Elfwood is the worlds largest SciFi & Fantasy community.
- 93370 members, 22 online now.
- 57869 site visitors the last 24 hours.

User:		Password:
Not a member yet? Click here to join! (Help)

StartWhat's NewJoin UsPopularSciFi & Fantasy ArtStoriesTutorialsCommunityFindRulesAbout

Stories / Stories / S. Daniel McPhail / Text 2 of 7 / Path of the Just - Before the Storm Chapter One

"Path of the Just - Before the Storm Chapter One" by S. Daniel McPhail

SF&F Picture 2 out of 7 by S. Daniel McPhail

A revision of Before the Storm that fits the new continuity. Seth's wrong turn running away from his friend Yumi may change his life forever... but in what way?

Path of the Just - Before the Storm
Chapter One

"NZ-41?"

This time, the voice growled. In my defense, I hardly answered to that name. I snapped to attention, and walked to the human scientist calling my number. He eyeballed me as I approached, one foot tapping against the soil.

"Taking a nap, were we?"

"Mentally so, yes sir." I heard the other behind me laugh, but I paid them no mind. They always laughed at me, no matter the situation. The scientist seemed far less amused, as he flipped over the notes on his clipboard with far more force than necessary. He stopped after a moment, and glanced up from his notes.

"A booster today."

Just what I feared. I hated needles. I once served as a pincushion for a scientist learning to take blood. After five attempts, he found the vein and left my arm tender for a week, though fur thankfully hid the bruises. The others thought up enough taunts without adding accusations of drug use.

"Don't worry, you won't feel a thing," came the reassurance, seconds before he nearly yanked my arm from its socket and dragged me towards him with all the gentleness of a sparrow pulling a worm from the ground. He wiped the bare skin around my laser tattoo with an alcohol wipe, and I turned away.

This, it turned out, proved even worse. My imagination kicked in, and I saw the scientist with a crazed, wide-eyed look. Instead of using an alcohol swab, he painted a bullseye on my arm. The needle I imagined was a full two feet taller than me, with a point more like a giant spike. I winced and pulled away, waiting for the inevitable rush of pain.

It never came. A minute later, the scientist patted my arm and pushed me away. "All done, next!"

I beamed with excitement as I walked away, despite the snickers and insults. I know to them I looked like a complete and utter fool. I tricked myself into thinking I seemed far more composed as I walked away. After all, I was the main person I wanted to fool, anyway.

"Better watch out, Seth," a voice called from behind, shattering my illusion. "That big bad needle might just come and get you!"

"Oh, shut up Yumi." Of course, I asked the impossible. In truth, I considered her my best friend, though I sometimes questioned the wisdom of the choice. She delighted in my abject humiliation and discomfort, and took it upon herself to increase them whenever possible.

"You should have seen yourself," she continued, speeding up to walk next to me. "Cowering like Porteau himself had a blade to your throat."

I refused to look in her direction, and kept walking. "If it's that embarrassing, then why are you still around me?"

"Are you kidding? Where else in the grotto am I going to get this level of entertainment?"

In spite of her attitude, I knew Yumi cared. The mere fact that she opted to spend time with me revealed that. Every other male Emejre in our territory gawked at her, and she could snap her fingers and have any of them at her side. I wasn't blind, and I knew why. Her slender but shapely figure showed even though the baggy clothes she wore, and the smirk she often gave existed in a realm between adorable and mischievous. I learned to fear that smirk, though others fell victim to its charm.

I loved her eyes above all else. Deep blue, like twin sapphires, they showed the emotions her actions and expressions often failed to. The black spots around her eyes drew focus towards them, and even after our long friendship, I found myself staring into them. In spite of that, I knew Yumi could not think of me in a romantic way. Besides, our constant arguments seemed far removed from what I wanted in a relationship, and Yumi could do far better.

"So, Mister Lumiare, what's on the agenda for today?"

I stopped and cocked my head to one side. "We have lessons with Master Sabine scheduled today."

"Yes, we do." She spun around to face me, a grin to charm the devil on her face. "So, what are we going to do instead?"

I slapped my forehead with one paw. "If we miss the lesson, Master Sabine will tear into us."

"Wouldn't be the first time, now would it?"

"I'm thinking I'd like there to be a last time."

Yumi sighed, wrapped her arms around my neck, and pulled me down to face her. She batted her eyelashes and frowned. "Seth, I don't wanna listen to Master Sabine today. Maybe we could go to the water hole?"

Against my will, I smiled. "Really?"

She nodded in reply. "So, what do you say?"

Logic and fear of a severe scolding demanded a no. "Yes."

"I knew you'd cave, silly boy," she said and kissed me on the forehead. I froze for a moment. Despite all the reasons to not pursue a relationship with Yumi, I doubted them all when she did things like that.

The water hole provided a prime opportunity for nosebleeds, and most occurred before we even stepped in. Only my conscience stood between me and Yumi changing into swimming clothes, and at times, it proved a frail barrier. Most days I managed to focus on a nearby tree or rock. Today I focused on the water in front of me.

Water reflects, do the math.

I swam in my regular shorts, only pulling off my vest before jumping into the water. Yumi's red swimsuit left little to the imagination, a bad thing with one as vivid as mine. I repeated the "Yumi Friend, Yumi Evil" mantra in my head a dozen times before I turned to face her.

She floated on the surface of the water, staring at the ceiling above us. "Ever wonder what the sun looks like?"

I rubbed my chin. "We've seen pictures."

"Not the same." She kicked gently with her legs, allowing her arms to float freely at her sides. "Some ferret asked Master Sabine if the sun really existed. Said he doubted there was an outside world, or some garbage like that. Can you imagine being so hopeless?"

"Well, I can see the logic in his argument. If you've never seen it, how do you know it's there?" I dunked under for a moment, and water streamed off my fur.

"Faith, you know? Sometimes you have to take things on faith, no matter how crazy it seems. You have to believe there's a sun, that we'll be free one day, that you'll find that perfect someone some day."

She drifted uncomfortably close with the last point, and I bolted across the water hole. I tried to make my exit as smooth as possible, but Yumi noticed. "Feh, don't take it that way, otterboy. You're not my type."

"Gee, thanks."

She turned towards me and shook her head. "It's not like that. Problem is, Seth, you're too damn nice for me. I feel like I'd take advantage of you. I'm as sure there's a girl out there that needs your kindness, just like a guy needs me to beat on him constantly."

"How romantic." I spun in the water, and swam closer to her once again. "So, what do you look for?"

Yumi smirked. "Muscles. Big muscles. And beautiful fur patterns."

"Intelligence?"

"I can teach him."

"Yeah, I'm definitely not your type."

Yumi reached over and squeezed my arm. "Well, you're not a bodybuilder, but..."

I pulled my arm away. "Hey, you said you weren't interested, so too bad."

She stuck her tongue out. I made the only mature response possible. I reared one arm back, and unleashed a small tidal wave, aimed right for her face. Too shocked to move, the water drenched her. I laughed for a moment, until I saw her eyes narrow. She bared her teeth to add to the effect.

"You are dead."

I spun around and ducked under the water, swimming as fast as possible. Regardless of our friendship, Yumi laid some epic beatings on me, and for far less than what I had just done. Even in mock anger, she bloodied my lip and even broke my nose on previous occasions. Rather than concoct elaborate excuses to cover up any new injuries, I swam away as fast as possible. Luckily, otters gained the edge in water.

I glanced back, and Yumi kept pace with me, only a few feet away. I swam harder, pushing the water as hard as possible. I noticed an alcove covered with trees ahead, and aimed towards it. I heard Yumi yell behind me, but the water rushing past my ears overwhelmed her cries. I laughed and saw the alcove near. Tall trees covered the entire area, and tarps stretched between them. I imagined younger Emejre used the location as a convenient fort. I ducked under the water as I approached, and came back to the surface on the other side.

I saw the spots first.

Unlike most others I had seen, their pattern seemed disjointed. They seemed to blend into one another, creating large, asymmetrical shapes. The black spots rested on dark yellow, almost golden fur. A second later, I realized the fur covered a long, well muscled thigh. I tilted my head up, and noticed the waist and stomach, covered in white fur devoid of spots. Only as my gaze met another's did I realize I stared at another Emejre.

A very beautiful, very tall, very naked Emejre.

I expected to see an angry glare, but the expression that met mine seemed shocked, and fearful. Her body shook, and she took a step back. Her well-defined muscles showed through her fur; I little doubted that she was more than capable of beating me within an inch of my life. She froze, and I looked into her eyes, eyes more beautiful than Yumi's, a dark green hue that matched tree leaves. A thick black stripe ran under each eye, down her cheek. Short, pale blonde hair framed her face, and ran down to her shoulders.

"I-I-I... I'm sorry. I didn't know that you were... I was trying to hide, y'see, and, well," I stared into her eyes, and saw tears well in them. I spun around, away from her, and stared at the water. "I didn't mean to come in on you."

"It's okay." The voice sounded just as I imagined, gentle and almost melodic. I felt a rush of heat to my face, and I knew I blushed under my fur. Only silenced filled the air for a moment, as I debated swimming out without another word. I felt ripples of water around my legs, and glanced back at her. She had moved closer, and regarded me with wide eyes.

"You stared at me."

I swallowed hard, then nodded. I tried to keep my vision focused on her eyes only. "I'm sorry."

"Why?"

Honesty seemed the only way to go. "Because you're beautiful."

Her eyes went wider. "I am?"

I hardly believed my ears. She had to know, didn't she? The cheetah looked even more beautiful than Yumi, surely guys showed interest in her. I wondered why I had never noticed her before, however. Then, all at once, the realization hit me. Yumi wasn't yelling insults, it was a warning. I swam into another territory in the Grotto. Thankfully, no humans saw me. Still, punishment might come if the girl opted to tell them.

Still, her question bothered me. I gazed into her eyes, and refused to believe that no other had given her such a look of adoration before. I opened my mouth to answer when I heard a second splash behind me. A second later, a hand slapped the back of my head.

"Good lord, Seth! How long have you been gawking at this poor girl?" She grabbed me by the tail, and started to drag me towards the exit. "I'm terribly sorry, ma'am. Don't mind him. He's... retarded."

I growled at the insult, but another slap to the back of my head silenced me. She bowed, and pulled me under the water. As I slipped under, I gave the answer.

"Yes."

"Baka!" Yumi yelled as we climbed out of the water hole. "Baka baka baka!"

I arched one brow at the angry panda and decided to press my luck. "Yumi, would you please stop? You're wearing out the only Japanese word you know."

I expected another shot. Instead, Yumi slumped to the ground. "Seth, you do realize what just happened, right?"

"Yeah. I wandered into another territory, and didn't get caught. Well, so long as the girl doesn't say anything, but I doubt she will, so I don't see what the big--"

"Do you have water on the brain or something? That was Bede's territory."

I froze, one finger in mid-air, about to make a point rendered moot. "Wait a minute. Then that cheetah...?"

"Was Kimber Marie Brightshadow, yes."

I wanted to die. Stories of Kimber's fighting prowess and abilities achieved almost legendary status. Though I briefly wondered why no story told of her beauty, I snapped back to reality as I remembered that Kimber could have easily snapped my neck with one move. Lucky to be alive but terrified that word of my trespassing might get back to Sabine, I made a classic mistake. I wondered how things might get any worse.

Almost instantly, the jinx worked. "Sneaking out, are we?"

I turned to see Belle standing behind us. One of the most respected Emejre in our territory, that respect kept most from pursuing her. Many said Belle, with her white fur and long silver hair, ranked as the most beautiful among us. Until a few minutes ago, I might have agreed. Besides, the only part of her appearance that concerned me was the strict, parental look that crossed her face. She placed her hands on our lips and looked between the two of us.

"You should know better."

Yumi pointed a finger. "Seth's fault."

I turned to her and glared. "Hey, you suggested skipping the lesson and coming out here in the first place!"

"And you swam in on her, so you can shut up."

Belle raised one hand, and we both stopped talking. "I understand. I will speak to Master Sabine, he will understand. If Kimber goes to Bede, you are on your own. However, I doubt she will take such a step."

"You're screwed," Yumi whispered as she elbowed me in the ribs.

"You're both 'screwed', Miss Hikari. Now, come along. Master Sabine and the others are waiting. He has held up the lesson until you arrive."

Yumi groaned. "The others are gonna rip us apart."

Belle smiled. "He assumed you might be here, given Seth's love of this place."

"Bad idea, I knew it," Yumi muttered.

"Hey, you suggested it."

"Stop arguing and come along," Belle turned to face us. "There is someone you must meet."

←- Absolution | An Eternity Is Not Enough -→

Date	Name	Comment
12 Feb 2003	Brandie 'Moonsong' Minchew	Loading... Hi Steven! I just wanted to let you know that this story has been added to February's Recommended Readings in our Woodworks ezine. http://www.woodworksezine.com/2003/issue05_feb/columns/reading.html
25 Feb 2003	Danny	Loading... Great story. I love it.
5 Sep 2004	Stephen Peter Thompson	Loading... Hot damn! you're 3 for 3 on my great read meter! Please don't let these all be short stories, I can't take having a great work pulled out from under me when I'm just getting into it. Create a novel already!
11 Feb 2006	All i understand are the wings of sorrow	Loading... That was brilliant when is it being published!!

Not signed in, Add an anonymous comment to this guestbook...

Your Name:
Your Mail:

Private message? (Info)

About 'Path of the Just - Before the Storm Chapter One':

• Status: OK
• Created by:

S. Daniel McPhail
• Copyright: ©S. Daniel McPhail. All rights reserved!

• Keywords: Matador, Furry, Path, Of, The, Just, Anthropomorphic, Romantic, Mcphail, Otter
• Views: 224

More by 'S. Daniel McPhail':

An Eternity Is Not Enough	Sacrifice	Path of the Just - Fly Away
Rememberance	Absolution	The First Day

Related Tutorials:

'Narration on Narration' by

Amanda B. Melheim

'Creating Worlds' by

Emma Lydia Bates

'The Seed of Government - Part 1' by

Crissy Gottberg

Art Education Finder...

Elfwood™ is a site for Fantasy and Science Fiction art and stories created by Thomas Abrahamsson and helpful assistants and moderators, owned by the Elfwood corporation.

[More...]