FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

I walked quickly towards the hatch, trying to put everything behind me. Except I could hear Shadow's struggle to keep up. I slowed down, but didn't stop, feeling an urge to flee, flee anywhere. He caught up with me, looking sore. I felt bad and came to a stop.

"I'm sorry, Shadow," I said, every bit of me drooping. I felt horrible, my whiskers pulled in tightly. Of course he would follow.

"Calm down and let's talk about this," he insisted, shifting on sore legs.

"There's nothing to talk about. You saw it all. Something's wrong with me. I'm dangerous. I'm weak. It's asking to be killed being with me." I shook my head. It was all true.

"Is that how you feel? Tyler, even with that, you know I won't leave." He paused, his tail hanging straight and tense. "And you're stronger than you think," he grumbled, "I wish you'd stop putting yourself down."

A ghost of a smile pulled my lips. "But I don't want bad things to happen because of me. What happened there.... I don't know what that was, but I'm dangerous to be around."

"Really, Tyler?" He looked exasperated. "I don't feel I'm in danger because I'm around you. I feel safe with you. Can you truly believe you're a danger to me?"

"I don't want to be a danger. But what we saw..." I trailed off with a helpless gesture.

"Could mean any number of things. We don't know. But," he shifted closer, "I will help you find out. Besides, aren't you scared of being with a dangerous, unstable wolf?"

"Now you're putting yourself down."

"But it's the same level of assumption. I have to tell myself every day that I'm not going to have some sort of break and hurt you."

I grimaced. "Really?"

"Yes. So, let me help you. Share with me." Black arms pulled me in for a hug.

I hugged him back fiercely until I felt him wince. With a twinge of guilt, I loosened and listened to him sigh in relief into my cheekfur.

"Tyler, no more hiding stuff, remember?" He licked beneath my ear.

"I didn't know it was anything to hide," I mumbled into his shoulder. "It just seemed like a song in my head."

Shadow pulled away a little and gave a gentle smile. "So, what song is it?"

I shook my head. "That's the problem. I don't know." I shifted my weight. "It feels familiar, but I don't remember what song it is, or even if it has words."

He nodded. "We can ask Jenny. I'll bet she's heard a lot of songs."

I paused. "No, it's okay."

Shadow looked unsure, but let it drop.

I made myself relax. Panic would do no good. I needed to be clear-headed, needed to be there for Shadow, for as long as he would have me. Shadow was watching me.

"Food, then?" I prodded verbally and at his ribs.

He grinned.

And we turned again towards the hatch. We were silent on the long walk to the roof hatch. Shadow didn't say anything; he walked with his paw on my shoulder. For whose support, I was unsure.

The song was another thing I couldn't let bother me. Maybe later, but not now. I tried to pretend nothing had happened besides us leaving the tent in the long rays of the low sun. More immediate to my concerns was Shadow's well-being.

At the hatch, I made Shadow rest before we went down. He appeared to feel well enough, but complied anyway. He gave me a quiet smile, sitting with his legs dangling into the hatch.

We immersed ourselves back into the darkness of the FurShopper. Inside, the skylights reminded us of the light, but the world below was darkness. My mind was preoccupied with what I didn't want to think about. Unhelpful was the constant tune in my head. As we walked through the dark rear of the store, Shadow circled my waist with an arm. I smiled, realizing I was the one needing support, and he was there for it. My lips brightened to a smile for him in the dim light. I was okay. I had Shadow.

As we walked, he leaned in close to nibble my ear with a thoughtful hum. I snickered back a laugh as he pulled our hips together. I tried to keep my ear tip between his teeth as I smothered my laughs. He growled and pulled me closer, nipping the base of my ear. I yipped in fun and tried to tickle him into letting me go. He wiggled aside a little, separating us by inches, and drew us back together, wiggling his own fingers on my side. With a loud snort and giggle, I stopped tickling and conceded defeat.

We were still grinning happily as we made the edges of Camp. It was well lit tonight and noisy with all the furs. The crowd made me nervous. This was a normal sized group, but after days of only a few furs around, I felt pressured. A glance at Shadow showed he must have been feeling similarly.

We had been here days and gotten to know nice furs and hostile furs. But they were alive and valuable survivors, just as we were. We had faced adversity here, I knew that very well. Yet as we were greeted by furs who were becoming our friends, I realized I didn't want to leave any more. I wanted to stay, even if it took a lot of effort. Even after all the hurtful things, after all the acceptances and rejections, this place was becoming familiar.

The two of us slipped by furs and more furs. We were in parts greeted, ignored, and glared at, but we made it to the food table. I noticed several furs glancing our way, and averting their gaze. What were they wondering about us, and why couldn't they just ask? Shaking my head in dismissal, I started to gather foodstuffs onto my plate.

We gathered up food from the table, and I noticed there were fewer choices in meat and drink. Just summer sausage today for meat. There was still lots for everyone, and some good-looking dishes too. We took our plates through the crowd, towards a back table. I was focused on dodging furs, so when two sets of paws stopped in front of us, blocking our way, it took me a moment to look up.

It was the elderly cat and the hound who looked to be around our age, Ethan. What was the cat's name...?

"Evening, pups," the elderly cat began, leaning on Ethan's arm. She gave him a good poke in the side with her other paw.

I nodded politely, balancing my food. I didn't know this cat or what she wanted. Neither did Shadow from the lost look on his face, looking at the age-shrunken cat.

Ethan nodded to the older cat and turned to us, having difficulty meeting our eyes. "I... um, apologize for following and supporting in any capacity those who came to attack you. It was wrong." It sounded rehearsed, but honest.

I nodded acceptance and mumbled a little thanks. Shadow shrugged, and looked away, but I saw a tiny smile tug at the corner of his lip.

The cat was probably over eighty, and somehow she had survived like the rest of us. Margaret. That was her name, I remembered. She gave us a little smile and pointedly looking at Shadow, said,"I honestly can't say I like your kind, but young Ethan here went too far. Dislike is one thing, but we never give to violence. Right, pup?"

"Yes, Gran." The hound gave a sheepish nod.

"Good boy." She nodded and patted the muscular arm she held onto. "Never let yourself get pulled into mobs. You're a civilized fur."

I smiled. I understood she didn't particularly like or trust Shadow, but at least she knew where to draw the line. As the graying cat led her escort away, Ethan looked back at us and gave us a sheepish smile.

We might survive this after all, if more furs like Granny Margaret were around.

"They're an odd pair," Shadow chuckled into my ear.

"Honest though," I noted aloud, standing there gazing after the two. The old cat scolded the pup, and he bowed his head to her. I turned away, seeing Ruby waving to us from where she sat with Clovis. We dropped into seats next to them.

Clovis smiled broadly when he greeted us. Well, it was wide for his narrow muzzle. "Greetings, pups. We have many new faces, and it's a pleasure to see yours."

Ruby, sitting next to him at the picnic table nodded. "You two okay? Clovis and I saw the mob gather, and we weren't sure what had happened. Steve and Sally had the furs involved stay in a conference room for the night and chewed them out at breakfast."

Shadow shrugged and didn't seem to care.

I nodded. "It was dangerous, what happened. But, we're alright now. It's good Burt and Steve came when they did."

Clovis nodded, his eyes as wide as ever, "Burt was harsh on them. Though they appear to have repented...."

I shrugged. It meant nothing. Each of their actions voiced more than a choir.

Looking around and starting on my meal, I saw the collie family members as they smiled and waved. The collie father, Roger was limping. There was a young pika girl with the family, and she had her wide eyes glued to Shadow. Steve had his arm in a sling and was talking with a small group of furs I didn't recognize. At the far side was a female rabbit I didn't recognize, consoling a weeping middle-aged husky. It was an unending, weak cry I couldn't hear from here, but I could see the misery on her face.

"Who's that?" I asked Ruby, pointing with my nose, to be less obtrusive.

Ruby took a moment to chew. "The husky? That's Susan, one of the new furs. She's been crying almost non-stop since she got here. Her husband James got caught by those things outside as they ran to the door."

I realized the female husky was the new fur who had been calling for her husband 'James' when I'd found Shadow injured. I shivered, feeling a deep cold. I dropped my gaze as questions rose. Was I responsible for his death? I'd been tasked with keeping the zombies occupied. I'd done what I could, but someone had still been lost. Had I overlooked something at that time?

The song...

I jumped a little as I felt a nose dig into my cheekfur.

"Don't dwell on what's happened too much," Shadow's muzzle whispered into my cheekfur. "I know you. You did everything you could."

I bit on my lip and looked up at the husky. Her nose was pointed at her untouched plate of food as the female rabbit tried to console her.

Furs laughed, and I looked up. It was Isaac, the lion, and Bradley, the honey badger, who had come at us last night. Isaac was teasing and trying to impress a tiger who appeared to be about my age. The young tiger was hanging on every word. Bradley was watching them without expression, but when he looked our way, he gave a slight nod.

Gods above, what were we supposed to take that as? A gesture of peace? Noting a target? An acknowledgement that he felt they were justified, but now it was okay?

Shadow growled under his breath, and I looked up at him. "Is that honey badger Bradley?" he asked. "He's staring at you."

I nodded to Shadow and tried to ignore the honey badger's continued gaze as I poked at the food on my paper plate. "That's him."

When I glanced again, Bradley absently rubbed his bandaged forearm, but didn't seem to favor it. I knew immediately; my bite was there, under the bandage. I grimaced, knowing I'd done it. I'd caused pain and hurt. I still didn't regret it.

Shadow took a bite off his fork, and eyed the honey badger, growling under his breath. "Well, whatever you did got his attention. He's got his eyes on you. Stay away from him. What drew his attention to you?"

I shook my head as I munched more food from my plate. Who could know what the fur wanted. My nape it still stung from where the honey badger had bitten me.

Shadow rubbed the bandage over his shoulder bite, frowning. He clenched his other paw a few times near his plate. He had not brought the bat and was apparently regretting it.

We were eating, it was time. "Time for your pill, Shadow."

He stilled with his fork halfway to his muzzle. "No."

I gave him my best "I'll kick you if you don't" look.

He went back to eating.

I pulled out the antibiotic bottle and set a pill in my paw. Shadow didn't look my way.

My lips scrunched in thought. How would I get him to take it?

I leaned in close and brushed my lips near the corner of his lips. "Please?"

He paused, then couldn't hold back a smile. "Fine." He grabbed the pill and swallowed it quickly without water.

I gave him a kiss deep in his cheekfur. "Thanks," I whispered.

He rolled his eyes and muttered, "Hate pills..." but I knew he was happy.

Burt approached us with a grin, his white-snipped hoof clicking closer. "Pups! Glad to see you both up and about." Michelle followed behind him, chatting with furs as she went.

"Hi, Burt," I said, peering around him. Burt's approach had attracted the attention of other furs. They looked at us with mixed reactions. "What you got on your plate?"

"More of the same, or less of it, actually. It's something we're talking about tonight." He rubbed his horn and sighed, sitting down next to me with a cup of coffee next to his plate. "We're running low on supplies. The FurShopper has a little of everything, but not a lot of anything."

I nodded, "Let us know what we can do to help."

Burt looked down at us. "Of course, but I want to make sure you're both okay before we ask anything of you. It's been a rough few days."

I exhaled long and slow. "Yeah." I flexed my paws. They hardly felt sore. If the rough times could fade like my injury, we'd count ourselves lucky.

"Don't look so worried, Tyler," Michelle said with a smile, sitting across from her husband. "Things will get settled, even with those creatures outside."

"Hey, everyone, mind if I join you?" Jenny asked a little wearily. At everyone's nods, she took the last spot next to Ruby, leaving the ferret Peter hanging behind her.

With a slight huff and a glare at Shadow, he stepped away and left to join another table.

Michelle tilted her head. "Things okay with you two?"

Jenny sighed and rested her elbows on the table. "No... I don't know." She shook her head and glanced at Shadow and me. "He joined that idiotic mini-mob last night, and he still thinks it should be okay with me. He keeps insisting over and over it was to protect me."

Michelle rolled her eyes and muttered something about thickheaded males.

Jenny set her white paws on the table. "So what happened in that closet? Burt brushed over the details." She looked expectant.

"What? Didn't Burt fill everyone in on what happened?" I asked.

Burt shrugged big black shoulders.

"Nope, so you better spill it," Jenny grinned.

"Well, Isaac and Bradley came into the closet. I guess they had a mob of furs behind them. I... blocked them and made enough noise to delay them. Then Burt and Steve came and got them to give up." I wouldn't tell her I'd bitten and got bit.

"That's it?" Jenny looked a little disappointed.

"That is brave of you, young Tyler, to stand your ground," Clovis nodded.

Burt frowned a long minute as the rest of us ate. "It's these things which show us even more that we need to hold onto our decency. Keep ourselves thinking, sensible furs."

"I know we can do it," Michelle smiled. "We have each other, and that is something to believe in." She nibbled on a bagel. "Burt told me about his offer, and I wanted to know what you pups thought of it."

"Offer?" asked Jenny, picking food delicately off Ruby's plate.

Shadow looked confused, and I cocked my head, ears up. Oh that.

Burt smiled. "I'd like these pups to think of Michelle and I as family."

"I think it's a great idea," Michelle nodded firmly. "You two don't have any family left, I'm assuming. From everything happening, I think you two could use some stability."

"It does make some sense," agreed Jenny. "You're both still underage, I'm guessing. The others around your age have adult furs looking after them."

"I can take care of Tyler..." Shadow said thoughtfully. "But if something happens to me...."

"It won't." I was insistent. Nothing would happen to us. We were together. "Yet... it might be a good idea to have the support."

Clovis coughed lightly, "Ruby and I will gladly support you as well."

Ruby nodded, "But you two are still young. It might be a good idea to have some structure to help. Remember, friends are the family you can choose. This family, you can truly choose."

I nodded slowly, still not quite sure of what to make of this. Shadow, on the other paw, looked intrigued but hesitant.

Shadow arched his ears forward. "Burt would be a father and Michelle a mother to us? Why?"

"Well, you don't have them anymore, right?" Michelle hesitated. "Is this too fast? I don't want to rush you or make you feel you can't mourn your own...."

Burt finished for her, "We just want you to feel comfortable in whatever new life you can have among us."

My whiskers twitched as I thought. Shadow had been years without anyone to call family. I was possibly the closest thing he had to family. Would it cause any distance between us to have a new one? Unlikely. I knew without doubt Shadow and I would be close, for as long as we could manage.

Shadow might benefit a lot from having a stable family. One which could be night-to-day to his old one. Everyone needs someone to call family, right? More family than me, but I could also be part of it.

I smiled, liking the idea. Shadow looked lost and a little wary. To him, family might mean someone who's close enough to you to do you more harm, a vulnerability.

"What would change?" Shadow asked.

"Well, nothing needs to change," Burt said, leaning forward on the table. "We just want you to be able to come to us if you need help and don't know what else to do. We want you to feel safe here, and having you two here will help Michelle and I know you're safe."

Michelle nodded, smiling broadly. "And, if you feel like helping out when the baby arrives, that's also a plus. Not that it's required, you know. But who wouldn't want to give some love to their new brother or sister," she cooed, rubbing her bulging belly.

Jenny grinned and winked a hazel eye at us from across the table. "I'd help take care of you, but I'm just a wild college student, you know."

Shadow was silent for a moment, glancing between Burt and Michelle. What did he see there?

Shadow cleared his throat and spoke in a low voice, "I think it would be good for Tyler to have a family. He's used to having one to turn to. I'm not...."

When he didn't continue and I didn't speak either, Clovis filled the quiet table with his voice. "Being without a family for a number of years, I can understand how it can be daunting to be faced with something like this. Perhaps more time is needed, pups?"

"Oh yes," Michelle piped in before Burt. "We don't expect an immediate answer, just something we'd like the two of you to consider."

I nodded, relieved. My food was gone; it could no longer distract me. "So... what now?"

Burt leaned back. "For now, enjoy your time here, and know, pups, that we already think of you as family." He grinned, white teeth shining in his black face.

Jenny grinned, "How old are you anyway, Shadow?"

Shadow shrugged, "I just turned eighteen a couple months ago."

Burt chuckled. "Ah, congratulations. You're adult by many standards. Offer still stands for you too. Just because you're old enough by some standards doesn't mean you won't need help."

Shadow nodded slowly, thinking things over.

"And I'm sure our Tyler here isn't eighteen," teased Jenny.

I gave a little shrug. "Just turned seventeen."

"He had a pool party," Shadow said with a grin.

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help the goofy grin on my muzzle.

Ruby blinked several times and smiled politely. Clovis nodded with all seriousness, which made me snicker.

My friends... I could trust these furs. They would be there for us. I wasn't ready to give up my own family, but friends were a different kind of family, right? I felt I could trust them, at least with the other thing on my mind.

I inhaled a soft breath and asked, "Jenny, you know a lot of songs?"

"Sure, Tyler," she smiled. "Hey, I even dated this band member. He wasn't that good, but he played all kinds of popular songs for me."

Michelle popped in, "I've heard a number of songs in my time too. I just hope we can still show our young the wonder of music." She patted her large belly and hummed.

I listened a moment, smiling at the nostalgic look Michelle had. My friends. I gathered my courage, I couldn't lose. "You know this one? It's been in my head for days." I closed my eyes and began to whistle softly.

No one stopped me. The world around me seemed to dim and become less important. Loud laughing from a distant table stopped me. I opened my eyes and looked around my table.

"That is a nice song, but I've never heard it," Michelle shrugged.

"Sorry, me neither, pup." Jenny piped with a smile. "Must be something obscure."

Friends shook their heads. I shrugged, like it wasn't important.

Shadow's paw settled and lightly gripped my thigh under the table, giving me comfort.

"I know what that's like," said Jenny. "I get a song stuck in my head, and I can't let it go until I've heard the original!"

Ruby grinned, "Opposite for me. More I hear a song, the more set it becomes. My mind pulls up songs from years ago, I haven't heard since!"

They laughed, and I chuckled along with the rest of the table. Shadow appeared to be deep in thought. They started a lively conversation about music. I followed some of it, but I was busy worrying.

When I looked away from my friends, I noticed Helaina giving Shadow sad puppy eyes. Her face grew sour when she met my gaze. I didn't care. She had proven fickle, and I wouldn't let her have my shadowy Bardawulf.

I let my gaze slip away, feeling a smile grow on my lips. I was with furs again. Living, breathing, thinking furs. Above all, I was with Shadow, and comfortable in the knowledge that I could be with him. I reached around Shadow's back with one arm and leaned into him, giving him a half hug. He smiled down at me and nudged his nose into my ear. My ear twitched, and my tail spun in happy circles while I grinned.

When I looked past Shadow, I saw Sanway looking disgusted, though I noticed he kept his distance from the table with Isaac and Bradley. Michelle and Burt both looked happy, if a little confused, while Ruby stared at us with fascination and Clovis politely avoided watching.

"Right! Every fur pay attention!"

I startled in my seat, and felt Shadow go rigid. He turned his head slowly to the center of the gathered tables.

It was Steve, walking into the center of the dining area. His rabbit ears were erect, his posture commanding. He seemed strong and able despite his bandaged forearm.

"Every fur here! I need your attention, please," he said, his voice easily reaching every fur.

Steve waited until the general noise had died down, and focus was given to him. Isaac was the last to quiet down. The lion finished with a laugh and a careless shrug towards Steve.

"We need to address a few things today. I'd appreciate your cooperation." After a few nods and mumbles passed, he continued in that booming voice. "Howard here, our resident expert in all things numbered, tells me that we need to watch our consumption of food and drink. Now, there is no need for immediate concern." As voices began to rise, he quieted them with a firm gesture. "Also, he tells me we need to start finding a way to replenish our stores. I'll give it over to Howard for the details."

Howard came forward, walking steadily in front of many focused eyes. He cleared his throat and began to speak in his soft voice as everyone strained to hear him, "My analysis of our stores is complete. As you have seen, the food choices given have progressively been shrinking. This is because the FurShopper does not have an unlimited supply of the goods we use every day. With the number of furs we now have, we cannot last very long with the FurShopper supplies. We shouldn't take for granted that this incident is ongoing and may last for some time."

Various fearful responses and denials came from the gathered furs. I felt the same. I had managed to survive, but how could this go on and on? I glanced at Shadow, who looked grim. I shuddered deep within myself. Onwards with zombies, Curtains, and fear.

Howard visibly sighed and continued, "We've all lost much, but we need to focus on our survival."

"What do you know!" screeched the elderly husky from across the area. "I lost my husband right outside this forsaken place!" The stranger rabbit tried to shush her, but to no success.

In the middle, Howard and Steve shifted, unsettled by her.

The husky slumped and sobbed a long "Jaaaa-aaames!" She looked up angrily, "why did this happen? Why did those-those things come after us when they did?! They were supposed to be drawn awaa-aay..." she sobbed.

There were some mutterings from the furs, and I heard my name several times.

The middle-aged husky rose to her footpaws. "Who is this Tyler?!"

"He's the fox over there!" prompted Dianna, making me groan. The little collie pup had pointed me out.

I slumped in my seat, my ears trying to touch my shoulders in shame, and my white-tipped tail dragged on the floor. My whiskers twitched in distress.

"Here now, don't blame young Tyler. I know he did what he could to distract them." Steve's voice rang around us.

The new furs were all frowning at me. Well, with the exception of Bradley, who watched intently without expression. I was pinned under their focused eyes. Guilt and unease rose within me, a counter-point to the mystery tune in my head. Had I done everything I could have? I could have whistled, but how would I have known to even try?

"It was a disaster coming in! They were on us before the first fur made it through the door!" shouted an irate bay stallion, thumping his hoof to the table.

"It was terrible," a pretty, teenage black lab trembled out. She looked shaken.

"Whatever the fox did, it wasn't enough!" a yellow lab sitting next to the black lab, probably her boyfriend, growled. "James died! He won't come back at all after he was torn to pieces!"

The husky broke into fresh tears. Her louder sobs drew reactions of pity, anger and disgust. She lowered her head to the picnic table and repeated her husband's name over and over.

"No need to be harsh, pup," berated Burt. "Tyler did everything he could, then signaled their approach."

Everything I could....

"How are we supposed to believe that?" asked the bay stallion. "No one else was up there from what I heard. That stag didn't make it either. Does anyone even know his name?"

"Mark, his name was Mark. He was a good fur, too..." trailed off Peter, staring at Shadow and me. He kept glancing hopefully at Jenny who ignored him.

"Whatever the case, Tyler did his best," said Clovis softly. "He tries hard in what he does."

Shadow's paw gripped my thigh beneath the table. When I glanced at him, he gave me a quiet smile. Grumpy mutterings came from several of the new furs. Nothing was easy in this changed world, or the one before. I couldn't leave it like that.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, my head drooping. I thumped fisted paws into the tabletop and stood. "I'm sorry, alright?!" I yelled into sudden stillness.

I looked up. New furs looked at me with disdain. Familiar furs looked saddened.

"I did everything I knew..." I trailed off, my voice unsteady. Upset rose in me, nauseating. "Everything I knew...."

I looked around, but details were blurry through unshed tears. They were watching, that's all I could see.

Howard cleared his throat. "Back to our stores, we're needing to find some supplies. We are particularly low on water."

I sagged back to my seat, feeling Shadow's hip touch mine, anchoring me with his life, his heat. My eyes tried to take root in the table.

"Just how low are we, and why haven't we heard anything about it until now?" griped Sanway.

I wiped at my eyes and managed to respond to Shadow's gentle nudge with a faint smile.

Howard nodded, "No one was keeping close eye on the stores, and we got a bunch of new furs. How many new furs?"

"Eleven, including Peter," said Steve with a flick of his fawn-colored ears.

I rubbed my eyes and looked around, feeling steadier. There were a lot of furs.

"Yes. Well," Howard focused again on the gathered furs, "It is a significant increase in consumption. We will quickly run out of stores, especially water. There is no way within the FurShopper at this time to get more water."

Steve looked around the worried and unhappy crowd. "Right, so we have a rising problem, a continuing one."

Sally joined Steve, thumping forward; the doe Mia came limping behind her, a stitched-up gash visible on her thigh. "We gather furs together for forays, yes. Volunteers to go out when the monsters are asleep."

Steve nodded while other furs mumbled fears to each other. "We can't hole up in here forever like this. We need supplies, and furs willing to go get them."

Sally spoke loudly, her voice overwhelming mutterings, "No one forced outside, yes? Duties still inside. Cleaning floors of blood and fluids, changing of the comodes. Barricades for front doors to be inspected. Rotten food to be tossed."

Several furs spoke up, offering to take duties around the FurShopper. Furs seemed hesitant to leave the safe darkness. These were ordinary furs with fears, not heroes.

What could we do? I could help, but Shadow was still recovering. I would not leave him, even to go hunt for supplies.

"At the very least, we'd like to have furs take time after the next Curtain to go by the creek to fill buckets with water. It's just on on the far side of the parking lot. We can boil the water to drink, or use it for basic washing and such."

A few furs offered to help, namedly Isaac, Bradley, Sally, Burt, and Howard himself.

Steve said, "We need as many able bodies to get water as we can. The food can wait a few days. We're looking for furs familiar with the neighborhood around here."

Sally looked around at the gathered furs. "Mia and I know a little of the area. Is there anyone else?"

Mia, sitting next to Sally, ducked her head as furs focused on her. She rubbed her leg as she stared at the table.

Steve looked pointedly at Sanway, sitting at the table next to us.

Sanway gave a long, dramatic sigh. "My house is near here. I know the immediate area."

Steve smiled, "Good, good. Anyone else?"

"I'm his neighbor," Rusty spoke up. "We were in his basement that morning it all began. I'm new to the area though."

Steve's tail bobbed behind him. "I'll talk to you both after this."

Sally nodded her heavy head. "Any other matters for addressing tonight?"

"Yeah!" Isaac stood firmly on his footpaws and tried to meet every fur's eyes. "We all want to know what in all the furry hells is going on! We want answers!"

Most of the furs nodded or mumbled some agreement. I did too.

"What answers are you looking for?" asked Burt, looking wary.

Isaac's voice raised. He had everyone's attention. "Just the obvious. We want to know what's going on in Furdom, and where it comes from. What is this so-called 'Curtain'?"

Furs raised voices, wanting to know.

"It's an attack! Attack from Featherdom!" cried out the young black lab, holding onto her boyfriend.

"Those bird brains don't have the technology to do this!" Ethan called out from where he sat next to the old cat Margaret.

"How would we know? They've never been honest with us!" shouted Sanway, his nostrils flaring.

Isaac stood, paws on the table in front of him, leaning intently. "Featherdom is the most likely culprit of this."

"You never know what they're experimenting with..." Margaret trailed off.

Clovis shook his head. "We've been at peace with them for decades, thanks to Ri'riru from Findom." Other furs nodded in agreement.

"That orca knew just how to deal with the feather-brains," Ethan nodded.

"Knew how to deal with us too..." trailed off the big bay stallion from across the dining area.

Clovis continued quietly as furs listened close, "However, if it was Featherdom responsible for this, they'd have followed through by now."

Many furs nodded. If it had been an attack from Featherdom, we would have seen them in the area, as close to Featherdom as this was.

History lessons taught that Ri'riru was responsible for bringing peace between Featherdom and Furdom. The two had been at war for centuries. It was a conflict going as far back as any reckoning could account. The feathers, as we called them, were simply too different from furs for the two races to get along.

"Well, it sure seems like an attack from someone." The black lab barked.

"Or something," her boyfriend continued.

This caused me to shiver. 'Something' was a more probable cause in my mind.

"Could Findom do something like this?" asked the bay stallion.

Clovis shook his head. "They've never showed much interest in our lands, especially areas far inland."

"We need to bring together what we all know," Isaac brought focus back to the group.

Burt frowned and mumbled something nasty under his breath. He tried to signal Steve, but the rabbit's interest was occupied.

Isaac grinned, noticing Burt's dilemma. The lion spoke louder, his voice taking every fur's focus, "We all know the Curtain kills furs and brings them back."

"It's in their eyes. They're not alive, they're possessed!" said the rabbit comforting the husky.

"Possessed by what?" asked the young tiger.

"We all know," Isaac gestured broadly, "this Curtain has taken them." He brought his fists hard to the table in front of him. "They are dead and evil. They feel nothing, they know nothing, but the desire to feed on us."

"Only living things need to eat," said Ethan.

"They react like living things, to stimuli," nodded Clovis. "They grow tissue, as Peter has shown us. Somehow, they are alive."

Unhappy murmurs arose. Furs shook their heads. They would not acknowledge these things as living. I couldn't bring myself to see them as living either.

"They literally are still dead. The Curtain only occupies the dead," the stallion said.

"No..." I said hesitantly, "it exists in live feral birds as well."

"How do you know?" asked the female rabbit.

I gulped. "Shadow and I were attacked by birds earlier today. Their eyes glowed, but later cleared, and they returned to acting like normal birds."

"Is it possible that Featherdom is less affected by this than Furdom?" Some fur out of my line of sight asked.

"Who knows with those birdbrains," laughed the bay stallion.

"What about other ferals? Are furred ferals affected by a Curtain-induced violence?" Jenny asked.

Peter nodded. "I was attacked by a feral dog shortly after I left to look for survivors."

Uncomfortable murmurs sounded around the dining area of Camp.

Peter continued, leaning forward, "It was right after the Curtain, a dog basically had me treed. It came to its senses later and wandered off."

"The same happened with the birds right after the last Curtain," I spoke slowly. "But they attacked each other as much as they attacked us. Then they seemed to regain themselves and flew off like nothing had happened."

"I want to know if the water is safe to drink!" called out the teenage tiger.

Furs went quiet. After some awkward shifting, Isaac spoke to the tiger at his table with a voice meant to carry. "Better hope so, we've all been drinking it after it's been exposed to the stuff."

The bay stallion laughed a little, as did a few other furs. It was an unsteady laughter.

I felt Shadow shiver next to me. "You okay?" I asked.

He nodded, keeping his eyes focused on the lion's table, where the honey badger sat, still staring at me.

I turned towards him and nuzzled my nose into his shoulder, whispering, "We're okay. We won't turn into those things from drinking water."

He finally looked down at me with a little smile.

"Clovis," Steve re-took control of the discussion, "you've been studying what you can of this thing, what can you tell us?"

Furs quieted as Clovis spoke through his narrow muzzle. "It's something existing in light, using light as a pathway. There is some EMP-like effect, as electronics do not work after exposure." Acknowledging nods were given by many furs. "It has penetrating power through anything transparent or translucent. We don't know what depth it can reach in a water medium."

"What about that it brings the dead back to life?" asked the female rabbit.

Clovis nodded, "It does seem to re-animate corpses, but the things themselves show individuality. Some are stronger than others."

"The changes we see in the zombies.... Are they evolving into something else?" asked the stallion.

"That is something we may discover in time," nodded Clovis, slowly blinking his wide eyes.

"What should we do then?" the black lab female called out, clutching onto the yellow lab.

Isaac shook out his mane, showing layers of color and deep fur. He met various gazes around at the tables. "We pull together. We do what we can to survive. The only ones who can help us are ourselves."

Furs nodded.

Steve stepped forward. "There is still a possibility of rescue. There should be some sort of government or local entity to gather up the pieces."

"That is where you're wrong," growled the lion, his demeanor changing. "There is no one out there besides scattered, unorganized furs like here."

Furs around the tables murmured in agreement. Shadow even nodded.

I had to admit it was more believable at this point. Where was the figurative cavalry? If anything was left of the world before, some sign would have shown by now. I believed that, as did the majority of furs around us, from their nods.

Isaac smiled slowly. "We are here to gather the pieces and rewrite our own paths. There can't be many furs left. Society broke without a second thought."

The honey badger next to him stayed quiet, still staring at me whenever I glanced his direction.

"We can still maintain the society we know here," Burt spoke in his deep voice. His black hide glistened in the evening lamplight of Camp.

"There is not enough of society to continue. There is no illusion of safety anymore." The lion spoke evenly. "Unless you think sharing gossip at a local grocery is still possible. What of a sports event? Simply letting our young swim at the beach or play without a care in the world?"

Furs shifted uncomfortably. They didn't want to hear this. Neither did I.

Burt snorted. "We have what remains with us. We know how our society works, and we can continue as such."

Isaac paused, closing his eyes. He drew a breath and opened them. "It won't help to cling to the Furdom that was. It's gone forever. The two of you cling to being cops, when there is nothing backing you up anymore. There is no system aiding you now."

Burt tensed beside me. Steve looked furious.

Sally, who had remained silent spoke, "Things have changed, yes. We see what we make here." Her weighty head gave a brisk nod. "Enough male marking and sizing. Everyone off to night tasks." She stood and other furs also stood.

I sighed in relief along with many other furs. Having reality shoved down our throats even more was... distressing to say the least. Being able to hold onto some illusion of normalcy was alleviating.

Next to me, Shadow had not relaxed. He was eyeing Isaac and Bradley.

Bradley still watched me with a steady gaze. He flicked tiny ears as Isaac smacked his shoulder and gestured for him to get up. He finally looked away, following the lion towards the tents, looking over his shoulder at me.

Shadow growled. "Damn honey badgers. You never know what they want or when they'll give up."

With a careless shrug, I stood. It didn't matter what the honey badger wanted. If he had hostile intentions, I knew I'd be safe with Shadow and my friends. If he had good intentions, well, that would be better than the scenarios my mind kept trying to bring up.

Shadow growled possessively as he slung his uninjured arm around my shoulders and drew me close. He nudged my ear with his nose and whispered, "Mine."

I snickered and whispered back, "Yours."

Safe. I was safe. Shadow was safe. Screw any stupid song and crazy furs - dead or alive. We walked away into the darkness, heading for the comfort of the green tent and the promise of sleep.

***

I woke with a start.

Shadow was curled in behind me whimpering. His paw on my belly clutched repeatedly.

My voice was worried in the deep darkness. The moon hadn't risen yet. "Shadow?"

I heard more whimpers, then a long whine. Behind me. Alarmed, I turned, reaching my paws for him.

He was shaking.

I fumbled around in the dark for the flashlight, wincing as I turned it on.

My eyes stung in the new light. But it was dim. I could hardly see Shadow as I lifted onto my elbows to look at him. He was too black.

Shadow clutched his paws erratically. "Tyler...?" his voice shook out.

My eyes stung with tears. What was wrong? My shadowy wolf was in distress.

I gently rested my paw on his shoulder. "What's wrong, Wulfy?"

He didn't answer, just moaned.

"Please, Shadow, tell me what's wrong." My voice wavered.

"I don't know," he managed. "It hurts. It hums. It's wrong. It's all wrong."

I rubbed his shoulder. Shining the flashlight over him, he seemed okay....

"The bites. They're wrong."

"They itch?" I asked, unsure how itching could cause such distress.

He rolled closer to me and clutched at my t-shirt. "Can you see the bites?" His voice was laced with fear, and I could see panic building in his eyes.

I flicked the flashlight down. "They look fine, Shadow. They-"

Looking closer, the one on his forearm looked strange. With a gentle and firm grasp on his arm, I steadied the shaved and stitched area for inspection. It appeared to be healing. Stitches covered pale flesh. Too pale. Almost a bluish color. There was an uneven joining of the two hues of skin. I touched the pale flesh.

Hmmmmmm.

I jerked my paw back. No.

My heart was in my throat as my stomach sank. I went cold. Like the healing zombies, this flesh was a part of the Curtain. It couldn't be. The Curtain could only be in the dead.

"Get it out... get it out...." Shadow was on his back, whimpering and rocking on the sleeping bag.

"HELP!" I shrieked, pounding on the roof below us.

"I'll get help!" I shouted, practically ripping the tent door open, grabbing the flashlight.

"Don't leave me!" Shadow yelped in terror.

I looked back, torn. What could I do? I couldn't leave Shadow alone. His eyes were black, irises blown in fear. He was shaking.

I nodded and gestured him to get up and follow. He did, gritting his teeth.

I helped him out of the tent. He stumbled against me, breathing hard.

"Does it hurt?"

He shrugged and leaned into me. My nose buried into his cheekfur, then I licked his ear several times. He couldn't seem to keep still, shifting from footpaw to footpaw. I drew his paw to follow me, flashlight in my other paw. I hurried him towards the hatch, where there would be help - surely be help. Any help.

Help. Shadow... the Curtain... the song rising strongly in my mind....