FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Taffy, Yoko, and Erika received permission to travel, but needed to keep all weapons concealed unless absolutely necessary. All three girls wore a long skirt and a light blouse, but only Taffy and Erika were allowed to wear a hood. They each carried a duffel bag to store their weapons, clothing, and some food and water. Anyone who would see them would either laugh because they look weird or run because of the hoods. It didn't matter, since they had to take the bus.

When it was Taffy's turn, she hesitated to step in, "What's the matter Taffy?" Erika was really curious.

"Nothing. Just have some... bad memories of a bus." She stepped onto the bus and took a seat by her friends. The ride itself was uneventful. The girls shared stories, talked, thought about what they would like to do. However, Taffy couldn't stop wondering about Sam. Sure, it was an innocent little school girl crush, and if he did have a girlfriend it was no big deal. Taffy just needed to know, and to thank him for all the nice things he did for her.

It was 3:00 pm by the time they arrived in Sam's town, the location of which was given before they left. It was small and unassuming, with a school, some apartments, a fenced community, nothing out of the ordinary. A few people wandered the streets to go on personal errands, some kids played childish games. It was a very simple life, but Taffy didn't have time to admire the simplicity. She had to find Sam. She moved towards a average looking apartment building, and looked at the piece of paper in her hand, "Alright, we need to find room 313. I guess it's third floor, but I don't know which side. We should probably-"

"Uh, Taffy? We're on vacation. We'll look together, kill as much time as we can, okay? I don't feel like getting back to work sooner than expected. So come on, it's not a big building anyway." Erika took her arm and dragged her to the stairwell, "Now lead the way." Taffy snarled then lead both Yoko and Erika up to the third floor. Luckily, they found the door almost immediately.

"Wow. Who'd a thought it would be so easy. Hurry up and knock! I want to see what he looks like too!" Yoko was jumping, her body bouncing all around.

"Calm down, calm down." Taffy took a breath, gathered her courage, and knocked on the door.

"Hold on! Let me find my shirt!" A male voice came through the door.

Yoko leaned in to Taffy, "Hey, that his voice? Sounds really manly."

The door opened in a hurry, and there stood a tall human, wearing worn pants and boots, but no shirt. His torso was full of scars, some of which looked recent, "Yes? Hm..." He rubbed his chin and stared into Taffy's eyes, "It starts with a "T" and ends with an "e" sound. Dammit! Uh... Taffy! Right?"

"Sam! It's been a while. I'm surprised you remembered me." Taffy tried to sound coy, "By the way, the shirt-"

"Yeah. It's laundry day. I could put on a jacket if it bothers you." Taffy shook her head, as did Yoko and Erika, "Where are my manners. Come in! Have a seat, make yourself at home, I know I do." As he turned and walked inside, there were even more scars visible on his back. Inside, the apartment was small, but tidy. There was a couch and a chair with their backs facing a kitchen. Two rooms could be seen at the far end, one a bathroom, "Oh, let me take your things." The girls handed over their bags, and Taffy hoped he wouldn't notice the weight. He didn't, and put the bags in his room on his bed.

"So," Erika broke the silence, "cozy place you got here."

Sam walked back out of the room, "It's home. I actually prefer a small place like this. It fits my needs, and it stays hidden from public view." Taffy thought his last comment was odd, "It would seem I lost my manners yet again. I'm Sam," He put his arm across his chest and bowed down, "A pleasure to meet all of you."

"I'm Yoko."

"I'm Erika."

Taffy was curious, "Uh, Sam, what's with all of the scars? You were never a violent person in school."

"Ah. Nor did I take my shirt off. In time, Taffy. I see you are with the Lilith now. Impressive, I expected you to work at an office or something." Taffy smiled, then saw that he was not wearing a necklace that he always wore, "I see you've noticed. But, it's a family tradition. At least Lucy seems to enjoy it."

Erika leaned over, "Is Lucy your... girlfriend?"

"Ha ha! Good one! I wish that was true. We're married." Taffy's heart sunk, but in a way, it was also a relief. Now she didn't have the pressure of wondering, "Terrible thing, really, but I had a moment of weakness. In fact," he looked over at a nearby clock, "She should be back soon."

"Aren't you a little young to be married?!" Taffy was shocked and couldn't control her voice.

He gave a solemn, "Yes."

His simple answer was a surprise to all of the girls, as was his mysterious attitude toward everything, "What are you saying? Why did you do it if you weren't ready?"

Sam sighed, "Couldn't help it. At least this way I can protect her. It figures, the girl I would marry would be light headed and bubbly all the time. How much do you know about my family Taffy? I know you've seen a picture of my parents."

Taffy thought for a second, "Uh, you were adopted, right? 'Cause you have two felines as parents. But, you never told me any more than that."

Sam laughed, "If only that were so, my life would have been so easy. No, I'm afraid they are my biological parents. Really quite a funny story if you don't mind-"

The door opened again, "Thank you for all the help! They just do the best laundry in this entire country, I swear." A white cat walked in, carrying a few bags of clothing. Taffy's first thought was that she was incredibly beautiful, "Oh, we have guests. Sam, why can't you wear a shirt? I picked out some good ones for you."

"You know how I feel about those places. Meet Taffy, Erika, and Yoko. All of you, this is Lucy. I knew Taffy back in the day. Here, let me take those bags. It looks like Erika has something to say." Taffy looked over, and for the first time ever, Erika was having a deep thought. Sam placed the bags down in the corner, while Taffy waited for Erika to talk.

"You are the one called Ronin, aren't you?"

Taffy had no idea what she was talking about, "Hm? Who's Ronin?"

"I am." Sam smiled as he sat on the chair, and Lucy sat on his lap, "And according to this woman, we're moving in the next week. Gonna miss this place." He was avoiding the topic, as though it wasn't important.

"One of the oldest clans in existence. Most known for the assassinations. You are the current leader, are you not?" Taffy was surprised and looked at Sam in awe. He simply shrugged, "I thought as much. Then, may I ask of you a favor? The Lilith have discovered an enemy that we cannot in any way, shape, or form assault or harm under our laws. I am not asking you to do anything, only that you visit with Master, our leader."

Lucy Picked up an umbrella leaning against the chair with a handle like a katana, "I see you've noticed my umbrella Taffy. Cutest thing ever, isn't it? Watch!" She opened it up, and it was nothing more than an umbrella. She then closed it, "Sam taught me this." With the umbrella in her left hand, she flung her arm out to the side and the umbrella part flew off and embedded itself into the wall, while Lucy was left holding a thin blade, "Like I said, cute! I only wish it was made lighter, although I have gotten used to it."

"She likes to complain, no matter how many times I say that the weight is for the overall balance of the blade and it complements her fighting style. Ugh, my head. And my... well, can't talk about that in front of you ladies."

Yoko giggled, "Is it sexual in nature?" Erika and Taffy giggled at the thought.

Sam laughed, "Uh, depends on the person. I'm not a fan of having a knee in my crotch every night I relax to much and she gets wired on caffeine. However, you three seem like you would enjoy some hardcore stuff, am I right?" he was toying with them, "Anyways, I suppose I could, although I'd rather him meet me. But, business later. For now, let us relax. I was about to take Lucy out to eat, would you three like to join us? You can bring your weapons, if you want." The three girls looked at each other, "What, you think we're going to a normal restaurant? It's technically a business meeting, but we never get any business done. We sit at a table separate from everyone else, and there's plenty of room. Wear whatever you want, not like anyone is going to stop you."

Taffy was confused by his aloof nature, but the felines being his biological parents, "Wait, you said your parents were those cats? That's not possible, why are you lying?"

Lucy giggled, "Oh, I see he told you that. He must really trust you then. It's true, I met them myself. They are a... unique family to say the least. I was almost killed walking up to the house." She giggled again, "But Sam saved me. So, are you ladies going to join us? Our ride is coming in about an hour, so you have time to freshen up." They were completely oblivious to the obvious questions they raised.

Yoko brought something up, "Hey, why are you two so trusting, and why the hell aren't you giving any details?!"

Sam sighed, "Well, I guess we just know so much that it would take much too long to explain. Don't think too much about it. Just get ready to eat. Meteor likes to come early." All the rush of the conversation and the lack of information made time fly by. In no time at all, a limo pulled up in front of the apartment building. Two people dressed like ninjas exited and opened the door.

"How may I be of service?" Said the one doing nothing.

"Uh... dammit... uh... right! I need you to pack everything and move it to our new house. You can get help if you please. Also, no rush. I don't want to leave this place too quickly. Have fun!" Sam tossed a little bag at the ninja as he helped Lucy into the car. The three girls then entered, followed by Sam, "You know, this is kinda weird. I'm used to people trying to kill me at least twice a day. Huh."

Taffy looked at the couple, and Lucy was wearing an ornate kimono that had been altered to look more modern while Sam was wearing a green t-shirt, which had tears in it, and the pants and boots he was wearing earlier. Now, however, Lucy carried the umbrella sword while Sam had his katana on his belt. Taffy, Erika, and Yoko all had their weapons on, unclear of what the night would hold.

A short drive later, and they ended up at a landing strip with a plane nearby. A strange human, dressed provocatively in crimson approached them, "My my, new friends? Which one is the tastiest?"

Sam smiled, "Good to see you to." He kissed her on the cheek, "Names aren't important here, I just need to get to the meeting before they get pissy again. Missed the last few, you know? Also, if you're gonna join us, cover up your nipple a little better, okay? We have to comply to some standards, and nudity happens to be the easiest." The woman draped her scarf down over her chest and escorted them to the plane, "Strap yourselves in, Meteor isn't as good as she used to be, not since she got her little boy toy. Tell'em, Lucy."

Lucy shivered, "She... she lets go of the controls sometimes. I don't want to think about why. Just, be careful." The warning was a little light, as Taffy soon learned. The plane dropped a few times, took a nose dive, did a barrel roll or two, and had a very rough landing. Sam acted as though this was a normal occurrence, and had to hold up Lucy. Taffy, Yoko, and Erika had to lean on each other for support. They were at a remote location with an elaborate building and many cars parking in front of it, "Thank you... God, Satan, I don't care which. Whoever let us land, thank you. The group wobbled inside and were greeted by two hosts.

"Ah, a larger party than expected. Not a problem, shall we set up the table first, or would you like to take a seat immediately?"

Sam looked at the women, "Let's take that seat. We can wait for utensils."

"Very well, follow me please." One of the hosts took them to a large booth area with the back against a wall. Yoko, Meteor, and Erika sat on the left, while Sam, Lucy, and Taffy sat on the right. Sam was in the middle, "Would you like the usual, sir?"

"Yeah, and get a bottle, have to share with my friends here."

Taffy leaned over the table, "What's the usual?"

Lucy smiled, "Ah, a most delightful drink made from his parents own grape fields. It's aged over ten years, and it just has the most refined taste to it. Every new generation has to find a new addition to it to make it taste better, and Sam added a type of tea. It's fantastic! Just be careful, you might not realize how much alcohol is involved before it's too late. Heh, I got drunk without realizing it because the taste was so good."

Taffy smiled and was curious. She looked over at Erika and Yoko, who were horrified. Meteor, who was between them, had her hands under the table and was flexing her muscles slightly, "You didn't tell me your new friends were so... inviting."

Sam was a little irate, "Hey, remember what we had that talk about after you tried to have your way with Jen? And then Marlene? And then that girl at the airport? No means no. Don't make me come over there. Or... reach over. Whatever. Keep your hands in your pants, not theirs."

As soon as he finished talking, a man in a business suit walked up to the table. He was an older mouse, but had an air of authority about him, "Ah, Ronin. A pleasure to finally see you again. I must ask of you, what are your plans for the third quadrant?" The host came over with a bottle without a label, but a scratch down the middle, and three more wine glasses. He filled the glasses and left the bottle, "Because my people and I are more than capable of handling-"

Sam put his elbows on the table and watched the man with piercing eyes, "You assume that I can't handle it, right? Is this what you think of me?" His tone was much different from earlier, and caused the man to take a step back, "But, I am in a merciful mood tonight. I'll drink my beverage, and pretend that you said anything, understand?"

"Yes, yes sir! Sorry sir!" The man stumbled as he turned and hurried away. Sam smiled as he took a sip.

The host returned to the table, "What could we make for you this evening?"

Lucy immediately said, "Oh, how about a nice fish for me. What do you have available?" The host went over the options, "Hm... I'll have the salmon tonight." Taffy ordered the same, and all around people picked out their food, "Wonderful! They make the best food here!"

Taffy was curious about the man who ran away, "I don't mean to pry, but why did he run?"

Sam laughed as Meteor spoke up, "Oh, that's simple. He's the most feared man in the world. Any enemy of his has maybe a day left to live. Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you more."

Sam sighed, "No. That's about it really. Usually, if someone sees me, and they aren't on my side, they go away. Permanently. Now is a time for celebration, friends have come to visit, food is about to be served, and I'm not tired."

"But, we just ordered. How is food about-" three servers brought out their food and set it before their respective diner, "Uh, what? Did I miss something?"

Lucy smiled, "They prepare their dishes fresh every day, and when word comes that we are about to arrive, they cook a few of everything, just in case. I'm a little spoiled by it." Taffy stuck her fork into the fish and it tasted as fresh as it did back Home, "Good, right? It's amazing how it tastes." Lucy took a sip of the wine.

"It's incredible! I've only tasted something like this once before! I wish I could eat like this every day!" Taffy started digging in as a shadow approached the table. She looked up, and saw an attractive vixen wearing a fancy dress. Almost instantly, the mood became tense.

"Ronin... I've been searching for you for years. I know you are married, but for the good of the world, I must become your bride." She pulled a gun out of her dress and pointed it at Lucy. Without hesitation, Sam put his arm between her head and the gun just as the attacker fired. Blood spattered out as the bullet lodged itself deep into his bone. Without skipping a beat, Sam put a hand on the table, jumped up, pulled out his sword, and stabbed the attacker while pushing her away from the table.

"Who is this woman?! Who dares let her into a place such as this?! Take their lives! All of you!" People from all over got up and searched the room for the people the woman was with, but they were gone, "Dammit!" He stuck his sword in the body, "Next time this happens, all of you die!" Sam sheathed his sword after cleaning it off and took his place at the table again, "So, where were we?"

A few people came over to treat his wounds and remove the bullet, but after that, everything returned to normal. Even Erika thought he was insane, and she killed on occasion because she was asked, "What the hell just happened?!"

"Well, in a strange turn of events, someone tried to kill Lucy instead of me. Hell, didn't see that one coming. Everyone okay?" Blood was soaking though his bandages.

Taffy stared at him, "What are you?"

"Heh, I'm what I said I was. My family is 100 percent feline, yet I am human. Somehow, I have both of their traits all tied up into one neat bundle. But eat! Now is not the time for that!" Taffy continued to eat as his request, but remembered something, "What is it Taffy?"

"Uh oh. I can't remember half of what just happened! Everything is going so fast! Last time this happened, I had a dream about Chelsea, but I blacked out before that."

Lucy put her delicate hand on Taffy's shoulder, "It's okay. Just try not to think about it. It is but a dream, and it can't hurt you. Just enjoy the day, and live like it's your last all the time. That way, you can relax knowing you did everything you possibly could." She leaned over and whispered into Taffy's ear, "It sounds much better when Sam says it, but I go the gist of it." She smiled as she took a sip of the wine. Taffy smiled and did the same when she noticed Sam watching Meteor cautiously, "What is it Sam?"

"Sakura. Why are you so quiet? You're never like this. You could have your arm blow off, and you would still be talkative. And your eyes... don't do it." Every muscle in Sam's body tensed up and Taffy felt his vibe. Meteor, or as he called her, Sakura, had a strange vibe coming off of her.

"Ronin, Ghost, Sam, all names. I know how you fought with me, how you would stand up for me no matter what, and how much you said you hated me." She smiled, "And I know that I will never be good enough for you. I want to do this, to end both of our sufferings."

Sam flipped over the table as Sakura threw a small pill into her mouth. With a lunge, he jammed his fingers deep into her throat, "Moron!" She tried to pull his hand out of her mouth, but Sam didn't give in, "I hated you when I was a kid! Grow up!Be an adult about things! I can't have a friend with such a weak mind!" He yanked his hand out of her mouth, along with the pill. She dropped tot he ground, gagging, "I need to go outside for a minute. Lucy, take care of things for me." Sam walked through the crowd and out the front doors. His bleeding would had stopped.

Lucy put a hand on Meteor's shoulder, "It's okay. I'm here for you. We'll work this out, I'm sure of it." Lucy was an eerily calm person, considering this beautiful woman had just confessed her love to Sam, in her own sick kind of way, "You know, I might be able to convince him to let you, you know, join us once or twice if that would make you happy."

Erika and Yoko moved over to be by Taffy, "Damn, you sure knew some weird people Taffy. Why did I agree to come with you again?" Erika was as scared as Yoko and Taffy, "Right, a vacation from all the weird stuff I've been seeing. So much for that."

Taffy leaned back in her seat and secretly drew her revolver, making sure no one would see it, "If this is normal, I wonder what will happen next?" Yoko and Erika pulled out a knife and kept it calmly at their side. Strange thumping could be heard outside, as though someone was punching a solid object. A woman wearing a suit approached Lucy.

"May I have a word with you? It would seem that no one around you two can be trusted. I would like to offer my clan's services to you and your husband. I can guarantee protection around the clock, and all I ask in return is a few of your contracts." A wicked smiled crossed her face.

Lucy laughed quietly as she stood up, "You think we need protection? You think we need help finishing our contracts? I may not be like Sam or Sakura, and I know that I don't fit in, but I'm not stupid." She snapped her fingers and out of nowhere people dressed as ninjas flew seemingly out of the walls and pointed weapons at the woman, "We are quite capable of handling this ourselves, not to mention we have a few of the Lilith as our special guests. You should leave this place."

Taffy knew the voice. She hadn't heard it directly, but in a Military facility she had heard someone shouting in the exact same voice. She jumped out of her seat, kicked the woman to the ground, and pointed her revolver in her face, "Who are you working for?!"

"Heh heh heh, words mean nothing kitty cat." A tall Fox walked up to the table, "I see you've met my personal spokesperson. I feel that she can add a sense of civility to any situation, but I have dozens like her. Do what you will with her. Oh, and by some contracts, she meant all. We would like our organizations to join forces and become much stronger. If that means killing some, like your precious Sam, then I would be glad to. After all, I am more than capable of taking his place." The fox bent over, took Lucy's hand, and kissed it.

She smiled, then slapped him with the back of her hand. The ninjas reacted, but froze in place as most of the people in the restaurant stood up and pulled weapons against them, "Heh, as you can see, most of your people are on our side. Killing you would be no problem, if you insist upon it."

"Looks like I'm just in time. Such a shame, a actually grew to learn some of your faces over the years." Sam was leaning against the entryway with a bloody katana in his hand. Somehow, he had managed to kill five people without anyone noticing, "Hey, Sakura, get your ass in gear. We're going to have some fun, like the old days."

The beautiful human on the ground laughed, "Most kills wins, right?"

Taffy panicked, "Oh, you three are more than welcome to join, but I would ask a favor. Keep Lucy alive until a cut my way over there, okay?" He smiled, then slashed into another group of traitors. Sakura leaped up from the floor, taking down the fox and simultaneously killing him and the woman with him. Lucy picked up her umbrella, flung part of it at a traitor, killing him, then held the sword at her side. It sat at an angle with her body, which was odd. Taffy aimed her gun and fired at those with ranged weapons. Erika and Yoko both pulled out their main weapons and stood around Lucy. The ninjas did not assist in the attack, but surrounded Lucy with their bodies as a sort of shield.

In no time at all, Sam was with the group again and the traitors were dead, "And to think, my parents trusted them. Should have known better. Is everyone alright?"

Lucy walked away from her shield, "Yes. And you were right, nothing good comes of these meetings. What do you want?"

"Uh... I'll think of something later. There are more important things to deal with right now, including hiring people for... every position. Fun. Well, because of all this dinner excitement, I think I may want to meet with your master, as we may have much to discuss. Not related to anything that would offend your laws, but... other things. Also, Sakura, I win. You owe me as well. I'll let Lucy think of something."

Lucy walked over to Sam and whispered something into his ear, while Taffy reloaded her gun. She then turned to Taffy, "Thank you for you assistance in this matter. Please, if we can be of any help, let us know." Sam had a strange look on his face, as though Lucy had said something embarrassing, "Oh, don't worry about him. He's just really shy deep down. Really, really deep down."

Yoko looked at Taffy, "I don't think I want their kind of help."

Sam laughed, "Yeah, it's usually bad for your health, especially if you enjoy life."