FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Qwik Char Ref: Dan - Dingo, natural fur color, Voice of Paul Hogan (Crocodile Dundee), thick accent

Kraig - Fox, white fur color, Voice of Christopher Knight (Private, Penguins of Madagascar), fairly strong accent

Ryan - Werewolf, charcoal fur color, Voice of Garth Brooks, lowered pitch (about a half-octave down), light accent

The Adventures of Dingo Dan

The Present

7:45AM

" Oh-oh-oh.. One, yur loike a dream come true... Twooo.. i wunna bey weeth youuu.."

The raucus singing was coming from Dan, who was in the bathroom of the motel he and Kraig were staying at, singing 'One' by Brian McKnight... horribly.

Kraig was outside in the parking lot, inspecting and polishing the 'Hybrid' motorcycle they had been using long after the events of Serena's truckstop diner. The bike that was half Dan's, and half his not-too-long deceased father's. Comprised of the Sportster's frame, and the Honda's flat-six boxer engine.

Back in the bathroom, Dan was still in the shower, making sure he used his 'signature scent', which was a body wash that smelled of apple and cinnamon. He murred as he rubbed it into his fur, reaching down to fondle himself, before his other paw slapped it away.

"Nawt yeeeet. Yull get yer chance."

He rinsed the suds out, and turned off the water, opening the glass door as he stepped out, shaking off the excess water like a dog before grabbing the towel that lay folded in a large square on the counter.

It was December twenty-four, the temperature low enough to visibly fog one's breath, but not cold enough to snow. Dan was planning something for his mate, Kraig Naikomak. Something big.

Kraig walked in on Dan, who was in the fur, except for the light hazel towel that was draped around his shoulders.

"So... " Kraig stared at him. "Looks like this is our first christmas together, Dannie." the fox said in his british accent.

Dan smiled. Kraig cocked his head a little to the right, as if looking at the calendar.

December twenty-four was circled in red, with a scratch-and-sniff pine tree sticker inside of it that humorously said 'Do not open until Christmas'.

"Have you been a good widdle foxxie this year?" the dingo asked Kraig.

"Oh, i'm afraid i've been a little naughty, hun. I don't know if i'm gonna get anything."

"Ohh, don't worry about that one little bit, Kreggie. I got that all taken care of. You'll get something, i'll make sure of it."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"So, what were you planning for today, Dan?"

"Well, I figure we were gonna take the day in stride... Go for a cruise, play videogames... Anything that floats yer root beer." Dan said, twitching his left ear back.

"Well, do you think we could..." Kraig paused as Dan put on his Crocodile Dundee outfit.

"Could..."

"Hmm.. I seem to have forgotten what i was gonna say, but i did polish the bike up nice."

"Didja now? I gotta see this."

They went out to the parking lot to see their only mode of transport looked like a brand new custom chopper... With a sidecar.

"Whaow! That's a mean shoine you put on the chrome there."

"Just for you, Dannie." Kraig told the dingo he was hugging. Dan patted his head. "So what's next?"

"Well, the day's still early. Perhaps a trip to a certain diner to have breakfast?"

"You mean at Serena's?"

"Yeah. I can tell, you loike her."

"Not as much as i like you, Dan."

"I know. But i'll get you the best breakfast she's got. Then, i don't know, i'll take you... shopping or whatever."

"That's okay, there's no reason to go anywhere today, we can have it here. Ooh, it's getting cold. Let's go back inside and get warmed up."

"Wanna snuggle up under the sheets?"

"It's like you can read my mind, hon."

They went back into their room and had something to drink. The only difference was Dan slipped a light sedative into the fox's tea, while Dan had his tea on the stronger side, no sugar. Though he was strongly against drug use, this was a one-and-only-time exception, he needed Kraig to be asleep while he went out to get his fox the best gift ever, his own motorcycle. He carried Kraig into the bedroom, and gently lay the yawning fox on the bed and rubbed his larger, warmer body against Kraig's, running his paws through his fur, as Kraig slowly nodded off to sleep. Once the dingo confirmed that the fox was fully asleep, he quietly got out of the bed and went outside.

"That stuff should keep him down until at least later on this evening." he said as he flicked open his phone, noting the time was 8:12 AM, and pushed a key.

He was calling one of the truckers he and Kraig encountered at Serena's, the Springer spaniel known as Rick.

"Rickroller here. What's the four-eleven?"

"I'm needin' a ride to Scarnwood. Can ya hook me up?"

"Sure can. From the GPS on my phone, I ain't too far from the motel yer staying at. In fact, I'm over at Serena's havin' coffee."

"What're you driving? Buisness, or Pleasure?"

"Buisness, why?"

"Just wonderin'. How long till you get here?

"I'll be there in twen- fifteen minutes."

---

Eighteen minutes later, Rick pulled up into the parking lot and stepped out of the cab of his flatbedded big rig.

"Heya, Dan."

"What's new, Rickster?" Dan greeted the dog, shaking paws with him.

"Not much. What's the plan, again?"

"I'm gettin' Kraig a really neat present for christmas, but it's gonna be too big to fit in the sidecar."

"How big?"

"Er, 'bout the size of the bike."

"Lemmee guess; It is a bike."

"Well, two of'em, actually. But he can't know about it, so let's keep this on the down-low, 'kay?"

Rick grinned. "How's about you tell me whatcha want, and i'll go grab'em for ya."

"Thanks for the assist, Rick, but i'd rather do it myself. Now, I'm giving you full permission to sleep with Kraig until i get back, make him think you're me, but no-"

"No sex. Got it. Just to keep him company." Rick told him as he held up a small book, titled '_ Biker Laws: Rules of the Road _'.

Dan handed Rick the key to their room, and to his bike. In exchange, the spaniel gave him the key to his International flatbed, and a healthy sum of cash.

"Really? You're giving me all this money?" Dan asked as he opened the briefcase.

"That's two billion you got in yer paw there. Use it wisely."

"Does this mean i gotta give back what's left over?"

"No, no, you're my close friend. It's just my christmas present to you for the action back at the diner."

"Okay. I'm leaving my fox in your hands, now. Make sure nothing bad happens to him." Dan said as he got in the truck and drove off.

"All right, then." Rick said as he went into the bedroom where the young fox slept. Stripping down to his My Little Pony-themed boxers and plain white tank top, he climbed into the bed with Kraig, and fell asleep.

====================================== 9:37AM

Dan entered the town of Scarnwood in a little over half an hour, and made his first stop at the Scarnwood Auto and Cycle dealership. Parking the semi in the loading area, he got out to be greeted by a somewhat perky male wolf standing at five foot seven, dressed in your usual businesswear, though the clip-on tie had its edges frayed for looks.

"Hi, welcome to Scarnwood Auto and Cycle. I'm Jord, and i'll help you find the car or bike that fits your style." the wolf said in a smooth tone.

"Are you normally this happy?" Dan asked the wolf with a raised brow, a questioning look on his face.

"Just between us, it's a job requirement here." Jord whispered.

"Hmm. Oh, name's Dan, by the way." Dan introduced himself, shaking paws with Jord.

"Pleased to meet you. So, what will you be looking at today?"

"Oh, i'm just browsing for a bike or two."

"Two?" Jord asked in curiousity.

"Yeah. My current ride's toast, and i'm getting the second one for my, uh... 'guy-friend'?"

Jord smiled. "He's interested in motorcycles as well?"

"Yeah, this is gonna be his Christmas present, so I want nothing but the best."

"Well, here at Scarnwood Auto, I guarantee that you'll find the perfect bike for you and your significant other."

"Uh, thanks, Jord."

"This way."

Jord lead the dingo to the Motorsports section of the sheltered outdoor showroom, handing him what looked like some bicycle bells. "Here's a couple of GPS markers to put on the bikes that you want. Bon Appetit."

Dan took a looong look around, checking out each bike with a scrutinizing eye for detail. He looked at the general appearence of the bike as he approached them, then felt-up the bikes, testing their rideability, seat and handlebar height, ease of access to their controls, nothing got past him.

"Huh, maybe this'll do." he said to himself as he spotted a nineteen eighty-six Yamaha FZX Fazer at the far end of the lot. He checked it out, looking for any and all defects. He wanted a safe bike for Kraig to start with. "Yeah, everything feels good, it's got a neat iridescent silver-green paint job, and it should have enough power to catch up with whatever i get."

Dan clipped the pre-activated GPS signal onto the handlebar of the chosen bike, then continued on to find his own bike.

"Man, not much to choose from. And i'd rather have a Honda more than anything."

"I believe i can help you with that." Jord said as he walked over to the dingo.

"Really?"

"We also have an interior showroom, only the hottest bikes go in there."

"Alright. I tagged the Yamaha in the far corner of the lot, just to let you know."

"I assume for your 'friend'?"

"He's kind of a beginner."

They went inside, and Dan's jaw dropped as he stopped cold in his tracks at the first bike he saw: A _ Limited Edition Honda Valkyrie Rune _. Dark metallic cherry in color, with gold pinstriping on the fenders and gas tank.

" Moine!" Dan shuddered as he stiffly walked toward the pedestal the bike stood on.

Jord saw his antics and held back a light giggle. "That one's gonna gost you quite a bit."

"Well, for now, at least, money is no object. I want this one."

"Fourty-two thousand."

"Oh, i can afford that, along with the other one." Dan said as he sat on the bike.

"Is that your final choice on the bike? If not, you're gonna have to get offa there."

"Heck yeah, it's my final choice."

"Okay. The Yamaha is yours for sixty-eight hundred."

Dan pulled a calculator from under his hat and punched in the digits. "Fourty eight thousand, eight hundred and eighty. Not too shabby. Cash?"

"Done."

"Coo-hool. Best christmas of my whole damn life, it is." Dan said. "My buddy's goona love the present i'm getting for him. Let's load'em up!"

"Whoa, nelly, we still gotta get the paperwork done before you take these babies."

Dan returned a humiliated half-smile as he scratched his head. "Heh, right."

=================================== 10:27AM

At the motel Dan and Kraig were staying at, Rick was feeling pretty comfortable as he slept with his back to the fox. Kraig was lost in his dream of what his gift from Dan might be, while the spaniel dreamt about Serena. Hey, she was that hot.

===================== Meanwhile...

10:49AM

"Okay, and we're done." Jord said, congratulating Dan on his purchases.

---

Dan was now in the Gear area, looking at the apparel. He picked something out for the fox as well as for himself.

"Is that all you'll be getting?" Jord asked.

"Yep, figure these'll last us forever."

"All, right, that's fifty-eight dollars and eighty-two cents."

(SFX: Cash register bell rings)

=================

Dan had the bikes loaded and strapped down on the flatbed, and the gear in the cab. Rick owned two trucks, one with the sleeper cab, and the flatbed that Dan was using. 'Business and Pleasure' were the nicknames the spaniel gave them.

He left the lot, blaring the horn twice in quick sucession, then cranked up the volume as he hit the road.

(Avril Lavine cover of Kiss - I'm an Animal plays)

Yeah!

Can you feel your heart pound, do you feel it beat Can you feel the earth quake underneath your feet

Can you feel it burnin', do you understand You can make the whole world bow to your command

Here comes the sound of thunder on the way A million voices shouting, lemme hear you say

I'm alive in the street Made of fire, made of heat I'm an animal and I'm free

No rules, no bounds Nothing's gonna hold me down I'm an animal, i am free

Are you superstitious, live a fantasy Don't need no ball of crystal to tell you what you see

Let others take the road that leads nowhere Stand up, raise your fist up in the air

I'm alive in the street Made of fire, made of heat I'm an animal and I'm free

No rules, no bounds Nothing's gonna hold me down I'm an animal, and i'm free

(Solo plays as music fades to background)

Dan had stopped to gas up for the long trip, then put the pedal to the metal as he passed the tagged speed limit sign that originally read 65, but was graffiti'd to read 185.

(music fades back in) Let others take the road that leads nowhere (Yeah!) Stand up, raise your fist up in the air

I'm alive in the street Made of fire, made of heat I'm an animal and I'm free

No rules, no bounds Nothing's gonna hold me down I'm an animal, and i'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaahhhhh!

================= 11:40AM

Dan's next stop was slightly to the northeast of Scarnwood, but it was at least a hundred fourty miles away, about a two to three hour drive. He saw that Rick had installed a steering wheel mounted audio control for the aftermarket stereo that also controlled the lime green Shuffle plugged into it for the long hauls, and went through Ricks' songs like he was burning matches.

By 2:00 in the afternoon, he reached his destination: WolfWerx Performance and Customs , where a seven foot two werewolf came to greet him.

Dan nearly lost it at the sight of this fur. The werewolf had the german shepard saddle pattern on his back that connected to his light tan chestfur. His ears stood erect, and his eyes were a firey orange.

"Err... hi." Dan nervously said.

"Don't worry, i don't bite. Welcome to WolfWerx Performance and Customs. Name's Zeke." the werewolf introduced himself in a deep, comforting tone, his voice gruff from years of shouting to be heard over various machinery noises.

"Dan Dinago. Pleased to meet you, Zeke. Sorry if i, uh..."

"That's okay, i get that reaction a lot, i'm numb to it. How can my crew and i be of service?"

"I just got these bikes and need'em checked out."

"Anything you want customized on them while we're at it?"

"I'll consider it."

"Okay. Let's back this thing in, then."

Dan parked the truck in the main area of the facility, and unloaded the bikes.

"Wow. Welcome to WolfWerx. Population, werewolves." the dingo said as five other lycans came over in a team of two and three, to inspect the bikes.

"Team one, Bane, Nathan and Kitan will inspect the Honda. Team two, Hug (Hoog), Panat and I will check your other ride."

Dan was still wide-eyed at the sight of a whole pack of werewolves.

"What's he buggin' about? Likes he ain't seen a werewolf before." The one known as Bane said.

"He's a new customer. Be nice." Zeke told Bane before turning to the dingo. "Want these things shaken?"

"How do ya mean?"

"We give your bikes a test run to make sure everything is to perfection. Five miles down the road, normal cruising, then back here at full throttle."

"Hmm... Okay, long as nothing breaks."

"Part of the inspection..." Bane muttered before Nate flicked him.

"Half-hour sound good?" Zeke asked Dan.

"Golden. Where's the custom stuff i can look through in the meantime?"

"Through here."

"Whoa, you got stuff for every boike ever made."

"Everything from tuning to complete rebuilds. Go nuts, little dowgie."

"Oi!"

"Sorry, carried away."

Dan was let loose to roam around the store, as he walked around to look at various accesories, ranging from lights to tyres to custom parts.

========================= 12:04PM

After the inspection, the bikes were subjucted to normal driving and racing conditions, both of which were a sucess, as Bane rode the Honda, and Kitan the Fazer.

"_ Sounds good, guys! _" Dan shouted over the rumble of the exhaust as the pair rolled back in.

(Engines shut off)

"And Zeke, before you say anything, i'm not ready for the custom stuff yet." Dan turned to the werewolf.

"Okay. So, the inspection, the test run- Did you want'em up-tuned, or down-tuned?"

"Down-tune? Is that possible?"

"Oh, yeah, believe it."

"Hmm... Perhaps i'll come back t- mmm, yeah, tomorrow, then we'll try equalizing them."

"Whatev rocks ya." Bane said.

"So, all we did... mm-kay, carry the eight... Okay, how's fifty bucks sound for our service to your bikes?" Zeke asked.

"Sounds tubular." Dan said as the money exchanged paws. "With a hundred dollar tip."

"Wuh-hell, thanks. Load'em up, guys."

The bikes were loaded back up onto the flatbed, and with a firm pawshake between Dan and the wolves, the dingo climbed into the truck, and bringing two digits to the lanyard, popped the horn like when he left the dealer, as he rolled out. Bane returned it with a few blasts from an air horn he had behind his back, startling the others.

"_ Agh, damn it, Bane! _" Zeke scolded.

"That was my ass! What?"

==========================

Dan was back on the road, listening to Honeywagon's bluegrass cover of Green Day's "When I Come Around" on repeat, singing along with it, trying to tune his voice to achieve the best pitch he could get during the three and a half hour trip back.

I heard you crying loud, all the way across town You've been searching for that someone, and it's me out on the prowl As you sit around feeling sorry for yourself Well, don't get lonely now And dry your whining eyes I'm just roaming for the moment Sleazin' my back yard so don't get so uptight you been thinking about ditching me

No time to search the world around Cause you know where I'll be found When I come around

I heard it all before So don't knock down my door I'm a loser and a user so I don't need no accuser to try and flag me down because I know you're right So go do what you like Make sure you do it wise You may find out that your self-doubt means nothing was ever there

You can't go forcing something if it's just not right

No time to search the world around Cause you know where I'll be found When I come around

No time to search the world around Cause you know where I'll be found When I come around When I come around When I come around When I come around.......

=============================

3:32PM

Dan made it back to the motel, and at a good timing, as Rick was outside, awaiting the dingo's return, as the truck pulled in, and a silent 'Whoosh' came from the brakes as the engine was turned off.

"Oh, don't tell me Kraig woke up." Dan said as he climbed out.

"Naw, he's still out. I just needed a break from his whining."

"His what?"

"Your boyfriend talks in his sleep."

"Strange. Hmm.... 'Kay, three thirty four, december twenty-four...." Dan looked at his watch.

"So what do you have to do next?" Rick asked.

"I made a little detour after filling up your truck, and i saw this awesome bar that was up for grabs. I got enough time to go check it out, donchya think?"

"Go. I'll keep it under wraps and in my pants."

===================================================

4:28PM

Dan parked the semi in the parking lot of the bar he was talking about. It was a minute from the main road, in a 'clearing in the woods' type of scenery. It was a two story bar, with a motel behind it. He walked towards the door, which looked like someone had forced the lockset open with a prybar... or thier claws.

Inside, the place looked like a modernized old-time western bar.

As he stood in the doorway, to his left was the main counter, and the hallway leading to the restrooms. To his right was a large stage with a stripper pole on either side of the stage. In front and to the far back were the card and pool tables, as well as a row of arm-wrestling tables.

"Wow... Noice joint. Wouldn't mind owning this sweet piece of property."

He saw the For Sale sign placed next to the door as he exited the establishment.

"Scarnwood Realty? I'll give'em a call."

Dan was starting to tire of the on the road life he and Kraig lived. As young as he was, at 22, he felt twice his age mentally. Physically he still looked the same on the outside.

He called the realtor selling the bar, only to get a message that their office was closed for the holiday. The dingo looked at the sign again, to find out that it had an abandoned sign mounted above. Being sneaky, Dan moved the truck to the motel, then went through the rooms to see what was in them. After he swept the last room, he backed his way out of there, when he bumped into something blocking the doorway. Flattening his ears back, he lowered his head and turned around to find a cop blocking his only way out. The officer was a 5'9" werewolf, he looked about 42 in age, charcoal gray was his fur, with a medium-length fluffy tail. His ears were stiffly aimed at the intruder, his eyes a light yellow in contrast to Dan's golden eyes. He leaned against the frame of the door.

"Sneaking around an abandoned property? Bad move." the werewolf said in his deep, sexy voice.

"Well, sorry, officer. I was just curious, 'cause i saw the 'For Sale' sign in the front, and i wanna buy the place."

"Ya wanna buy the-"

"I'll make it worth your while. You get off work, you come here for a few drinks, if you overdo it, you can stay in the motel here."

"How old are you, son?"

"Twenty-two, legal age of independance, consumption of alcohol.... Which i'll never do..."

"Aand, old enough to be tried as an adult for trespassing."

"Yeah, that i know, but like i said, i was curious, not that i was gonna take anything. I'd nevah do that, ever."

The werewolf looked uninterested, like the dingo was lying to him.

"What's your name?"

"Dan Dinago."

The werewolf now had his own look of curiousity on his face, as he stared at Dan.

"Dan Dinago... I swear i've heard that name before."

"And your appelation?" Dan asked.

"Dude, it's right below my badge, see? Ryan DuBon, Scarnwood PD."

"Think you can, heh, let me off with a warning, Ry? It's christmas, so i gotta get back to my girlfriend at the motel."

"Wait a minute, now i remember! You're the one with the Craighslist posting. You're selling your body for what, drugs?"

"I beg yer pahdun? Officer, i do NOT do drugs! Besides, i gave up prostitution a looong time ago."

"Okay, okay, calm down. Where's your ride?"

"The I-H Flatbed with the bikes on it. It's my friend's, he let me borrow it so i-"

"Alright, i won't press the matter any further. Feliz navidad, mister Dinago, next time we meet, it's gonna be Smokey and the Bandit, got it?"

"Yes, sir, Officer DuBon. Say, just for the heck of it, how's about we swap numbers?"

Ryan caught on, but played along. "I thought you had a girlfriend to go back to?"

"Who said anything about a 'girl'?"

"Busted."

Dan instantly started crying as he hugged the werewolf's muscular legs, who was writing his cell number down on a blank ticket.

"Don't worry, i'll keep it our secret." Ryan said as he led the dingo to his friends' truck. "You go and have a good christmas with your friend, Dan."

"Thanks, man."

======

5:00PM

Dan reached the motel in record time, the air brakes loudly huffing.

"Knock knock."

Rick opened the door, giving Dan a free show of his junk with an exhausted look on his face.

Dan had a serious look on his own. "Rick, i thought we were friends!"

"Don't worry, i did it in the bathroom. Weren't anywhere near the fox when i did it."

"Ohh, so you- Okay."

"So, got everything on your list taken care of?" Rick asked as he pulled his pants back on.

"Almost."

"Oh, Dan, i gotchya a little something in the truck, if you haven't found it yet."

"No, i didn't. Whadja get me?"

Rick climbed into the cab and pulled the bench seat foward and pulled out his present for the dingo.

"Oh, my god, no way! A guitar?" Dan exclaimed as the guitar was handed to him.

"It's a hybrid, a plug-in acoustic. Try it out."

Dan plucked a few strings. "Standard E-tuning, but it sounds so good i could wet myself."

"You are very welcome."

"Y'know what, i gotta give you something, otherwise i feel like i'm stealin' this." Dan said as he set the guitar down and opened the briefcase of money. "How's a thousand do for it?"

"You needn't do that, but if you insist..." Rick said as Dan gave him the cash. "Then i'll help you unload the bikes wherever you want."

Dan and Rick unloaded the bikes, then taped a bunch of boxes together to put over the Fazer, putting wrapping paper on the box first.

"Alright, not bad. What's phase two of your plan, Dingo Dan?" Rick asked.

"Well, there wasn't any phase two i could think of. I was just gonna go take a half-hour nap. You, on the other hand, i'll give you my old bike as a trade for letting me use your truck."

"That's very generous of you, Dan. Thank you."

"Aw, no problem, Rick. I'm just a nice guy."

"I guess i'll grab a room and catch a few Zs."

Dan loaded up the old bike onto the flatbed while Rick got himself a room at the far left of Dan's room.

=========================== 6:38PM

Dan was happily snoring, as he and his fox cuddled in the bed. Rick was snoring in his room, too, with a paw groping his nether regions and the finger of his other jammed halfway into himself.

Kraig shifted around in his mate's arms before his eyes opened, half-lidded, and looked at Dan before remembering what was going to happen that afternoon.

"Dannie? Dannie, wake up..." The fox spoke in a hushed voice to the dingo's ear. A heavy sleeper, he thought as he rolled him onto his side, not knowing Dan was sleeping on the edge of the bed.

[THUD!]

Dan was wide awake now, having fallen off the bed on his stomach.

"Oopsie." Kraig meeped out as Dan shook himself off while getting up.

"Kraig?" the dingo paused.

Kraig thought he was gonna get hit, as he flinched, then opened an eye to Dan's loving smile.

"Merry christmas."

The fox sighed. "Merry christmas, Dannie, i love you."

"I know you do, my little lollipop, s'why i got you the best thing you'd ever want for christmas!"

Kraig bounced around, anxiously wondering what Dan had gotten him as they went outside in the cold air.

"What's in the box, Dannie?"

Dan instructed the fox to close his eyes, then lifted the box up and away from the bike.

"Okay, you can open'em."

Kraig gasped loudly and fainted from the sight before Dan caught him in his arms.

"Kraig, you okay?" Dan said as the white fox came to.

"Y-you got me a bike for christmas?"

"The best i could find you."

"Hey, is that your bike on that truck?"

"Out with the old, in with the new, as they say. I got myself a bike as well." Dan said, showing Kraig his new one.

"How- how did you manage to get both of them..." the fox trailed off as Rick, half-dressed as Santa, came over.

"Ho, ho, hey there, little fox. I knew you'd like the present i gotchya."

Kraig giggled, recognizing who it was by his voice. "Rick, i know it's you under there, c'mon."

"Aw, Kraig, that wasn't nice. Blowing his cover." Dan shook his head.

Kraig apologised, then asked if they could go for a ride.

"Let's set you up with the basics, then." Dan told the fox.

They all went over the controls, their locations, and their functions, lastly giving Kraig a demonstration with Rick's assistance using the old bike, answering the fox's questions as best they could.

Dan instructed the spaniel to hold the rear of the bike by the short wheelie bar, then showed Kraig how to work the clutch.

"Okay, here's how ya do it. You hang onto this lever on the left, take your left foot and push the shifter down until you feel it click in.. *click!*.. Then twist the handle on the right a little, and sloowwly release the clutch lever."

Dan went through the motions, finally letting the wheel spin in the air as Rick held the bike steadily.

"...Second... third... fourth.."

"Then to stop?"

"If you're goin' fast, you have to downshift, which is the basically the reverse of upshifting, but you hafta rev-match as you slow down, otherwise you're gonna fly off when it clicks in."

There was no resistance, so Dan slowly let off the throttle to imitate deceleration, then flicked it back as he downshifted.

"...Then, put it into Neutral as you stop, again, you'll fly off the bike if you try to shift it like a car and put it into first and engage the clutch like i mentioned. Then, when you're standing still, put it into first."

"Can you show me without Rick holding onto the bike?"

Rick let go as soon as the tire stopped spinning, then Dan went through it again, staying in first and showing what happens when you don't disengage the clutch before coming to a stop.

"Oh, you stalled it." Kraig giggled. Dan smiled at this.

"Ready to try it?"

"C-Could you help me with it?"

"Sure can."

Dan parked Rick's bike, then sat behind Kraig as the fox sat on his Fazer. Taking Kraig's hands in his larger ones, he guided the fox through the process, from starting, to shifting gears, to finally going down the highway and back, and parking it and cutting the engine.

"Can i try it on my own now?" Kraig asked Dan.

"Sure, i'll be right beside you on my bike."

The couple donned their gear, straddled their bikes, and rode off. Dan had enabled the two-way headsets in the helmets before the ride, so they were able to talk to each other.

"How am i doing, Dannie?"

"You're doing great, hon!"

"Race ya back! Whaddya say, Dan?"

"I'd say 'Pull Over'." they heard someone say over their headsets.

Dan and Kraig checked their mirrors to see a cop riding his own bike, as he flashed his lights and blipped his siren.

The pair pulled over as instructed, with the cop right behind them, as he dismounted and strode over, stopping between the bikes (they pulled over side-by-side) and turning to Dan, who was on the left.

"Sooo, Mister Dinago. We meet again." the werewolf chuckled, his badge and nametag reflecting the sunset.

"Dannie, i'm scared."

"I'm assuming this is your 'Girlfriend'?"

"Why, it sure is, Officer DuBon. The lad to your right would be Kraig."

Ryan turned aroud to look at the fox, whose fur stood on end at the sight of the large male.

"Don't worry, i'm a good cop. Unless you're on the other side of the law, then i'm a bad cop." he said in a low, but soft tone.

Kraig was close to coming to tears now, horrified at the thought of breaking the law and running into this particular officer.

"You really know how to use your size to an advantage, Ry. But you needn't be so intimidating to the kid, s'is first time on the road, let alone a bike."

Ryan then walked around to Dan's left. "Okay, then i'll stand here."

"Better. So, what's the damage, Officer?"

"Caught you riding on the wrong side of the road?"

"Ohh. What can i say, Officer? Makin' sure i'm right there in case he loses control, then i'd snatch him onto my bike."

"Yeah, not buyin' it. But it's christmas, so i'll let it slide on this one. I'm kinda off-duty today, i can ride with you guys?"

"More the merrier. We's just about to head back to the motel." Dan said.

"I have a little confession to make: I wanted to race Dan back."

"You're just starting out, am i right?" Ryan asked, squatting low enough to meet Kraig's eye level.

"Yes."

"I wouldn't go any faster than i'd be comfortable with, if i were you. I've been there, young and, not knowing any better, no gear on my first wipeout, except for my helmet. My left arm got shredded like lemonskin to a zester."

"I bet that must've hurt. I met Kraig after my bike bucked me off into his dad's car right as he was comin' down the other way. Knocked the wind outta me, my leg was shot.." Dan shuddered, remembering his accident. "But Kraig wasn't in the car, he was at his house."

"Yeowch, i bet that one burrned." Ryan said. "We riding?"

"Hell yeah." Dan said as he and Kraig started thier bikes. Ryan went over to his and started it up.

"I got an idea! Let's do a chase scene, like on those t.v. shows!" Kraig said to Ryan.

"Ya got a thing for cops, kid?"

"I do now, try and catch me, copper!" Kraig said as he peeled out, hitting sixty in under five seconds.

" KRAIG!" Dan shouted as he burned rubber, hitting eighty in twelve seconds as he went off after the speeding fox.

Ryan shook his head as he turned on the lights and sirens of his custom V6'd Yamaha XV1600 Midnight Star, and sped off in pursuit of the duo.

Dan and Kraig were halfway to the motel before the officer pulled up behind them, flipping them off when they looked behind to see him smiling at them.

Pulling a wheelie, Dan sped in front of the fox, waving his hat in the air.

Kraig thought about copying the dingo's action. Instead, he sped up in front of him, and feathered the front brake and pulled a stoppie with such accurate timing, he was able to kiss tyres with Dan for about fifteen seconds, before letting off the brake slowly until his tyre touched down on the blacktop, and the front wheel of Dan's bike come dangerously close to his back.

Seeing how close he was, the fox gunned the throttle and pulled out from under Dan, who couldn't hold up the front any longer and carefully set the bike down before meeting the fox's side.

"Alrighty, fun's over." Dan said as the motel came into view.

The three slowed down and entered a staggered formation with the officer right behind them as they pulled into the parking lot.

Rick was wrenching on his bike from Dan when the trio pulled in and stopped to check it out.

"Ohh-ho-ho, busted! Was they speedin', officer? I warned'em not tuh!" the springer laughed.

"All right, Rick, i'll take the bike back now." Dan said in a stern, annoyed tone.

"Y'aint got no sense of humor, do yeh?" Rick countered in his trucker drawl.

"All right, you two, settle down, i'm not gonna say it twice." Ryan said. "I'm off duty today, so everything's cool. But in a way, i'm on-duty as well, so don't try anything to annoy me."

"Oh, goody. Thanks for bringin'em back, Dan had a few more things on his christmas list for the fox." Rick told the werewolf cop, starting a conversation between the two of them, as Dan and Kraig watched the sunset slowly fade below the horizon.

"Oh, Kraig, i almost forgot, check out what Rick gave me!" Dan said as he showed his mate the semisolid oak acoustic guitar. "I'm saving it for later on tonight, for you."

"Oh, Dan, you don't hafta do that. You're so good to me." Kraig replied as he snuggled up alongside the dingo, who looked at his watch.

====================

7:02

"Dinnertime." Dan told Kraig in a soft voice.

"Is it already? I didn't even notice." Kraig said, looking at the dingos' wristwatch.

"Ready?"

Kraig nodded.

Dan smiled. "All right then, let's go have dinner." he turned to the others. "You two lovebirds go do your thing, Kreggie an' i're gonna grab some grub."

"Where to? I know a few places." Rick said.

Dan facepalmed.

"Why, Dan? What's on your mind?" Kraig asked, concerned.

"Naw, no, Kraig, it's okay, um... No, we're still gonna have dinner, but we're gonna do it-"

"Hobo style?" Rick jokingly asked, before Dan glared at him. Kraig backed away a few steps. Dan then hung his head low and sighed.

"I'm sorry, Kraig, i'm sorta loose-cannon when it comes to the homeless jokes," Dan said as he looked at Kraig before turning toward Rick, "Which are NOT funny!"

"As long as you point it at anyone but me, we'll get around it somehow."

"Well, we're still on schedule, so i suppose we should head into town and pick up whatever we need for our little camping trip."

"Okay. I'll get our stuff."

Dan and Kraig collected what they brought with them, clotheswise and whatnot, and neatly packed them in the storage compartments on Dan's ride, after which, they headed into Scarnwood, to the market to get food, then the sporting goods store to buy tents and such.

"Not exactly Cabela's, but it'll do." Kraig commented as he looked through the outdoor goods section of the store with Dan.

They were extremely tight on space, so they got a pair of basic canvas tents, some firestarting tools, and some dual-power slim-lite lanterns.

Kraig read the back of the package.

"Made of ultra-strong ABS plastic, the SlimLite features thirty shockproof, low-power, high-brightness three watt LEDs (light emitting diodes) with three lighting modes:

Stealth, which utilizes red LEDs;

Low, using half of the white LEDs with adjustable brightness;

and High, using the entire panel at full brightness.

The internal battery lasts for an amazing twelve hours on a full charge, and can be recharged by solar, winding the handcrank, or by the supplied DC charger.

Small size means BIG portability! Hang it in your tent, or store it in your car or bike. Use it as a flashlight or emergency light for blackouts."

"Comin' from you, that sounds like a good deal." Dan smiled. "Four of'em will do us good."

"I could be a product pitcher, couldn't i?"

"You could." Dan said as they got in line at the checkstand.

================================= 7:46PM

"Perfect fit!" Dan said as they packed their goods in the large backpack they bought, obviously to store their just-bought stuff in.

"Uh, Dan? Did we forget something from Rick?" Kraig asked.

"The guitar? It's been on my back the whole time." Dan replied as he took off the hard case and opened it, seeing the guitar in the same pristene condition it was in. "Though i'm thinking i shoulda gotten two smaller packs instead of this big one, share the load."

"Yeah, that would've been better."

The two looked at the store, it was now closed, all but a few lights were on.

"Oh well. Besides, i got the horsepower and balance to lug this stuff around."

They loaded up, and off they went.

"So, where are we going?" Kraig asked.

"Well, it wouldn't be camping if we weren't in the woods. Just keep behind me."

Kraig and Dan sped off into the night, until they hit the suburban area. Hanging a right, they followed the road until Dan saw the bar and pulled over, Kraig right behind him.

"Why're we stopping here, Dannie?"

"I wanted to buy this place, but no answer when i called the real estate company."

"Why a bar? Sounds awful hard to start that kind of business, don't it?"

"I was kinda thinking that, but for us? Pff, it'd be easy."

The couple pulled away and continued on up the road until they saw the road went up a mountain.

"Ooh, not good. Kraig? Wanna race?"

"Yeah."

"'Kay, three-two-one, GO!"

They matched gears and gunned it up the mountain, which was three thousand feet above Scarnwood, the road long, winding its way to the top. At thier speed, they reached the top in about half an hour. Kraig looked around as he stretched his legs.

"Oh my! This is beautiful, Dan!"

"Too bad we don't have a camera, though. Oh, wait! My phone's got one, we can use that for now."

They held each other as Dan held his phone out and snapped the most epic phone pic, of them kissing, as a shooting star passed by them. As the kiss ended, Kraig looked up into the sky, and asked Dan for the phone to take a picture. Dan handed it to him, and before he could blink, he saw his father's face, outlined in an aroura of color in the sky.

"Dannie, look! Look!"

Dan turned to see a wolf's face in the sky as Kraig took took a snapshot.

"One more of us with him over us?"

"Sure."

*click*

Kraig looked at the photo and smiled. "Oh daddy, i miss you bunches."

Dan put his paw on the fox's shoulder. "He's in a better place now, but he'll always be able to keep his eye on you from all the way up there." he said before turning away. "Normally i'm kinda cold when it comes to it, but i got a spot in me 'art for him. Lupo Naikomak, you will always be with us." Dan continued, staring into the night at the fading aroura, holding his hat over his heart and two-finger saluting with his other paw.

============================================ 8:12PM

As Kraig set up the tents, Dan started the fire, which, for him, was fairly easy. Having been on the road a long time, he's been invited by trucker friends and biker buds to go camping with them, which he usually accepted, unless he had something better to do. He picked up different methods for starting a campfire along the way, and had combined a few that worked the best for him.

In a couple minutes, he had the campfire a-roarin, as Kraig joined him. Pushing up against Dan, he wrapped his arms around Dan's toned chest, tracing the fur between his chisled pecs.

"So, Kraig," Dan said in a soft voice, "How're you enjoying our camping trip?"

"Absolutely the most breathtaking experience i've ever had. Thank you, Dannie. You've made me the happiest fox in the world."

"I'm glad you're having fun, hun. Now, how's about dinner?"

Kraig didn't need to answer; his stomach did all the talking.

"Okay, i'll pop a couple steaks on the fire. How do you want'em? Medium, or well done?"

"I'll take the medium, in honor of my father."

"Sounds great, i'll do'em both the same for us."

Dan put a grate over the fire, then went to his bike to fetch the steaks.

"Dannie, while you're over there, could you get me a coat, please?"

"Sure thing, just a moment."

Dan grabbed the steaks, coats, and the guitar, and set them down on the sleeping bag near the fire, handing Kraig his coat, which had leather in a few places, while Dan's had a fleece-lined interior, while the outside of the entire coat was a hundred percent leather.

The dingo put the steaks on the grill, tending to them every few minutes until they were done.

As they ate, they conversed about events of long ago.

"I still can't believe he did... well, that thing he did." Dan said, referring to that fateful day that brought them together. Kraig agreed, but he was well gotten over it.

"What's for dessert later?" he then asked.

"Lessee... We gawt.. Hot chocolate, S'mores, cookies..." Dan said as he went through the bag.

"My sweet tooth wants s'mores, Dannie."

"Milk or dark chocolate?"

Kraig let out a cute moo, indicating he wanted the milk chocolate.

"Moo! Moo!" Dan said, acting silly for the fox as he brought over the dessert items. He had already finished his steak, while Kraig was working on the last few bites of his.

=================

"Ahh, that was *urp* oh, so good, Dannie. I couldn't possibly eat another bite."

"Ohh, i stuffed my li'l foxie." Dan said.

"That was so delicious." Kraig replied.

"That's what she said! WHOOOOOO- OWW!" a male voice hollered as he was hit.

Dan grabbed his bolo knife, which was an exact copy of Crocodile Dundee's, and spun toward where he heard the voices from.

"Who-hoa, buddy, whaddya doin with that thing? Put that away!"

Kraig's fur was on end, as he hid inside the sleeping bag.

"What in the hells' bells are you lot doin' 'ere?" Dan asked the intruders in a dark, threatening tone.

Kraig then brought out one of their slim-lites and shone it at the three, revealing them to be two males and one female. "Serena? Ryan? Rick?" the fox asked as Dan put his knife away.

"You guys... i almost nicked one of ya. Except the pretty lady, you're too cute to die."

Serena had a look of confusion and irritation on her face. "That better be a compliment."

"Oh, don't worry, Serry, it was a compliment. I'd never disrespect a woman. Guys can diss their guy friends, but never a girl. John Wayne's code."

"What are you two doin' up here on the mountain, aside from losing yourselves in the stars?" Rick asked.

"We're camping. At least, until you showed up."

"Dan, what kind of knife is that?" Ryan asked.

"Oh, no, Ryan, you're not confiscating this beauty. But no, this is the exact replica of the knife from that movie."

"We got you some presents, Kraig." Serena said.

"Did you really?"

"Yeah, but you know the rule, don't you?"

"Oh, i know, don't open it yet, we hafta wait until tomorrow."

"That's right."

"I got his present early, if you look over there, ah, the motorcycle?" Dan told the German Shepard as she turned to look at the Fazer.

"I'm so jellin' right now, where'd you get'em?" she asked.

"Scarnwood Bike and Auto." Dan whispered as everyone conversed around the campfire. "Wasn't cheap, though.". Serena nodded.

Kraig yawned, which kicked off a chain reaction that silenced the air of everyone's talk. "Dannie, i'm gonna go in the tent now."

"Good idea, Kraig. We need all the shuteye we can get, we've got a big day tomorrow." Dan said before turning to the others. "I hope you guys brought your own camping gear, our tent's full already."

"Rick's got his sleeper cab, the three of us'll squeeze in there." Serena said.

The Spaniel grinned. "As long as you don't mind me squeezin' one off while you two're asleep."

"Like, ew, truckers have the most disgusting hygene on the planet." the sheppie retorted, getting a low growl in return. Ryan whipped out his cuffs and waved them in front of them.

"I'm not abusing the power by doing this." the werewolf said.

"Well, i brought a big box of gear, right down to the coffee maker and the good old poon machine." Rick said.

Serena sighed. "Dan? Sorry if this sounds out of your league, but can i bunk with you and Kraig? I don't exactly feel safe with these other two."

"Why, sure you can. I knew that extra sleeping bag would come in handy. My tent, i shall share between you and Kraig, milady."

"Aw, you're so sweet, Dan."

"A little make-up present for the mess back at the diner."

"Thanks." Serena said before going into the tent.

"And where's the cop gonna sleep? Don't tell me Rick's gonna deny you a tent too."

"Rick, you got a spare tent in there?" Ryan asked. "Otherwise, i gotta sleep in the buck on the ground--" he looked at Dan and folded his arms "--Which i have no shame in doing."

Rick came out of his sleeper with a couple of large single-person tents in his arms. "Yeaahh, like we'd wanna wake up to go pee, and catch you suckin' yourself off under the big 'ole moon."

"Thanks, Rick." Ryan said as he began setting up his tent. "And you gotta sleep in a tent too. Make it fair across the board."

"Why? I like sleeper-cabs. Can't tell me i gotta sleep in a tent!"

"Oh, my goodness, Rick," Kraig said as he came out of the tent, "Just sleep in a tent like everybody else, already.. when you're camping, you're supposed to sleep outside, under the stars."

"If it wasn't fer yer cuteness, I'd... I'd..."

Kraig started trembling, like he was going to start crying.

"Say it, and 'yer' under arrest, bud." Ryan interjected.

"Ughhhh, you win, Kraig." Rick grumbled in a softer tone.

Dan was sitting on his sleeping bag near the campfire with his guitar, lightly plucking a few strings, figuring out in his head what to play for the fox. "Hey, Kraig?"

Kraig turned to look at his mate. "Yeah, Dan?"

"Whaddya wanna hear me play? Gimme a song, i'll try to play it."

"Hmm.. Oh- Enya, Only Time."

"Good pick, Kraig."

"A biker that can play a guitar? This i hafta stick around for." Ryan said.

"Wh- Hey, you're a biker too! And just by your voice, i know you can sing."

"Dan, i changed my mind. Rusted Root, Send Me on My Way."

"Even better, hon, i even picked up a harmonica on one of my other travels before i met you." Dan said as he took out the nickel-plated instrument. "But somebody's gonna have to do vocals, 'cause i'll be doing both at once."

Rick looked at Serena. "Yeah, why doncha look over there, and act like i slapped ya." she said.

Dan started playing the requested song, looping the intro on the guitar until everyone was ready, as Serena kicked in with the lead vocals, and Ryan on secondary vocals.

Ryan: On my way, on my way (On my way, on my way)

Serena: I would like to reach out my hand I may see you, I may tell you to run

Ryan_:(On my way, on my way)_

Momadisay momadiyah.

Rick: Well pick me up with golden hand I may see you, I may tell you to run

Ryan_:(On my way, on my way)_

Momadisay momadiyah.

Ryan, Serena and Rick: Well, I would like to hold my little hand

Rick: And we will run, we will,

Serena: we will crawl, we will

All three: I would like to hold my little hand And we will run, we will, we will crawl

Ryan and Rick: Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Mm hmm (On my way)

Serena: I would like to reach out my hand I may see you, I may tell you to run (On my way, on my way) Momadisay momadiyah.

Ryan: Now pick me up with golden hand I may see you, I may tell you to run (On my way, on my way) Momadisay momadiyah.

Ryan, Serena and Rick: Well, I would like to hold my little hand And we will run, we will, we will crawl, we will I would like to hold my little hand And we will run, we will, we will crawl

Ryan and Rick Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Send me on my way (On my way) Mm hmm (On my way)

Ryan, Rick, Serena and Kraig: Well, I would like to hold my little hand And we will run, we will, we will crawl, we will I would like to hold my little hand And we will run, we will, we will crawl

Ryan and Serena, alternating: Send me on my way Send me on my way Send me on my way On my way Send me on my way Send me on my way

Kraig, solo: I would like to reach out my hand I may see you, I may tell you to run (On my way, on my way) Momadisay momadiyah.

=========================================

"See, Ry? I knew you could sing. And i gotta hand it to ya, your pitch and timbre were right in line with each other." Dan said after the last string was plucked and he removed the harmonica. "Same goes for everyone, y'all were notch-on with everything."

"You know the funny thing is, i activated my tape recorder and caught the whole song." Rick said. "Which i will master and make copies for everyone. Y'know, i'll get right to it, while i'm thinkin' of it."

"Huh, and to think i woulda done the same." Ryan said.

"Anyone else? I'm taking song requests." Dan said.

"I think we're done tonight, Dan." Ryan told him. "And y'know what?"

"No, and I don't wanna."

"I said I had no shame in sleeping naked under the moonlight, and that's exactly what I'm gonna do." The werewolf said before he took his uniform off, save for his hat, folding his clothes small enough to fit into a ziplock freezer bag that went in the side pouch of his bike.

"Aw, jeez, just what we all needed ta see - a naked dawg!" Serena said in disgust. Ryan came up to her and brushed his hand lightly against her chin, tilting her head up to make eye contact with her.

"Babe, i'm more dog than you'll ever be." Ryan said in a smirk.

(SMACK!)

Serena took offence to Ryan's statement, and using all the strength she had, slapped the cheeky werewolf, hard across the face.

"OW! Oh.." Ryan grunted in pain, holding the side of his face that got the impact.

"Whoa! Thattagirl, Serrie! Way ta give'em your girl powuh!" Dan cheered.

"Dan, are you bi?" Serena asked as she turned to face the dingo.

"Naw, i'm strictly a guy-guy kinda guy. I never fraternize with your gender."

(Click!)

"Hey! Take these cuffs off! Seriously, this isn't fun! Ryan!" the shepherd said, turning back to Ryan.

"Mm-mmm, can't do that. You struck an officer, Serena. Y'ain't getting outta those until tomorrow.

Another click was heard, as Dan took the cuffs off of the young woman using his own key.

"What the--" Ryan exclaimed.

"Thanks, Dan." she said.

"No prob. Now let'em have it!" Dan said.

Serena shrieked as she tackled the werewolf and flipped him over. Kraig couldn't watch, or hear the sounds of scuffles and shouts coming from the two, so he had his hands over his ears while Dan covered his eyes. Rick decided to watch out of curiousity.

"Well, I guess that's Ry's present-- an ass-whuppin' from a girl." Dan said as the scuffle ended with Serena swiftly kicking the werewolf in a spot that would be very sore for months.

"Officer down!" Rick guffawed.

"Aw, Rick, that's worse than the homeless jokes you were pullin' earlier today." Dan said.

"Hey, can't expect a trucker tuh be nice all the time, can yuh?"

"Have fun sleepin' in the dirt, Officer." Serena said before going in Dan's tent.

"Jam Crumpt, that was a show. Can't believe you got your butt tanned by a girl! But come on, up you go, now, that's it." Rick said, helping the werewolf to his feet.

"Hopefully this 'minor disagreement' didn't ruin Christmas for you, Kraig." Dan said.

"Well, maybe a little."

Dan sighed. "All this time, i tried to make this the perfect Christmas for you, hun. I'm really sorry if these two lug-nuts screwed it up."

"Don't worry, Dan, You didn't mess up completely." Kraig replied.

"Oh?" Dan said.

"Damn, that was uncalled for!" Ryan exclaimed. "Agh, right in the- Ohh-ho-ho!"

"Well, all i gotta say is, you kicked off the chain reaction there when you approached her." Rick told him.

"You okay, there, Ry?" Dan asked.

"Does it look like i'm okay?!" Ryan snarled.

"Maybe you should sleep it off. Er, if you want, you can use my sleeping bag."

"Thanks, but i'll be alright."

"You sure? Gets pretty cold up here."

"Yeah, i'm good."

"Alright, if you say so." Dan told Ryan before turning to the fox.

"Ready for bed, Kraig?"

"What time is it?"

Dan looked at his watch. "Ooh, almost eleven now."

Kraig nodded before looking at Ryan, who was laying on the grass with his back turned to them, then back at Dan.

"Unless you were going to suggest we sleep with mister DuBon over there." Dan said, watching for any sign of intent from the fox, whose eyes glistened in the moonlight. "A simple yes or no question, mind you, no pressure."

"It is Christmas after all, so ah, what the hell?"

"Kraig? remember that little talk we had about the language, now."

"Why? You guys use it all the time. S'like Rick not being able to sleep in his truck, 'cause I told him not to!"

"Well, you sure know how to win an arguement, Kraig. Just don't overdo it, okay?"

"Okay, I'll keep it to a minimum."

Dan and Kraig went over to Ryan. "Ry?"

The werewolf opened an eye. "Hmm?"

"Would you mind Kraig and I sleepin' with you?

"Why? you got your tent over there."

"Kraig kinda feels bad that you're sleeping out here by yourself, and offered to give you a little company."

"Guess that's one offer I can't refuse, now, can I."

"So, how're we doing this? All on the ground, or..." Kraig asked.

"Au Naturale, right on the grass."

"Uh, what if one of us.. uh, y'know?" the fox said, wondering what would happen if one of them sprung a boner while asleep.

"If it makes you more comfortable, I can put my boxers back on."

Kraig and Dan looked at each other.

"This Christmas is starting to take another turn for the akward, isn't it?" Kraig stated.

"Yuh, 'fraid so."

"Okay, I'll put my pants back on." Ryan said as he did so. "There. Better?"

"Very much." Kraig said. "No akwardness on this camping trip."

"Oh, and Dan?" Ryan said before they laid on the grass.

"Yeah, Ry?"

"I was at Serena's when that 'thing' happened in the restroom."

Dan's jaw dropped, then closed. "Huh, I didn't even see you."

"I was off-duty when it happened. But I didn't go into the diner, I just topped off my tank. I do check through Craighslist from time to time, looking for any suspicious postings for any illegal activities."

"So, I guess that means you read my post, then, didja?" Dan asked, somewhat worried.

"Yes, I saw your little 'service' post, and as far as male prostitution goes, you were running a pretty legit operation. You sure know your stuff."

"Aw, thanks."

"And I heard about Lupo's 'early retirement'."

Dan gulped upon hearing that the cop knew about the wolf's death.

"Poor guy. Kraig sure is lucky you were around. You.. had nothing to do with Lupo Naikomaks' suicide, did you?"

"No, I wasn't involved. I had broken my leg, so he and Kraig took me in, and let me stay until it was healed." Dan replied in a calm, relaxed tone.

"How did you do that?"

"Motorcycle accident. I was on my way to my next customer, but then I took a windshield to the face."

"And I'm assuming, from what you said earlier, that it was Lupo's car you crashed into? I won't ask if you had any alcohol beforehand, I believe you were sober."

"Y-Yeah, but i wasn't speeding, my rear tire blew out."

"Hmm... So you were just riding along when your tire went, then what?"

"I know how to pull a stoppie on a chopper, so I did that, but then I hit a rough patch of pavement that made the front tire lock up, catapulting me into his car."

"You are very lucky to have survived that."

"I know... I get that comment every time I tell that story."

"Well, I gotta get some shuteye, riding without a good nights' rest is the carbon copy of riding under the influence."

"Okay, night, Ry."

_ =====CONTINUED IN PART TWO===== _