FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Early Friday morning saw Cross and Vasilyev taking a morning run through the expansive terrace behind the colonel's villa, which overlooked the vast bay of which the city of Hieropolis was built upon.

Thick grey clouds hung above the sky. However, the air was clear and it was not too chilly. There were also no signs that it would be snowing when Cross looked out through his window, and the weather forecast on this morning's paper indicated a clear but windy day. Deciding that he could take advantage of the good weather for an exercise, the Hesperian detective donned on warm, flexible clothing fit for running and headed downstairs.

He came across Vasilyev who seemed to have the same idea as he had, judging from the lynx's attire. They exchanged greetings as they headed out to the backyard, did their stretches together, and proceeded to run laps around the swimming pool and the snow covered gardens on the villa's large back yard.

It wasn't until their tenth lap that Vasilyev finally spoke.

"You're enjoying yourself." The lynx remarked.

Cross puffed out a chuckle. "I am. It's rare to find time for a good exercise among nature... especially if you live in a city like Port Lancerston."

"Port Lancerston?" Vasilyev made a confused sound. "I thought you live in Kingshaven city."

"We can't afford to live in the capital." Cross replied. "Port Lancerston is more affordable for us. Even then, we still have more expenses rather than income. We live downtown, you see." he panted, slowing down slightly as they made it to their eleventh. "However, me and my brother pulled through."

"I see. Why downtown?"

"We wouldn't have enough clients to make ends meet if we didn't live close to the center of the city." The detective chuckled, picking up his pace again.

"Makes sense."

The two men slowed down to a walk after they passed their final lap, panting and huffing from the exertion. Both felines made their way towards the deck chairs and sat down on it.

"By the way, you never mentioned about having a brother." Vasilyev went to ask after he had regained his breath.

"Oh... I didn't?" Cross breathed. "Well... he's my twin brother, actually."

"Ah, really?" The lynx blinked. "Is he a detective like yourself?"

Cross nodded with a small smile. "Yes of course. The two of us opened our private investigation agency together. I guess you could say he's both my partner and my assistant." He explained as he took a fresh towel from the wicker table set between the chairs and began to wipe his forehead.

"Why isn't he with you then?"

"Oh, he's tracking down a phantom thief that had been running amok in Avaloria, stealing famous and highly coveted jewelry. He told me in his last telegram that he's really close on figuring out who's the thief."

Vasilyev gave a thoughtful hum. "Oh, is it the same thief who had stolen the Star of Orion from the Capitol Museum in Crownsbridge right under the watchful eyes of ten security guards..."

"Yes. Called themself Le Chevalier Noir--The Black Knight." The cougar rolled his eyes at that and gave a light scoff. "It's ridiculously show-offish if you ask me."

"Sounds to me your brother is having quite the adventure." Vasilyev chuckled.

"Perhaps." Cross grinned before he turned his head to the sky. "Well, let's head back. The day's progressing and I could already smell breakfast from the kitchen."

Vasilyev simply nodded. He too could smell the delicious breakfast from the open doorway. "Alright. Let us head in."

Walking through the wide, patio doors, the two felines made their way into the marble tiled main hallway. The butler, a tall, thin deer of middle age with a pair of meticulously well trimmed and polished horns was already waiting for them. His usual vacant, but alert gaze immediately was immediately fixed on the two felinles.

"Morning Stainer." Cross greeted.

The deer tipped his head down. "Good morning, Mr. Cross. Refreshments?" He said, offering the tray filled with glasses of chilled water and juices.

"Much appreciated!" Vasilyev went for the water, while Cross took an orange juice.

"Is the colonel awake yet?" The cougar went to ask.

"He has, sir but he has yet to ring for Travers." The butler said, referring to the colonel's valet. "Also, there was a telephone for you just now, Mr. Vasilyev. It was from the manager of... erm... Ve...niyets Hotel?".

"Venets." Vasilyev corrected the butler, emphasizing on the correct Rosvenian pronunciation (which sounded like Vin-yets), "And what did he say?"

"The manager has told me that he is expecting your call, sir."

Vasilyev blinked. "Oh? Alright. I think I'd better take this." He said, turning to Cross.

The detective merely nodded. He had long deduced that Venets Hotel was the cover for the intelligence agency that employed Vasilyev. In fact, Cross was sure that the lynx's real name wasn't Nikolai Vasilyev but the disguise name had stuck. It would be odd to call the Rosvenian agent by his codename or his real name.

"Of course. It sounded important." He replied with a small smile.

As the grey furred feline went away, Cross finished his drink, returned the empty glass to the the butler and headed up the staircase towards the rooms on the floor above. He could hear the agent's voice echoing through the gallery that overlooked the main hallway, speaking in rapid Rosvenian.

"...can I speak to Manager Rosanoff. Yes, yes... what is it Rosanoff? ...you've read my telegram... heading back today by train... This soon? You know I don't... alright, alright..."

The rest of Vasilyev's voice grew distant as Cross's footsteps echoed through the empty halls. Now that all of the guests except for Vasilyev and himself had gone home, the entire villa was being cleaned thoroughly by the staff.

He nodded his head and greeted the few number of maids who were moving to and fro the hallway, dusting the carpets, paintings, and wall fixtures. The detective quickly made his way into his bedroom and closed the door behind him.

It was not a very spacious bedroom, being one of the smaller spare bedrooms. The walls were plain white with light beige panels, and there was a single window that overlooked the front yard.

Despite being a spare bedroom, it was located directly across the master bedroom so the detective could come to the colonel's aid should an incident occurred. This decision proved to be beneficial during the tense and suspenseful week, where the colonel had feared the safety of his life.

However, as he had solved the case and there were no more dangers about, Cross had decided to relax for the past few days.

All of his belongings had been packed and his suitcases were stacked neatly on the foot of the bed, except for one suitcase that remained open on top of the dressing table. The cougar's own day clothes and travelling coat had been hung by the door. All that's left to pack was his toiletry and his dirty clothes to be locked into his trunk.

The cougar proceeded to remove the tailored, leather glove from his right paw and pulled off his sweatshirt, revealing the fully automated, mechanical construct that had replaced his right arm. The chrome plated apparatus was secured up to the cougar's shoulders, supported by straps that ran across the feline's chest and back.

Cross let off a light groan as he stretched his arms, pulling the kinks off his body. Turning to the mirror, he scratched his chin and noted somewhat disgruntledly, that he had became a tad soft. He hummed as he ran his metallic paws through his chest and stomach, feeling the firm muscles underneath the layer of fur and a bit of fat.

Perhaps he should lay off the pastries for a few days...

Several loud knocks interrupted his musings.

"Yes? Who is it?" The detective turned to the door.

The colonel's voice came from the door. "It's just me, Cross."

Despite in his state of undress, the cougar called for the colonel to come in.

Colonel Graves was wrapped in his velvet burgundy dressing gown, which was slightly undone. Cross averted his gaze from the sight of the panther's firm, well muscled chest before his stare could become too awkward.

"Good morning, colonel." He greeted warmly.

"Morning, Cross. Enjoyed your morning run with Vasilyev?" The panther asked pleasantly "I see you got everything packed up."

"I did." The detective nodded. "It is a long way to the city."

"True." The colonel nodded, folding his arms in a casual manner. "However, we won't be heading off until after lunch."

Cross gave a shrug. "Never hurts to be prepared. I saw two of your trunks just outside your room." He pointed out with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, that's just some of my military equipment. I still haven't packed the rest of my belongings."

Cross nodded. "You can never really escape the army, do you, Graves?" He chuckled.

"I suppose I can't." The panther smiled wistfully, moving to stand right next to the detective. His attention seem to focus on the cougar's mechanical arm.

"May I?"

Cross nodded. The colonel's paw digits gently touched the smooth, gunmetal gray chrome plating of his arm, which hid the complex mechanism of gears and wires. He as he studied the impressive craftsmanship of the plates and joints.

"'Made by Mason Biomechanics Corp.'" The panther read the thin words stamped into the shoulder plate of the arm. "This is a finely constructed apparatus."

"It is." Cross agreed. "Though, I think I should upgrade for the waterproof plating. Can't shower with this hunk of junk attached to my body."

Graves chuckled along the detective as he turned Cross' paw plates. "Daedalus & Sons have some very good waterproof models."

"Ah. I never really heard of them."

"I should figure. They don't advertise much and they almost work exclusively for the military."

Cross chuckled. "I should have guessed. And they don't come cheap, do they?"

"No, they don't."

Graves still had his paw on the detective's metallic paw.

"Did it hurt?" He asked softly.

"Hmm? Oh." Cross smiled wanly. "I was... completely inert during the whole procedure. Grafting the neural nodes into my flesh and nervous system was not something one would go through completely awake and fully aware."

The panther rumbled. His voice was soft. "I know. You never told me how you lost it."

"...Shrapnel from aerial bombing." The detective answered. "We were fighting the enemy in the eastern front near the end of the war... and we got ambushed. I was one of the few survivors."

Colonel Graves' eyes went wide for a fraction. His grip on the detective's arm tightened slightly. "The eastern front... I'm sorry you had to go through that, Leon."

If Cross had noticed that the colonel had used his first name, he didn't show it. "Everyone gets their fair share of wounds." He said, reaching into the folds of the panther's dressing gown and traced his fingers across the lines of lighter patch of fur that trailed down the feline's chest at an angle. Evidently a healed blade wound.

The colonel shuddered at the cold touch of Cross' metallic fingers. "I got that from one of their damned war automatons. The one with the spinning blades."

"I noticed as much, Graves." The cougar smiled lightly as he dropped his arm. "Well, I better get myself cleaned. I had quite the exercise this morning." He said.

Colonel Graves nodded. "Of course."

Cross didn't pull himself away as he went to reach the straps and unclasped them.

"Mmm... let me." Graves chimed in when he noticed that Cross was struggling slightly with the clasps on his mechanical prosthesis' shoulder. The cougar detective smiled gratefully at the panther as the clasps became undone. There was several clicks and hissing noises, and the arm went limp.

Cross gave a small shudder.

"You alright?" The panther asked, worry reflected on his warm hazel eyes.

"I'm alright." The detective replied. "Just a creeping numbness. Happens everytime when the nodes were disconnected." He said, holding the prosthetic steady with his whole remaining arm. With a loud click, the mechanically powered prosthetic arm detached itself from the socket and neural nodes.

Graves helped Cross to place the now inert prosthetic on the bed. The colonel then brushed his paw on the mechanical parts that was constructed around the detective's arm stump.

"Hrmmm..."

"It made me look misshapen and hideous, I know." Cross chuckled dryly.

Hazel eyes turned to meet blue ones. The panther's paw found his way to the cougar's cheek.

"You are not." The panther said firmly.

"Ah." Cross held his gaze as he leaned closer to the taller, and sturdier built feline.

Their lips met.

He could feel the colonel's paws on his hips as he held him closer. Cross was barely aware that Grave's large, warm paws were brushing against his backside as they kissed feverently. Their tongues met and danced for domination. None of them seem to be keen of giving in to the other, but very soon, Cross found himself being pushed against the larger feline.

He responded by pulling loose the binds that kept Graves' dressing gown together. His paws then trailed upwards to push the fabric away from the panther's muscular shoulders. With a rumbling purr, the colonel let the detective's paws to have a free roam across his body before he tightened his hold on the cougar.

Cross stumbled as he found himself being led to a direction by the colonel's strong paws. Letting off a gasp, the cougar's feet caught on the end of the bed and he fell backwards. Graves didn't give him a chance to recover before he was trailing his lips down the centre of the detective's pectorals, while his paws were tugging on the waist of the cougar's jogging pants. He pulled it loose with one strong pull.

The detective let off a light moan when he felt Graves nuzzling the plump sheath that was straining against the cougar's underpants. Panting lightly, he grinned as the panther continued to purr while he lovingly nuzzled his crotch, while pulling his own pyjama pants down. Cross couldn't decide whether to be amused or delighted when he found out that Graves wasn't wearing anything underneath.

Their stout malehoods were pressed against each other after Graves had removed the remaining article of clothing off the cougar and had practically clambered on top of Cross close, locking their lips once again in another passionate kiss.

Breathless from the intense making out, Cross ran his paw through Graves' broad, strong back, feeling the hard musculature underneath the soft fur.

"It's been awhile since I'm this close with a client." The tawny furred feline murmured, letting out a soft purr as Graves nuzzled his neck.

"If you're worried, then let me do the work." Graves gave him a small smirk.

The cougar moaned softly as Graves trailed his tongue over his chest, before he went further down and took a long sniff of Cross' musky privates. He leaned in and carefully lapped at the erect member, now poking out of the soft, furry sheath between the cougar's legs.

"G-gods... Graves..." Cross panted as Graves went to suckle his sacks.

"Mmm... still pretty much sensitive down there, Leon?" The panther rumbled, dragging his tongue from the base of Cross' length to the barbed tip.

"Mmh... haven't been able to... aah... relieve myself... quite a while..."

"Well then, we shall have to rectify that, don't we?"

The cougar was in bliss as Graves proceeded to engulf his manhood inside his maw. He had forgotten how good the panther was with his tongue. It has been a very, very long time since they had enjoyed each other's company in this manner. His entire body shuddered from the pleasure alone, moaning as Graves lapped and squeezed his shaft almost lovingly with his warm mouth. The detective let out a breath he hadn't known he had held back when the panther released his shaft.

Graves chuckled, clasping his paw around Cross' throbbing rod. "Got you all excited, hmm?"

"H-heh... just like old times, huh?" Cross gave the panther a breathless smile.

"Old times indeed. Now, do you have something I could use to ease us in?"

"Yes... in my briefcase. It's there along the rubber."

Cross shuffled on the bed, getting himself into a more comfortable position while Graves got himself primed and ready. It didn't take long for the panther to get back on the bed. Leon shuddered again when Graves applied the oils to his backside, his deft fingers working their way inside his tailhole. The way the panther loosened him up was quite sensuous that he couldn't help but moan for the umpteemth time.

"Mmm... I think we're good to go."

"Y-you think?" Cross asked breathlessly as Graves pulled his paw digits out.

The panther flashed the prone detective a toothy grin. "Why don't we find out?" He murmured as he lifted the cougar's legs and held them above his shoulders. Using his other paw, Graves guided his erect member into the base of Cross' slick tail.

The second Graves pushed into him, Cross hissed and yowled, mainly in pain, as his rear end stretched to accommodate the colonel's sizeable girth. The cougar was soon moaning once again as the pain gave away to pleasure as the panther slowly gyrated his hips.

There was naught but deep moans and sounds of labored breath as the two felines consummated their passions. Graves was effectively pinning Cross on the bed with his powerful arms and legs. His fangs grazed against the soft flesh underneath the fur of Cross' neck as he continued to breed the male underneath him.

Cross was utterly lost on the euphoria of the pleasure as Graves drilled deep into him with an almost primal drive. After a few thrusts, the cougar finally adjusted with Graves' size and girth which was familiar to him. He began to move his hips in tandem with the panther, driving the feline's shaft deeper into him, eliciting a long, languid and breathless moan from his throat.

A low rumble rolled from Graves' lips as he increased his own pace, pressing his muzzle against the cougar once again, his tongue lashing out aggressively into the cougar's oral cavity. Cross wasn't remotely aware that Graves' paw had snaked between their bodies and had grab hold of his throbbing manhood until the panther started rubbing it up and down, stimulating him further and further into release.

For a moment, Cross was reminded of the cold nights they had spent together behind the barracks years ago. Graves was naught but a sergeant back then, an instructor transferred from Avaloria to assist the Hesperian army's daily training, and Cross himself was but a young cougar who was serving his compulsory military service.

Spending months on end with fellow army men and strapping officers was maddening with almost little to no time for some relieve. They had to get creative to get some personal de-stressing time, and fraternization between superiors and subordinates was nothing new in the Hesperian army. Graves had taken a shine to him, and the rest was history.

Cross was brought back of his reverie when he felt the increased intensity of Graves' thrusting and humping. The cougar panted, feeling as if he was going to be torn as the panther's moans became growls. A loud, whimpering yowl escaped Leon's own lips when Graves clamped his muzzle on his neck with a final thrust. The cougar did not need to see to know that Graves had reached his climax and was pumping his rear end with his seed. The pain of the mating bite and the amount of pleasure drove Cross into his limits as well. With a roar, ropes of his semen were expelled from his erect shaft, soiling both of his and Graves' bodies as they fell into mass of sweaty, musky bodies on top of each other.

The detective blinked when he felt Graves pulling him into another kiss. It was slower and less forceful this time, and the cougar relished the moment as he returned the kiss, tongues dancing around between their muzzles as they held each other close.

"Oh... I really needed that."

Cross smiled tiredly as he caressed Graves' cheeks with his paw. "You said the same thing the last time we meet."

"You'd remember that wouldn't you?" Graves chuckled. "You're still the sharp eyed soldier I remember."

"Hrmmhm..."

Cross moaned softly as Graves went to embrace him and trailed his tongue over the sore, slightly bloody patch on his neck that came from the love bite. He purred as he nuzzled into the panther, feeling a strange sort of satisfaction that he could rekindle a relationship with an old friend, even if it won't be a permanent one.

They stayed cuddled against each other in the afterglow for several long minutes, before they got up. Cross couldn't help but chuckle when the colonel suggested that they clean up in his bathroom, which he agreed. Bathing took longer than expected as they had spent the time to appreciate each other's company a little bit more.

By the time Cross was clean and dry, had his arm reattached, and properly dressed, Graves was already waiting for him on the bottom of the stairs. The colonel smiled as they headed towards the breakfast room.

It would seem that Vasilyev was just about to finish his food.

"Ah, I was wondering where you two had gone." The lynx voiced as he bit the last of his eggs.

"Good morning, Vasilyev." The colonel greeted as he walked past the Rosvenian agent to get to the buffet table that was set by the great bay window.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Cross said as he took a couple of omelettes from the buffet table.

Vasilyev's nose twitched and he blinked. Raising an eyebrow, Vasilyev seemed to be sniffing the air as he looked between the detective and the colonel. A bemused smile grazed his lips a moment later, and he silently drank his coffee.

"No harm done. By the way, what time will we be departing?" He went to ask, turning to the colonel.

"An hour or two after lunch." Graves answered him. "The train departs at 5, but we'll need to be at the station at least half and hour before departure to check in. There will be traffic of course, so we need to account for that."

"Alright." Vasilyev nodded as he wiped his muzzle with a napkin. "By the way, colonel, you won't mind if I use your telephone? I need to make some urgent calls. Something had come up."

Graves nodded absentmindedly as he sipped his coffee. "By all means."

Cross turned to look at Vasilyev with an inquiring look. The lynx merely gave him a bemused smile and a roll of hie eyes as he left the breakfast room. He paused by the doorway as Stainer walked in, bearing a small silver tray.

The butler waited until Vasilyev was out of the room before he went to where Cross was sitting and inclined his head. "Telegram for Mr. Cross."

"Oh, thank you." The cougar reached for the tray that was offered to him and took the small thin envelope. Slicing it open, Cross unfurled the telegram and sipped his tea. He blinked in surprise, letting out a thoughtful hum before he folded the letter away.

"Who is it from, Cross?"

The detective smiled a little. "It's from my brother. Apparently he's going to be on the station later today."

Graves blinked. "That's curious. Didn't you tell me he was in Avaloria?"

"There's been a huge development it would seem." Cross answered him as he ate his food. "The thief he's been tailing had escaped to the continent and my brother has been tailing him ever since."

"Ah. Should we be worried?" The colonel asked.

"I don't know, but I don't think we have any reason to be worried. My brother didn't give away much in his telegram other than he will be arriving at Hieropolis today and he'll be looking around the station." Cross answered him. "Perhaps we might meet and see where he's heading next. I might give him a bit of a help."

Graves chuckled as he sipped his tea. "I'm sure he'll appreciate your assistance. Anyway, it would be great to see your brother again."

Cross gave a nod. "Just don't be too surprised when you see him in person, however." he said, giving the colonel an unreadable smile. "He doesn't like the stares."

Graves just stared at him in confusion, but he nodded nonetheless. "I'll try not to."

Smiling, the detective returned to finish his breakfast.

******

Hieropolis was abuzz with activity. The streets were full with cars going to and fro and pedestrians crowded the sidewalks, heading to their own destinations. Cross hadn't seen much of the city since the colonel lives in the neighborhood on the outskirts of the city proper. Despite the differences with the local culture and customs, big cities were not so much different than each other, the detective mused as the automobile drove through the afternoon traffic as they headed towards downtown.

Colonel Graves was seated beside him, pointing out several important buildings and landmarks, such as the government offices, the Sultan's private residence in the city, the famous temples, etc etc. Vasilyev himself was seated up front with the chauffeur, looking as much as interested as he too, listened to the panther's words attentively.

They arrived at Hieropolis Central Station almost an hour later. It was a massive, grand building that resembled more of a palace than a train station. Marble and granite with intricate geometric patterned arches made up the station's facade, while numerous stained glass adorned its many windows. The train station stretched at least three city blocks, towering over the surrounding buildings by at least four stories, and it was capped with a massive, white marble dome.

The chauffeur drove them to the canopied entrance along with the other cars. He was kind enough to help the colonel and his guests to unload their luggage. Sharp eyed porters immediately swarmed around them the minute they saw the trunks and suitcases. In no time at all, Cross had his trunk and valises sorted on the provided trolley.

"What train, sir?" The porter who handled the Hesperian detective's luggage asked with a slightly accented Avalorian.

"The, er... Mercurius Express. 5 o'clock." Cross answered him, before turning to the colonel. "What time are we supposed to check in, by the way?"

"By the latest, a quarter past four." The panther answered as he pulled out his pocket watch. "We've got half an hour left. Let's hurry."

With that, Graves led Cross and Vasilyev across the foyer and into the grand building. A massive, marble lined hall lay behind the large doors, directly underneath the large dome which Cross had seen from outside. Afternoon sunlight streamed into the hall through the many windows built around the dome.

As the hub of international and domestic railway in the country, Hieropolis Central was always bursting with activity. The concourse was filled with hundreds of travellers from various origins and nationalities, while porters pushed carts laden with suitcases among the throng of passengers. Announcements echoed through the hall as the colonel lead them directly for the ticketing booths built to the sides of the concourse.

They joined the ever growing queue, which thankfully weren't that long. As Vasilyev had booked his own ticket beforehand, he joined a separate line while Cross fell in line behind the colonel.

While they were waiting, Cross went to see if he could spot his twin brother among the crowd. As the telegram had came from the train station itself, the detective hoped that he could at least have a few words with his brother before he had to leave. However, catching a glimpse of another cougar like himself within dozens of other felines from one vantage point proved to be pretty challenging.

"Cross?"

"Hmm?" The detective turned to the colonel, who had nudged his arm. He then noticed that Graves was already standing by the ticketing counter with a military passport on his paw, and the clerk was giving him an expectant look.

"Oh, right. Here you go." He reached into his travel pack and handed his passport to the clerk.

"Here are your tickets and your passports, sir." The clerk said a while later as he handed them two strips of boarding passes. "Make sure you show this at the gate and to your conductor. Your train will be on platform 12."

"Thank you."

"Next please!"

Cross pocketed his passport as he inspected the strip of thick paper. He couldn't help but smile. "First class. This should be an interesting trip."

Graves chuckled. "It will be. All you have to do is relax until you get to your destination." He said as they cleared the line and made their way to the centre of the hall. "By the way, any sign of your brother?"

"No." Cross shook his head. "I didn't even see the tip of his muzzle anywhere." He said. "Perhaps I've missed him or he hasn't--Gideon?"

The detective stopped in his tracks as he stared at the other, nearly identical cougar in front of him. The cougar turned around as his name was called, and he quickly broke into a wide grin.

"Leon? I didn't expect to see you here!" The other cougar beamed and shared a hug with his brother.

As his brother's younger twin, Gideon Cross was practically the splitting image of Leon. He shared some physical similarities like their clear blue eyes, dark golden fur, and also similar markings on their muzzles. The only thing that differentiated the two brothers was their physical stature and the mechanized prosthetics attached to their bodies.

While Leon Cross possessed a solid, agile, and athletic build, Gideon Cross had a powerful, robust build, akin to that of a wrestler. He was also a few inches taller than his older twin. Furthermore, instead of a mechanical arm, Gideon had a mechanical ocular prosthesis which replaced his damaged left eye.

"You know I've been staying in the city for a few weeks now." Cross replied, looking at his brother closely and snorted in amusement. "No wonder I didn't recognize you. You're wrapped up as if you're going to an expedition to the arctics!"

Gideon rolled his one organic eye and adjusted the thick woolen scarf that was wrapped around his neck. "I just had a complete fur trim before coming down here. I didn't expect it will be so damn cold."

"More so than Avaloria?" Leon teased with a smirk.

A polite cough sounded right behind the detective.

"Oh, right. I trust you remember Colonel Graves?" He gestured to the panther. Gideon blinked and his ocular implant took a moment to focus on the tall, handsome, black furred feline who came to stand beside his twin brother.

"Ah, of course! It's nice to meet you again, sir." Gideon said enthusiastically as he shook the colonel's paw, grinning widely.

Colonel Graves nodded with a smile. "It's good to see you're still in one piece, soldier." He rumbled good naturedly. True to his word earlier that day, he didn't stare as much as other people did. Only once his gaze flicked to the cougar's glowing, blue hued, mechanical eye.

"Of course, it has been a while. I didn't remember you were quite this robust back then." The colonel remarked.

Gideon smiled and looked quite pleased with himself. "I'm a member of the local Pankration club, sir. One has to constantly keep their physical state in a good condition."

"I'm sure." Graves nodded with a grin.

An announcement rang just then. "Your attention please. The Mercurius Express departing for Valmagne-sur-Mer with direct connections to Pierrograd and Kingshaven will leave in fifteen minutes. Passengers of the Mercurius Express please proceed to platform twelve."

"Ah, that would be our cue." The colonel said. "It's been nice talking to you, Mr. Cross. I wish we could talk more, but we should be going."

Gideon stared. "Wait, you're boarding the Mercurius Express to Gallia?"

"Why yes, yes we do." Leon nodded slowly, giving his brother a speculating look. "Why do you ask?"

"Well then, this is a surprise..." the cougar muttered, before he continued with a more audible voice. "I'll be on that train also, you see."

Leon blinked, before he guffawed. "Talk about coincidence!" He shook his head with a wide grin. "I had been expecting you to go to someplace in Anatolia."

"Whatever gave you that idea?" Gideon gave his brother an incredulous look. He then shook his head. "Ah, anyway, I better get myself checked in and retrieve my ticket. I'll meet you back on the train, then we'll talk."

Leon nodded. "Will do. Make sure to tell me everything."

"Of course. I'll see you soon, and you too, Colonel." Gideon gave his twin brother a nod and tipped his fedora at the panther, before he hurried off to where a porter was waiting with a several large and heavy looking suitcases. Apparently, the cougar hadn't been travelling light at all.

"So that's your brother, eh? I must say, he's an interesting specimen. He does look more attractive than yourself."

"Wha--Vasilyev!" Leon whirled around. Apparently, Vasilyev had been watching the entire exchange in silence and finally decided to speak up at that point, startling Leon who had not noticed the Rosvenian agent's arrival.

The detective then frowned. "'Interesting specimen'... Just what are you implying?" He asked sharply.

The lynx just gave him a playful smile. "Nothing to be worried about. Come on, let's get to the train before it departs."

"Yes, of course." The colonel nodded in agreement before an argument could erupt. "The train would be this way. Come on now."

After passing through the gate checks and getting their luggages sorted out, the three felines emerged into the cavernous train shed which was attached to the north side of the station. Twenty platforms sat under two, massive barrel vaulted ceiling made of steel and glass. Steam permeated the air from the sheer amount of trains coming and going, while whistles and horns echoed through the platforms, echoing with the sounds of the crowd that had gathered around the trains.

Cross pulled his coat closer around itself as they made their way across platform 12, weaving through the crowd while the porters trailed behind them. It was a lot colder here than the station's concourse as the heating system did not reach the train shed. He hoped their train would be much warmer.

Vasilyev let out an appreciative whistle beside him. "No matter how many times I've ridden the train, the Mercurius Express never ceased to amaze me."

The lynx was right, Cross thought as he gazed to the massive train that was sitting next to the platform. It was practically the largest train the detective had seen in his life. The steam locomotive towered above everyone, exuding power and strength as the engineers went about the four massive driving wheels and engine components for last minute inspections. The engine, along with its equally large tender, was painted black and silver paint, which gleamed in the afternoon light.

A dozen or so porters wheeled their trolleys towards two baggage vans which were located directly behind the engine. Uniformed security guards patrolled around the platform, keeping a vigilant eye over the sizeable crowd that had gathered around the passenger carriages behind the baggage vans. Cross counted there were four sleeper cars, two restaurant-kitchen cars, and two lounge cars--one of which appeared to be an observation car--at the very end of the train.

Said carriages were handsomely painted in black with gold and silver accents. The words, 'MERCURIUS EXPRESS' were emblazoned on the above centre of each carriage in large, silver letters.

"Would you like all of your luggage into the baggage van, sir?" the porter asked.

"Oh, no. Just these suitcases. I'll take the rest with me, thank you." Cross told his porter, pointing out the largest of his luggages to be stored. With a nod, the porter went off to join the rest of his colleagues to one of the baggage vans. It would appear that the colonel and Vasilyev had done the same.

"So, which car should we board? I'm not quite sure which cars we are assigned to." The detective asked they walked past two of the train's kitchen staff who were debating heatedly by the restaurant car, gesticulating wildly to the crates of fresh fruit, wines, and meat which were piled neatly near them.

"I can't make sense of the ticket." He added as he squinted his eyes at the boarding pass in his paw with a hint of exasperation. The fine print in Gallian was pretty hard to read after all.

Vasilyev leaned over to look at the cougar's ticket. "You could always ask one of the conductors if you're unsure." He pointed out, nodding towards the conductor standing closest to them.

The conductor was a ram with an impressive set of curled horns that looked well cared off. He was currently addressing a passenger; a tall, robust bull whose powerful frame was clad in a dark grey tweed coat.

"Monsieur Karl Bradford, compartment 6," said the conductor to the bull with a clear, polite tone that held a slight Gallian accent.

"Thank you." The bull said just as a young wolf, clad in a uniform not unlike the conductor's stepped down from the carriage and began to help the passenger to haul his luggages inside, bumping one them against the floor.

"Careful now! I have several highly sensitive camera equipment in there." Bradford called out to the car attendant as he followed the vulpine into the sleeping car.

The conductor turned his attention away from the passenger and smiled as he noticed the three felines standing close by.

"Bonsoir, messieurs." He greeted with a tip of his hat.

"Afternoon, can you tell us which car are we supposed to go?" Graves asked, handing the conductor their tickets.

"Certainly, monsieur." The horned conductor nodded and gave them a quick inspection.

"Ah, looks like monsieur Cross and Colonel Graves are assigned to the Saphir coach, which is up front, while monsieur Vasilyev would be in sleeping car Rubis, which is just behind this car." The conductor handed their tickets back. "This is the Émeraude coach, as you can see." He gestured to the plaque located right above the window by the doorway, which spelled out the carriage's name.

Cross nodded in thanks. "Merci."

"Je vous en prie." The ram replied with another tip of his hat.

"I'll meet you both later then." The lynx smiled with a tip of his hat as he made to move towards his assigned sleeping car.

"We'll see you later." Cross nodded as the colonel made the same remark. With a parting nod, the two felines made their way to their sleeping car which the horned conductor had pointed out.

They were greeted with their own coach conductor, a middle aged Malinois dog with a pleasant smile on his face. He was handsome, and practically radiated experience and professionality with his impeccable silvery grey conductor uniform, lined with silver trimmings and buttons. The Malinois tipped his head as he greeted them.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen. May I see your tickets?"

The conductor made a quick check through the passenger manifest that was pinned to the clipboard he was holding. He turned to the colonel first.

"Welcome to the Mercurius Express, Colonel Graves. Your compartment will be the number 9." He said. "Peter will carry your luggage and he'll show you to your compartment."

As if right on cue, a young caracal appeared by the entryway and gave a polite nod to Graves.

"And Mr. Cross, your compartment is number 8." The conductor continued and tipped the his hat with a smile. "Welcome on board, sir."

The detective smiled at the Malinos and nodded his thanks. He followed Graves into the carriage, dropping his suitcases by the entryway and made his way into his assigned compartment. He could hear the conductor greeting another passenger from outside.

"Benvenuto a bordo, Signor Cardozo... l tuo compartimento è il numero..."

Cross exchanged greetings with his fellow passengers as he and the colonel made their way through the long, carpeted corridor. Their progress was somewhat slowed down by a number of other passengers who were leaning out of the window to say their goodbyes to their friends or families on the platform outside.

The cougar detective breathed a sigh of relief when he finally reached his compartment. It was certainly far more spacious than what he had anticipated, he thought as he studied the tastefully made marquetry that decorated the lacquered wall panels. A number of brass fixtures dotted the compartment while a large plush seat took most of the space, where Cross immediately plopped down on. The detective idly gazed out through the large window, watching as the passengers from another express train on the opposite platform were settling themselves in.

A knock came from the communication door which was set directly opposite the huge sofa. Cross couldn't help but let a small smirk to appear on his face as he unlatched the lock and slid the door open. Graves was standing right before him with a lopsided grin on his face.

"Now if this is your main reason to insist me travelling on first class, you are far more perverse than I originally thought, colonel." The cougar shook his head in amusement, folding his arms.

"Well now. You getting the compartment next to mine is nothing but a coincidence." The colonel replied. "But... this does make things much easier." He hummed, stepping closer to the detective, grinning widely.

"That is, until I, or even you, gets a roommate." Cross said, quirking an eyebrow with a playful grin.

The panther rolled his eyes. "Don't be daft. I paid for single sleepers. We won't get roommates." He poked a finger at the detective's chest.

Before Cross could retort however, there was a series of knocks coming from the compartment door.

"Your baggage, sir." Came the slightly breathless voice from behind the door.

"Ah." The cougar immediately went to open the door and admitted the slightly harried looking attendant into his compartment.

"Thank you." He said as the attendant immediately brought in his suitcases from the corridor.

The caracal made a quick work to arrange his suitcases neatly on the rack right above the communication door. He paused when he noticed that the communication door was open. The uniformed feline didn't made any comment however, but he did gave Colonel Graves a polite greeting before he turned to the detective with a small smile.

"Would you require anything else, sir?"

Cross shook his head. "Not really..." He stopped. "Oh, right! Perhaps you could find out in which sleeping car and compartment my twin brother is occupying? His name is Gideon Cross."

The attendant gave a small nod. "Of course sir. I'll get to it after I'm finished with the other passengers."

"Alright." The detective smiled and fished out a small tip. "Thank you for your help... Peter." He read out the attendant's name tag.

"You're welcome sir." Hershel beamed, pocketing the tip, and quickly left the compartment.

The cougar went to close the door behind him and turned back to the other feline, who now was standing by the communicating doorway once more. Cross folded his arms and leaned by the doorway, grinning up to the black furred feline.

"So, you were saying, colonel?"

"Well, I was thinking that perhaps we could keep this door open." He said.

Cross rolled his eyes but nodded anyway. He found himself grinning. "Fine by me."

"Great." The colonel's smile was blinding. "So, I guess your brother is on a case on this train. This should be pretty interesting." He remarked.

"Knowing Gideon, he'll be in the bar first thing once he had all his things sorted out." Cross replied.

Graves gave a chuckle. "That's good to know!"

A series of whistles and shouting came from the platform outside. The two felines rounded to the corridor to have a look, trying to see what the commotion was about, only to find out that the conductors were signaling that it was time to depart.

"All aboard! En voiture!"

Cross watched as their conductor gave a signal with his paw to the direction of the locomotive before he climbed up into the carriage and swung the door shut. On the other side of the carriage, the attendant did the same with the other door.

A long, loud whistle boomed from the engine up front. The entire carriage gave a slight jerk as it was pulled forward. The cougar detective watched as the long platform and the crowd surrounding the train slowly slid away. The onlookers waved and cheered. Some, especially the younger ones, ran alongside the platform, waving and yelling madly as the train gradually picked up speed. Cross couldn't help but grin and wave back at the crowd until the train cleared away from the station.

The Mercurius Express had began on its long journey as it chugged through the streets of Hieropolis, heading northwest across the continent to its destination.