FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

~12~

Bryce woke with a groan. What happened? He hurt all over. Had he fallen out of bed again? The bull cracked open his eyes and looked about. Still dark. Not surprising, he always had trouble sleeping on his birthdays. He was always up hours before everyone else. Usually grabbed himself something to eat, then got in some movies or something that he wasn't supposed to watch normally.

Ah well, if he was awake, then might as well get up.

He reached for his night table and... his hand bounced off something. Bryce frowned in the dark of his room as he felt around. What was that? Felt plastic, pretty solid, but wiggled as he felt it. He started to think about what it could be. Felt a couple feet long, but pretty narrow. A plastic skateboard?

The bull's heart leapt as he felt the edges of it. Certainly felt pretty solid. Had his parents finally got him that electric skateboard he'd been asking for? Bryce hadn't been subtle about wanting one. He knew better than to beg for it though. Dad wouldn't let him even think about having something if he dared to beg. _"Does no good to whine like bitch. Man up,"_the older bull would grumble.

Bryce felt his heart leap. Had they actually gotten it for him? Sometimes his parents would hold out on presents until the day was almost done with. Other times they would sneak something into his room so he had a surprise when he woke up. Well, his mom would. Oh man, if she got him the SwagCruzr, he would be the happiest Angus 5ever.

Just had to get up and then he could cruise!

Bryce tried to sit up and felt a tug at his arm. The bull blinked against the darkness and felt around. Had he gotten tangled up in something? Felt like a tube or something. Couldn't think of what it could be, unless it was his long-missing slingshot. Though upon trying to pull it out, he felt a painful tug at his arm. Had it gotten glued to his fur somehow? Really should clean up his room like his parents asked. He tugged at it some more and heard something rattle beside his bed. Stupid thing was really stuck! He wound it about his hand and gave a yank. Intent on jerking it away from where it was stuck.

The thing clattered, banged, and something wet splashed against his cheek. As the thing fell, it must have hit a switch cause everything lit up all at once.

He wasn't in his bedroom.

Bryce froze where he sat and looked around. It was a bedroom, but it wasn't his. It looked more like a hospital room. He was laying in a bed that was partially sitting up. A busted hose came from his arm, the IV stand having fallen over when he pulled. Other machines loomed by his bedside, several starting to flash silently while others just sat there. Looked like someone had hooked him to the Matrix! His heart raced as he sat up, or at least tried to. He barely had the strength to shift himself, let alone unhook himself from the array.

Rather than sit there and wait, the bull began to flail weakly. A panicked low lifting from his muzzle. He ripped the blankets back and tried to leap from the bed, only to stop as he saw his body. Larger than he should be, but rail thin. His hands looked almost skeletal and frail. Glossy black fur had lost its shine and even color, turning a duller gray in places.

"The Fuck!" he tried to bellow out. The words broke free as a dry croak. Robbing even the forbidden curse of it's vigor. Tears welled in his eyes as Bryce lurched to his side. A plastic fence reined him into the bed. That had been the barrier that he thought was his prized skateboard. Weak fingers tried to grab and pull at the fence. The only thoughts in his head to get up and get away from this place. Find out what the fuck was going on.

He must have hit something because the fence buckled and swung down. The bull called out as he tumbled from bed, bounced off the nightstand, and came down hard. To add insult to injury, a book thumped off his thick skull.

As he tried to lever himself upwards, the book caught his eye. It had fallen apart as it fell, pages scattering about the room. Right in front of him was a single page. Ink darkened most of the paper, leaving a single clear space in the center.

_ Trust Arden _

Arden? Who was Arden?

Bryce scanned the pages. There were parts of dates on the pages. No month or day, just two digit numbers before whatever was written for that day. He vaguely recognized the handwriting. It looked like his? Kinda? More like his granddad's though.

He was distracted by the pages enough that he didn't notice the door as it whispered open. It wasn't until he heard a quiet, "Oh no," that he looked up. A rather large, somewhat androgynous looking, donkey came around the bed. "Oh Bryce, what have you gotten yourself into?" She? He? sighed and daintily stepped around the scattered pages.

"Sav, what's going on?"

A tall ear perked back, "Nothing, Mr. Weiss, Bryce just fell out of bed." The donkey fixed him with a soft smile, "Let's get you back into bed, Honey." Despite the soft, nurturing tone, Bryce groaned and tried to swat the hands away, which only drew an annoyed snort from the donkey. "None of that now."

Footsteps approached the room, "Doesn't sound like nothing." A tall, lean figure stood in the door, "Certainly doesn't look like it either."

Sav huffed as she ducked around the weak swings. Arms swept under the large bovine and tensed as she started to lift. "He's just being a bit rowdy, Sir." A low snort as he squirmed, nearly sending them both over. A hoof came down with a stomp as the donkey braced itself. "Ay swear. Barely move all week, but on your birthday? Feisty as they come."

The other figure swept up beside, "He always did wake up early on his birthdays." The newcomer was a deer. Antlers having been trimmed back to soft nubs and capped off. They just barely peeked out from under a mess of silvery white hair. He was dressed in a loose, soft looking set of pajamas. Gentle, creamy green eyes darted over Bryce's face, reading the panic there. "Savannah, why don't we get him into a chair? He's already out of bed." A soft smile danced over his features, "Might just be feeling cooped up. If you please."

From the look on her face, it seemed the donkey wanted to say something. They just sighed and stood, "Yessir, Mr. Weiss."

No sooner had the donk stepped away than the buck leaned in and whispered, "I'm Arden." He looked towards the jenny as it dug through a wardrobe, "I'll explain everything, Dear. Just need you to play nice for a few minutes. Don't wanna make Savannah's job any harder for her."

Bryce was beyond confused. He locked eyes with the deer and then looked over before nodding. "Oh... kay," he managed to wheeze out.

Arden fixed him with a gentle smile, "Don't worry, it's not as bad as it seems." He rocked back on his feet. Then winced as something popped, "Ohhhh," the buck groaned, "need to stretch more..." he winced, planted a hand on the nightstand, and slowly stood.

Savannah was beside him in a flash, "Forgot your pills this morning." She offered a couple from one of her robe's pockets. The buck flashed a smile and popped them into his mouth. "Come on, Bryce. Up." Now that he wasn't fighting, she was able to easily scoop the bull up and lift him to the bed. She tutted, "Broke your IV line. At least you didn't yank out the catheter." His eyes darted down to his lap, only then realizing that he only wore a loose gown. Not a full blown butt-in-the-wind hospital gown, but it was pretty close. Though he was doubly relieved when she checked his arm, not his woohoo. "Leave those pages, I'll get them in a second."

"Okay, I'll go get freshened up." Arden looked at Bryce and smiled, though there was something about his expression that made Bryce's gut clench. Not out of worry, but something else. Almost looked like Arden was on the verge of tears.

Bryce watched the buck leave before Savannah drew his attention back. The donkey gave him a quick check over, all while chatting in a very calming tone. Most of what she said went right over his head, lots of medical talk and stuff. It was alien, but comforting enough that he was able to half-tune it out. Though he did squirm as she started to wipe him down with a damp cloth.

Okay, so what did he have to work with? Bryce liked to think he was pretty clever. Loved him some puzzle games, even if he did look up walk-thru guides sometimes. He was living somewhere with this donkey and that deer. There was a really old journal that he'd apparently written and told himself to trust the deer. Aww shit... did he have like Alzheimer's or something? Just forgetting everything up until now? He was too young to have something like that!

Wasn't he?

Sav made quick work of replacing his IV line, getting him cleaned, changed, and into a wheelchair. "Careful," came the gentle encouragement, "Been a couple months since you've been on your feet." He just grunted and wiggled into the wheelchair. Getting himself settled under the blanket she threw over his legs. Savannah waited calmly until he was settled before pushing him out of the bedroom.

Arden was waiting for them in a wide open room. Looked like something from one of Mom's magazines. Huge open floor plan, ceiling supported by a few pillars. Fancy furniture, massive windows, place looked ritzy as fuck. The buck looked up from a tablet and smiled, "Just deciding on the scenery for today." His attention shifted to the large windows, "What do you think, Bryce? Country? Skyscape? Mars?" As he listed off each, the large bay windows shifted. The scenes swirling and building, textures popping in within seconds as everything about them shifted. Sprawling farm country, the view from a penthouse, a rusty red landscape that sprawled for miles. "How about English Garden? Was always one of your favorites."

It jumped to a rich, flowering garden. A simple cobblestone path stretched out past the window and through a rose-wreathed arch.

"Yeah," he blinked, "That one looks nice."

Arden brightened, "English Garden it is," and tapped the tablet with a flourish. "Oh, and Sav Dear? Think we need a little change from the usual menu." He leaned forward with a smile, "It is Bryce's birthday after all, and he's awake." The donkey started to say something, but Arden put on a little pout, "We can step away from the planned menu one day can't we? I'm sure you can still manage to whip up something delicious and healthy. Well," he tapped the tablet and swiped something, "mostly healthy. If you please."

Savannah blinked then sighed, "Well, I suppose since it is Bryce's birthday... Oh okay." The donkey parked Bryce at the small table and fished the book from a pocket, "I gathered the pages and put them back. Can arrange to have it fixed later."

"I'll take care of it, Dear." Arden gently took the book. "It's Bryce's precious journal, can't trust just anyone with it." He waved his hand in a gentle shooing motion. Savannah smiled and headed into the kitchen. Arden leaned back to watch the donkey before sighing, "So glad we have her." He perked his ears at Bryce's look; "Personal Assistant Android, identifies as a she. House keeper, chef, maid, nurse, the works. Gift from Ty a couple years ago when..."

"Is she..." he waved his hands, "You know, all smart and stuff?"

Arden smiled, "She is very clever, but not intelligent." He saw the look of confusion. "She has access to a lot of information, can put it good use, and can act like a companion. She's not actually intelligent, just clever." The deer breathed a sigh and looked towards the donkey, "Not a bad conversationalist either. Good singing voice too. Nice when I get..." he trailed off. Cutting himself off before he could utter lonely. Didn't want to bring Bryce down. Least of all today.

He fell silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Then, he cleared his throat and forced a smile, "So, I owe you an explanation. First," he leaned forward, "How old are you?"

Bryce looked down at his hands, "Um... I don't know, or I can't remember..."

Arden's finger tapped his lips. "How old do you think you are?"

"Twelve."

"Well," Arden's eyes widened as he leaned back and looked over Bryce. "Must be a shock for you then. Go to bed thinking about," he waved his hand, "Whatever you thought about back then. Then just wake up and you're ninety-eight. This is going to sound weird, I know I didn't really believe it when you first told me," Arden sighed and smiled, letting his hand rest on the ancient journal. His fingers idly traced over the cover. "Took a long time before you let me read this. Kept saying I wasn't ready yet. Made me so furious back then."

He snorted a sour laugh, "Then you let me read it. Just sat there on the couch while I did. I thought it was a joke. Some weird new novel you were working on. Maybe a practical joke or something. Oh we fought about it a few times. I couldn't believe the truth. Though to be fair, it is pretty hard to believe."

"What truth?" Bryce shifted on his wheelchair.

"You're a time traveler."

~18~

When you're alone, who cares for starlit skies,

When you're alone, the magic moonlight dies.

At break of dawn, there is no sunrise,

When your lover has gone.

Not even Frank Sinatra's smooth voice could soothe the throbbing in his head. Bryce groaned as he pulled the blankets tighter about his body. Gloriously soft blankets and wonderfully plush mattress. Probably the most welcome birthday gift he'd gotten in years. The bull stretched and groaned, not wanting to get up. Though being hung over wasn't helping matters.

Neither was the fact that he had to go to the bathroom.

Dammit, Older-Him must have known that he'd want to stay tucked up in bed for as long as he could. Though drinking a lot of water would've done the same, why all the booze? And why the really depressing sounding songs? Not a knock against Ol Blue Eyes, but this album sounded like a real downer.

Bryce clenched his eyes shut and grumbled. Fighting off the urging of his body to get out of bed. It was a losing battle, though. The Angus knew the limits of his body too well and sighed. A hand venturing out from under the blankets to grope for the light.

Only to have a lamp click on as he waved about. He peered out from under the blankets and waved his hand more. The light responded by growing brighter and dimmer. Oh cool, a gesture light? Didn't seem like it was set to default very high either. Much nicer than getting blinded by it.

Bryce shuffled from bed, took care of his bodily urges, and back into the warm cocoon of bed. As he was tucking himself back in, his eyes caught it. The Journal was there. Just waiting for him on the bedside. Crimson bookmark peeking out, waiting on him to reach over and read what Old-Bryce had to tell him. There, next to the journal, was his bedside clock. Faintly glimmering display reading the time of too-damn-early o'clock.

While the temptation was there to just drop back in bed and catch some more sleep, he knew himself too well. It was his birthday, his Eighteenth Birthday. He was wide awake now. Didn't know if it was just the general excitement of being a year older, or something to do with his ability. For the last six years, it was like someone flipped a light switch. Birthday? Bam, he was wide awake for the entire day. Didn't matter what he did, he'd be going until he was ready to crash.

Didn't mean he couldn't enjoy bed for a little longer.

After a few more minutes of pretending to sleep, Bryce sighed and sat up. "Fine, what do you have to tell me?" he grumbled at the Journal.

"Happy Thirty-Sixth Birthday, Sir. You have twenty-four notes to yourself. Would you like me to read them back to you?"

The voice was smooth, but had a faintly stilted tone. Bryce looked around the room, but didn't see anyone. "Hello?"

"Hello!" came the far-too chipper voice. "How may I be of assistance?"

It was coming from his bedside clock. Must be some sort of digital assistant thing. He'd always thought those were pretty cool, but a little weird too. Dad was hard set against them.

Thinking about his father set a pang through his chest. Bryce bit his bottom lip and tamped down hard on that pain. "Um... I'm good right now. Thank you." He started to open the journal, "Actually, can you change the music?"

A beep, "Would you like me to play your favorites?"

"Yeah, that sounds good."

The music shifted to something a bit more rocky. He started to nod in time with the beat, before wincing at the throbbing in his head. Bryce planted a hand on his head and groaned. "Reminder," the voice shifted, "Hey, Bryce." He knew his own voice well enough to perk up at it. Though he always hated how he sounded, "Sorry about the drinking. Left some Hangover-B-Gone and water on the nightstand for you."

Yep, there was a metal water bottle and a foil pack of pills. Both of which Bryce made happy use of. In a few minutes, he was certainly feeling a lot better. Good enough to flip open the book and start reading. First page was Trust Arden, second the rules, third was a list of numbers, each with a little arrow beside it. Let's see, that helper thing said he was thirty-six, so... He found Eighteen and quickly jotted down > 36 next to it. Bryce was about ready to read what his future self had written down for him when something else caught his eye. Thirty-six had already been filled out. It bore the > 18 next to it.

Now that made his fur bristle a bit. This was the first time he'd had a direct swap with his future self. It had always been a bit random, far as he could tell. He wanted to look further and see what other years had bounced around, but he didn't want to spoil it either.

Rather than risk the temptation, he flipped ahead to the bookmark.

_ Hey, me. Sorry about the hangover, _

Wow, that was some great handwriting. Made him miss the pen kit he'd gotten back in high school.

I've been looking forward to this day for a couple years now. You'll understand why when you wake up tomorrow. I know things have been pretty shit for you since Dad had his fit. Still remember it like it was yesterday.

Bryce bit his lip and gripped the duvet tighter. It was practically yesterday for him. Well, a couple weeks ago. He'd always known that his father was a bit... well he had strong opinions and liked to voice them. Never imagined that he'd kick out his own son for coming out of the closet. Even now, his gut clenched and heart ached from the emotional pain of it.

_ Dad's a homophobe, just gotta get past that. Small spoiler, but he does come around eventually. Just remember that no matter how bad things are, keep moving forward. _

_ As per tradition, I've left you a little something for yourself. Ace, my digital assistant, has an order for breakfast on hold. Just let it know when you're hungry and it'll send the order off. There's a card with plenty of cash on it. Just ask Ace for directions to wherever you want to go. Got a you a disposable phone, don't forget to take it with you. Oh, and I've hidden my car keys and wallet. _

Yeah... After what he'd done a couple years ago, wouldn't surprise him either. Though he wondered if he'd always been fated to do that or if it was a bad decision on his part when he was older. Hard to tell with how things worked. Though there was more

I hate to do this, but I have a favor to ask. I fucked things up. I fucked things up bad. It's too long of a story to get into right now, but Arden and I....

It trailed off, a couple dark circles dotting the text. Holy... if Arden had split, that would explain the drinking and depressing music.

_ We both know the game here. We know that we get back with Arden somehow. I think it's tonight. I know we hate to do anything on our Birthday, but this is incredibly important. He's doing a show nearby. It's a couple towns over, so you'll have to find some way to get there. I'd put a bit more than the usual amount on the card. And... I can't believe I'm saying this, but if you need the credit card, I left one in your wallet. Buy what you must to get Arden back. I don't care. I'll pay for it all. I just ask that you avoid too much sodium. I've been having some issues there. Too much junk food, hey? _

_ There is a box on the coffee table. If you decide to win Arden back, then take it with you. If not, I'll get it to him soon. _

Well, this was certainly new. He knew that Older-Him liked to leave little puzzles and games for himself. In the past he'd ignored a few of them, others he'd engaged in and found them a lot of fun. This was different though. He could tell by the tone of his writing and the state he'd woken up in. Sure as hell didn't feel like some game he'd cooked up for himself.

"Hey Ace?" he closed the book, "Um, can you order me breakfast?"

"Right away!" A second passed, "Breakfast has been ordered and confirmed. It will be delivered in about a half-hour. More than enough time to grab a shower. Shall I warn you when the delivery person is close?"

Wow, this really was handy wasn't it? "Sounds good to me."

~36~

Bryce pried his eye open and groaned. The bull was sitting on a bench. Body turned to keep himself wedged between the armrests. Yeah, armrests that were only a few inches off the seat. One of the many tactics people used to keep homeless people from sleeping on park benches. It was pretty early though, about the time he was used to waking up anyway. Not dawn, but not quite night either. That moment in between the world sleeping and waking where everything had a dream-like state to it.

Even if it was a bad dream. And cold. And damp.

The Angus bull groaned and stretched out the aches and pains. It was time to take inventory of himself. His ribs hurt, not broken but bruised to hell and back. He winced as he turned wrong, his leg spasming in protest. Steel bench did not make a comfortable sleeping spot, and Eighteen-him hadn't thought to get any padding. Not that he'd blame himself for any of that. Looking back now, it was pretty obvious what was coming. Back then? After Mom's death, Dad had just been looking for a reason. Eighteen had just given him an outlet.

Then Fifty-Eight had taken advantage of his time in Twenty-three to go 'talk things out' with Dad. He didn't have the details, nothing beyond what was in The Journal, but it had been one hell of a discussion.

Speaking of, he needed to check on... Oh yeah, he didn't have The Journal yet. Though he didn't really need it. He remembered what happened around this time pretty clearly.

Bryce sat up and looked for his bag. No bag either. He remembered clearly having a backpack with some clothes and stuff. Thinking back, he could vaguely recall that he'd fallen asleep with it. Could be a trick of his memory though. That day, this day, had been eighteen years ago.

Well, looks like someone had stolen his bag. Meant he had the clothes on his back, shoes on his feet, and the money hidden in his underwear. Have to go check that somewhere. Didn't think he had much, but he shouldn't need a great deal.

A cop turned and started through the park towards him. One of those too-casual, 'I have my eye on you, but I'm not hurrying' walks. He'd dealt with enough police to know how to handle things. Getting up and running would only lead to a chase and unwanted questions. Sitting around would do the same. Instead, he stretched, rolled his shoulders, got up, and started right for the officer. He put on his best easy smile, "Morning, Officer."

"Morning," the Shepard nodded back, "up pretty early?"

Bryce laughed and rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah, got a job interview later. Decided to get a jog in before. Sat down on the bench after my cool-down. Must have dozed off." He laughed, adding an embarrassed little twinge to it. Freezing as his stomach clenched and growled at him. "Say, um... Kinda new to the area. Got any suggestions for breakfast?"

His act was enough to make the officer relax. A smile came as the canine cop pointed out a good, cheap, place nearby. Bryce thanked him and took off at an easy jog. A few weeks spent homeless. Riding buses going to wherever. Scraping by on what little money he'd had saved up. It had taken it's toll on his body. Though years of living well and athletics were hard to beat. Get a couple meals in him, get some clothes, and definitely a shower. He'd be all set for tonight. Just needed to get a few things set for tonight

A detour to a nearby news rack showed him the date and where he was. Good, right town at least. Certainly the right date, but that was no surprise. He'd been worried as hell last night when he went to bed. This day was the day that had been seared into his memory for eighteen years. Today he'd meet Arden.

Which was a weird feeling. Knowing that tonight he'd meet the love of his life, someone who he had spent nearly eighteen years with. The person he knew he was going to spent eighty years with. And tonight was their first meeting.

Yeah, it hurt to think about sometimes.

He cast a look around and found the cafe that the cop had mentioned. Thankfully he didn't look too bad, so they didn't throw him out right away. Quick trip to the bathroom and back to a booth, he knew what he had to work with.

Forty bucks. Not much at all really. Next to nothing for what he needed.

It was okay. He had been planning this day for years now. Over the last few days, he'd done all he could to memorize his notes. Plans, research, maps, everything he could get his hands on. His writer friends were great for rolling ideas off of. Give them a hypothetical scenario, rough idea, and let them loose. Honestly, this was his favorite part of his birthday. He knew that he and Arden were fated to be together. That was a rock solid fact of his life. It was the How that he had to figure out. Just a shame that he couldn't bring his research notes with him. .

Bryce smiled at the waitress as she brought him his breakfast. Hearty, warm, and certainly better than whatever Eighteen-him would've been grabbing from a C-store. Gotta leave myself some pointers, he jotted the mental note down. But younger-him was also worried about just existing. If only he knew what tomorrow had in store for him.

If only he knew what tomorrow had in store for him.

The thought gave him pause. He remembered visiting Thirty-Seven a while back. Arden and he were together then. Hell, they were in the midst of planning their wedding. Today... well today eighteen years from now, had to be the day that he and Arden got back together. He clearly remembered being eighteen and going to win back Arden. What a night that had been.

But.

Bryce could vaguely remember also not going out to win Arden back. It was one of those moments where, it was so vague it had to be a dream. So half-formed fear given shape by a dream. Couldn't have been some other history where he sat on his ass. No, Arden was too important to him.

If only he'd let Arden know that more often...

He barely paid attention to the breakfast as he wolfed it down. Good and filling, bit heavy on the salt and butter, but that was to be expected for a greasy spoon. Might have overdone it on the coffee though. He could feel his heart start to spin up and hammer away. Younger-him hadn't been able to stand the taste of the stuff. Older, writer him had learned to live on the stuff. Especially good quality coffee.

Before he got too jittery, the bull leaned back and scanned the place. He offered the waitress a smile and nod, "Good stuff," he winked and sipped at his coffee. Which got a wink from the older ursine.

"Thank you, Sugar. Brewed it fresh myself." She leaned forward and gave him the once over. Arms pressed just so to nudge her breasts up to her top a bit more. Kinda cold out there. Let me know if you need anything to warm up."

To think, he was thirty-six and could still blush. Especially with the looks that she was giving him. _Gotta remember, you're eighteen and looking pretty good._If she was wanting the horn that bad now, could only imagine what she'd be like if she saw what he looked like now. Well... then, in the future.

"You'll be the first to know," he put on his best smile and wink. Seeking distraction, his gaze drifted to the clock. A retro affair that had seen better days. Looked like it belonged in a school, to be honest. The second hand trembled as it tried to keep up the pace around the clock face. "It's about ten minutes slow," the bear explained, "Hey Frank! I told you to replace that!"

While she argued with the mysterious Frank in back, Bryce nodded to himself. He had almost the entire day. Though one had to figure in travel time, the errands he had to do, unknown variables, research failures, and more things than he cared to think about. Figuring all that up and well, the day seemed to be a lot shorter all of the sudden. That was okay though. He had a plan.

Now to get out of here before the bear decided he wanted to see her ice box.