FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Business moved along as usual through the mercantile city of Dewclaw. The upper markets were full to the brim, and the sun had just settled in the cloudless sky but something seemed to be lacking. Dewclaw housed a large percentage of turf tigers and they enjoyed their back and forths to the point where the city itself expected a bit of damage by the hour. It was even thought of as a boon to have them fighting among the markets and streets as it provided a bit of intrigue to an otherwise boring day. That and the fights often attracted tourists who were willing to buy merchandise and other things while they watched or wandered around hoping to catch a WAR. However, today seemed entirely at peace. There weren't any arguments being had, no fists or claws were being thrown or swiped and the merchants were free to sell their goods without having to worry about their stands, kiosks, and stores. Everyone continued business as usual, but that also included preparing for the worst just in case a battle broke out and of course, there was a troublesome element gathering in one of the markets. A grey-furred turf tiger with a golden eye and part of his face covered by a mask trotted along with a grin and a few other turf tigers in tow along with cameras. Neither of the turf tigers holding the cameras looked rather enthused but they followed Toyle anyway. One of them was a blue-furred fellow with markings of creamy white along his body and tail, his hair combed into a neat arch hanging just above his eyes wearing a vest. The largest of the trio was an orange-furred turf tiger with black eyes dotting seas of cyan and a flower of bluish-green on his head, a manticore tail trailing behind him. Reyes and Claude had tagged along for different reasons; one had come for money and Claude had come along because he was easily swayed by Toyle but neither had any clue what they were doing with cameras on the streets.

When Toyle finally stopped walking, Reyes asked with a sigh, "What the heck are we doing out here Toyle? I mean, it's a nice day but seems pretty boring to just take pictures of the market. Figured you would have at least had me tag along for something more interesting than this."

Toyle put up a claw and huffed, "Tut tut, none of that complaining. I'm paying you and besides, my idea is actually something incredibly popular on the net. Folk love street view photography just like they loved my little live-action porn segment. So, we're here to take pictures of the residents of Dewclaw and check out the local fashion." The chimera-like turf tiger sighed as his thin serpent tail flicked from side to side, "Figured you of all tigers would be interested in fashion but then again, maybe you just don't have the taste for it."

Reyes felt his cheeks burn as he huffed, "I'm here because you paid me to be here and you said it would be interesting. You didn't give me any details until now! Besides all of that, if you wanted someone in Dewclaw with a good sense of fashion then look no further. I'm right here waiting to-- Hey!"

The grey-furred turf tiger walked away with a hum while looking around, "Yeah yeah, you're a real beauty but I already know you and you're part of the crew. It would make it less authentic if I just used someone I brought along with me. Anyway, get to looking. If you see anyone interesting, snap a picture and ask if they want to get interviewed. Chop chop!"

If it weren't for the pay then Reyes would have already bolted or swatted Toyle on the back of the head. With a breath to steady himself, Reyes began looking through the viewfinder of the camera to check out the locals. There were plenty of plain sorts with plain clothes and no one that seemed to stand out just yet. When he looked toward Claude, he saw that the large manticore-hybrid had a small smile on his face while he snapped pictures and occasionally stopped a few subjects to ask them if they wanted to be interviewed. Reyes couldn't see the interest that Claude had in a few folks with some common clothing but then again, he supposed that this little stunt was to not only show off the exemplary fashion of Dewclaw but also the mundane. Claude might've been good with just talking to anyone that came across his viewfinder but Reyes had a more refined taste. He returned his gaze back to the crowds to see if he could spot anyone with something more interesting on their bodies. A frown deepened on his face as he spotted a familiar satyrbun among the crowd with cream fur and pink hearts holding a purse and tugging along some poor sap that was probably either showing her around or helping her with whatever latest dig she had. Reyes decided to turn his attention in the opposite direction and it was there that he found someone in an aqua-blue poncho that seemed to shift and change colors. He snapped a picture but when he asked if they wanted an interview over lunch or maybe a proper date, they told him to get lost and walked away.

"Ah, not so smooth when it comes to talking to the general public are you?" Said Toyle with an elbow on his shoulder.

Reyes raised a brow and sniffed, "I'm good at talking. Good enough at least. I think that I just got unlucky is all, or maybe I should have laid it on a little less thick."

The grey turf tiger flashed a fang-filled grin and chuckled, "That so? C'mon, we're not here for sex or dates. That stuff can wait until after. Be a little bit professional at the very least or I could always find someone else to help me out."

"Be professional?" Reyes blurted, "From you?"

Toyle snorted, "I take interviews and film seriously. I don't care if you want to flirt I just care if you actually get what I want. C'mon, let me help you with the next one. We can tag-team them and if it turns out that they're receptive to the interview then we can add a little flirt here or there at the end once we have what we need."

His eyes narrowed but he muttered, "Okay. That sounds like a good plan."

One hand slapped his shoulder as Toyle beamed, "That's the spirit! C'mon! I'll show you how this business is done, my protege"

Being referred to as a protege by Toyle of all creatures was irritating and it was more annoying that he didn't disagree with Toyle's thinking. With a sigh, he followed the other turf tiger through the crowds. They continued walking until Toyle pointed out one or two figures in the crowd that looked good enough to photograph and talk to. He agreed with the choices and snapped the pictures and let Toyle do the speaking for the most part. Toyle was almost eerily polite while talking to them. He made sure to compliment their clothes and state clearly that they were doing a photography segment specifically about the residents of Dewclaw and that included tourists walking the streets. Reyes snapped a few pictures while Toyle spoke and he hated to admit it but he was impressed by how he handled others during business. When the small interview was over, Toyle handed the pair some cards and made a small mention that he'd love to see them sometime in a more intimate manner. Both of them rolled their eyes but they took the cards and walked away without telling Toyle off.

Reyes shrugged, "Okay...So you have a knack for this."

The grey turf tiger chuckled, "Damn straight I do! I mean, I guess they were still kind of not into the whole flirting thing but hey, they didn't tell me off and we got what we needed on the ol' recorder. Anyway, stick with me and you'll see that we'll make something beautiful happen...But for that to occur we need something more interesting than a few randoms with semi-interesting outfits. Nope, we need a celebrity sighting and I know for a fact that this little market crossroads is perfect for that. Everyone comes through here at least once a day. Food markets are nearby, got a few entrances to the underground around here. The works! Now, c'mon. Look around, see what you can find!"

With a nod, Reyes got to work on looking around through his viewfinder to see if he could spot any celebrities or notable residents. He was about to twist all the way around when he noticed a large white figure obscuring his camera with black dashes along the length. He pulled his head back and looked up to see a large Glam Tiger standing there with a grin and wearing only a tattered black tank top and leg warmers.

Those bright purple eyes gleamed down at him while their mouth curved up into a big grin, "Cameras, Toyle? I smell trouble! What's cooking you two?"

Toyle came over with a big smile, "Nothing unusual, just taking pictures and making myself a new segment that'll shoot my popularity through the roof on the net. Speaking of which, I'd love it if we could have a little chat while my friend here snaps a few pics!"

Vivian blinked, "Seriously? That all? Heck, if you want to take some pics then I'd be happy to bend over and spread for you two."

Reyes coughed while Toyle grinned, "Maybe later! For now, we're doing this on a safe for work basis. Actually, the ass pic might just gain more traction so we're probably going to ax that safe for work rating but at the same time, let's just go with regular shots for now."

"You're the boss little man but you already know me so I guess there isn't much to talk about is there?" Said Vivian with a smirk.

A few steps back were taken before Reyes began to snap pictures of the large glam tiger, trying to ignore the comment about their rear. Making it harder to ignore was the fact that in the middle of the interview, they turned around to lift their tail and show their ass exactly as promised and of course, Reyes snapped the picture. At least it was more interesting than taking pictures of small-time randoms.

Just when they were ready to head on out, a voice came from behind Toyle, "Say...Are you doing something depraved out in the streets again, bud?"

Another white-furred figure appeared behind Toyle with chin set on his head. This time, the newcomer was a bit more lithe and inky black markings along the ends of his large hands and the tip of his tail. Toyle had his arms crossed and was frowning the entire time while muttering something quietly as the newcomer leaned down close and asked, "What was that?"

Toyle huffed, "If you have to know, Wel. We're snapping pictures of fashionable residents so I don't have time to play with you."

Wel stood up to full height and opened his arms showing that he was wearing a vest and shorts, "If you're looking for fashion then you've got it right here! Toyle baby, c'mon, you know I love this sort of thing but more than that, I love bothering you and this seems like the perfect way to peck at you in just the right ways."

A picture was snapped while Reyes smiled, "Oh, sorry, caught you looking grumpy Toyle. Should I take another?"

The grey-furred chimera rolled his eyes and stepped away from Wel, "Take another one and make sure I'm not in the shot. Don't be an amateur. He might not be in something spectacular but he's a regular around these parts so I guess it'll do something good to my ratings."

Reyes snapped a picture and chuckled, "Anything you say."

Anyone who annoyed Toyle had to at least be a somewhat good person. The interview was, of course, filled with little quips that were specifically meant to get under Toyle's skin and break the facade that Toyle kept up while being recorded or on camera. When they finished, Wel asked for a picture with Toyle and had his arm around the other while they both smiled brightly. Reyes snapped the pic and as soon as it was over Toyle grumbled and walked away.

"Right, I'd love to stick around but we need to be moving onto more interesting subjects. We can't just waste film on commoners, y'know?" Sighed Toyle, "Speaking of commoners, where is Claude?"

Wel peered over them and tilted his head while pointing, "Isn't that him walking over here with Jasmaby, Charthur, and Neon?"

Toyle coughed, "What, seriously? Jasmaby?"

A quick look over the crowd showed that Claude was waving at them with a small smile on his face, a trio in tow coming through the various other creatures. Reyes leaned up to try and get a better look but didn't have to try too hard as the crowd seemed to part for Jasmaby. The thistle tiger was a tall sort with russet fur touched by cream markings here and there. He wore a dress of green with vines around his exposed legs, paws at his hips as he walked with his chin in the air and a small smile touching his features. Besides Claude, two others walked with him. Charthur was an icy eyed turf tiger with black and white markings in squared spots around her body and she wore a mantle around her shoulders and a tie along with a pair of pants bound with chains. The other creature with them was a stripe goat with white fur and bright blue and pink eyes and hair brought up in a mohawk. She wore a vest and not much else and was trailed by a floating orb with feline ears and small paws.

Jasmaby stepped in and brushed hair around his ear with the back of his paw as he spoke, "Heard you were doing a little phototacular and thought I would grace you with my fashionista self. Claude here was sweet enough to snap a few pictures but said that you would be better suited to the interview. How many times have we done this little dance and song?"

The camera was focused on Jasmaby and his new look as Toyle stepped into frame and snorted, "We've done it long enough that I already know what you're going to say. I guess we have some new things to talk about since you're in a new dress." "Oh? So you can use those eyes of yours, dear. Good job. This is one of my latest designs brought to life. A little touch of nature wrapping around my body. No doubt you want to ask me all about it." Said Jasmaby with a smug smirk.

Reyes expected to be here for a while as Jasmaby talked to them about his dress. He was a fashion celebrity and liked to run his mouth. At least Toyle would probably have enough to fill an entire website with Jasmaby pictures and information from it but still, he couldn't shake the feeling that the dress Jasmaby was wearing wasn't as good as Jasmaby was making it out to seem. Sure it seemed pretty but it was like someone wrapped a perfectly cute tiger in some lettuce. For once, he was glad that Toyle was doing the talking. He expected Toyle to be a professional about things and ignore whatever past he had with Jasmaby in order to get what he wanted.

Toyle immediately broke his expectations by sighing, "Yeah, gee, I don't know if we have time to interview you. We're on a bit of a schedule and should probably be heading out instead of sticking around. If you want to tag along to hope to get an interview then I guess that'd be fine."

Silence broke through the group as eyes turned toward Jasmaby and Toyle, the fashionista raising a brow as he spoke, "Oh? Is my particulate dress not up to your snuff? I call an excuse. You had enough time to interview the inky fox and Vivian but you don't have enough time to ask me about my new dress?"

"Yeahhh, that's how things are sometimes in showbusiness. You should know! You're famous! There are times when you just miss out on an opportunity because you came just seconds too late. Half of this business is luck after all, right? Anyway, I know you're chatty but I really don't have the time." At first, maybe Jasmaby would have let them go, maybe he would have just huffed and walked away to save face or even plot some sort of revenge later but Toyle hammered in another nail with a small smirk, "Claude, go ahead and delete those pics. We're looking for the fashion of Dewclaw, not the flora and fauna of Dewclaw."

A small hushed gasp went through the crowd gathering as Jasmaby's paw balled into a fist against his cheek and he lifted his chin, "Are you insulting my dress?"

Toyle raised a brow, "Huh? So you were wearing a dress? Figured you were joking with me! Gotta say you've looked a lot better."

Jasmaby stamped on the ground, small embers coming off of the step as he hissed, "Excuse me?! This dress is one of my finest designs! The greens mesh perfecfuctionally with my natural colors and create a look that touches on the majesty of the earth."

"Eh, I don't know about that. I'd say that the colors match and all but it's a bit too leafy for my tastes. Bit old fashioned too! Figured that a fashionista like you would actually keep up with the current trends but hey, guess everyone wants to make it big in their own way and I can respect that too." Said Toyle with a nod.

Those who were not involved began to back away as Jasmaby took a step forward, "Take it back."

With a smile and a blink, Toyle asked, "Take what back bean sprout?"

"Take back what you said about my dress. It is both beautiful and functional and an evergreen if I ever saw one." Said the thistle tiger with narrowed eyes.

Toyle yawned, "Gee, I don't know about that. Listen, anyone care to step up and back me up here? That dress is better served in a salad, right?"

Of all people, Vivian stepped up while shrugging, "I guess that I'm not really into the dress. Nothing against you Jasmaby but I think it ain't really rocking."

Color touched Jasmaby's cheeks and his mouth opened to say something most likely full of fire but Charthur interjected, "Fashion and rock and roll do not go hand in hand, as evidenced by tattered apparel and a lack of care for anything but your band."

Feeling the excitement building, Reyes took a step forward and grinned, "Can't say that the ice queen there really has any room to talk with that gaudy tie either and the leaf-wrapped piece of thin clay isn't too fashionable either."

Wel was standing over by Charthur as he sighed, "C'mon now, really? The earthen look is wonderful and I think you're just being a pest Toyle, so give it up or I'll help Jasmaby teach you a lesson in manners."

The gathering sides looked over at Claude and Neon and most would expect them to have very obvious choices but Claude moved to Jasmaby's side and prodded his digits together, "I uh...I like the look...It reminds me of my garden."

Meanwhile, Neon stood next to Toyle with her arms crossed, "Sorry, I kind of agree that the dress isn't all that modern, although, I hate to agree with this one."

Jasmaby narrowed his eyes, "If this is our split then we're dead even. Four for me and four for dirty little you. Are you going to budge on this Toyle or am I going to have to crown you."

"You can crown me as the winner of this little exchange because I know for a fact now that your taste is declining." Said Toyle with a grin.

Those balled up fists from Jasmaby began to crackle with fire as he stomped the ground and leaned forward, "Fine! If that is the case then let us say the words. Let us p-postulate for which argument the bell sways in the direction of!"

Toyle laughed, "As usual, you barely make any sense at all but I get the gist of what you're saying. You want me to embarrass you in front of all your fans? C'mon, I barely do this sort of thing and we both know that I'd win."

"Then say the words you pathetic little mongrel and I will stomp you into the dust so hard that you'll be begging to turn back the clock and give me the right response," Jasmaby said with a hiss.

"Hah! Why would I do that? What's in it for me? Being right? Guess that's fine and all but how about we sweeten the pot. Losing team lets the winning team have their way. Battle fuck rules active." Toyle said with a sneer.

Jasmaby turned his head up at Toyle and huffed, "That can be arranged. Prepare to be summarily destroyed, little creature."

Toyle leaned forward and extended his claws, "Then I guess this means war!"

Hackles rose on everyone in attendance, that special sort of atmosphere rising as the heat came and Jasmaby said the words as well in tandem as his hand came out to slap Toyle's leaving a trail of smoke before he turned and started striding away with those that would follow him. Reyes could barely contain himself as he went with Toyle and the rest of their side, gathering a few more stragglers on the way that were interested in fighting. The merchants came out in droves to start selling merchandise based on the competitors and of course, take bets. A mediator soon arrived to make sure that both sides were balanced and to take messages from one side to the other to organize what the challenge was going to be. Capture the flag was eventually decided upon along with two equidistant points where poles were erected along with flags at the top. When the mediator left to tell Jasmaby that everything was ready, Reyes stepped in line with Toyle and leaned in, "So...You think that we stand a chance of winning?"

Toyle turned his head toward the other and snorted, "Normally, nope! But they've got Claude on their side. That's their weak link. They've got a crazy witch fox, Charthur and Jasmaby who are a deadly combination and then you got Claude. The smaller actors don't matter except for maybe a few stragglers, those four are going to be the most important pieces and I can guarantee you that Claude is going to be meek. I bet he didn't even think it would come to this. They most likely know it so they'll have him on flag duty with someone else. We can sneak in and take the flag no problem! Plus, we've got our own powerhouses here! You're great at traps for defense and Vivian can add an extra layer to that! Neon can stealth us for a bit with that dumb cat bot of hers. So, I think we have a good chance!"

Reyes nodded with a grin, "Hah! You make it sound so easy but if you and Neon meet up with any combatants won't you have any trouble?"

"Not to worry." Began Neon, "Toyle's plan is solid, for once and not only that, I'll have a few augments helping me out just for this occasion. Victory will be ours."

And so, they prepared for WAR.