FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

A flash of white light bounces between the valley walls for only a fleeting second, disrupting my view for a brief moment. The arcing light heralds a rumbling peel of thunder that seems amplified by the surrounding mountains. A scattering of raindrops pelt the ground in front of me, my shadowy recess protecting me from the inclement weather that batters the world of light.

I sense Satu beside me, observing through the murky portal of our shadow realm. There are other Umbra around, flitting through the shadows, but Satu alone stays close to me.

We spot a target. A bronze scaled lookout. He crouches in low foliage, at the crest of a nearby hill, observing the road.

Pulling away from the window-portal, I glance around the world of shadow, trying to find a closer spot to step out of and ambush the dragonkin. The cloudy skies dull both light and shadow, leaving me few routes between the worlds. I leave Satu to handle it, watching as he momentarily scans the area before stepping out into the light.

With a quick gesture in the air, he sends a tiny pinpoint of light towards the target. The speck of magic halts near the bronze dragonkin, who continues to scan the road, unaware of any disturbance.

Stepping back into the shadows, Satu wills himself to where the magic speck lingered in the world of light, trying to gauge the distance. I follow closely, waiting for the moment to strike.

After a few seconds of anticipation, the shadows around us blacken from the now-ignited mote in the real world. The tiny speck has blazed into a bright sphere of light. At that same moment, the shadow of the dragonkin explodes into luminescence, and I fling myself through it.

Appearing behind the astonished lookout, I slip my katars into his body, the enchantment on the ebon steel causing his flesh to part willingly. The breath falls from his lungs in a silent, agonized scream, blood dripping onto the moist grass below. I let him fall to the ground, withdrawing my weapons, sensing Satu step out from my own shadow. With a flick of his finger, the blazing mote of light is extinguished, hopefully before it drew any attention.

It is strange. Warriors of the shadows wielding light as a weapon... of sorts. Ironic, perhaps, but effective. That is the third lookout that we have slain with such a technique.

Columns of Serysian solders trudge through the rain, following the winding road. They had held position further back along the path, waiting for a signal from the Umbra. No doubt they were just given the all-clear by one that had witnessed us slay the closest lookout. Positioned at various points along the formation, Serysian magi march alongside, holding their spells at the ready.

Skandar is among the soldiers at the front of the formation, his armor more richly decorated than the others. He sees us and signals us over. With the stormy cloud cover leaving no clean shadows to traverse, we are forced to walk on our own two legs. It's surprising how quickly I've gotten used to jumping from shadow to shadow. It's so much faster than simply walking, the speed is a little thrilling.

"Ses, Umbra. (Good)" Skandar acknowledges us with a nod of his head. "Serta serat, dragonkin sothosa. Su Umbra serat surta, sotho? (We'll arrive soon, and battle the dragonkin. Can the Umbra engage them during the battle?)"

"Sat. (Yes)" Satu replies with a curt nod.

"Nesat. (Go)" Skandar says before turning to inspect the troops behind him.

Torches begin to alight among the soldiers, casting chaotic shadows all around the environment. Some of the mages don looks of utter concentration, as if they are scrutinizing something entirely in their minds. Now bathed in precious shadow, Satu and I slip back into the world of darkness.

We make our way west, loosely following each others silhouettes and trying not to get lost in the shadowless and windowless void of grey. A brief moment of careful mental travel later, the dull shadows give way a network of illumination: The palace. The torches burning inside and out of the complex give us a multitude of passages between worlds. Some are cast by the shadows of guards, others simply by the environment. There are so many - countless methods in and out of the palace - and I am awe-struck over the sheer possibilities of our shadow-borne powers. It would be so trivial to slip into the palace and place a blade into someone's heart. They could have killed anyone, at any time, and nobody would know who to blame. None in the empire know of these Umbran powers, as far as I am aware. It's amazing that the Serysians have not taken advantage of such an opportunity... yet.

Hidden in the shadows, Satu and I take positions to observe the beginning of the conflict. Other Umbra place themselves at various illuminated windows, waiting for the opportunity to strike.

Serysian soldiers march down the road, slowly coming into view of the palace. Alarms are cried out, the sound muffled into near-silence to my ears as it crosses through the realms. A host of dragonkin rush out of the palace doors, joining their brethren outside and arraying themselves in a solid line along the eastern walls of the palace. Sheets of rain now cascade down from the skies, drenching the world beneath.

The Serysians respond in kind, the elite serpents forming the center of their battle line, flanked by less organized and equipped furred-ones and non-serpent reptiles. The mages take positions along the front, subtly weaving azure strands of magic as they prepare for combat. The dragonkin are outnumbered, but they appear tenacious and loyal. This is probably the majority of the imperial guards within the palace, and they may very well fight to the death.

I hear shouts, but I can't make out what they're saying. I spot one notable, familiar figure, and unfortunately, he seems to be the one in charge. The large, intimidating figure of my former advisor, Tor'ko, stands at the head of the battle lines, no doubt spitting threats at the invading Serysians.

In only a moment, the battle is joined. A concentrated volley of fire is flung from the dragonkin lines, only to be deflected by the barrier that suddenly erupted from the hands of the frontline mages. Undaunted, the fiery assault continues, impacting the shimmering shield and exploding harmlessly in the air. At an order from Skandar, some of the irregular units draw their bows, hurling a volley of counter-fire towards the dragonkin. The arrows cut through the curtain of rain, but are knocked out of the air by coordinated blasts from the dragons. Swirls of wind slice through the air, scattering raindrops and arrows alike and leaving both sides entirely uninjured from their exchange.

Seeing the futility of a protracted skirmish, both sides ready their weapons. With a booming shout, Tor'ko whirls his large, two-handed sword, the wide blade cutting through the air, and leads a charge into the Serysian lines. In an instant, the translucent barrier dissipates, and the mages weave crimson flame before themselves, casting large, steaming fireballs into the advancing dragons. Most sidestep or dodge the rolling salvo, but some unfortunate souls are seared by the arcane fire.

Whips of lightning and blasts of pure arcane energy issue from the Serysian casters, cutting down more dragonkin under the magical onslaught. The dragons respond with a scattering of fire; most are deflected with hastily erected arcane screens, but one unfortunate younger mage is struck by several crimson bolts and collapses to the ground, his reptilian face twisted in agony as his body burns from dragonfire.

There is no time to save the poor mage as the two sides rapidly enter into melee. The frontline mages step back, replaced by battle-ready serpent warriors, who descend into the chaos of open combat.

I scan the scene of the battle, looking for Tor'ko. Already, my Umbran comrades jump onto the fringes of the enemy lines, slipping through the network of shadows cast by the torchlight to strike before disappearing again. Although I can only see the shadowy silhouette of Satu in this world, I can feel his anxious gaze upon me. Turning my head, I nod at him, hoping that the motion is perceptible in the shadows. His inky black form turns towards our portal to the realm of light, his gaze shifting from me to the battle outside.

The large figure of my former advisor is visible in the combat, and I prepare myself to step into the midst of the conflict to confront him. A creeping sense of fear grows within me as I soar towards the combat, shadowy silhouettes dancing throughout the realm, the network of light and darkness offering me many flickering doorways into the battle. I attempt to banish the increasing sense of dread inside me, but between the thoughts of Satu and I risking our lives, and the fact that I am going into open combat against my kin, I cannot seem to shake the feeling.

Launching myself, I slip through a corridor between the realms, coming into the rainy real world a short distance behind Tor'ko. The battle rages around me, the sound of shouts, clashing steel, and woven magic filling the air. I wince at the volume, no longer shielded by the barrier between worlds. The organized lines of each side have faltered and given way to chaos, but it is clear that the Serysians hold the advantage.

"Yaaa!" A murderous shout sounds from beside me.

I turn, bringing a katar up to block the incoming blade. Metal rings through the air, accompanied by a small flare of azure as the enchantment on my weapon repels the opposing steel. For a brief moment, I lock gazes with my assailant. His dull grey eyes peer at me, surprised but undaunted at my appearance and laced with killer intent. His weapon is forced back by my magic-enhanced parry, throwing him off balance and making him easy prey. In a single heartbeat, my katar slips into his unprotected throat, passing through scale and severing bone. Blood fountains down his neck, painting his chest a sickening crimson.

He falls to the ground, limp and unmoving, a look of abject horror frozen on his face as he chokes out his final breath.

"Lord Zerius!" I hear a darkly familiar voice calling from a few feet away. Tor'ko's stare pierces through the chaos, his weapon soaked in the blood of his enemies. "You've changed."

I turn to fully face my former advisor, sparring partner, and... perhaps he was once a friend as well. The battle seems to dim around us, isolating the two of us into our own personal arena. As I search my thoughts, I know there will be no option but to fight him, and I grip my katars tightly.

"Tor'ko. Tell me. Are you truly my enemy?"

He twirls his sword loosely in his hand, handling the large blade of steel as if it were light as a feather. "It appears so. I still hold my loyalty to the Emperor; you have thrown yours away. Discarded it as if it meant nothing."

I bend my joints, ready to spring at any moment. "I am not here to discuss this. I will sever the cancerous head of the empire to preserve the body. If you will stand in my way, then you are my enemy."

Tor'ko's face twists into anger. He raises his blade, booming a battle cry as he takes several long strides towards me. A flash of lightning illuminates the battleground, obscuring my sight for a critical second. Acting on instinct, I cross my katars above me, my vision returning just as the heavy blade of my opponent slides between them. I wince, the weight of the weapon forcing me down despite the efforts of my enchanted blades.

"I respected you!" Tor'ko spits out the words, saliva spraying onto my face. "But you're nothing but a traitor! A heart as black as your damned scales!"

Rage bubbles up inside me, causing me to regain my footing as I use the strength to push back against the attack. My hands tremble as they hold the edge of his sword at bay inches away from my head.

Memories of my decision - the choice not to bring him with me to the shrine, flashes through my mind. I knew all along that he would not have sided with us. He would only have brought harm. And yet, I feel regret. I wish it had not come to this.

I voice the conclusion of my thoughts, wavering with resignation. "I was right about you, Tor'ko. You are a fool!"

Summoning all of my strength, I spring upwards, forcing his sword back and stepping forward to follow through with a fatal strike. He is prepared, however, and proves faster than I expected. Using the momentum of his deflected weapon, he slides back, just out of range of my attack. Bringing his arms around, he attempts to sever my head from my body in a single deadly sweep. I duck under the bloodied blade, narrowly keeping my head attached as I close the distance with a lunging step. He brings his blade back around, but I bat it away with both weapons, nearly losing my balance in the process.

Sliding up close to him, I thrust a leg upwards, my claws raking across his snout and cracking his chin. His head snaps back from the strike, and his eyes lose focus momentarily. He always said I was going to cause damage some day, and that day is today.

Whirling around, my blades arc across his chest, leaving large, bloody gashes along his armor. His metal breastplate is no barrier to my magically-keen weapons; it peels away as if it were made of paper.

He roars in pain, his blade plummeting towards me in a desperate strike. I step aside, the blade whipping past and sinking into the wet ground beside me, but I feel the impact of a large fist on my head that sends my vision spinning.

As I stagger backwards, trying to collect myself, Tor'ko stomps towards me, his blade left impaled in the mud behind him. He flings his arm out in a sweeping hook and I raise a hand to hastily block it. One of my katars is knocked off, spinning away into the ground, my bare hand left sore from deflecting the forceful punch. Gripping my remaining weapon tightly, I grit my teeth and prepare for the next attack.

Tor'ko wears a menacing expression, his face pulled taut with pain and rage. He pulls an arm back for another punch.

A flash of lightning. The bolt streaks down from the clouds behind my imposing aggressor, striking some unknown point in the scenery. In that moment, I am gone.

The white of the lightning fades and thunder roars across the field. The shadows return to normal, torchlight casting webs of black all around, the orange of the flickering fire mixing with the flecks of crimson blood on the grass. In that moment, I appear.

Tor'ko gasps as he feels his life blood draining from him. My katar pierces through his back and lies nestled in his heart. I feel it struggling to beat, thumping weakly and forcing blood to leak down onto my hand. Soon, the ruined organ gives way to stillness.

The large, ruby dragonkin sways slightly before falling towards the ground. I catch him, lowering his exceptional weight as gently as I can to the soaked grass below. I toss my bloodstained katar aside, feeling Tor'ko's sticky blood between my fingers.

He stares up at me from the ground, a stream of crimson oozing out of his gaping mouth, agony and disbelief written on his face. I gaze down at him, my heart aching at what I've done, despite everything telling me that this had to happen. I've only thought of Tor'ko as a friend, a companion, assistant, and sometimes rival. I've spent so much time as Prefect talking with him, sparring with him, and simply having him at my side. Although we never fully connected, he was always there, a sympathetic ear amidst as sea of prejudice. He had seen past my scales and my birth, and respected my ability. As the thrill of combat fades, I am filled with regret and sorrow.

I whisper the only words that I can muster. "... I'm sorry, Tor'ko."

He stares up at me, facing his own mortality. In the moments before his death, his pain and anger fades into sadness... and peace.

"Zer...ius... I'm..." His mouth hangs on the last word as his eyes glaze over, the life snuffed out of them.

I stare into his empty eyes for what feels like an eternity, the battle around me fading into nothingness.

I feel like a fool. I am weak, showing such emotion for someone I've never truly cared for. And yet... he was one of the few dragonkin that I've ever thought of as a friend. And now he is dead, slain by my own hand, using the powers given to me by his enemies.

What have I done?

"Zerius!" A shout echoes, and a dark figure steps beside me, parrying a blow aimed at my head.

Satu turns his head towards me, holding my attacker at bay. "Zerius! Nesat!"

I snap out of my reverie, the sounds of combat returning to my ears. My task is done, their leader is slain, and soon the dragonkin will collapse. Reaching to collect my stray katars, I rise to my feet.

"Sat, nesat!" I pull my arm back.

Without another word, Satu slides away from his opponent, whirling into a shadow and fading out of sight. I thrust my arm at the now-exposed assailant, striking him with a searing bolt of flame and sending him to the ground before I quickly follow behind my companion.

I mindlessly follow Satu's dark silhouette through the shadows, my thoughts occupied by a whirl of mixed, gloomy emotions.

---

I stand in the field before the imposing carved structure of the breeding caves. Most of the besieging soldiers have moved on, led by their captains away from their makeshift camps to return to the palace. I have agreed to follow them, but I find myself hesitant to leave the caves behind so quickly.

A cold, stormy breeze rolls over the plains. The kiss of wind graces my scales and flutters my clothing. Stray drops of rainfall patter the ground around me with staccato rhythm, with only a few dropping on my robes or exposed scales. Divine power continues to wash over me, and I relish the sensation. Despite channeling this power for nearly an hour, I feel no fatigue. It is a part of me now, the energy and spark within me having fully merged with my soul. I am not sure I could dismiss it even if I wanted, now.

"Ren?" My mind calls out, hoping for a response.

Nothing. Only the sounds of the rough breeze in my ears, and the rumbling of distant thunder.

"Are you there? Ren?" Another attempt, though I am already resigned to the truth.

A moment of silence passes. I reflect on Ren's final words.

It is my power now. The shard of the Divine Dragon within me has made peace, and passed the spark onto me. Nothing will stand in my way now. Not even Shen.

"Goodbye, Long Ren. I hope you found your peace."

Another moment of silence, this one of mourning. I reflect on the words Ren had spoken to me, during the time he was harbored within my consciousness. The hatred he once showed that had turned into respect, companionship, and finally to peaceful, though sad, resignation. He was great and wise, fitting for a deity of his status. I feel at fault for his passing, though I try to tell myself that there was little I could do.

Our time together, while brief, was something I will never forget. I will miss him.

I turn back to face the looming caverns, now free from the siege. The entrances are still blocked, and I see many females peering out of the countless windows of the rock face. Among them, I spot my mother, as well as Aris.

At the sight of those two, my heart sinks. There is more I wish to do here, more things I want to say, to both my mother and Aris. But there is no time for such things, now.

My mother looks on with a sad expression - Why? I wish she would simply smile. I want to shout to her, to say something to ease her despair, but as before, the words do not come. If she knew I was rushing off to save Rel, she would not approve. On that subject alone, we may never agree. The words do not come, but it also feels as if there is nothing to say.

Aris... looking down on me from her perch, she looks concerned... and yet, happy. As if the mere sight of me is enough to make her smile. I am sorry, Aris. I do not know if I can return your affections the way you want me to. My heart is with Rel. And... I cannot let you become fixated on me. That goes against your duty as a young, fertile female. It will only bring you pain.

The array of females remain vigilant over the fields, hesitant to lower their guard just yet. With a wave of my hand, I turn around and begin my journey southwards, trying to catch up with the soldiers that have gone ahead. If my mother or Aris returns my wave, I do not look back to find out.

---

The western edge of the palace grounds is thankfully devoid of guards. The few that remain on patrol quickly fall prey to our sleep-toxin. Not long after that, the gate sentries lie face down in the dirt, unconscious. We have become bold and reckless as we journeyed further east, the sight of the palace instilling urgency and purpose to our actions. If there are any guards in the towers or along the walls, they make no attempts to stop us. Perhaps the play has already begun, and we are slipping in from behind the stage.

Our party is gathered at the gates, preparing ourselves for any further combat. We have lost a few stalwart warriors in skirmishes on our way here, but we are still a dozen strong. Ash has recovered as well, though she is stiff and sore from her burns. Tenbeak himself has taken dragon steel to his arm during an unfortunate encounter on the outskirts. Our healing salve can only do so much, so it has left a large, ugly scar that parts his feathers and continues to cause him pain. I silently hope that Zuro'ki and Rel'zeo have arrived and are doing battle inside. Not only to simply see them again, if they still live, but... I am not sure if we could handle the entirety of the garrison, much less Shen in his divine state.

Tenbeak approaches me, his feathery digits absently wandering up to his stubborn wound.

"<We are here now, we have done what no Feithiro has dared attempt.>" His song is quiet but stern. "<What do you intend, Chief?>"

I hesitate. He knows we are here to kill Shen, so why does he ask this question? A peel of thunder rolls past the land as I stand and contemplate my response.

I offer a plain answer. "<We are going to kill Shen'zuka. You know this.>"

He nods. "<Yes, but now I have seen the state that the Empire is currently in. The scaled ones are fighting themselves, and this can only benefit us. I see removing their leader as a service to them at best. This is why I ask, what do you intend?>"

I swallow hard. He has guessed that my motivations are not what I have led them to be. A scattering of raindrops begin pelting the surrounding structures, the tapping sound of the rainfall gradually filling the air.

"<I intend to slay the Emperor, and destabilize the dragonkin further.>" I reinforce my falsehoods through a lie, though it pains me to do so.

Tenbeak narrows his eyes, scanning me carefully. "<There is something more to this, Razortail. Our best course of action would be to let them destroy themselves. Either the Emperor lives, or his people eventually slay him. He is a weak leader to allow his empire to fall so far, so his death should not be a concern.>"

Ash looks on from nearby, watching carefully but holding her tongue. No doubt she wishes to spring forward and defend me, but she also knows that because Tenbeak is directly challenging me, I must prove myself and justify my actions, on my own, in my own words.

I stare at Tenbeak, standing firm before him. "<I trust my instincts on this. Leaving Shen in power is a mistake, and I have allies that fight against him even as we speak. I will not leave them stranded, just as I know they would not abandon me if I were in the same position.>"

Tenbeak shakes his head, a look of disgust on his face. "<As I thought, you have let this become personal. You do not think of your people first and foremost in taking this action. You risk lives, and cause death, to assist your scaled friends. I have followed you this far out of respect of your position, but no further.>"

I can barely believe he is willing to turn his back on me when we are at the very gates of our enemy. The other warriors seem to share his opinion, to my increasing disbelief. They glance around, averting their eyes from me, concerned that I have led them astray. How did I not notice their dissention until now? My beak hangs ajar for a brief moment before I collect myself.

"<I am your Chief. You have come this far, and now you intend to desert me?>"

Tenbeak directs his steely gaze straight at me. "<We will stay here and secure your escape if you insist on continuing inside, and we will accompany you if you wish to return home. We cannot abandon you, for we have more pride and honor than that, but we will not proceed further to pursue your personal goals.>"

Ash steps forward, unable to contain herself any longer. "<Tenbeak, you can't be serious.>"

I extend an arm towards her, motioning her to be silent. "<No, Ash. This is within Tenbeak's rights, though it does not please me. I will continue on alone.>" I do my best to quell the fear that threatens to creep into my musical song.

"<Not alone.>" Ash steps beside me, her smoky gray feathers still damaged from dragonfire. I expected her to come along regardless, and I know it is folly to tell her otherwise. Still, it serves to bolster my confidence a little.

I step towards the door, the eye of every warrior upon me as I ascend the short staircase. Before I realize it, I find myself looking for the young brave that had enthusiastically accompanied us on this task. I spot him, standing a short ways away from the group. He stares at me, his eyes dark and haunted. I stifle a gasp as I recoil from his gaze. I have crushed his innocence. He has seen too much ruthlessness and bloodshed in too short a time. I shake my head sadly before turning back to the door. Perhaps Tenbeak is right.

"<Thank you for coming with me this far, warriors. I pray that I might return, so that I may repay the favor.>"

With Ash at my side, I push the open great golden doors and quietly stride into the palace interior.

---

The sun is shining so brightly today.

I shade my eyes with a hand as I take in the surrounding countryside. The verdant hills roll onward with swaying green grass, sheltered by the skyward faces of the mountains that surround the valley. I take a deep breath, a gentle breeze ruffling my clothing as I relish the fresh morning air.

Satisfied with the view, I turn back to the cozy stone-and-wood hewed cabin, walking slowly towards the building that feels like my eternal home. The foundation is made completely of cobbled stone, with shafts of rock jutting upwards into the wood construction that makes up the rest of the structure. Glass windows dot the walls, giving me faint glimpses into the small but comfortable interior. It is a humble thing, but it is my home.

I spot my ivory-scaled lover as he steps out of the building to meet me. Simply the sight of him causes a smile to spread across my snout.

"Well, hello sleepy-lizard." I say to him, my smile growing wider.

"Hey." He replies, returning my smile with a cute one of his own. "What are you so happy about?"

I wrap him in my arms, staring into his eyes. "Oh, just... you." I peck him on the tip of his snout and he giggles, his cheeks briefly flushing red.

"Haha... is that so?" He inches his snout closer, and we share a slow, passionate kiss, playfully nibbling and gently nipping at each other.

My heart soars, and I wonder if I could ever be unhappy with this life. With Zuro'ki at my side, I feel complete.

After several blissful moments, we separate from our embrace.

"So, what are our plans today?" He slides his arms around my waist, looking up at me with his beautiful silver eyes.

"I thought we could just... stay home." I wrap myself around him and pull him close as I nuzzle his cheek.

"Mmm, I like that plan." He whispers softly, aware of the pleasurable implications of a day home with just the two of us.

Pure happiness and elation fills my entire being. I need nothing else in life aside from Zuro'ki's companionship. He lightens my heart and stirs me from my very core. From the first time I met him, I had waited for this day to come. We are free, free to love, free to live. I want to shout out my happiness to the world!

Instead, I offer a simple, heartfelt expression to the one that I care about the most.

"I love you, Zu."

He looks at me and smiles, his lovely silver eyes glittering in the sunlight.

"I love you too, Rel."

He takes my hand, and we slowly stride to the doorway of our home.

As I cross the threshold, the image of my idyllic life seems to twist and morph before my eyes. The interior of the cabin is a cold, dark room, thick with the unpleasant scent of blood. Chains rattle from my movement, the metal suspending me above the ground by my wrists. Puddles of dark crimson layer the floor underneath me, the slimy ichor having no means of escape from the room as it fills the air with its unwanted stench.

The reality of my situation dawns on me once again, and the happiness and bliss that I felt turns swiftly to hopelessness and despair. As the memory of Zuro'ki's smiling face makes way for the dark walls of my room, my heart and spirit shrink into nothing, becoming as numb as my ravaged body.

I feel so very weak. Simply keeping my eyes open is a monumental effort. I want to just close them and never open them again. To just embrace eternal darkness. But... the image of Zuro'ki persists. I see him always on the back of my eyelids, and I find I cannot will myself to death just yet. Still, my body does not hold such determination. It struggles to function under the strain of my captivity, having been rent asunder by Shen's tools of torture. Breathing is difficult, my lungs straining from the effort of my wheezing breaths.

I am dying. As I expected when I was brought here, I will not leave this place alive. I will meet my end inside the very walls of the person I had sworn to serve, just as my father did. As I feel my life slowly, inexorably ebbing away, I urge myself to hold on. Just for a little longer.

Just to see Zuro'ki one more time.