what's going on over there?!"

"Oh that? That looks like an old fashioned lynch mob."

"Lynch Mob?! I thought this was the future?!"

"Sure is! Good ole' 2104!"

"So why do something so . . . archaic?"

"Don't know kid, but I tell you what! You can ask those assholes when get down there."

GREEN LAKE SQUARE

"Three chances you had . . . Three fucking chances! But you couldn't even do it!"

"Please I'm sorry! I promise I'll get there tomorrow! I know I can!"

"IT'S TOO LATE FOR THAT!! Kyoto's probably on his way to take this place over anyway." Natalia dropped her head in despair, all day she had been begging, pleading, and reasoning with her subjects to spare her. She had been trying! Doing her absolute best to ensure the animals of Green Lake were taken care of, but it seemed like it wasn't enough.

The executioner forcefully dragged the weeping queen to the chopping block and threw her before the feet of another wolf. The wolf looked at her in disgust, then turned to the crowd and said "Good animals of Green Lake! Today we are joined to punish the sins of this . . . Incompetent monarch! She has failed her animals and neglected her responsibilities as a ruler, and because of that . . . We are all going to DIE!" The crowd began shouting vile sentiments at the cowering rabbit, causing her to back away in fear.

"Worry not child. I know everything will be fine." Natalia looked over to the other figure bound in chains, and burst into tears. "Oh Wolfram! How could I have done this to you?! I'm so sorry!" The crying monarch buried her face into her trusted adviser's fur and sobbed. "Please do not cry your majesty. This was not your fault. Everything will be alright."

"HOW DO YOU KNOW?! WE'RE GONNA DIE BY THE GALLOWS BECAUSE OF ME!" Wolfram nodded solemnly and continued rubbing the young doe's back.

"And now . . . She hangs! " The crowd began cheering and shouting as the executioner separated the loving pair, and sent the queen up to be hung. Natalia tried to cry as the animals put her head in the noose, but she couldn't find it in her to shed another tear.

"Any last words You Majesty?!"

" . . . I just want to apologize for this. It was always my intention to get there! And I know if you give me another chance, that I'll make it! This time is the one I promise!"

"It's too late for that now! Three years too late!"

The executioner walked over to the lever and readied to pull it. Once the trap door opened . . . The queen would face a miserable death. The crowd pleasing wolf looked over to his executioner and said "Alright! Pull when you are ready my friend!" The killer nodded excitedly, then paused as he felt strange. He felt like someone had thrown something at him. He looked over in the crowd confused, as he saw the horrified faces and heard the screaming voices, but still felt the strange sensation on his chest. He looked down to his chest and went wide eyed as he saw the bleeding, gaping hole. The executioner wolf looked over to the crowd pleaser, then fell dead on the floor.

"The other wolf looked through the crowd, trying to locate the killer, but failed to notice the C Wing barreling towards them. Shirlene fired some warning shots I at the crowd, causing the animals to scramble and get out the way. Once she was low enough, Jeeve leapt from the ship and gracefully landed on the gallows. Drawing Ethos, Jeeve pointed him at the crowd and said "Not another move from anybody! This little riot is OVER! Go home and . . . Think about what you've done!"

The crowd stood their ground, leaving their leader to do all the talking "Leave this place at once! You have no business here . . . Whatever you are." Jeeve readied a reply, but Shirlene stopped him and said.

"Listen buddy. I'm not in a good mood today. Today was supposed to be my off day, but NOOOOO! I have to come here and solve everyone's problems! So I'm going to give you all to the count of three to get lost, or I'll fire off every weapon I have on my ship . . . And trust me when I say that's a lot."

Several animals didn't even wait for her to start counting, most of them took off running to their homes, not wanting to end up like the first wolf. Shirlene looked around and noticed a few stragglers. She smiled and hopped off the platform and started walking towards them. "What? Y'all can't speak English? Fine. Let me repeat myself . . . I WILL KILL YOU IF YOU DO NOT LEAVE!" The stragglers didn't budge and instead took a menacing step closer to Shirlene making her sigh.

"Take another step and I promise you that you'll all die. Don't make me kill you." Most of the stragglers backed away at the threat, but one brave coyote remained in place. The coyote couldn't have been more than 17 years old. His fur was tan, and his eyes burned with passion. "I'M TIRED OF THIS! SHE'S NOT MEANT TO BE QUEEN! SHE KEEPS FUCKING US OVER!" Shirlene looked back at the frightened rabbit and said "What kid? You think you can do better? Trust me when I say you can't. So take a step back like your smart friends, before I blow your fucking brains out. The coyote didn't back down and just stared at Shirlene. "Oh! Feeling lucky punk? Look here kid . . . Don't be a hero. That's what me and my alien friend are for."

The coyote shouted and charged for Shirlene yelling "I'VE COME TO FAR TO BACK DOWN NOW!" Shirlene stepped to the side as the coyote's charge came to a screeching halt. He fell to his knees and began coughing up blood. Clutching his side he rolled over and looked back at the rabbit. Shirlene was spinning her gun casually and whistling. "Sorry kid . . . But I don't back down from promises. I told you to not come any closer and you did." The young coyote continued gurgling and choking when another coyote came running and knelt beside him. "Oh my baby! I-I . . . YOU MONSTER!" The mother coyote cried while cradling her dying son.

"I told this idiot not to come any closer and instead he charged for me! It was in self defense." The mother looked horrified and ran from Shirlene, crying bloody murder. Shirlene shrugged her shoulders and walked back towards Jeeve. The crowd pleasing wolf looked at Shirlene with horror in his eyes and said "Y-Y-You are no mere rabbit!"

"What was your first clue?" The wolf backed away fearfully and ran away down the street. Jeeve looked out and noticed, not a soul outside.

"Wow Shirl! You scared the entire town away!"

"Good riddance! I hate Green Lake animals . . . So entitled." The duo looked back and saw the rabbit queen being embraced by her faithful wolvern adviser.

"Thank you kind warriors. I was afraid that you would not come in time." Jeeve smiled warmly and said "No problem, but can you explain what's going on here?"

"Of course, but not here. Let go back inside." The group walked back inside the half destroyed castle and took to the tea room to discuss the kingdom's major issues. Jeeve sat on a burgundy cushion chair, whilst letting Clover feed on his wrist. Wolfram poured every one a glass of tea, then took his seat with a sigh. Clover yawned and drifted off in Jeeve's lap. He smiled and rubbed her belly, stopping when he heard Wolfram address him. "Precious isn't it? To take a child not your own and raise them under your wing. Lovely isn't it?"

"Yea it is. I never imagined being a dad this young!" Jeeve looked over and noticed the sniveling queen, curled up by the wolf an asked "Did you take her under your wing?"

"Of course. After her parents died, everyone turned against her and I was her only protector. She needed me and strangely enough . . . I needed her." Wolfram took a sip of his tea, then shook his head and said "I'm sorry young hero. I went off down memory lane again. I suppose we should explain our calamity to you now. Would you like to your highness?" The meek monarch nodded and sat up straight, saying " I've tried for so long! Ever since I was 15, I've tried to go! But they always stop me!"

"Whoa! Calm down! Who's stopping you from doing what?"

"The Kyoto administration had been keeping me from getting to the Royal Summit for years! They placed an ARK Tower on the road there so I couldn't attend!"

"Well why's the Summit so important?"

"You don't understand! Any kingdom that misses three Summits, is automatically turned over to Kyoto Kydon and placed under heavy sanctions! I've already missed the first two and now if I miss tomorrow's roll call . . . It's lights out for the Green Lake Kingdom!"

"Don't worry your highness! Shirlene and I will get you there!"

"WHOA WHOA . . . WHOA! What's with all this we business?"

"We'll we're a team, so by extension I refer to us as we."

"Welp there's no way I'm in on this!"

"Why?!"

"Tell him the truth princess. Tell little my naive little friend what will happen if we accompany you to the summit."

Natalia looked at Shirlene, then to Jeeve and said "Well if you do choose to help us and accompany me to the summit . . . You'll be appointed my temporary Knights."

"So? What's so bad about that?"

"See that's the problem with this generation . . . You kids don't put two and two together. Now this summit is going to have rulers from every kingdom there."

"Okay and . . ?"

"Kyoto Kydon will be there as well, along with his floozy of a daughter."

Jeeve gulped nervously as Natalia looked confused. "Wait what's wrong with Kyoto Kydon being there? There are rules in place about fighting during the Summit!"

"Oh trust me kid, it's not Kyoto I'm worried about. Though that bitch he calls his daughter is gonna pose a problem for both of us! She's the only one that can really whoop his ass."

"HEY!"

"It's true kid and if you go . . . Well it was nice knowing ya!" Natalia stood angrily and shouted "ENOUGH! I thought you two were heroes! When I watched the news broadcast about the Lauren Ocean returning I . . . felt hope. I thought that if you two could do that then you could help me too! I suppose I was wrong."

Jeeve shot Shirlene a nasty look and said "I will help you your majesty. I will get you to the royal summit whether I have to carry you on my back. I swear to it that you will get there!" The royal rabbit looked at Jeeve with a hopeful look, then ran to him and jumped in his arms. "OH I KNEW IT! I knew you wouldn't turn us away!" Jeeve looked flustered as the doe began nuzzling him affectionately. "Well I-I . . Y-You know? It was no big deal!"

Natalia hopped from his grasp and gave him another hug before skipping happily away to pack. Shirlene looked at Jeeve and shook her head saying "I'm serious kid. I'm not going with you. If you go, then you go by yourself. I'll see you in a couple days, when the Summit's over." The duo shared one last pained glance, then Shirlene turned and left. Jeeve watched with a hurt gaze as his first and only friend walked out on him. Wolfram came up behind him, and placed his paw on his shoulder saying "I know it's hard . . . Having to choose between family and what's right."

"Do you really know?"

"I lost my family when I took young Natalia under my care. They branded me a traitor to the wolvern race and never spoke to me again . . ."

" . . . That doesn't make me feel better at all."

Wolfram chuckled and said "Yes I'm sorry. That's not a very uplifting tale, but you there is one thing you can take refuge in."

"What's that?"

" By taking Her highness to this summit you stand for something greater, than just 'doing the right thing.' You stand for animals everywhere regardless of status or social class. You stand for her and she stands for the animals. Tis' the way of patriarch some would say."

Jeeve looked at the old wolf curiously and asked "What do you know about the patriarchs?"

"I know much young one. For I once was one . . ."

"Tyloc told me there were only three patriarchs left . . ."

"That name reeks of familiarity. Was Tyloc the master of water? Or was he the master of sand? I can never remember!"

"Well I met him in the dried up Lauren Ocean, but that's not what I want to know . . . Did you know my grandfather?!" Wolfram looked up in the air, questioningly and replied. "Well what makes you think I knew him?"

"He was like . . ._ The Patriarch!_ Tyloc told me a little bit about him, but I'm trying to find out more!"

"Hmm I am sorry child, but I have never seen your kind before . . . But I may know where you can find out more about the war of old."

"Where?!"

"On Gerosia. It's now just a landfill for the other kingdom's trash. But a long time ago it held . . . Mystical properties."

"Like what?"

"I don't know exactly what, but senior patriarchs said it was a gateway for all animals. It was one of our most protected properties, though I was never stationed there. I was a patriarch for a year, before the genocide started. I then fled to Green Lake and became the butler here."

" . . ."

"What's the matter child?"

"I don't know . . . Today's been a rough day."

"I'd imagine. Do not fret young one. You will become a fine patriarch one day."

"Thanks Wolfram. Is there somewhere I can go and rest for tomorrow?"

"Yes. If you take those stairs to the third floor, you'll see a plethora of empty guest rooms. You are free to take any room you like."

"Thank you Wolfram, I think I'll retire for the night. See you bright and early."

Wolfram watched as the young hero climbed the stairs and sighed "I'm sorry Jethro, but he is not ready . . . One day."

Jeeve walked around the third floor, casually sampling the rooms as he walked past. Jeeve walked past Natalia's room and smiled. It was covered in pink and butterfly stickers. "You want to see the inside?" Jeeve nearly jump out of his skin, when the royal rabbit snaked her arms onto his waist.

"Oh! Your highness! I'm sorry, I was just making my way to . . . somewhere else!" Natalia quickly grabbed him and said "Where do you think you're going?"

"Uh . . . To my room?"

"Guess again. I'm not sleeping without my protection."

"Aww that's so flattering, but . . . You are a strong female and you don't need a male to protect you."

" . . . You really mean that?"

"Of course!"

"That's so sweet, but you are accompanying me to bed and that is final!" Jeeve rolled his eyes as the Natalia dragged him off to bed.