Raging Skies

Story by Billy Leigh on SoFurry

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#4 of Historical Stories

My latest history anthology tale, this one set at the Battle of Britain during World War Two.

By 1940, Britain had become one of the few European states to have escaped Nazi occupation. The defense of the nation lay in the paws of plucky fighter pilots. For flying aces and lovers Reggie and Finlay, fending off enemy attacks was a difficult and dangerous task, but keeping each other safe in the face of battle was another challenge altogether.

Contains gay yiff and moderate war related violence, so naturally this is NSFW and 18+


The pale blue sky stretched off into the horizon, blending into the sparkling grey water of the English Channel. High above, Reggie Atwell gazed over the sight from inside the glass cockpit of his Spitfire. His eyes were fixed in a determined concentration for spotting enemy aircraft. He could feel sweat starting to trickle down his vulpine muzzle. "Stay alert furs" crackled the voice of Lieutenant Finley Layne, a black Wolf and his Squadron Leader. Suddenly, Reggie saw three black dots swam into his vision "Two on our right, three o'clock!" He yelled into the radio. The dots flew closer and Reggie saw immediately that they were indeed German Messerschmitts; two BF109s and a 110. The 110 flew straight at him, guns blazing. Reggie yanked the controls of his Spitfire, rolling the plane to avoid the spray of bullets. The Messerchmitt shot straight past him and Reggie gave chase "Reggie, get after them! We'll deal with the others" Finlay ordered. Reggie focused through his gun-sights, trying to get a good aim. The German pilot was pulling aerobatics, attempting to make himself a harder target and Reggie saw a flash as the tail-gunner opened fire. The glass of Reggie's flying goggles was starting to steam up. He bared his teeth, narrowed his eyes and pulled the trigger. There was a blinding flash as his wing guns let rip and he saw a plume of black smoke erupt from the back of the 110, followed by a chuck of metal flying off. "Gotcha!" Reggie growled under his breath. The plane began spiralling downwards, but despite the situation, part of Reggie was relieved when he saw two parachutes open. The German Shepherd pilot and Doberman tail-gunner had got out. Reggie felt less remorse shooting at a target when it consisted of an anonymous looking plane as opposed to another fur. He pulled on the controls and regrouped with his Squadron, looking forward getting back to base. He and Finlay were planning to spend time alone together once they landed. "Good shot Atwell, most impressive" the voice of one his Squadron crackled on the radio. Reggie recognised it as belonging to Dougie Wilson, a Scottish Red Stag "Thank you Wilson, I..." Reggie began, but suddenly there was a blinding flash followed by an almighty bang.

With the adrenaline still rushing through his body after shooting down the 110, and allowing his compassion to impede his alertness, it took Reggie a moment to realise he had been hit. Another Messerschmitt flew tauntingly past. Instinctively, Reggie wanted to give chase but both his controls and radio had gone dead. The engine was faltering and noxious grey smoke was seeping into the cockpit. Reggie knew he had to bail out. He looked below and saw that he was still over water. He cursed and urged his Spitfire on, wanting to get above dry land to parachute down safely. His altitude was decreasing rapidly "C'mon, c'mon!" he muttered. The counter on his control panel showed that he was losing fuel. His line must have ruptured and Reggie knew that he was lucky his plane hadn't exploded in mid-air, but he was still losing height at an alarming rate. Reggie glanced out of his cockpit to see that he was just passing over the white cliffs that marked the Kent coastline. Soon, he could see fields and roads below, but the smoke inside the cockpit was getting thicker. Reggie realised with a sense of dread that he was now too low to jump out without killing himself, or at the very least breaking both hind-paws. He had to find a flat surface and attempt a crash landing. He tore off his goggles, uttered a silent prayer and tried to coax the Spitfire down gently. He could see a field straight ahead, but the Spitfire's controls responded sluggishly as he wrestled with them to get the plane in the right direction. The engine spluttered and died, and Reggie was now gliding in an eerie silence. Mercifully, the wind was pushing the Spitfire in the right direction. As the ground rushed up to meet Reggie, several images flashed in front of his eyes; his parents playing with him when he was a kit, and the glimmering eyes of Squadron Leader Finlay "Please, let me see him again" he pleaded, hoping he would survive to feel another intimate moment with the wolf. Reggie flicked a switch and deployed the wheels. He held his breath and braced himself.

The Spitfire hit the ground with a bone shuddering crash, the wheels collapsed and the nose dug into the ground. Reggie yelped as he was thrown forwards but his restraints kept him in his seat. The propeller was torn clean off and the plane began to spin round, tail in the air, threatening to roll over. Then, the Spitfire hit a mound of earth, coming to a violent halt but remaining upright. Reggie yelled as he was thrown about as the momentum suddenly ceased. With his heart pounding in his chest, he forced the cockpit open and scrambled out, tearing off his oxygen mask. He staggered away as fast as he could, knowing the Spitfire could erupt into flames at any moment. He hurled himself into a ditch and lay with his ears down and paws over his head. The explosion never came. Gingerly, he glanced up and saw the Spitfire slumped over the mound, but there was no sign of fire. Panting, he sat on his hind-quarters in a daze before inspecting himself for any sign of injury. Despite the hard landing, he was miraculously unscathed. He then heard voices making their way towards him "Ernie it that a Gerry plane?" "No love, it's one of ours. I hope the pilot got out". Reggie stood and saw a Beagle couple making their way towards him. He tried to call out but he felt like he was going to collapse "Over there!" the male Beagle called. The couple made their way over and Reggie sat on the ground, sighing with relief.

Two hours later, Reggie was lying in a hot bath. The couple had introduced themselves as Mr. and Mrs Adkins. They had taken him back to their farmhouse where Mr. Adkins had called Reggie's base to confirm that he was safe and unhurt. Reggie had recounted his story to the Adkin's ten year old pup who was both ecstatic to meet a real life pilot and amazed that a Spitfire had crashed on his parent's land. "They're sending someone to pick you up" Mr. Adkins explained after he put the telephone down. Mrs Adkins had run him a bath and given him a change of clothes. Once he felt relaxed and refreshed, Reggie got out and shook himself dry. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror. He was a young looking dark orange fox with a furry white chest. His paws and ears were tinged with black. There was still no sign of injury, so he hoped to report for active duty when he arrived back at base. He looked out of the window and saw a staff car making its way down the drive to the farmhouse. Reggie dressed and made his way downstairs to see Finley getting out of the car. He smiled as he noticed the wolf's tail wagging. He thanked the Adkins as they handed him his uniform and made his way outside. Finlay's muzzle broke into a smile and he reached over and embraced Reggie tightly as if he never wanted to let go. To anyone watching, the gesture may have seemed strange, but at that moment Reggie and Finlay had no care in the world "I insisted that I drove out to get you" Finlay explained as they climbed into the car "I'm just so thankful you're in one piece" he added. Reggie looked the black wolf up and down. In contrast to Reggie, he was tall and muscular, and his black eyes sparkled as he spoke of his relief. Reggie often marvelled at how handsome Finlay was, but now he appreciated the sight even more. "I just want this damn war to be over, so we can stop worrying about each other" Reggie said. Finlay nodded "It doesn't feel the same since we lost Jack" he lamented. Lieutenant Jack Rogers had been a Terrier in their Squadron who had been shot down the previous month and was still unaccounted for. They drove down the driveway and joined a small country lane. Finlay explained it was a forty minute journey back to their base.

Reggie and Finlay had been best friends before the war broke out, having grown up on the same street. Finlay was two years older than Reggie, and had taken a liking to the young fox at school. When Reggie had been bullied by the other students, Finlay had come to his aid and soon they were more than just friends. If anyone had found out what lay beneath the seemingly innocent friendship, they would be in trouble. Word could travel quickly around the village. Finlay and Reggie would often go on outdoor activities such as hill walking and camping to spend time alone together. They had also been interested in aircraft since a young age. The airbase was close to their houses, and both canines would watch the planes taking off from Reggie's bedroom window, sitting arm in arm. As mainland Europe descended into turmoil, Finlay joined the Air Force, chalking up several kills until he was promoted to Squadron Leader. Traditionally, the Air Force had consisted of individual Squadrons for Canines and Felines, with cockpits and controls modified for each species. Finlay was attached to 10th Wolf Squadron. However, as the demand for pilots grew as losses mounted, different species were permitted to join. As soon as Reggie came of age, he signed up "I don't want to keep reading the news or listen to talk in the town to find out if you've died" Reggie had explained as Finlay tried to talk him out of it. Reggie was the youngest pilot in the Squadron. Being short and youthful looking, he had initially been regarded as the cub of the group. He had compensated for this by pulling off several plucky flying manoeuvres in the air, much to everyone's surprise, often showing a consistent ability to counterattack enemy aircraft. He established himself as an equally skilled pilot to Finlay with an excellent aim. Soon enough, he had earned respect from the other furs and the gentle teasing turned to admiration.

The two canines drove in silence until Finlay pulled down a quiet track not far from the farm, but away from prying eyes. "This is where I wanted to take you today, and I want to do it even more now. I always think that any day now could be our last on Earth" Finlay sighed, his words tender yet tinged with melancholy "and we haven't been alone together for a long time" he added, his tone suddenly mischievous "Is now a good idea?" Reggie asked "I'm sorry. If you're still feeling in shock..." Finlay began "No, you're right. There's no time like the present" Reggie cut in "I want to stay alive so we can have moments like this". Finlay smiled "They told me to bring you back this afternoon, but they didn't give me a specific time" he explained as his black eyes shone. He reached over and ran his paw teasingly up Reggie's leg. Reggie began to feel excited "We won't be disturbed here" Finlay explained, opening the car door. They walked over to a barn just off the track "What if the farmer comes?" Reggie asked "Bah! Trust me" Finlay replied, shooting Finlay a grin as he opened the barn door and closed it behind them. The barn was full of soft hay and the two canines lay down, undressed until they were naked, and began kissing. Reggie chuckled and wrestled Finlay, the excitement of the day's events still coursing through him "So that's how you want to play, you naughty little fox!" Finlay growled. They rolled in the hay, laughing and yipping. Finlay pinned Reggie down by his wrists and kissed him, caressing the inside of Reggie's mouth with his tongue. He then held Reggie tightly with one paw and stroked the fox's genitals with the other, before kissing and stroking the soft surface of his chest. There was something Reggie wanted to try, and the urge grew as he looked at the fine form of Finlay's furry naked body and the thought that it could be their last intimate moment together. Reggie grabbed hold of Finlay's thighs and buried his muzzle into the wolf's behind. Finlay's body carried the rich scent of musk, masking the tang of aviation fuel. Reggie licked tentatively at Finlay's hole and the wolf raised his tail, moaning encouragement at Reggie to continue. Reggie ran his rough tongue over Finlay's tail-hole, exploring the patch of bare skin around the wolf's rim. The smell of the musk was almost overpowering, but it made Reggie's feelings of excitement and euphoria grow. He lapped harder, getting the tip of his tongue into Finlay's stretched out hole. Eventually, he pulled back as Finlay smiled with pleasure "Right, your turn" the wolf said, gently pushing Reggie back onto the hay. He then licked at Reggie's sheath and balls. Soon enough, Reggie's cock emerged. Reggie squirmed in the hay and moaned as Finlay's tongue lapped against his shaft. Finlay slipped Reggie's entire member in his mouth, keeping his teeth out the way, and working his muzzle up and down "Oh, Finlay..." Reggie moaned, cumming a second later. Finlay swallowed the load and collapsed beside Reggie, panting. The pair lay in silence for a minute, holding paws while looking up at the shafts of sunlight streaming through gaps in the barn's ceiling and the dust dancing in the air. "We should go back now, they'll start to wonder where we are" Finlay eventually sighed, handing Reggie a handkerchief to clean himself up.

They arrived back a base and Reggie finished cleaning himself in the washroom. He then reported to his superiors and explained what had happened. Everyone seemed impressed with his story, but his Group Captain, a stern Grey Wolf by the name of Baines, told him he was not to fly until he had a proper medical examination. Reggie was cleared but was then given two days leave by Baines until a new Spitfire arrived. Reggie guessed that Baines thought that he was being generous, but he couldn't bear to be away from Finlay. That night, the Squadron went to a nearby village pub. Reggie wanted to sit near Finlay, but Dougie insisted on recounting Reggie's tail to every fur in earshot. Soon, everyone was queuing to buy Reggie a drink. The landlord, a tall Bloodhound, brought his daughter down to meet Reggie. She gave him an admiring look and blew a kiss in his direction. Reggie smiled uncomfortably. At first, he had enjoyed being at the centre of attention but he soon felt worn out. He made his way over to Finlay who raised his glass and smiled at him, his eyes twinkled "I'm not sure how I feel about all this" Reggie said "Heh, enjoy it while it lasts. I'm Squadron Leader and I've never gotten this much admiration" he joked. Finlay was dressed in his dark blue officer's uniform and Reggie thought that he looked positively gorgeous "Have I ever said how wonderful you look in that?" Reggie whispered to him "You've mentioned it at least twenty times since you first saw me in it" Finlay replied with a wink. Under the table, his paw made its way up Reggie's leg. Reggie shifted slightly, enjoying the sensation while hoping no one could see. Finlay felt over Reggie's crotch and gently rubbed it "I promise that one day, I'll take you to a dance and I'll wear this uniform" he whispered teasingly. The moment was interrupted as Dougie stumbled over, clearly tipsy. He began singing, prompting the whole pub to join in and soon the room was full of drunken howls.

Later, many of the group left the pub in the arm of a female fur, but Reggie and Finlay made their way back to base alone. They walked into the empty barracks and sat down on Reggie's bed "Promise me be you'll be careful while I'm away" Reggie whispered to Finlay. Finlay smiled and ruffled his paw through Reggie's fringe "I promise" he asserted "no offense, but I'm not quite as reckless as you are". Reggie smiled as Finlay gently nuzzled him. Finlay broke off, glanced around to check they were alone and kissed Reggie. Reggie closed his eyes and allowed Finlay to take him in his arms. Reggie had never thought of the barracks as being a romantic place, but with the silver moonlight streaming through the windows and reflecting in Finlay's eyes, the atmosphere felt almost magical. Finlay seemed to read his thoughts. He stood, walked over to a wireless and switched it on. The sound of "Moonlight Serenade" filled the empty room. "I know I said I'd take you to a dance one day, but this opportunity is too good to miss" Finlay said, wrapping his arm around the fox. They danced as the moon shone through the windows like a spotlight. Reggie held Finlay's paw as they pressed their bodies into each other. However, part of him felt paranoid that one of the others could walk in at any moment "Just relax" Finlay whispered too him. Reggie closed his eyes and wrested his muzzle on the wolf's shoulder. He wanted the moment to go on forever. Eventually, the music ended and they heard the sound of voices outside. They bade each other goodnight and Reggie got ready for bed.

The next day, Reggie left with a heavy heart. His parent's house was not too far away and he could watch the planes taking off. As a kit, the sight had been exciting, but now it felt taunting. Dark clouds had gathered in the sky and the air felt hot and heavy. A storm was coming. Back at the base, an alarm sounded, signalling incoming enemy planes "Right furs, off we go!" Finlay shouted. The Squadron grabbed their masks and goggles before sprinting from the barracks. Finlay readied himself in his cockpit, glancing up at the sky which had now turned an ominous black. A Ferret technician signalled to him that everything was ready. Finlay switched on the engine which gave a shrill whine as the propeller spun into life. The Spitfires formed a queue behind his plane as they taxied to the runway. Finlay pressed down on the throttle and felt a lurch in his stomach as his plane lifted into the air. The Squadron flew above the cliffs and were soon out at sea. They kept flying and soon Finlay could see the coast of France lying ahead. There was a flash as a fork of lighting exploded next to his plane. Rain began pummelling against the cockpit and the plane was buffeted by the wind. Finlay cursed and narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, four German planes burst out of the clouds, machine guns blazing. From his bedroom, Reggie had watched with baited breath as the planes climbed into the sky. There was a flash of lightning and soon they were swallowed by the dark clouds. He closed his eyes and sat down on his bed, hoping that Finlay would arrive home safely.

Two days later, Reggie made his way back to base. He walked into the barracks and immediately felt something was wrong. Dougie was gazing at the floor, his face emotionless. Reggie suddenly knew what had happened and it hit him like a hammer blow to the heart "Is... is he dead?" Reggie asked, his voice cracking "He's missing" Dougie replied flatly "he was shot down, but no one knows what happened to him". Reggie sat down on his bed, he wanted to scream or cry, but the shock had drained him off all his energy. He continued flying over the next few days, becoming ever more aggressive and wayward. His best friend was gone and there was nothing he could do. Twice he felt tempted to nose-dive his plane into the sea just to end the horrible feeling. His Squadron buddies soon became worried and eventually Dougie cornered him "Look, Reggie, is this what Layne would have wanted you to become like?" he said firmly "I know you're distraught, but we're all sad. It was terrible having to witness it. But we need to carry on and win this war to stop us losing more of our friends". Reggie felt like snapping back, saying that Dougie knew nothing about his and Finlay's close friendship, but he also knew that the Stag had a point. Dougie seemed to sense Reggie's underlying emotions, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he gently squeezed Reggie's shoulder and gave him a bar of chocolate he had stashed under his bed "Don't tell Baines" he added with a wink. Normally, Reggie would have thought that Dougie was treating him like a kit, but now he appreciated the gesture and forced a smile.

Two weeks later, a letter arrived for Reggie baring a Red Cross symbol. Intrigued, he sat on his bed and clawed it open

Dear Reggie,

I can't say much, but I want to let you know I'm safe and almost in one piece. We're allowed to write one letter a week, so I wanted to send my first to you

My plane crashed in a field in France. I couldn't get away as I'd hurt my hind-paw and I was captured. I'm now in a POW camp in Poland. My paw is on the mend, and I can now go outside to exercise. I don't like to be stuck indoors! There's a lot of different species here from different Squadrons, and we're passing the time by playing cricket and tending to a garden we're allowed to grow.

I hope this letter gets to your paws and I want to write again as soon as I can. I promise that we'll be back together again, whenever or wherever it will be.

Keep yourself safe.

Finlay.

Reggie closed his eyes and let out a huge sigh of relief, holding the letter to his chest. Dougie walked in and shot him a funny look "You all right?" He asked "Yes, I feel, so happy" Reggie breathed "it's from Finlay. He's alive". Dougie grinned "That crafty wolf, why am I not surprised!" he said "I'm going to tell the others". He left Reggie and ran outside. Reggie took one last look at the letter before stuffing it in his pocket. He smiled to himself. They may not be together, but at least Finlay was alive and hopefully one day, they would be reunited.