FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Midnight opened his eyes to the faintest hint of daylight present in the sky as dawn approached. It was populated partly with thick leaden clouds over a grayish-blue backdrop. Silhouettes of steep mountains sat hundreds of miles out, and wingull dotted the air surrounding the ship to complement.

Beneath it, the endless grim ocean swayed and fought itself in perpetual succession.

He watched the view before him while backed by warmth, which was Julie's arm over his waist with her hand loosely holding his front paw. She was on her side and had him tucked against her chest and bare tummy with the blanket halfway over her thighs.

Midnight shifted closer to feel her body press his back and sighed.

He felt more content than he had in a while. Midnight had felt the tension drifting ever since they'd left Unova-- their negative experiences; however, the umbreon often felt he could do enough for Julie, mainly because he was cursed in speech. He couldn't convey his emotions or support hers as he desired. Even still, she chose and took him as he was. Within, though, Midnight hoped Julie wouldn't grow tired of it one day.

He outstretched his paws and fell into a daylight doze until she awoke half an hour later. He opened his eyes after she stirred against him since he wasn't in a deep sleep.

Julie raised the arm that had been over his side and rubbed her eyes while looking out the window. Judging by the troubled clouds, it looked like it would storm today.

Ships nowadays were equipped with technology to warn of rough weather days in advance; maybe this storm wouldn't be too aggressive, or the captain was running on a tight schedule and couldn't reroute.

Julie grabbed her phone from under the pillow to check the time. 8 a.m. She set it on the bed and looked down upon seeing Midnight lift his head and look up at her. "Hey." She placed her palm on his neck and leaned to kiss his head, feeling him nudge against it. "I didn't know you were up."

He yawned and turned onto his side to face her, which put some distance between them.

"You want to go up on deck after breakfast? It'll be nice." Julie wanted some sun if there was any; she would keep in mind to leave if Midnight began showing signs of day fatigue.

"Umb." He nodded with some enthusiasm.

"Let me go wake up first. I know my hair's a mess." She sat up and pushed the blanket off her. "Mnnh." Then held her wrist and stretched her arms over her head, dropping them and ending with a sigh. "I have to go through my whole frickin' backpack, though."

Midnight watched her get up and go kneel before it by the door, then unzip its mini front compartment to grab her pill bottle, hairbrush, toothbrush, and paste. Afterward, she unzipped its main compartment, sifting carefully through folded clothes.

Julie eventually found and decided on a long-sleeved black and half light blue tee with light blue arm sleeves and a pair of slim jeans. Her collection of jackets tugged at her, but she pushed the thought away.

Julie took everything to the restroom and pulled the door behind her. It was a cute space. There was a sink and polished vacant white marble counter other than a few wrapped soap bars set in decorative dishes. Folded white washcloths also rested under the mirror.

A small shower with a sliding door was ahead, and a rack with a clean white towel hung on the wall outside of it that Julie set her outfit over.

She then set her items on the counter and stood over the sink, bringing her hands to her hair to pat loose frizz and stray strands down. "We'll tame that in a sec..."

Julie grabbed the tube and her toothbrush, pressing some of its minty paste onto the bristles and setting it down. She briefly turned on the water and wet the brush, then leaned over the sink, where she stuck it in her mouth and started cleaning.

Julie was still anticipating the moment she stepped off the boat onto her homeland. She could imagine how much fun she would have with the people she loved the most-- those she could trust. It would heal her and Alyssa in the process, and she wanted to see her mom too.

Julie stopped brushing to spit, then continued for another minute before rinsing and taking care of the rest of her routine.

She exited the restroom in roughly ten minutes, seeing Midnight dozing off again in bed, but he opened his eyes upon feeling her presence. They grew full after looking at her. "Ready for breakfast?"

Midnight nodded. His eyes were all over her outfit and appearance. He went and sat next to her as she did on the bed's edge by the nightstand while looking at the menu.

"Waffles, eh. Pancakes, eh... Oh, Kaloan toast sounds good. It's topped with powdered sugar and fresh oran berries." She looked at Midnight. "Want to get that?"

---

After breakfast, Julie and Midnight left the cabin and were walking north up the lit tan-walled corridor lined with blue doors to the stairs, which were up ahead since they were close to the back of the ship.

"Everything's on floors three and four. Can we take a peek before going up top?" she asked while looking at him.

He was trotting beside her and looked up at her almost quizzically before giving an instant nod.

They went up the flight and were on the third deck, passing more rooms and slipping by passengers leaving them.

Julie first stopped at a translucent glass door that read: 'SPA' and its hours underneath. "...Skip." She would _so _not feel comfortable getting a massage, her hands and nails didn't need polishing, and she wasn't feeling a sauna. Could Midnight even join her?

He followed her farther down the hall as she continued and stopped with her at another translucent door.

It read 'BAR.' Julie was kind of curious to see what it looked like inside this time, so she pressed her arm to the door and slowly nudged it open.

Midnight squeezing his head through to see as well.

The lights were dim; a large jukebox at the left side of the restaurant played soft pop that resounded throughout a laid-back atmosphere.

People sat on high stools at a counter ahead around the main bar with shelves of organized beverages covering the wall, reminding Julie of Anna. The male bartender was laughing with a couple of customers while making drinks.

To the far right was an area with pool tables that people and some bipedals were shooting at, mostly with their owners but a couple with their own species.

In the jukebox's area were also tables and chairs people occupied while enjoying drinks, and because Julie and Midnight had been standing halfway in the door for an extended period, people at said tables were starting to stare at them.

Julie backed into the hall and ensured Midnight had too before letting the door close. "Next floor then deck?"

"Bre."

So, off they were, backtracking down the hall and up the next flight, where they discovered the ship's main restaurant through a large open entrance.

"This is better, huh?" They stood by it off to the side to let people pass and enter or exit, watching a buzzing full house before their eyes. Not a seat was vacant. If this many people were here for breakfast, she wondered how packed it was during dinner.

Waiters and waitresses in black outfits with red lining paced platters and drinks from the busy kitchen to families and couples at booths and candlelit tables.

Occasional shouts and bursts of laughter resounded throughout the air. A few from children standing on chairs or playing at the table with a sibling got scoldings from some parents and nothing from defeated ones.

Pokémon were present too. Lots.

Some bipedals and a couple of quadrupeds sitting with their teen or young adult owners tugged at Julie's eyes specifically. _At least _one of them had to be in a relationship with each other.

She could see the smile on one of the girl's faces and the light in one of the boy's eyes while looking at their companion. However, it could very well be Julie's mind creating that idea. Strong platonic bonds were more than prevalent.

She shifted her eyes ahead and saw outdoor balcony seating at polished wooden tables with a pristine ocean view that was just as full. That would be amazing to experience, but she assumed it would either cost extra or was difficult to get.

Julie wondered how long the wait here was. She looked aside and saw many seated at waiting booths against the wall or standing in the general waiting area by the host counter. She looked at Midnight. "Want to go up now?"

Midnight trotted after her and up the next flight past other passengers heading to their rooms, leading to their final destination.

After they reached the top and went through a short corridor leading to the side of the main deck, they were out under moderate chilly breezes and faint sunlight hitting spots of the dreary, rough waters. They fought to get through thick clouding layering the sky.

Midnight gazed up and ran his eyes down a seemingly endless stretch of overcast the ship ventured into. They cast strict darkness onto the sea and scattered the wingull back into the sunlight from which they came. He then looked behind him at the fading blue ceiling.

"This way, love," Julie said and began making her way along the ship's side over to the front, where some people stood to wave-watch or take pictures. She shivered against a cold climate with colder winds, but it was fresh and just as refreshing. One of her jackets would be nice right now.

Upon passing more passengers and reaching the point where the deck opened up, she stopped and noticed how dead it was, which was about the opposite of what she expected, but the restaurant being full made more sense now.

The pool in the center was tarped, and the sun chairs surrounding it were empty.

Julie crouched by Midnight. "I wonder if this has anything to do with the weather." A strong, frigid breeze that swayed her body and made her shiver rushed by.

Its strength made Midnight's ears fold aside. He saw a flash of light in the clouds miles away his eyes shot to. An abrupt, deep rumble that boomed and echoed across the sky followed it. It reverberated in his being.

"Correct. Everything to do with that."

Julie turned back a little and saw a fair-skinned slender man standing a few feet behind her in a casual dark blue and white suit. He had smooth, short blonde hair, was noticeably taller than her as she stood to meet his chest, and appeared a few years older. He had a silver ring on his finger and wore a pricey-looking white watch too. He was one of the people she'd passed but hadn't paid mind to.

A zorua stood beside him, who exchanged looks with Midnight, both rather deadpan, although the zorua's eyes held a pinch of anxiety.

The man continued, "the captain shut the main deck down last night because he expected the storm to be a tad ruthless, so everyone's below enjoying the great indoors."

"I, uh... I noticed when I was down there." The man's charisma, demeanor, and easy features happened to intimidate Julie, especially the light blue eyes. "What's your name?"

He grinned with a slight nod. "Thought you'd never ask. It's Jamie." He extended a hand. "Yourself?" He then glanced at Midnight. "And your pokémon, of course."

She raised hers to meet him and shook for a moment. "It's Julie, and his name is Midnight." His hand about swallowed hers. She was glad he kept a gentle grip. "Do you... usually dress up?" That question sucked; at least she was making an effort not to stand in awkward silence.

He chuckled a little. "No, no. This was from me and my sister's trip on the Liberty cruise yesterday. We wore our outfits again to breakfast. I came up and brought her zorua along."

"Zoru zo. Ru?" It gave Midnight its name with a grin, which was also present in its eyes.

"Umbre," he replied with a subtler grin.

The young zorua's name was Giza.

"Oh, what brought you two out to Unova?" Julie asked.

"Common vacation. My sister has been wanting to go for years and recently graduated high school. It was my gift to her."

That made Julie smile for a second, which turned into a resting grin. "That's sweet of you. I hope she enjoyed the trip... Uh, how long were you two here?"

"Two weeks. We did a lot around the city, from restaurants to amusement parks. I'm close to broke now, but I wanted to show her a priceless time..." He nodded at her. "What about you? What were you doing in Unova?"

"Oh, me? I'm enrolled at Castelia University. I'm going home to visit family for a while."

"Rua oz zo?" Giza asked if Midnight was cold, shivering afterward.

Midnight shook his head. "Umbre. Umb." He told him his coat was thick enough to handle wind.

"Hm." Jamie raised his eyebrows. "How old are you?... If I may."

"Close to nineteen. I started months ago right after graduating." Julie felt a drop of water hit her arm and glanced up at the clouds.

"Very impressive, and what's your major? Your parents must be very proud of you."

Julie's grin faltered slightly. "History..." A flash of branched lightning zig-zagged across the sky less than a mile away. What followed was a louder, much closer boom that made her flinch.

Not a second later, water droplets began drizzling onto the group, pattering against the deck around them.

Giza flattened his ears against the incoming rain and slightly cowered, and Midnight watched him while unfazed.

"Amazing choice," Jamie replied. "I used to be a history buff in high too. Also took a few classes in college." Jamie looked up. "Ah, I'd hate to keep you two out in the rain, though. It's bound to worsen too, but it was nice meeting you, Julie."

"You too." She watched him raise a polite hand and give a formal grin before turning and walking with the zorua padding behind, but he stopped and stood in place for a moment, then turned around to face her again.

"Could I ask a favor?"

"You can." Julie eyed him.

"I know myself and this entire conversation came out of nowhere. I'm a chatter... but would you mind meeting my sister?... Apologies." He scratched the back of his head. "She's currently deciding on universities to apply to, and I feel you would be a good influence. She's drawn to all things Unova. Makes her eyes sparkle."

She felt nervous already, but helping another person get on track would be nice, especially when Julie was enrolled at Unova's best. She was in love with the region too. "I wouldn't mind at all."

"Whew, I appreciate you. Her name is Aria. She can be a bit shy, but she'll warm up. We could meet at the diner during lunch tomorrow... Maybe at two in the afternoon?"

She nodded. "We'll be there."

"Perfect." He extended his hand with a bigger grin. "Again, it was nice meeting you."

"You too." She reached and shook, then watched him and the zorua pace down the side of the deck a second time while standing under the drizzle that abruptly got heavier. Julie felt it hit her hair, shirt, and arms without rest.

Midnight looked aside whenever he saw lightning strikes rapidly traverse the sky, the rain hitting his fur.

Several more strikes lit the sky around them with corresponding peals of thunder. Not only was she from a certain city that forced her to ride in heavy rain, but she found a higher-than-usual sense of peace in the chaos.

---

An hour had passed. Julie and Midnight were in bed atop the blanket while watching the storm outside the window. She was in a new white tee and panties, resting her cheek on Midnight's hip and hugging his side with her arm.

He was sitting in front of her, curled up on the bed while staring at waves crashing against each other in turmoil, often splashing up against the window.

Deep, low rumbles pulsated throughout the ship from distant thunder as the weather raged on, and lightning frequently trickled down and struck the sea.

Julie kissed his hip. Half her mind was still set on earlier when Jamie had brought up her parents, which shouldn't have shaken her so heavily, but she hadn't expected it.

She did wonder how her father would feel about his daughter making it to Castelia University, and Julie planned to accomplish more. She would never know. It wouldn't stop her, but it did dishearten her a little.

The other half was on her agreeing to meet his sister tomorrow, which she didn't regret. Julie did say last night she didn't want herself and Midnight stuck in this room all week, but she did wonder how it would go. Seeing as how courteous Jamie was, Julie expected her to be similar at least. He said she was shy, so it would either work or be mutually awkward.

She watched the slanted waters form tall waves that broke into appealing white crests. "I don't think we've been in a storm this rough yet on a cruise." This storm was brutal and the ocean horrific.

He glanced back at her.

The unforgiving waves sometimes jetted higher than the window, the rain was thick, the lightning endless, and the thunder roared with conviction. The ship rocked ever so slightly against the force of the waters, but the vessel was built to handle such punishment.

Julie sighed and grabbed her phone from beside her, holding it out against the bed while unlocking it. She wished she could text Alyssa. She had to think Julie had forgotten about her.

She scrolled and opened Veela; the first video that played after the app loaded was posted by JohtoNN pertaining to the development of the airport being built in northern Goldenrod. Julie full-screened.

The video faded in with a panning overhead shot of the massive airport-in-progress, displaying a curvy blue roof atop the greater structure which construction workers actively layered.

She forgot to turn up her media, so she did by a few notches and heard a voiceover of a man:

"And as shown, the foundation and interior is seventy percent complete. The airport itself is set to open late next year and host its first flight. Johto is excited about it."

The camera panned over the extensive runway, which more employees painted over that planes would follow.

"It is yet another step into a more advanced and globally connected future."

Julie tapped the screen and saw that the video was almost over, so she pressed back and hit the search bar at the top of her screen, then the trending section under it.

Julie scrolled past several tags, including '#FilmAwards,' '#Unova,' '#Puffytails,' '#Porygon3,' '#Boltundmaxxing,' and more. She came across '#GCA' in tenth place, which stood for 'Goldenrod Central Airport.'

"Guess they are talking about it." Julie assumed Unova trending had to do with the political whirlpool plaguing the region, but she wasn't up to explore creepy conspiracies or see a thousand debate and insult threads.

She locked and let her phone fall on the bed, nuzzling Midnight's hip. She didn't feel like scrolling Veela. She'd probably nap until dinner. She felt tired under the weather, and the thunder soothed her as long as it wasn't a point-blank crash.