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This story and its characters are completely original and belong to Zelosh and him alone. Any resemblance it has to another story is accidental as well as coincidental. While this story is fairly clean there may be things you find inappropriate or offensive. Read at your own risk.

With that, enjoy your stay inside The Eternal Door

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Eternal Door

"** I saw my doppelganger today"**

_ What the hell was that?_ Ryan let one claw nervously scratch at his desk, slightly irritated by what had happened last class. For the most part he was angry just because it didn't make any sense, and before he knew it it was like the event never happened because the cage had disappeared right after. Was he going crazy or something? He doubted even going crazy would give him a break from his studies so he hoped that the insanity would stop making things harder.

"Is something wrong Mr. Den?" Ryan looked up to see his teacher addressing him. He must've looked really agitated for her to notice. "Care to relay to the class what I just said?"

_ See, its already giving my troubles! I can't focus._ "You were just talking about modern therapeutic practices, like Electroencephalographic Biofeedback Therapy."

The teacher nodded in approval but didn't seem convinced. "Which focuses on the control of what?"

"Uh... brainwaves? Those being delta, theta, alpha, and... I believe the last one is beta." With a sheepish grin he hoped he was right, he normally was. Heck one time he almost slept through an entire class and still managed to prove he knew exactly what was taught.

"Yes, those are the 4 brainwaves, someone else care to tell me which one is for concentration?" Class continued like normal and Ryan went back to what he was doing before, which was being distracted. The teacher probably wouldn't bother him now though, so he could freely think things through.

When the bell rang he was the first to get out this time. He wanted to rest, the stress was getting to him already and he hadn't even met up with his annoying instructors yet. School was suppose to be the easy part! With a hand to his forehead, Ryan took a few deep breaths and managed to calm down significantly. Now that he was under control he could just forget about it and go on like usual, he still needed to get to his locker and hurry to his next destination. He wouldn't get the chance to see Jessica again today so there wasn't any reason to waste time.

* * *

"Oh joy..." Ryan grumbled staring at the locker he so desperately needed to get to blocked by several people. It was Bruce, it just had to be Bruce. The guy was a jerk, except it was worse cause he was a rich jerk. Some people in this school were, kind of like Ryan, but Ryan happened to not be a spoiled brat.

Today the rottweiler was not here to see him, no Bruce could care less about him unless he got in the way. Which he was just about to do. Why? Couldn't he just ask to get to his locker and leave? Well that's where things got tricky. Bruce was barking his head off at some poor defenseless she fox for no discernible reason and the gentleman in him boiled with rage. "You got that bitch?! You've only got two choices here." The guy couldn't even yell at a girl half his size by himself, he had to bring along a lackey to menacingly crackle his knuckles in the background. He didn't know who the sidekick jackal was, and he didn't care to find out.

"Actually my dear friend Bruce, she's got three choices." Ryan didn't listen long enough to know what the other two choices were, but seeing as how she already had a black eye he didn't want to find out.

When Ryan stepped up the fox's eyes screamed for help and he gladly offered it, but she wouldn't get any if Bruce had anything to say about it. "Go back to your books pretty boy! This ain't about you so fuck off."

"Would love to! My books just happen to be in that locker in fact, but there seems to be something incredibly good looking in the way. Which brings me to that third option, wanna hang with me today miss?" Ryan showed off a pearly white smile, stunning each and every one of them while simultaneously causing the fox to blush.

"Why you-" Bruce could hardly get his words out before Ryan gently pulled her away from them and wrapped one arm around her tightly, comforting her and trying to convey that she was safe.

"I'm taking your reaction as a yes, see you later Bruce." Ryan was having fun with this one, he hardly ever got a chance to screw with Bruce.

Of course, the big muscle for brains canine wasn't going to let it go with just that. One paw violently reached out to grab the tiger as he chased after him, but all of the sudden his vision was blurred by dark green fur. While Bruce was distracted by the tail, Ryan simply picked the girl up and stepped to the side where he tripped the confused mutt. Bruce tumbled and went face first into the dirt where only his jackal friend tried to help him up. "Smooth moves Bruce, watch where you're going next time." Bruce's growls were muffled by the dirt, which was his queue to leave. The tiger hurried off knowing that the provocation had just made it worse, but he couldn't help himself.

When he figured they were safe and Bruce was just off somewhere cursing out loud after being unable to catch up, he finally talked. "That should be far enough, old barf for brains is only good at punching not running. Oh and do I get the pleasure of knowing your name miss?"

The fox squirmed timidly, blushing as she was held against his chest. "It's... its Valerie."

Catching the signal that she was uncomfortable he let her down. "Well Valerie, I'm Ryan, and you should be fine as long as you stay far away from him. If he does bother you though you can count on me to help. Want me to walk you home?"

"N-no that's fine!" Valerie was surprised, she hadn't ever met a guy like Ryan before, so she wasn't sure how to react. "Didn't you need to get your books or something?"

"Oh that..." Ryan scratched his head, he hadn't thought that plan through very well. "Well I can't go back now, I should be fine though so no worries."

Despite what he said, she felt slightly responsible and wished she could do something to repay him. "Sorry... I can't believe they let people like that stay here."

"Actually his dad kind of runs the school." Valerie's eyes became as wide as dinner plates at the shocking revelation. "Yeah he's extremely spoiled, but I wouldn't worry about it too much. Like I said I'm here." He struck a corny heroic pose trying to cheer her up, and it seemed to work. "Actually here, this is the apartment complex I live in. Stop by if you need anything." He quickly whipped out a scrap piece of paper and pen to write it down and give to her.

"Thanks Ryan, you were really helpful." She smiled brightly, figuring she might as well accept the offer. "I don't know how to repay you, but I will someday. That I promise, but I gotta go now. So I guess I'll see you later then?" Ryan wanted to complain but she shushed him not wanting him to refuse it and waved goodbye as she giggled to herself.

"See you later then I guess..." It was all he could say as he waved her off until she was out of sight. He was still kind of worried, it looked like she had been punched, but he didn't have time to worry about others when he himself was going to be late for his after school lessons.

Reluctantly, Ryan headed off the school campus and waited till he could find a cab. He didn't feel walking all the way there. It had begun to drizzle anyway, so all the more reason to drive. "I should get a car soon..."

* * *

Outside it was pouring violently, he could tell from the way it pounded on the windows like it was trying to get inside. He was at Mr. Hesher's house at the moment where he had his private studies once a week. He had several tutors he went to. It wasn't because he was stupid though, quite the opposite really. It was just to over enhance his academic knowledge and capabilities. His uncle was trying so very hard to make sure he was just absolutely perfect in every way, but he had to wonder if the piano lessons he had occasionally was actually necessary in order to accomplish that.

Either way, Ryan was diligently scribbling away as he sat cross legged before the coffee table in the neatly organized great room. Mr. Hesher was a rabbit with refined tastes and well practiced manners, which were necessary if he was to sell himself out as an instructor. It was dead silent except for the sound of the rain, tick of the clock, and the scratches of a pencil on paper.

"This good enough?" The tiger directed the question towards the hare, already bored of the exercise he was doing over and over again.

"You handwriting is atrocious as always I see. Do it again, but this time remember to steady your hand." Saying his handwriting was bad was like saying Picasso couldn't draw, but when it came to perfection no one was better at it than this rabbit and he wouldn't settle for less.

Ryan went back to writing, trying to perfect every single curve as they appeared on the paper. Practicing cursive was a pain, especially when signatures had to be in cursive. Cursive was a dying style though, so hopefully it would be trashed soon and just replaced with plain print. After all, everyone typed so much that it was way more common nowadays.

Unexpectedly, there was a knock on the door, hard and rapid. Mr. Hesher looked up surprised and quickly went to answer it. "Mr. Kroffer! What are you doing out in the rain?!" Ryan quickly looked up to see his uncle at the door with a secretary next to him holding an umbrella and hell written on his face. Ignoring the rabbit his uncle went straight over to Ryan who stood up unsure of what was going on when a hard hand slapped him across the face.

"Why do I get a call from Mr. Rellens telling me you've been gotten into a fight? Not to mention, that you've been harassing his son for no good reason?" The older tiger's voice was calm but stern and deadly. Ryan tried to respond to the inquiry and explain himself but instead felt the sting of another smack across the face. He resisted the strong urge to growl and just took it. "He's threatening suspension, what do you have to say for yourself?! Need I remind you he is a very important business partner?" His uncle's voice had already risen until it was clear he was senseless with rage.

Ryan said nothing, he simply hung his head low waiting for another slap. His whore of a mother was probably out in the car pampering herself. When his dad died she just married his brother, which was Ryan's uncle. So guess who's in charge of even the air he breathed? His uncle of course.

Mr. Kroffer, being the last name he had adopted after Ryan's father had died, simply gave his cold gaze, tempted to punish the boy again. Ryan was glad the heartless beast changed his last name, he'd rather die than share anything with this man. After a second though, his uncle turned around and headed for the door. "Sorry to bother you Mr. Hesher, but send my nephew home for the day. I'll be dealing with him tomorrow." With that the door slammed shut almost knocking a painting off the nearby wall.

_ Oh crap... this can't be good._ Ryan thought these words in dismay at the punishment to come. Not to mention, he would have to deal with a suspension if this didn't go over well or if Mr. Rellens couldn't be convinced he had been punished enough. Helplessly, he looked up to his instructor, who with a shocked expression showed a hint of sympathy before turning away. "Y-you heard the man. You're done for today, off you go." Ryan burned somewhere deep inside, but at the same time he pitied the old rabbit just as much as he pitied himself.

Ryan gathered up his stuff and headed for the door, waiting to make sure his uncle had already driven off before opening it. "I'll... see you next week Mr. Hesher, have a nice day."

"You too lad."

* * *

Somewhere within the depths of his subconscious, a memory bubbled to the surface unwillingly. It wasn't a pleasant one, but there was something beautiful about it. It wasn't something worth remembering, and yet it felt so warm as it came into focus. Someone was crying, trying to hide behind the shed in the large garden. It was a little cub who continued to snivel uncontrollably and tried to calm himself before he could be heard and found. He knew he'd be in trouble, he was the one who broke the pot. He didn't even stay to clean up, he was too scared to think rationally at the time so surely his punishment would be doubly worse. What good was hiding going to do? Who knows, but he couldn't find the will in him to do anything else. The only thing he knew how to do was cry when times got tough.

Inevitably though, someone had found him, and soon a soft paw was placed on his shoulder causing him to choke his sobs instantly. "I finally found you." The cub turned to see a dark silhouette hover over him. The memory must have been fuzzy, yet the figure was still easily recognized because of its soft, calming voice. "It's okay, they aren't angry, lets just go apologize alright? Don't worry I'll be there with you. You have nothing to fear." The little cub was helped up effortlessly, enchanted by the powerful words that thundered through the air. He was then led away, safe in the shadow of his protector. "You're safe with me, Ryan."

Soon, the memory faded into the inky recesses of his mind as Ryan slowly regained consciousness. He had dozed off in the cab listening to the rhythmic patter of the rain. The city was already dark even though it was only around seven, but his sense of time was out of proportion at the moment so he could be wrong. "We're here." A gruff voice spoke up from the front of the cab letting him know they'd reached the apartment complex. Ryan simply nodded not feeling in the mood for talking which the driver seemed to respect as the solemn atmosphere hadn't changed the entire drive.

Ryan reached into his pocket to get some cash to pay for the ride as the car slowed to a stop. It was only then that he realized a few tear streaks laid undisturbed down his face. God I am such a crybaby. I can't believe I would do this in public. Yet, he had good reason to, and the feelings of embarrassment diminished as he recalled previous events. "Here, keep the change." When the money was handed over no more words were spoken and Ryan got out of the car. The rain poured heavily now and he only had moments to get under cover before being soaked.

"Welcome home Mr. Den." The doorman spoke as he passed giving his usual greeting but did not pester him for a response. It seemed everyone could tell how he was feeling, whether he saw sun or only cold rain.

Ryan didn't take long to get to his apartment, quickly closing the door behind him. It only took him a second to wash his face before he reentered the main room. He only turned on one light which spread an eerie blue glow across the room. The large windows by the table, good for eating with a view, was the only other thing letting in light, but it wasn't much except for the occasional streak of lightning that made the room suddenly brighten up before dimming again. In the barely lit room he just laid on his couch for a while, not wanting to move another inch because it felt like all the energy had had been drained out of him. He still had an assignment to get done for one class but he might not even be going to school tomorrow so laziness won and he stayed motionless where he was.

Still, one desire seemed to resonate higher than any other as he lay there. It was hunger. He was completely famished and as time passed it only got worse. He had been stressed too so the need had doubled. Even though his limbs felt lifeless, it was like his stomach had reached out and moved them for him. Finally getting up, he turned on the kitchen light and got to work. He felt like making chicken divan today. It took some time, but as always the joy was in its creation and satisfaction.

For a while, Ryan just watched the food cook inside the oven while letting his tail flicker about. He was almost too concentrated on the oven that he didn't notice the buzz of the speaker next to his door. "Hello, Mr. Den? Are you there?" It was Jerry, but he had no idea why it was necessary he be buzzed unless someone was asking to go in to see him. There was no reason for anyone to come see him.

Ryan sighed and pushed the button that allowed Jerry to hear him. "Yeah, what's up?"

_ "Sorry to bother you on a bad day, but there's someone here who wants to see you..."_ Well that was surprising, he was sure no one ever visited him. "She's soaking wet though and looks quite suspicious if you ask me, should I send her away?"

Instinctively his ears perked hearing it was a woman. "Uh... did she say her name?" He didn't know what thoughts he was thinking at the moment, but they couldn't have been good ones. Any guy would think the same though he assured himself.

_ "I believe her name is Valerie. Valerie Valentine."_

"Valerie?!" That changed things significantly. "She's soaked you said? Send her up immediately, and please escort her Jerry. That is if it wouldn't be too much trouble."

_ "Understood sir, it is no problem at all sir."_

With that the transmission ended and Ryan ran to the bathroom to get some towels. He also prepared a couch for her to sit on by covering it in the largest towels he had. Just as he was finishing up there was a knock on the door and he immediately opened it to find Jerry and Valerie behind it. "Thank you Jerry that will be all." With a nod the kangaroo left them alone. "You're shivering... come in I'll help you warm up." Valerie didn't respond, her head simply hung low as her hair covered her face. He'd figure out what was wrong later, right now she was going to get a cold if he didn't do anything.

He wrapped a towel around her and helped her over to the couch he set up for her. "Is there anything you need? Here, let me help." He began to help her dry off trying not to make it too awkward, but after a couple seconds she suddenly cringed. He realized she had felt pain the second he touched her arm. Though he hadn't noticed before because she had her other arm covering it, her arm and blouse were burned. The wound stretched from her shoulder and halfway down her right, it was a nasty burn, and it was only then that he realized the towel had blood on it. "Let me get my kit..." He was too stunned to say more as he quickly went to action and remembered every ounce of medical training he had had in his life. Once he had his first aid kit he quickly went to work trying to patch up the wound. "Your shirt is kind of in the way..." He didn't know what else to say, because he wasn't going to make her take it off if she didn't want to.

After a second, she willingly complied and slowly took it off, leaving only a bra to cover her top half. He hadn't noticed before, but she was exceptionally gorgeous. This was the worst time to realize that too. Her red fur looked like it was literally made of fire, no pun intended, and there were bright yellow streaks in several places that made her look rather unique. Also, her body was extremely curvy, and he was having trouble looking at anything other than her breasts for a moment.

Ripping himself from the trance he was in, Ryan coughed ashamed of himself. "Some of the cloth is burned into your skin, this is going to hurt." He took tweezers and began to pull the stuck fabric out which notably caused great amounts of pain but she did her best to stay still. Getting a bucket Ryan filled it with cool water making sure it was only one step below room temperature. By now it should be pretty obvious every step was going to hurt as he put the bucket under her arm and wet the wound. The water would clean and soothe it hopefully, and he could care less if it got onto the couch in the process but the towels seemed to be doing their job. The only thing he had in his kit that he figured would help was be aloe vera, which he thinly spread along the wound before wrapping it in a cool, slightly moist bandage.

"I think that should do it, I'll need to replace the bandage soon though since you're still bleeding." Valerie was shaking, not only did it hurt but it was cold. Even Ryan's hands were shaking as adrenaline rushed through him. He was scared he might have messed up, but he didn't know what else to do and in situations like these he simply felt scared and helpless. Even so, his voice came out calm and collected. "I'll get you some clothes to change into, can you stand?" She nodded slightly and got up. Pointing her to the bathroom he ran upstairs to grab sweatpants and his old jacket. They'd hopefully be warm enough and fit her alright.

Downstairs the door to the bathroom was halfway closed. Ryan reached in without looking and set the clothes down. "Here, change into these. You can put your wet clothes in the basket and dry off." With that he closed the door and waited, hearing noises from within the bathroom which assured him she was still alive. It felt weird just standing there, especially after someone came to his door looking like they had been through hell and back. Thankfully, his oven started beeping letting him know dinner was done, so he quickly got it out and set it on the stove to cool off.

Just then, Valerie came out of the bathroom wearing the clothes he had given her. The black sweatpants were huge on her but the waistband had a strap that allowed her to tighten it around her waist so it wouldn't fall. The jacket was also somewhat large, but she seemed to be just his height so it wasn't that bad except for the sleeves which were easily hiding her arms. The jacket was gray depicting some kind of fight between two angels and was full of curvy designs and artistic wonder. Now that he could see her eyes they were red and swollen, and despite everything she looked kind of cute standing there shuffling about. There, they looked deep into each other's eyes. Him into her sapphire blue, and her into his emerald green.

She still wasn't saying anything so Ryan couldn't possibly understand what was going through her mind right now, but honestly it was second in his list of importance. First came her well being. "You hungry? I just made dinner, let me get you a plate." He got her a small portion figuring she probably wouldn't be in the mood for eating much and set it on the table. "Go ahead, I don't mind. I always cook too much anyway."

It was kind of ironic. Ryan cooked bigger portions than he should, which is probably where he gained the ability to eat so much at one time. Somewhere inside of him he secretly wanted to cook for more than one person, but there was only one person there to eat. Tonight however, someone had come knocking at his door, and he gladly waited for her to take the initiative to sit down and eat. Tonight, he had a wish fulfilled, he had cooked for someone else.

After Valerie got seated, she just sat there staring at the food. So, figuring it may be the only way to get her to eat, he filled up his own plate to the brim and set down opposite from her. Hell, it was even awkward for him at first, but he figured if he started then she might too. Eventually, to his everlasting joy, she picked up the fork and took her first bite. Then she took another, and another, and soon Ryan realized he had long forgotten his own food. "Is it... good?"

Valerie paused, resting her fork on her plate. The words came out slowly, but it was relieving when she finally spoke. "Its... delicious." So delicious it actually looked like she was about to cry. She'd really never met anyone like Ryan before, and every inch of her seemed to shout with joy at his reaction to what she said. As if she was able to pay him back just a little.

Ryan reveled in happiness at the compliment, he couldn't remember the last time someone ate his food. Not even Jessica who he hung out with so frequently had had the pleasure, mostly because it was kind of sketchy for a guy and a girl to be in his apartment alone. Certain situations called for drastic measures though, or at least that was his excuse. Either way, his recent problems seemed to be in the distant past as an endless smile would refuse to leave his face.

Ryan was done first so he cleaned up the towels and dishes before coming back to take her empty plate. Before he could take it to the sink though, she jumped at a boom of thunder and grasped his arm. "Please... I don't want to be alone right now." At those words he lifted up her chin to look into her eyes with a pleasant grin.

"Don't worry, I won't go anywhere." He set the plate down and dimmed the lights to the way he had them before when he got home. Picking her up gently from her seat he carried her over to the couch and picked up the remote. The TV flickered to life as Valerie rested against his chest, careful not to hurt her arm in the process. Ryan held her close and picked up a blanket he kept next to the couch to put around them. "It's okay, I'm here. You have nothing to fear." Ryan cooed the words softly into her ear and she gradually relaxed with the much needed protection he was so freely giving. "I'm with you so everything will be alright now. No one can hurt you here." He seemed to be mimicking someone. His words reminded him of that dark silhouette from his memories. "You're safe with me, Valerie."

The moment was peaceful and dreamlike. The TV buzzed in the background casting a soft glow on them. It seemed to block out the thunder outside, allowing her to finally feel safe and comforted. Ryan himself felt a strangely warm feeling inside of him, one that powerfully overtook his senses and directed his entire being into protecting the hopeless fox laying against his chest. It felt like these seconds could last forever, and last forever they shall. Inside the eternal door.

* * *

Approximately two hours later, Ryan woke to find the TV had been turned off at some point during the night. At first the rain seemed to be the only thing making sound in the room, but soon enough he was able to hear the quiet rise and fall of the fox's breaths. Carefully, Ryan replaced his chest with a pillow and readjusted Valerie on the couch. He didn't want to wake her up so it was crucial he moved as slowly and silently as possible.

Gathering his wallet, phone, and keys Ryan headed out of his apartment and locked the door behind him once again being silent in the process. He was just going to make a quick trip to a nearby store, that was all, and hopefully they'd have some stuff for burn wounds that he could buy.

Stepping into the elevator he leaned against the wall feeling somewhat exhausted. He wanted to go lie down again after getting so comfortable. His chest still felt warm from the fox laying on it too. By now his tail was coiling around him as a sign of the pleasure he had felt then and was still lingering with him now. He didn't know what tomorrow held, but he wanted to treasure what was right here and now.

The elevator began to descend, moving slower than usual, which was odd but nothing really unusual. Things only got abnormal after thunder was clearly heard from within the elevator and was followed by the lights flickering. After a second it seemed everything had returned to normal, but out of nowhere the elevator jolted to a complete stop and sent Ryan to the ground. It was pitch black now and it was about time he started sweating with worry.

"Hey! Can anyone hear me?! The elevator won't move!" Ryan's feeble attempts at getting help produced no results, and he was beginning to panic. None of the buttons seemed to work, and even if he could see which one was the help button it didn't seem like it would've help either. Suddenly, the ground shook violently, like there had been an explosion within the building but it was hard to tell. The elevator console shot of blue sparks as the building shook again from another impact. "Someone! Help!" He yelled louder and banged on the walls practically shrieking in his desperate calls for help but no one heard. The anxiety was too much. The suspense only made things worse as his mind raced trying to figure out what was going on.

Instantly, the lights came back on in the small elevator, and the elevator moved downward again. "Snap once and they'll come out to play." The relief was short lived as a resounding snap was heard from above and the elevator fell a few feet before stopping again. "Snap twice and they'll go away." This time the lights wouldn't stop flashing like a strobe light and he wasn't given a chance to react before another snap of wires echoed above him. He fell another ten feet and because of the violent shaking had his head slammed into the door. He was losing consciousness and the pain that flared up just moments before had begun to go numb. "Snap three times and you're home to stay." One final snap let him know the one thing keeping the elevator up was gone, and the elevator plummeted to the ground unhindered this time.

The free fall was intense, and for someone on the verge of blacking out it was a surreal experience. Ryan thought he was flying the way he floated there in the descent. Around him his body limply moved about, his tail cascading in all directions. At some point his belongings had left his pockets and were there also floating about. The keys, the wallet, the phone, they were all there in his blurred vision. In the time he had left, he could only think about all the things he had left undone in his short life.

Moments later, the elevator slammed into concrete with an ear splitting boom. Amidst the rubble and destruction, no one was there to see the ruthless carnage. One bloodied arm reached out from under the collapsed ceiling as if seeking help. However, it was too late, the lifeless corpse stayed unmoving as blood stained the carpet in the destroyed elevator. After tasting flight, Ryan died, never to fly again.