Beneath The Full Moon Chapter one

Story by Jason_Magicman on SoFurry

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Welcome friends to Part 1 of a New series i am Writing, not just any series, but a Were series. This is a series i have been juggling around for a while now, never really had any inspiration until recently and now that I do? This will become a reality

I am VERY proud of this piece, i thought I captured a lot of emotion, drama, action, fear well you'll read all about it.


"Why can't you act your age?" I heard the crash of porcelain and I winced, knowing my mother had just smashed another plate. I let out a deep sigh. Why couldn't she just hit him instead? No need to destroy all our dishes. I sat down on my bed and picked up a red and blue striped shirt and folded it up. In just a few hours I would be relaxing with my buddy Aster on our big camping trip! I grinned as I set the shirt down on the bed and grabbed a large black suitcase and opened it, placing the folded shirt inside. I'd been looking forward to this trip for months, finally a chance to get away from this disaster zone that living with my parents. I heard another crash and groaned. At this rate all we would have left would be paper plates and plastic bowls. I clamped my suitcase shut and set it down on the floor before looking in my mirror. For an 18 year old fox, I was pretty lean, I wasn't into body building like some of my friends were, though they have tried, I just couldn't put on muscle like them and eventually I stopped trying for it. I didn't mind being a lean guy, it was easier than having to work out every day to maintain a muscular physique. I grinned excitedly as I grabbed my car keys off my dresser and picked up my suitcase. I wasn't even out my bedroom door when another crash was heard. "You belong in a padded room!" I groaned, moving down the hall and into the living room. I set my suitcase down and walked into the kitchen and stooped down just as a glass cup whizzed over my head and shattered against the wall. "God you two are awful! Do ever wonder why I never bring people over?" I yelled loudly enough for both of them to quit fighting for a moment and look at me. I stood up and gave them both a hug. "Seriously I don't think I'd have a friend left after they came over here, anyways I wanted to tell you I am heading out now, and it'll take a couple hours to get to the Okanogan National Forest." My mom hugged me and stared into my eyes. "Sorry Samuel, but you know how it is for us." I rolled my eyes, having heard this same excuse hundreds of times before. "Yea I know, I don't have time for the "opposites attract" speech though I need to go." My dad placed his hand on my shoulder. "You be careful out there, it can get dangerous at night." I gave a mock sigh of frustration. "I know dad, but I'll be fine, I mean after all I am going with Aster" I smiled, Aster was my best friend, but he was also the biggest Husky that I knew of, he is only a couple inches taller than me, but he pumps weights or a living and is at least twice my width. A fact he often likes to bring up, not that I mind; he is a big goofball sometimes. I stepped back from my parents; my mom had another glass cup clenched in her hand and I began backing out of the room. "I'll see you guys in a few days." I hurried back into the living room and grabbed my suitcase, but I couldn't even grab the doorknob before I heard that glass cup shatter and their arguing picked up again.

I sighed and walked out the door pulling it shut behind me. I stowed my suitcase into the back seat of my 2010 Honda Accord. It was a small car, silver in color, but I didn't need a very big car, plus I'd gotten a great deal buying it used and saved a lot of the money I'd earned working in a local newspaper business. Looking back, I suppose it was worth it spending all those hours lugging paperwork and memos around. I started up the card and slowly eased out of my driveway and onto the street. Three hours rumbled by slowly, the car ride was long, hot an uneventful. My legs were cramped from driving in the same position so long when I finally got to the forest I parked on the side of the road and stretched, feeling my joint popping and I let out a loud sigh of relief. I looked up at the main entrance to the national park that housed the forest. I almost let out a loud whoop, but I held it in, giggling to myself. I couldn't wait to go exploring, there were lots of trails and caves to explore, lakes and streams to check out, and at night I could lay out and stare up into the sky by a nice campfire. I finished stretching and pulled into the parking area for cars and I hopped out, grabbing my suitcase from the backseat. I was nearly jumping up and down the path as I walked to a large cabin and knocked on the door. A wolf answered the door, he had dark grey fur, with it darkening further up on his head. "How can I help you?" He was wearing an official park ranger's uniform, a camouflaged vest and tan shorts. I smiled "I am here to meet my friend Aster, I believe he already set up our stay here?" The wolf nodded curtly and walked inside, leaving me standing there for a couple minutes before returning. "First I need to check your driver's license for identification. I have the reservation listed for one Aster Moresby and one Samuel Leonard." I nodded and set my suitcase down, reaching into my jeans pocket and grabbing my wallet, pulling out my driver's license and handed it to him. "That's me." The wolf nodded and handed it back to me after examining it for a minute. I slid my license back into my wallet and returned it to my pocket. "Alright, the reservation has you set for the Grouse Mountain Springs camping area." The wolf handed me a small map detailing the trails to take to take to get me there. "Just stick to this and you should be fine, also I need to remind campers that you shouldn't stray off the paths unless you know have a way of getting back, don't go exploring after dark, don't leave your food out where feral animals can get to it, and don't leave your campgrounds after 8, especially tonight with it being the full moon." that last little comment threw me off a bit. "What does the full moon have to do with staying near the campgrounds after dark?" The wolf didn't answer my question, instead choosing to completely ignore it. "I hope you enjoy your stay here." The wolf returned to the cabin, shutting the door and leaving me confused. "Well.... that was weird..." I shrugged and looked at the map. Judging from where I was, I could get to the camp grounds in about forty minutes, which would give me an hour to get camp set up before Aster was supposed to get here and we would have our first cookout. I picked up my suitcase and hopped down the stairs, moving down onto the path and walking.

The scenery was amazing, the lush green grass and beautiful trees that towered over my head, the smells were wonderful and besides the chirping of the local wildlife it was peaceful, a great change from back home and I grinned, laughing excitedly. The paths to follow were simple enough, with only two forks along the way, but with my map I knew exactly where to go. I yawned as I finally reached the camp grounds. it was a small clearing with a couple of red tents already pitched near the back of the clearing, though I didn't hear anyone. I found a nice spot with some shaded area for the tents and I opened my suitcase, grabbing my miniature tent setup. It wasn't big, only room enough for two, though as big Aster was, I'd have to curl up just to fit, so I hoped he brought his own tent this time. It only took me a little while to fishing putting together and nailing the stake into the ground. I wiped my forehead and grabbed the bottle of water I packed from my suitcase. I hadn't brought much food with me, only a few snacks while I waited for Aster. After drinking some of my water I sat down against a tree, a yawn escaped my lips. I suppose It wouldn't hurt to take a little nap, after all I did have a long trip. Another particularly loud yawn escaped as I dozed off, snoring softly shaded by the tree. A howl off in the distance woke me up and I shot forward, almost collapsing onto my tent and I yawned, slowing opening my eyes... and found darkness had settled. I was confused; I thought I'd only been sleeping for a couple hours... where the heck was Aster? I pulled out my cell phone. It was almost midnight where the hell was he?! I hit speed dial and my phone connected to his house phone, ringing several times before I heard a groggy "hello??..." I gave a small cough of irritation. "Aster, do you know where I am at the moment? Sitting in the dark at Okanogan Forest waiting for you! Why are you still home?" I heard some shuffling as I guess he sat up. "Little Bro I tried calling you earlier, but you didn't pick up. I won't be able to make it until tomorrow, the battery in my truck is shot and I had to get it replaced." I sighed frustrated. "Are you kidding me? That means I am stuck out here on my own all night! Seriously can't believe my luck..." I groaned and heard a stifled laugh from Aster on the other line. "Bro calm down its just one night." I felt like hanging up on him. "I'm in a forest on my own, in a place I've never been to before, and I count on you to be here, see if I ever go on a trip with you again." This incited more laughter. "Bro you'll be fine, that park is extremely safe, there hasn't been any disappearances there for almost twenty years."

"What disappearances?" I gave a soft growl. Aster was getting a big kick out of my paranoia; I was going to get him back for this. "Bro just calm down, you're perfectly safe as long as you stay in the camp grounds, you can do that right?" I was so mad at Aster right now. "I'm not a child Aster I can take care of myself!" I hung up the phone and slid it into my bag. He was probably laughing it up at my expense right now and I grabbed a small bag of crackers and tore into them. "Who needs him..." I muttered angrily scarfing down the crackers and drinking the last of my water from the bottle. Then I heard it again, a long loud howl and I stood up looking around. It seemed to echo around the area, but it felt strongest just northeast of me. "He expects me to believe it's safe here with wolves so close to the camp site? I am going to kick his ass for this." I grabbed my flashlight and wandered around a bit, towards the direction that the howl emanated, but I stopped at the edge of the clearing. I knew I wasn't supposed to go any farther, so I shined my flashlight out in the distance, but aside from startling some small animals I didn't see any wolves. I started turning to head back to my tent when I heard a louder howl this time, though it sounded mournful and... in pain? I looked out again. "Great, so I am stuck out here alone and with a wolf who has gotten injured... isn't this just wonderful!" I looked out into the woods again... I wasn't supposed to leave the area, but could I really live with myself if I let that wolf get hurt worse or die? I moved into the woods slowly, it was cooler here under the shade of the trees. The darkness gave this place an eerie feel to it. I shivered, moving slowly in the direction of the howl... As I walked I heard scuffling and growls. Were these wolves fighting? Each step closer seemed more and more like a bad idea to me, but I was so curious. I stopped at some bushes and took a listen. Just further off I could heard their growling, it was deeper more menacing and I shuddered. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea..." The growling grew closer and I shined my flashlight into the bushes and area beyond, but I didn't see anything. I moved closer, stepping into the bushes and let out a cry of surprise as I felt only air and I slid down a steep hill landing in a small heap. "Agh... isn't that great..."

I groaned softly, sitting up. My heart pounded in my chest, this is what I get for not watching my footing. I moved to pick myself up when I heard the snarls only a couple feet from me and I froze. I could definitely pick out two distinct growls now, there was loud scuffling and thumps on the ground and I crawled forward. Coming to a small treeless area and I gasped. Standing facing each other, huge hulking forms, one a wolf and another a fox. They lashed out at each other, biting and snarling. Their eyes glowed with fury and blood lust. The wolf charged in to swipe at the fox, but the fox stopped him like he was nothing, grasping his claw and slamming the wolf into the ground with a hard thud and I winced. What were these two? They didn't look feral animals and I'd never seen such brutality from normal anthros. It didn't seem possible, but my mind strayed towards the ideas these could be... lycanthropes. "Are these... No, lycans are just a myth they aren't supposed to be real." And yet there they stood, attacking each other mercilessly and without hesitation, but as I watched I noticed that neither of them struck to kill, they didn't leave any real deep wounds, it was almost as if they were sparring. The wolf would lash out, but never using the full extent of his claws or teeth, and the fox most of the time would deflect, using the wolf's momentum to counter attack. It was exhilarating watching them fight, two great forces clashing, but neither really hurting another. I didn't know how long I'd been sitting there watching, but eventually the wolf backed off, uttering a low growl and disappearing into a thicket of trees and was gone. The fox stood there, staring up into the sky and I figured it was time I found my own way back so I began standing up, trying to stay low so he wouldn't notice me, but I tripped landing on a branch which gave with a solid crack and my entire body went rigid. Slowly my eyes tilted up and I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. The fox was staring right at... me. A million thoughts were rushing through my head, but they came to a screeching halt when he took a step closer. My brain was screaming for me to run, to get away from this beast. I backed up, he got closer and closer, my heart felt like it would explode and I spun on my heels running back to the hill and I dug my paws into the dirt, trying to scramble up the side. Each step was a monumental task as I clawed at the ground, but I felt my heart stop when I felt the sharp claws tear into my shirt and haul me back and sent my tumbling out into the opening, my shirt in tatters. The fox was now only a few inches from me. I could see the piercing gaze of his ice blue eyes. I backed up, wincing a bit from the impact. The fox moved closer, I could see his claws his teeth, the hulking muscles rippling under his fur. I felt my back hit a tree and I felt whimpered. The creature moved in closer, his hot breath washed over me and a cry of fear escaped my lips. The fox growled low, his face a mere couple inches from mine. My mind was reeling, every thought told me to run, to fight back, to try and get away, but I was paralyzed with fear.

He moved in closer, so close now I could feel his immense body heat. it radiated off of him like a furnace, and I felt like I was struggling to breath. As his jaws began opening a cry of pure uninhibited fear slipped out, I recoiled. Oh god, I'm going to die... this creature is going to kill me, he is going to tear me up to consume me... my eyes clenched shut, awaiting the first attack, but instead I felt a hot slimy lick up my neck and my cheek. It sent white hot sparks of electricity surging through my body. My eyes slowly opened as I felt his hot breath wash across my face, bringing with it a slight chill from where his saliva drenched my face. Was... was he tasting me? Deciding whether or not to eat me? When I looked into his eyes, they weren't the eyes of something predatorial, or something hungry, they seemed almost...gentle. I backed up as much as I could, but I shuddered when he placed his hand on my chest, his hand hot against my skin and fur, I could feel the tips of his claws and he leaned in. This is it, this is where I am going to be killed, having my throat torn out by this creature. What I didn't expect was a deep rumbling from his chest, it wasn't a growl... it sounded like he was murring. It sent more shocks of electricity through my body, my fingers and toes tingled with it and as I looked at him, he pressed his lips to mine and my breath stopped, my heart felt like it had been given a shot of adrenaline. It pumped hard and fast, my whole body felt like it was shuddering with this energy. What was happening to me? I was being... kissed by this creature, how could something so wrong cause such a reaction from me. The creature took this increase in energy as a sign to continue, pressing against me, deepening the kiss, my body felt like it was on fire and a small moan rose up from my throat. I could hear the intake of breath and I felt a hand read down sliding behind my back and I pulled against the creature, I didn't know how to react... His body was so hot, it felt like I was in an oven. I could hear the beating of his heart, steady and strong, as weird as it was.. it comforted me, I wasn't gripped by mortal fear, only... a soothing heat. slowly the creature broke the kiss, lowering me back down to the ground slowly and he nuzzled my shoulder, I could feel the air rushing into his nose as he breathed in my scent and it made me blush, then the sharp intense agony as the creature bit into my shoulder and I cried out in shock and pain. I could feel hot blood pumping from my shoulder. I wanted to scream, but i was so dizzy and everything seemed to be spinning as the creature moved his teeth from my shoulder, lapping up the spilt blood and he seized me, slinging me over his shoulder. my head rested against his back and I stared almost dreamily back from I came from, the shredded remains of my shirt, and my lost flashlight the only sign I'd ever been there as I closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep.

Chapter One Finished...