The Blaze: Episode 2 - Lover's Vow
#2 of The Massian Chronicles
*now edited*
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yeah, I know, it's a pain in the ass to read the first episode because there's no yiff in it, but I would strongly recommend doing so. You might have trouble keeping up with who's who in this if you don't, and certain important events in the character's lives occured during the first episode as well. For those of you who have read the first one already, then thanks and enjoy the second installment!
The Blaze
Episode 2: Lover's Vow
Planet Masse
Blitz Baumwolle's Pub
July 17, 2200 AR
"Slow night." thought Blitz as he looked around the pub. Only two tables were occupied, and each of those had only one fur sitting at them with cigarettes in their paws. "Haven't even heard anything from Jess and her friends either. She said they'd come in sometime tonight." The old rabbit shrugged and went back to wiping down the bar.
About thirty minutes later, Blitz saw the door being opened. Thinking that it would be his daughter, he prepared to greet her. "Took you long enou- oh, never mind." he apologized, seeing that instead of Jess it was a pretty young vixen.
"Hmm?" she droned, giving Blitz a look of confusion.
"Sorry." the old rabbit said "I thought you were someone else for a moment."
"Oh." The vixen walked quietly up to the bar and took a seat in front of Blitz.
"Look, honey," Blitz suddenly adopted a serious tone "you look a little too young to be drinking. I'm afraid I can't sell you anything." In truth, Blitz had broken this rule a few times, but only if he trusted that fur enough to know that they wouldn't get too drunk, like with Chase.
"Actually, I'm not here for that." the vixen said.
"Really?" Blitz narrowed his eyes and asked "Then what's your business here?"
"I'm looking for a wolf named Chase. I was told he lives around here. Do you know him?"
"Sure I do." Blitz's voice softened a bit "He and his friends come in here sometimes. As a matter of fact, I'm expecting to see them tonight, if you don't mind waiting a while!"
"You are?" The vixen looked liked she could almost jump for joy, but she suppressed it "Yes, I can wait."
"Good." Blitz looked her over and noticed her expensive-looking clothes. He could only assume that she had come from uptown. Odd. He had never had a customer from that part of town. "You're from uptown, ain't you?" The vixen nodded. "Then how did you know about Chase?"
"Well, it's a bit of a crazy story." The vixen straightened up, then leaned against the bar "I met him when..."
A harsh knock on the door of the pub stopped her voice in her throat. "Just a second." Blitz said before turning to the door and yelling "What've I told you about the door, honey bunny?"
"Sorry, Pops." A young female rabbit opened the door and hung her jacket on the coat rack "Keep forgetting."
"Just be careful. I'm only getting jumpier every day!" Blitz chuckled and gestured Jess over to the bar.
"Who's your visitor?" Jess asked, looking at the vixen seated at the bar.
"Don't know her name, but she said she's looking for Chase. Did he come with you this time?"
"Yeah, just a sec." Jess turned to the open door and yelled "Hey Chase, there's someone in here who wants to see you!"
"Who is it?" a voice replied.
"Don't know. Never seen her before." Jess said.
"Her?" the voice asked.
"Yeah. Looks like a vixen; red fur, brown eyes, fancy threads. Sound familiar?"
Chase appeared in the doorway two seconds later with surprise etched on his face. "It can't be." He scanned over the pub and locked eyes with the vixen at the bar.
"Hi." she said casually.
"Rose?" Chase breathed.
"In the fur, Chase." Rose stood up and walked over to him.
"What're you doing here?" Chase asked, still recovering from the surprise.
"You said you'd like to see me again, didn't you?" Rose took him by the paws "Well, here I am."
"Well," Chase finally seemed to be over his shock "nice as it is to see you again, you really didn't have to cross the Pass just for me."
"I wasn't in any danger today, so I thought I'd make it up to you."
Chase chuckled "I see. Actually, this works out pretty well. The others are dying to meet you."
"Others?" Rose inquired.
"Yeah, the rest of the gang. We're all here tonight, so I better take the chance and introduce you to them." Even as he spoke, the gang filed in and all took seats at the bar. "Come on." Chase presented his arm to Rose, which she took hold of and let him guide her toward the other furs gathered at the bar.
"So, who's that you got there, Chase?" Pyro asked when he saw the vixen walking arm in arm with the wolf.
"Everyone, this is Rose, the vixen I rescued twice in two days." Chase began to walk her down the line, introducing each one as they passed them "This is Kai, Masaru, Jess, Pyro, Blake, and you've met Adam once already." Each one gave Rose a pleasant smile and a quick wave.
"So Chase, is it an official relationship yet?" Pyro blurted out as Chase and Rose took a seat at the end of the bar.
"Save it, Pyro." Chase flashed Pyro a wicked glare then turned back to Rose "You'll have to excuse Pyro. He gives me crap every time a new girl enters my life."
"Don't worry about that." Rose said "So, you're in a biker gang?"
"Yeah. Been friends with the gang for years, long as I can remember. Besides, we all believe that the only way to survive on our side of the Pass is to be tough and have a tougher team behind you." Chase looked into her eyes "That doesn't bug you, does it?"
"No, not at all." Rose replied "In fact, I think that's kinda cool. Never heard of a biker punk with a soft heart for uptown girls."
"Smoochy, smoochy..." Pyro's voice interrupted once again.
"Pardon me." Chase got up and walked over to Pyro "Didn't I tell you to shut up, buddy?"
"Yeah, why?" Pyro turned around and was greeted by a punch in the shoulder from Chase. Though it stung like the devil, the dog clenched his teeth and managed to only let a hiss of pain escape. "OK, OK, I get it."
"Thank you." Chase smiled and returned to his seat next to Rose "Sorry about that. Pyro's a good friend, but sometimes he can be annoying as hell!"
"Like I said, don't worry about it." Rose returned Chase's smile.
"So, what're you doing here? Did you just drop in to say hey?" Chase asked.
"Actually," Rose replied, staring deeply into his eyes "I came to ask you something."
"What's that?"
"Do you have any plans tomorrow afternoon?"
Chase thought for a second. "No. Why?"
"I thought maybe you'd like to join me for a walk in the park or something."
Chase almost fell off of his seat. She was asking him to be with her? Was there really something else to her after all? Did this mean that she... loved him? Chase would have let all of his questions overwhelm him, but he decided that he could always find out for sure later. He regained his composure and replied "Sure, what time?"
"How does 2:00 sound?"
"Great! I'll be there! Want me to pick you up at your place?"
"No, just meet me at the park gate." Rose got up and started to leave "I'll see you tomorrow, Chase!" Rose walked slowly out the door, leaving Chase sitting completely dumbfounded yet strangely happy.
"Way to go, Chase!" Kai yelled as soon as Rose was out the door.
"Yeah, it's been awhile since you had a girl!" Masaru added.
"Well, Pyro," Chase spoke "I guess it's official now."
"I knew it! I knew it!" Pyro jumped onto the bar and did a crazy victory dance "Congrats, lover boy!"
"Hey, hey, watch it there, pup!" Blitz called out "You're messing up the bar!"
"Oh, heh." Pyro sat back down "Sorry, Blitz."
"No problem." Blitz looked to Chase and gave a smile. Chase returned it, then let his mind drift back to Rose. Suddenly, he couldn't wait for tomorrow.
--The Next Day--
Chase parked his motorcycle just outside the gates to the Inferno City Park, his mind still cluttered with questions and anxieties. One question ruled over all others and played like a broken record in his brain; "Is this love?" The wolf shook his head as though he was trying to clear mental cobwebs.
Chase tapped the clock and calender button on his wristcomp. A small blue hologram popped up that read 'DATE: JULY 18, 2200', which deleted itself after three seconds and was replaced with 'TIME: 1:59:30 PM'. "OK, she should be here any second." Chase thought "Then I can ask her myself. Or, maybe it'd be better not to. Maybe I should just enjoy being with her." The wolf glanced around and, seeing no other furs nearby, said aloud "Damn it, I'm over-thinking this. I'd better just stop worrying about it and let whatever's gonna happen happen."
Chase had just finished speaking when he caught sight of Rose walking toward the gates. He took a deep breath to calm himself, then slowly approached her. "Hey, Rose!" he called, waving.
"Hi, Chase!" Rose called back as she raced to stand beside him "Good to see you."
"Same here." Chase unintentionally embraced her, then let go and blushed "Lovely day, ain't it?"
"Yes, it is. It'd be a shame to waste it out here in the street, though." Rose smiled and took Chase by the arm "Come on, let's take a walk."
*****
Chase and Rose had stopped to sit down on a bench in the heart of the park. The walk had lasted only ten minutes and neither of them was tired, they just decided to chat for a while. The conversation had been pleasant so far, and the more that each fur spoke, the more they warmed up to the other. Chase sat silently for a few moments, then decided to break the quiet "So, what's life like on this side of the Pass?"
Rose gave him a confused look. "Why?"
"Well, you seem to be interested in life where I'm from, so I figured I'd ask you about yours."
"Fair enough." Rose replied "Life in uptown? Dull. That's all it is."
"How so?"
"Well, let's see... School gets more and more boring and repetitive everyday, nothing exciting or extraordinary ever happens around here, and I never have anyone to talk to." Rose looked at Chase "That is, until you came around."
"Don't you have any friends?"
"Not too many, actually. See, my father's a politician, and everyone knows how very little furs trust politicians." Rose hung her head as a hint of sadness crept into her voice "Apparently, no one trusts a politician's kid, either. It's a curse, I'm afraid."
Chase wrapped a comforting arm around Rose. "Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."
"Don't worry." Rose placed her paw on Chase's "You don't care that I'm a politician's daughter, do you?"
"Of course not!" Chase replied "What does it matter who your old man is? I wouldn't care if he was the most corrupt fur in the government, that still doesn't change who you are!" The wolf then realized what he had just said. He had an inborn hatred of politicians. After all, they were mostly responsible for the state the world was in right now. But, somehow his personal bias wasn't letting him hate Rose, a politician's daughter? Had he really said what he thought he did? Was he losing it?
Rose gave Chase a soft smile and clasped his paw even tighter. "Thanks, Chase. That makes me feel much better."
"Don't mention it." Chase said, coming to his senses and realizing that he was right. It didn't matter who her father was, she was a wonderful girl despite it all.
"So, how about your life?" Rose asked.
"Same as yours, I guess. The only entertainment I get is fighting. When there's no other gang to pound, there's nothing really to do."
"Any cute girls around?"
"Not exactly. Problem is, on my side of the Pass, they're mostly sluts or heartless bitches." Chase looked at Rose and returned her smile "I've seen all the perfect ones in downtown, but I could never keep them for more than a few days."
"That must be tough."
"Yeah, it is."
Chase and Rose then sat silently and stared into each others eyes for a few moments. To Chase, they felt like years. Here he was, staring at the most wonderful vixen he'd ever met, and somehow he hadn't already popped an offer. Any other girl would be under him on a bed already, and the next day she would leave him. For some reason, Chase wanted her to stay. There was something more to her than just a cute body. She was smart, brave caring, and she made him feel welcome and at peace. The wolf silently prayed to Dieu that she would never leave him.
Without even thinking, Chase closed his eyes and leaned in, placing a soft kiss on Rose's lips. Rose gasped in surprise, then closed her own eyes and began to stroke his face. Normally, a move like that from a guy would make her feel embarrassed and insulted, but Chase made it feel so right. It was warm, welcoming, sweet, full of longing. The kiss lasted about four seconds, then Chase opened his eyes and realized what he was doing. He broke away quickly, leaving Rose kissing at air.
"Sweet Christus, what am I doing?!" Chase rebuked himself, turning his face away "Sorry, Rose. I don't know what came over me..."
"No, no. Don't apologize." Rose placed her paws on his shoulders "Truth be told, I kinda enjoyed it."
Chase turned around to face her. "Really?" Rose gave a slow nod. "In that case, would you mind doing it again? I wasn't quite finished." Rose smiled as he pulled her face forward for a more passionate kiss. Not resisting her instincts, she opened her mouth slightly to let Chase's tongue slide in. Both of them sat on the bench, Chase relishing the heavenly feelings washing over him, Rose enraptured in her own. Their tongues played tag in their mouths, lashing over each other faster with each second. The make out lasted a good 20 seconds before Rose finally stopped to breathe.
"So... how was that?" she asked.
"Awesome." Chase replied, smiling with satisfaction. "Thanks, Rose."
"Don't mention it." Rose said. She then looked to the clock across the walkway. It read 3:00 PM. "I need to be going. Father's expecting me."
"Can we meet up again tomorrow?" Chase asked.
"Sure. Just tell me where and when." she said as she rose from the bench.
"How about you meet me back here at 6:00?"
"Sounds good." Rose blew a kiss and waved. "Goodbye."
"See you soon!" Chase called after her as she walked away. He soon rose from the bench and headed back out to his bike.
"Hard to believe this could happen to me." Chase thought as he mounted his bike and started the motor "The most perfect vixen in the world, and she comes to me. Usually, I'm the one who has to do all the work. This time, she seems to be trying to get me, not the other way around!" Chase began to ride back to the warehouse "Can't say I'm not loving it, though."
--The Next Day--
Rose stood by the park gates, looking toward the Pass, growing more and more worried every second. Chase was almost ten minutes late. She wondered if he'd been injured, or if he was in trouble even at that moment. Her sole comfort was that he had seen trouble all of his young life, and that he would probably come out of it alright. Still, his absence was troubling.
"I hope he's alright." Rose thought to herself "I'd hate for him to..." Her fears subsided as she caught sight of Chase's bike coming up the road. Heaving a sigh of relief, the vixen walked closer to the sidewalk and gave a wave to the wolf. Chase soon pulled up and parked his bike.
"Sorry I'm late." Chase said, dismounting and walking up to her "Ran into a traffic jam."
"A traffic jam?" Rose queried.
"Yeah, another gang blocking the road." Chase smirked "Had to convince them to clear a path."
Rose chuckled "I hope you didn't hurt any of them too much."
"A few bruises never hurt no fur." Chase said before kissing her softly "Just glad I got here."
"Me, too." Rose replied, embracing the wolf.
"So, where to?" Chase asked.
"Let's just walk a bit." Rose took him by the arm and led him into the park.
*****
Chase and Rose had found a quiet spot near the lake and stopped to rest. No sooner had they sat down in the grass than a noise in the brush nearby made Chase jump back to his feet.
"Who's there?" Chase yelled, pulling his sonicstaff out of his jacket.
"Aw, ain't that sweet?" a voice came from the brush "The wolf's got himself a girl." A fox then jumped from a nearby bush and grabbed Rose, twisting her arms behind her back "Perfect."
"Jack!" Chase screamed, recognizing his rival "Let her go!"
"Come on out and play, boys!" Jack yelled. With various shouts and hollers, Jack's gang appeared from the bushes and trees to surround Chase.
"Come on, Jack! Let her go!" Chase said, willing his staff to extend and making a threatening approach to the fox.
"Uh-uh-uh!" Jack pulled his switchblade from his jeans and held it at Rose's neck "Move any closer and I'll bleed her!"
Chase suddenly hesitated. He glanced around, trying to find a way around his predicament. There was his rival, ready to kill the only girl that he had ever truly felt something for, and with the knife to prove it. With some reluctance, Chase retracted his staff and fell to his knees. "Alright, Jack. I give. Just keep her outta this!"
"You kidding?" Jack gave a menacing laugh "I gotta be sure you don't try anything stupid." The fox then turned to his gang and said "Have fun with him!"
The other furs closed in on Chase and began to beat him severely. Rose's eyes grew wide as she watched him being pummeled by the young ruffians, and she could swear that she felt every punch, kick and scratch that he took. "Please, stop it!" Rose pleaded "Leave him be!"
"Not a chance, sweetheart." Jack said coldly, enjoying every second of the spectacle "This is payback, and wanna be sure he'll remember this!" The fox let his gang wail on Chase for another minute or so, then bade them stop.
Chase lay in the grass, bruised, bloody and about to slip out of consciousness. "OK, Jack," he said "you've had your fun. Now, let her go!"
"Let her go?" Jack replied "Who said anything about letting her go? You want her back so bad, come under the Pass in two hours. We'll settle this fur to fur!" The fox laughed wickedly and walked away, dragging Rose behind him.
"Chase, please!" she cried "Help!"
"I wish I could." Chase thought as the world around him melted to blackness and he felt his mind slip away. He could only wonder what had just happened. It had all occurred so quickly that he could only recall the most painful fact of the ordeal; Rose was in danger, and he was powerless to help her. "Just you wait, Jack! This isn't over! You're gonna pay!"
*****
"Chase? Chase!" a voice called out "Come on, this isn't funny! Get up!"
"Wha-?" Chase mumbled as he regained consciousness.
"Damn it, Chase, wake up!"
The wolf obliged, opening his eyes to find his own gang leaning over him and the sun setting. "Where am I?"
"You're still in the park." Adam said "We found you knocked out and we were just arguing about whether or not to get you to a hospital."
Chase sat up in the grass and looked toward the clock in the heart of the park. "7:58!" he said, reading its face. He jumped to his feet, ignoring the sharp jab of pain that shot through his battered frame.
"Whoa! Slow down, pal!" Pyro cried "You ain't going anywhere like that!"
"I have to!" Chase said, beginning to walk on unsteady legs toward the park entrance.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Kai asked.
"No time to explain!" Chase replied "I gotta get to the Pass!"
"What for?" Jess queried.
"Jack's there, and I'd hate to keep him waiting!" The others could sense anger and worry dripping from Chase's words.
"Hold up!" Masaru jumped to his feet and ran to block Chase's path "You're in no condition to fight!"
"No joke!" Blake added "Look at yourself! You're bleeding enough to fill a freaking bathtub!"
"I don't care!" Chase shot back.
"But we do!" Adam called out "What's up with you? Why are you so worried about finding Jack, anyway?"
"He's got Rose!" Chase turned to them, revealing a look of worry on his face.
The others stopped cold. Had they heard him right? "What was that?" Kai inquired.
"Jack attacked us about two hours ago. His gang beat the shit outta me, then they left, and he took Rose with him! He said something about meeting him under the Pass if I wanted her back." Chase stayed silent for a second to let his words sink in "I have to get to the Pass. I have no idea what he's done with Rose, and I don't wanna leave her there any longer than I already have!"
The others suddenly understood. They had only just met Rose, but they felt a strong urge to help her, if only for their leader's sake. "All right, but you ain't going without us!" Jess said, rising.
"You sure?" Chase asked.
"We gotta do something." Blake said "If Jack's there, the rest of his crew will be, too!"
"Yeah, and you can't take them all on yourself!" Pyro added, rising and pulling a grenade from his pocket "Besides, I've got an idea."
"What's that?" Chase queried.
"Oh, you'll see." Pyro let a smirk flash across his features, twirling the grenade on his index finger like a basketball "But they won't! Not for long!"
*****
It was 8:00 and Chase was nowhere in sight. Jack smiled with joy. His rival had finally given up! At last, the wolf had learned his lesson! The fox laughed with victory.
"It's over! The wolf's done!" Jack giggled "He finally quit! I win!"
"Hate to interrupt, Jack," a young badger nearby said "but what should do with that vixen of his?"
"You mean his girl?" Jack licked his lips "I got something special planned for her." The fox turned to walk toward the Pass's concrete support beams.
Rose was tightly bound to one of the beams by a strand of rope. She had struggled at first to get free, but the rope only cut into the flesh of her wrists more with each twist. All she could do was sit with her arms tied around the beam, thinking of Chase. "Where are you?" she thought "Please, Chase, I need you're help. You've saved me before, and you can do it again!"
Rose's thoughts were interrupted as she saw Jack looming over her with a hungry look in his eyes. "You know, doll," Jack began, sinful desire seeping through his speech "the wolf can't help you now. I don't get what you see in him, anyway. He's outta your species." The fox kneeled down, bringing his smirking face level with hers. "Me, on the other paw... well, I can be a nice guy if you gimme a chance."
"Some way to pick up a girl." Rose shot back, struggling against the rope "Tying her to a post is a great way to show how nice you are!"
Jack drew his switchblade and held the point up to Rose's throat. Switching on its energy sheath, he said "Wanna keep talking, honey? Then keep your mouth shut!" Jack's smirk increased "Or, better yet, how's about I just shove something in it?" With that, he grabbed Rose by the collar of her pink sweater, stretching the fabric out far enough to cut through it without cutting her in the process. Soon, small snippets of the sweater were falling to the ground as Jack's knife slowly chopped it away, gradually revealing more and more of the vixen's body. Soon, her bare breasts were in plain sight, nearly making the fox drool. Apparently, this vixen didn't believe in wearing bras. Jack stood up, his paws moving toward his zipper. All the while, Rose shivered with worry and fright, waiting for him to do whatever he was planning.
"Keep it in your pants, asshole!" a voice came from close by. Jack and Rose turned at the same time to see Chase sitting on his bike with his gang assembled behind him and his sonicstaff drawn. "She's off-limits!"
Jack shook his head and pointed his knife at the wolf. "You just never learn, do you?"
"Least I still got my honor!" Chase replied, dismounting "I don't gotta steal your girlfriend just cause I can't get one for myself!"
"Bastard!" Jack glared at his foe "You'll regret that!"
"Wait a second!" the badger from Jack's gang said, peering at the gang behind Chase "Where's that falcon?"
"Thought you'd never notice." Chase smiled and yelled "Rose! Shut your eyes!" Rose would have questioned why, but something told her that it was better to just follow Chase's instructions. As soon as her eyes were closed tightly, the wolf looked to the sky and screamed "Drop it, Adam!"
"Right!" Jack's gang looked up just in time to see Adam hovering above the Pass with a flash grenade in his hand. Before they had time to think, the falcon threw the explosive into the crowd, blinding them instantly with its brilliant light.
"Damn!" Jack clutched his face, dropping his switchblade. Chase ran over, picked up the blade and cut the rope holding Rose to the beam.
"Go on, open them." Chase said, dropping Jack's knife. Rose obliged, her brown eyes staring into his blue ones as she silently thanked him.
"Thank Dieu you came, Chase!" Rose jumped up and embraced the wolf.
"Save your thanks for later!" Chase said, taking her by the paw and pulling her toward his gang "That won't hold them for long, and you gotta get outta here!"
"What about you?" Rose asked, concern heavy in her tone.
"I got a score to settle!" Chase stopped moving when he was right in front of his gang and stared into her eyes "Normally, I'd just let him go, but he crossed a real big line when he kidnaped you! I can't just let that go!" Chase turned to Masaru and said "Take her on your bike and get her away from here!"
"Where should we go?" Masaru asked.
"Take her to the warehouse. She'll be safe there til I get back." Chase handed Rose's paw to the gorilla.
"How do I know you'll be back for me? How do I know you won't lose?" Rose asked him.
Chase removed his leather jacket and draped it over her naked shoulders. "Two reasons. One: I'll want that back."
"What's the other?" she started to say, but she was silenced by a kiss from the wolf.
Breaking the kiss, Chase responded "I'd better get a good one when I see you next!"
Rose smiled at Chase before she mounted Masaru's bike. "You bet!" she cried.
Chase returned her smile and said to the gorilla "Ride hard, dude! Don't let them get her!"
"You can count on me!" Masaru and the rest of the group started their bikes and sped down the road, all but Adam, who continued to fly above the group.
Chase turned back to Jack's gang to find them all recovering from the effects of the grenade. As the fox's orientation returned to him, he quickly peered around to find his hostage had been freed and his opponent's group was retreating down the street. Jack growled and yelled to his own gang "After them! Don't let them get away! Don't run over the wolf on the way out, though. We got some fighting to do!" His group mounted their nearby bikes and gave chase, speeding past the wolf. Jack moved over to pick up his knife, then switched off its energy sheath.
The two foes stood silently staring each other down, waiting for the other to make a move or to come up with more witty banter. "Pretty clever trick, wolf." Jack said eventually "Using that falcon to distract me while you saved your girl."
"Thanks." Chase continued to glare at Jack.
"You made one big mistake, though."
"Oh? What's that?"
"Shoulda ran away like the rest of your crew! Now, I'll make you regret coming here!" Jack gave a vicious war cry and ran toward Chase, knife ready for a quick stab. Chase remained still, only moving quick enough to block the fox's attack with his staff.
"Looks like you haven't been practicing." said Chase, flashing a taunting smile "A lame stab? You can do better than that!"
Jack screamed and began to slash frantically. None of his blows seemed to penetrate Chase's defense, as each slash was followed by the slight ring of metal on metal as the wolf parried with little effort. Jack's frantic barrage lasted for a long time, his anger and speed increasing with each moment. The fox cursed under his breath. "You can't keep this up forever, Chase! I'll hit you eventually!"
"You're right, but I wasn't gonna keep it up forever anyway." Chase replied, giving a mock yawn "In fact, it's getting a little boring, so..." Chase swung his staff low, sweeping Jack off his feet.
Jack hit the pavement face first with a slight grunt. "Ow! Bastard." Jack looked up to see Chase standing over him with a huge grin on his face.
"Had enough yet?"
"Not quite!" Jack switched on his knife's energy sheath and plunged the blade into Chase's left thigh. The wolf howled in pain, making Jack smirk with satisfaction. He quickly pulled the knife out and repeated the action on his opponent's other leg. Chase fell to his knees, his sonicstaff held at the ready.
"Cheap shot, Jack!" Chase yelled, still cringing from the sting of the energy-charged blade.
"Left yourself open." Jack pulled himself off the street and approached the wolf. "You've got only yourself to blame!"
"Maybe." Chase swung his staff once more, hitting Jack right in the stomach "But, you just repeated my mistake!"
"Damn it!" Jack staggered back as Chase slowly pulled himself off the ground. "How can you still be fighting so hard? It's almost like you're ignoring what happened to you in the park!"
"Simple." Chase willed his staff to extend and slowly approached the fox "Long story short, you pissed me off!" He began to savagely swing his staff, striking Jack multiple times. First a hit on the back, then a blow to his legs, next a strike to the stomach, each hit harder than the one before. Jack soon lay on the ground, covered in bruises and panting from exhaustion. Chase raised his staff high above his head, as though he were ready to deliver the final blow.
"Wait!" Jack cried, wide-eyed and shaking with terror "You wouldn't!"
Though his glare didn't falter, Chase said "You're right." The wolf lowered his staff and caused it to retract. "Unlike you, I know how to show a little mercy!" Chase kneeled down and gazed angrily into the fox's scarred eye "Listen good, you bastard. You ever come near Rose again, and I'll make you wish I'd crushed you right here and now!" The wolf rose and slowly walked toward his bike.
Jack passed out as he watched Chase's bike disappear over the horizon and heard police sirens approaching.
*****
It was 8:30, and Rose had been escorted to the warehouse basement by Adam. The others had remained upstairs to fend off Jack's gang, but they had returned about ten minutes ago. Now, they all sat silently, waiting for their leader to show his face in the elevator.
Rose was especially worried. She had noticed the injuries from the beating Chase had received in the park, and though he did a good job of hiding it, he seemed to still be in pain from them. No matter how much faith she thought she had placed in the wolf, it was not enough to comfort her.
"Do you think he's alright?" Rose asked the other furs assembled in the room "I mean, he looked a little roughed up when I saw him. Could he really keep fighting with those sorts of injuries?"
Jess looked across the room and smiled. "Chase? Sure, he's alright!"
"How can you be so sure?"
"A few reasons, actually." Kai replied, leaning with his back to a wall "Biggest one, we've all known Chase for quite a while, and I'm sure we all know that Chase can keep fighting if he's got a good reason, no matter how beat up he is!"
"What sort of reason could he have?" Rose queried, which drew a stare and a laugh from the others "What? What's so funny?"
"Ain't it obvious, girl?" Pyro said, calming himself "You're his reason!"
"What do you mean?"
"Come on!" Blake spoke up "You shoulda seen him in the park when we found him. First thing he did was jump to his feet and go to try to find you!"
Rose suddenly smiled, her eyes seeming to grow brighter. "Really?" she asked.
"Yeah!" Adam answered "It was almost like he didn't have any injuries at all! Somehow, just the need to rescue you gave him the strength to pick up, move out and kick some ass!"
"He really cares for you, Rose." Masaru stated "More than he's ever cared for a girl. I've never seen him like this over any fur ever!"
The conversation ceased as the group heard the hum of the elevator doors opening. Just as Rose turned to face them, Chase's abused figure came staggering out with a smile of relief on his features. "Well, that was fun." he quipped as he limped over to the couch and plopped down on it to massage his legs.
"Chase!" Rose practically tackled the wolf as she joined him on the couch and embraced him tightly.
"Nice to see you too, Rose." Chase hugged her, bringing her so close that he could almost feel her heartbeat.
"Get a room!" Pyro interrupted as he noticed their lips moving closer to each other.
"Shut up, already!" Rose shot back.
"Whoa!" Chase was just as shocked as Pyro "Surly tonight, ain't you? Well, I guess after what you've been through, you oughta be!" Chase stood up and took Rose by the paw. "Come on, I'd better get you home before we both tear Pyro to pieces!"
*****
Rose and Chase were standing beside his bike in the garage. Before Chase had a chance to mount it, Rose grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him around to face her. "I still owe you." she said, smiling.
"What?" Chase questioned, then he realized what she meant. "Oh, right. Well, what're you waiting for?"
"Nothing." Rose answered, closing her eyes and kissing him with all the passion she could find. Chase returned all of it tenfold, she felt, and they kept it up for what seemed like an eternity. Even after she broke away, the feeling of pure joy was still as strong as when it began.
"Wow, when you repay a debt, you pay a little extra!" Chase remarked, returning her smile.
"Think of it as interest." Rose looked him over, marveling at his injuries and wondering how any fur could take that much abuse and keep on begging for more. When she saw the stab wounds on his legs, she let out an audible gasp of shock.
"What's wrong?" Chase asked.
"Your legs. What did Jack do to you?"
"Stabbed me with his energy sheath turned on." Chase rubbed one of the wounds "Still stings a bit, but it's nothing I can't handle."
"Is that why you were limping?"
"Yeah. Don't worry about it, though. Thanks to the energy sheath, it won't bleed, and the sting'll be gone by tomorrow."
"That's good to hear." Rose let her concern slip away.
"Come on, Rose. Why don't I take you home? I think you've been through enough tonight."
Rose mounted Chase's bike as he started the motor and began to think about something. She might never be able to thank Chase enough for what he had done for her, but it meant so much to her that she had to think of some way. "Well, I've got until I get home to think of how I should go about this." Rose thought. One second later, the bike had begun to move, taking her on the path to her abode.
*****
Chase dropped Rose off in front of her house. It was a small, quiet mansion with burgundy walls, a white door, white windowsills and a stone grey roof. Chase had yet to see the interior, but he didn't think it was important at all. He didn't care about the house itself, just the girl who lived in it.
"Night, Rose. See you soon!" Chase said, preparing to ride home.
"Wait!" Rose cried before he could go anywhere. "Can you meet up with me tomorrow?"
"Don't see why not. Where and when?"
"How about right here at 3 'o clock, when I get back from school?"
"Sure! Wanna tell me what we'll be doing?"
"I don't want to ruin the surprise, Chase!"
"Oh, so it's a secret, is it?" Rose gave a playful smile to answer him "Fine, be that way! Keep your secrets!"
"I intend to." Rose used her key card and opened the door to her house "See you tomorrow, Chase!"
"Count on it!" Chase replied, then waved goodbye and rode off down the street. Rose watched him ride away, then went inside and closed the door.
"You'll get a much better thank you tomorrow, wolf." Rose thought as she climbed the stairs to her bedroom "I'll make sure of it. Now I know how to do it, and if you care for me as much as your friends think you do, then I'm sure you'll find it to your liking!"
-The Next Day-
Chase was pulling up to Rose's front door just as she was returning from school, her textbooks still in paw and a uniform of some kind covering her body, which consisted of a short skirt, a silver and orange top with a school emblem on it, and silver shoes. Chase dismounted and waved to her.
"I would wave back, but my paws are kinda full." Rose said as she approached the wolf.
"Don't worry about that." Chase looked her over "What's with the uniform?"
"Cheerleading practice." she explained "Otherwise, I would've met you at two."
"Cool." Chase held out a paw "Want me to carry those books for you?"
"Thanks!" Rose handed her books over to him, then reached into the topmost one and pulled out the key card to her door. Soon, they were standing with the front door open and Rose beckoning Chase inside. He followed and she closed the door behind them.
"Lay the books on the coffee table in the living room, just to the right there. I'll go change." Rose disappeared up the staircase as Chase walked into the living room. The wolf put the books down on the oaken table and sat down in one of the soft, velvety chairs.
Chase took the chance to study the room. It was simple enough; royal blue walls, white marble floors and dark purple furniture. There was a grey marble fireplace across the room from him, and shelf after shelf of various books, trophies and papers. While he was a little jealous of the money it might have costed to make the room, the wolf had to admit that he liked the decor.
Rose soon reappeared, wearing a white sweater and a pair of dark blue jeans. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Chase. Glad to see you made yourself comfortable." she said as she sat down in the chair next to Chase.
"Wasn't too long to wait." Chase replied "So, do I get to meet your dad today, or is that why you called me here?"
"Actually, Father's away on a foreign policy trip with the Parliament. He won't be home for another week or so."
"Maybe that's for the best. I might not be like most other furs, but I still don't like politicians too much."
"I suppose so." Rose shrugged.
The two began to converse. At first, it was all very simple subjects, like how the other's day was and how the weather was on their side of the Pass. Soon, Rose was asking Chase to tell every detail of his bout with Jack the day before. As Chase unveiled the tale, her admiration for him grew with each word. She felt proud to know she had found such a strong and caring guy. Slowly, the vixen was realizing just how much he meant to her. Now was the time to test how far his feelings for her extended.
"So Chase, why did you decide to save me in the first place?" she asked.
"Why do you ask?"
"I just thought that most furs would give up on fighting the same fox after they'd gotten such a beating!"
"Like I said before, I'm not most furs!" Chase smiled "Biggest reason was, I just felt like I had to. I really do care for you, Rose, and I couldn't bear to think of you getting hurt over a grudge that's been going on for years! I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something like that happened to you!"
"How can you care about me so much? I mean, we've only really known each other for five days!"
Chase was taken aback by her question. How could he describe his reasons? He wasn't even sure if he understood them all himself! Deciding to answer without too much thought, he said "Rose, from the day we met on the Pass, I wanted you. I'll admit, I've bedded with my fair share of girls already, so I know when I want someone. There was something different about you, though. Something else besides a hot bod. You just felt so... special. After the kiss we shared in the park, I knew it was true. You were the one for me. In my mind, I swore that I'd never let anything happen to you. Even if I couldn't really call it love between us, a girl like you couldn't afford to get hurt or taken advantage of." Chase broke his speech to stare softly into her eyes "That's why I care about you, Rose. I don't really know what love is, since I've never felt it before, but I'm pretty sure that it's the way I feel for you."
Rose had to fight to hold back her tears of joy. Instead, she contented to share another passionate kiss with the wolf. She cradled his head with one paw and stoked his face tenderly with the other. This time, Chase relented to his instincts first, opening his mouth to lock his lips into hers. He realized that she was trying to say that she felt exactly the same way.
The two sat in the room for a while longer, cuddling and continuing the lip-lock. Soon, Rose tore away and stared into Chase's deep blue eyes with a smile of pure content on her face "I'm glad to know that you love me, Chase. I hope you know that I feel the same."
"I know." Chase answered "You just proved it."
"Or did I?" Rose stood up and extended a paw to the wolf "You said you've bedded with girls before, didn't you?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Nothing. I just wonder how good you are with all that experience."
Chase mimicked her smile and replied "All the girls in downtown say I'm better off my feet than on them!"
"Okay then, tough guy! Prove it!"
Chase took her by the paw and stood up, playfully feigning insult "Is that a challenge?"
"Perhaps." Rose smiled seductively.
"OK, I accept! Show me to the bedroom!"
"Follow." Rose led him out of the living room and to the carpeted stairs. Even while they were climbing toward her room, Rose couldn't resist turning around to sneak a few smooches now and again, which ended up prolonging the trip by a few minutes.
"So much the better!" Chase thought as they finally reached the white door at the top of the stairs and to their immediate left. Rose turned to face him, one paw in his and the other ready to turn the doorknob.
"Ready?" she asked, gazing at him with longing eyes.
"Ready." he answered. Rose turned the knob and dragged him inside her room.
The room was a typical female place. The walls were a similar royal blue, but the floors were a cream colored carpet, and the furniture was all oak. There was an overly spacious bed at one end of the room, with a desk right across from it, a chest of drawers and a vanity mirror against the left wall. A single window was present there, covered by self-tinting glass and seemingly unnecessary black shades. "Nice room!" Chase remarked, looking around.
"It's not much. Just my own little space."
"Better than what I usually get to see!"
"Glad you like it." Rose sat down on the bed and kneaded the spot next to her "But, let us not lose focus, Chase. We're not here to admire the decor."
"Right. How could I forget something like that? Silly me!" Chase strode over to the bed and, sitting down next to the vixen of his dreams, began to cuddle her and kiss her lovingly. In a few moments, audible moans of excitement could be heard from Rose. She was rather prompt to warm up. Letting his sinful side take him over, Chase let a paw stray to her breast, continuing to cradle her head with the other. Taking hold, he began to squeeze and release it gently, gradually picking up a rhythm. Rose's moans increased in volume and frequency. "How is it so far, Rose?" Chase asked.
"Oh Dieu, wonderful!"
"It gets better, trust me!" He slid his paw underneath her sweater and gripped her delicate mound again. He resumed his rhythm, this time increasing his speed. Rose responded by reaching down and fondling his erection through his jeans. Soon, Chase was moaning right along with her. The two kept their little war going for a while longer, then Chase suddenly broke away and stood up, beginning to pull off his t-shirt.
"No more warm-up, Rose! Time to really start playing!" Chase slowly pulled off his clothing, letting it fall to the floor. Rose followed suit, and soon the two stood before each other totally nude. Each one had to force themself not to drool at seeing the other's body. Chase resumed his passionate kisses as he and Rose sank down until they were lying on the bed, Chase on top.
"Please, Chase, stop teasing me!"
"What for? I like to make you wait!" Chase let a sinful smirk appear "But, if it'll make you feel better..." Chase began to fondle her tit once more, this time flicking her nipple with his thumb claw as he did so. With his other paw, he traced a line down her stomach and to her cunt. Feeling it in fun, Chase slowly slid a finger over her clit, drawing more moans of passion and shudders of excitement from his partner. Soon, he pushed one finger inside, making sure to brush his claw against her velvety walls. Another followed, and he began to piston them in and out, eventually matching rhythm and tempo with the paw which continued to squeeze her mammary. Rose's moans turned into tiny screams of lust as she was slowly brought to climax.
"Oh my... eegh... uhn! Chase, I'm so... oh... so close!"
"Good. I'll get you there a little faster then." Chase added a third finger and upped his velocity, pushing deeper into her love box. "How's that?"
"Oh, incredible! I can't... mmm... hold it back... ahh... any longer!" Rose's body tensed up as her orgasm crashed through her system. Chase's fingers were quickly coated with her cum, and he pulled them out to lick it all off, savoring its taste.
"Well," Chase said, positioning himself between her legs and grabbing her hips "you've been patient long enough. Ready to see how I reward patience?"
"Yes." Rose nodded and smiled. Just for a second, Chase thought of merely teasing her with his prick, but he decided that she had waited long enough by now. Slowly and gingerly, he entered her throbbing pussy, letting her feel the erection slide against her sensitive inner flesh. Pulling out a bit, he pushed in a little deeper, repeating the action until he was touching her g-spot with the head of his cock. He began to shaft in and out, slowly picking up a rhythm and increasing his speed.
"Mmm yes, keep it up, Chase!"
"I have... ungh... every intention of... ahh... doing so!" He could feel Rose bucking her hips against his thrusts, begging him to fuck her as hard as he could. The wolf needed no further encouragement. Soon, their moans, grunts and yips echoed loudly in the room, and each could feel their climaxes nearing. Chase hated to do it, but he had to hold out until Rose came again. His wait wasn't too long.
"AHH! CHAAAAAAAAASE!" Rose cried out as her body stiffened and her second orgasm flooded through her. Chase continued to shaft her, but soon had to give in as well. With a loud howl, he threw his head back and loosed his load inside of her. His motion slowed as he tapered off, soon stopping altogether.
Taking himself out of her, Chase flipped Rose on her side and slid down to kiss her lovingly. Both had nothing but absolute euphoria on their faces and a deep thanks in their eyes. "That's the most fun I've ever had with a girl!" Chase said as he slid the sheets over both himself and his lover.
"Not bad for a virgin, was I?" Rose replied. Chase's face went from pleasure to shock.
"What?!"
"That's right, Chase. You're the first fur I've trusted enough to share a bed with. Sure, the boys at school have tried to hit on me, and I've had relationships in the past, but they were all after me just for the sex. You were something different. I've never met a guy who honestly cares for me, never mind one who cares for me like you do!"
"Why didn't you tell me it was you're first time?"
"You might not have accepted. I wanted to prove to you, once and for all, that you mean just as much to me as I do to you! I trust you with my life, Chase. I hope this has shown you that."
Chase stared deeply into her eyes. She was dead serious. He couldn't help but shed a single tear of utter happiness. "You've proven it." Chase said, bringing her head to rest upon his shoulder and raking his fingers through her fiery hair. "Rose, I promise you I'll never do anything to make you lose that trust." he whispered into her ear, his voice made up more of heat than air "Nothing's ever gonna happen to you again, not so long as I'm around! No one will ever hurt you again."
"I know, Chase." Rose answered, stroking his face and kissing him softly "You don't have to tell me that. I mean, we met because you were there to save me. That has to mean something."
"I guess." Chase smiled as he and Rose drifted to sleep in each other's arms.
-TO BE CONTINUED-
Next Episode: Falling Prey