FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The pitch black silence that enclosed the warehouse was only broken with the occasional pass of a Guardsman, the swaying of an portable lantern showing where they were. Large containers lined the warehouse, locked up tight and set about neatly; if anything those in High Rise were organized. This made it easy for the small group of shadows to find exactly what they had been searching for as well as avoid being seen by any of the Guardsman.

Hushed voices came as they huddled in close to try and keep from being seen; "What's taking so long?" a feminine voice would spark up as two of the silhouettes worked on getting the lock to unlatch, fiddling with a few small instruments causing soft rattles. No answer would come as they focused on their task, giving a bit of an annoyed grunt as one shoved down on to the lock causing a slightly louder *click* followed by a sigh of relief as everyone drew in close making for a total of four. As all seemed well the lights in the warehouse would suddenly buzz to life illuminating everything!

Rags covered the faces of the four in rags, three clear furs by the show of tails and a single human from the flesh about his hands. None looking properly dressed and none wearing even a scrap of cloth upon their feet they quickly found themselves with their backs against the container. Frantically looking around the four found themselves surrounded by Guardsman on the second level walkways that ran all over the warehouse, a particular demand of the Nobles; not wanting to dirty their feet on the work floor even in High Rise. All was tense and silent as the two groups were joined by a rather hefty feline anthro, fine clothing and way too many jewels encased in gold ran about his neck. Pudgy ears swayed about as the tabby feline came to the hand rail of the walkway, placing equally fat fingers upon the cold metal as squinted eyes stared down at the group.

"It appears some rats have crawled their way in. You know what we do to rats here in High Rise?" His hefty voice had been steady as if trying to speak with a sophisticated accent but just sounding bloated; the feline began to ramble about some manner of punishment for rodents as the group all glanced toward the human that stood between them and the group of Guardsman. The human narrowing his eyes and whispering to himself 'Dammit Glen where the hell are you?' It was at this time that the lights quickly flickered and fell dark leaving shadows once again, the group in rags quickly dashed off taking advantage of the confusion. The Guardsman and the pudgy feline however were left befuddled, staring up at the dead lights for a moment before taking note of the 'rats' as they fled. The large cat pointed angerly with the order to capture them being shouted!

Though with the guards on the second level they simply reached for their Accel Rifles that had yet to even be pulled from their shoulders and took aim! Heated chunks of metal whizzed through the air toward the four as they dashed about trying to keep out of the way; the rifles vibrated in the Guardsman's arms before they kicked back as the round roared out.Trails of light illuminating the darkness and caused sparks to reign out as they hit the metal containers and floors! Curses to the gods and names being dropped followed by 'Who the hell told them we were here!?' The group began to dash between the containers trying to confuse the Guardsman as they scrambled about the walkways; using the walkways gave them height but only able to move to certain areas. As the bullets continued to roar one managed to hit true with a blind shot in the dark hitting one of the group in the leg.

A cry of pain before he staggered behind a container to keep moving, blood dripping onto the floor as the wound hissed from the heat; just lucky the heated round only left a grazed wound and didn't embed itself. The four had scattered about but their goal was clear as they darted toward the far end of the warehouse to a metal shutter that had been opened by a fifth and final member of the group who was actually holding the shutter up by hand. One dove, the other ducked, a third slid and the last limped and was dragged out of the ware house as bullets continued to cause a celebration of sparks to dance in the air as the shutter fell closed.

The pudgy feline glared down with fire of rage in his eyes as his hands ran over the fine robes that hugged his overly large belly; with a turn and a extended hand with various rings decorating his fingers, 'Find them.'The head Guardsman that had remained by his side giving a bow with his right arm resting at his waist.

:Two Days Later:

At the highest level of The Commons there would rest the Thermal Dome Generators that ran all about the very bottom of the massive ridge that sat at ninety degrees; these were the steam generators that provided all the electricity for High Rise and required people to be there constantly to keep the power flowing. The people that toiled away were members of The Commons, the generous Nobles in High Rise 'giving them a chance' as they would say to prove themselves and possibly become servants in High Rise should they toil away long enough. Very rarely did that happen however.

It was at dome one zero nine that an unexpected visit from the Guardsman as well as a personal attendance that caused quite a stir in The Commons. Two black box like carriages drawn by horse rested on either end of a single white carriage drawn by white bulls with glowing red eyes. Gold trim and symbols rested all about the white carriage while several Guardsman stood atop the other two making sure none moved too closely as a crowed had gathered in hopes to being chosen to serve in High Rise.

Food, water, business, wealth were practically non-existent in The Commons, one had to scavenge for water the further away from the domes. The thermal generators were one of the few places The Commons got clean water, condensation off the pipes provided water for them to drink while the workers were paid with food. Those that worked were looked upon to shared with anyone and everyone, some begging and others robbing the workers within the domes making an already dangerous job even more so as they had to defend their earnings. They were also easily replaced by anyone hungry so missing even a day regardless of your health was not an option for many. The Guardsman; the term associated with the 'enforcers' of High Rise, being the neatly dressed personal military of the nobility in High Rise. Dressed in the standard grey uniforms, each adorned with a rapier sword at the hip and a Acell rifle slung over their shoulder.

They were seen often in The Commons though never too far from the domes or The Lifts, the only way from High Rise to The Commons. Today however they had been joined with a rare sight, practically a once in a lifetime event for most of those in The Commons. Royal Guards. The direct Guardsman of the most elite of the noble families and they were easy to tell apart with their pure white uniforms. Hardened Guardsman that have proven themselves wore nothing but twin scimitars upon their backs and gold brimmed hats that were always tilted down as if to keep their eyes from being seen. They were even more out of place among all the dirty and grime of The Commons than the Guardsman but no where near a female doberman.

The female canine held the normal doberman fur colors with black and brown yet ice blue eyes that were filled with a new level of cold. She was adorned with light grey leggings with a white vest and long sleeve black undershirt, she even wore shoes that seemed more to keep the grime off of her foot paws than anything else. All of these out of place people gained more than their fair share of stares and looks however no one dared to stare too long and stay away from work before the Foreman, a servant of the nobility of High Rise showed up to yell at them; any time given in the generators were to be given to work and nothing else less they risk being replaced. As the workers bustled about the Guardsman would be seen marching about from the Royal Guardsman to question the workers. Though most would look upon the Captain of their color with a shake of their heads or they would point in a random direction before moving off to the next worker.

The Guardsman seemed ready to grab the commoners and force answers but every time they refrained; the workers had to work and any time delayed could mean a problem for High Rise. A razors problem that could fall either way should the workers be kept from their job. After several minutes of the the female doberman would step forth to cross her arms, her cold eyes glared around with no attempt to hide her annoyance behind a pair of gold framed glasses. Her eyes shifted from the left then to the right, narrowed before her head tilted to the left as she gave a glance over her shoulder with the presence of a large black panther appeared as he stepped up to her side. Clearly a man of importance from the numerous medals of gold and silver that rested upon his chest. The panther seemed ready to speak but held his voice as a smaller human guardsman approached and quickly offered a salute,

"Sir Lord Knight! We have questioned everyone here but none seem to know the wear-abouts of our quarry. Sir!" The large panther with narrowed eyes glanced about as a low rumble came from his chest, "We could have been given false information, we should make them speak further on the one we are pressuring, my lady."

He lowered himself in a respectful bow to the female but he received nothing in terms of an answer or even acknowledgement, her head shifting to its upright position as she stared straight ahead. "No, I doubt strongly that such 'things' would have lied to us..." not even referring to the commoners as anything more than things "Only those from The Commons would dare break into High Rise and the only ones that had any knowledge of anything that happens in High Rise are those that work in the thermal domes."

Turning her gaze down glancing through the grated flooring as workers moved about under her, giving a disgusted sneer before she turned to the panther. Her eyes were cast with a sharp glare, "If need be shut this entire facility down, remove the workers and replace them with servants! I will not return to my father in failure!" The threat was real enough and the panther lifted his head showing his slight shock. With his eyes slightly wide the panther bowed his head showing that he understood ,'It will be done, My Lady' flowed from his aged muzzle before his attention was stolen by an unwelcome voice.

"Ya'll don't need to be doing somethin like that now." Eyes turned toward a figured hidden by a burst of steam, the hot air dissipated with the sight of a human coming into view. There was nothing notably special about him. Brown messy hair in need of a trim, covered in grease and other manner of filth, ragged brown leggings made into shorts at the knees with a red piece of cloth being wrapped about his left thigh. A shirt that once had sleeves as well as a mid section looking more like a tank top was once a light blue but now seemed black with wear. The human pushed himself to a standing position, foot steps showed lace less brown boots that were held together by other bits of cloth; his light blue eyes looked over the group of guardsman that quickly blocked his path.

Giving a smirk as he tilted to the left to peek at the doberman and panther as the white guards of eight took the stance behind the grey guards,"If ya'll are here it means you're looking for someone. All fingers point to me..."

The female focused her gaze on the human while the panther merely glared with a show of his displeasure at a commoner having the gull to speak out to a noble of High Rise as if they were even capable of trying to understand the situation. However the female seemed rather interested as she took a single step forward while moving her hands up to fold across her stomach, with a shift of her hips to lean back taking a very 'superior' stance before she began to speak.

"You speak as if you understand what we are here for? Call me interested and make sure not to waste my time." The human give a chuckle before bringing up a hand to wipe the underside of his nose with a finger "Well naturally ya'll wouldn't be here without a reason, that reason being the break in at the outer ring in High Rise a few days ago..."

tilting his head back with a smirk as he placed both his hands upon his hips "Naturally ya'll would want to catch those that were responsible right?" The panther quickly stepped forward,

"Are you actually admitting that you were one that trespassed into High Rise!?" Stern angered growls followed as he threatened to sick the Guardsman on the human who merely smirked back at him; the female however remained neutral to the panthers outrage.

"And what if I was?" that continued smirk on his lips caused the panther to snarl as he stepped forward causing the two lines of guards to part and step aside without an order having to be given, the large feline stomped forward only to stop an single arms length before the man.

"If you were then you are guilty of the highest criminal charge that is capable of being committed and would be executed without need for trial." Harsh words for a seemingly petty grievance, yet the human did not flinch. He instead stared up with that defiant smirk on his face, as if daring the feline to strike him down right then and there.

The human would glance about for a second before looking right at the panther "Maybe ya'll think everyone down here isn't smart enough to put 'two and two' together but we are. Ya'll wouldn't be here, and I mean you white suits."

He lowered his arms while taking a quick step back, leaning to the right to look over the personal guard line for a moment then his attention turned back to the panther. "Yeah, you and that pretty dog there are here for a very different reason."

A snarl was let out and the human was grabbed by what little shirt he had, the panther snarling right in his face "You will not address M'lady in such a manner or I shall personally remove your tongue!"

That smirk never left his face though his hands did come up to the sides of his face in a 'I surrender' manner but the comical chuckle that came out showed no fear 'Easy boy~' the human would taunt. All this seemed to only anger the panther more, looking ready to tear the human apart but he was stopped by the female doberman that spoke his name 'Enough Leacon'.

Stepping forward she'd part the group of Guardsmen with her mere presence till she stood openly before the human, the panther having released him and stepped to the side with a bow. "We have not come here to arrest you or drag you back for some petty crime. If you were one of the people that broke into High Rise several days ago then you would know those that took part." A simple nod in return was all she got and that was enough for her to turn and wave her hand to the group of guards who quickly saluted and began to move about, several of them running toward the entrance.

Several minutes passed the guards moving to line themselves up on either side while the white guards circled around the human, panther and doberman making sure to keep plenty of space between them and the other workers. As the guards that ran out returned they would return with two anthros with black bags covering their heads, the human narrowed his eyes before glancing to the female who looked back with that cold stare. Forcing the bagged anthros to their knees and ripping the hoods off to show the faces of a female tabby cat and a young male rottweiler, both seeming struck with fear but not looking any more roughed up than normal from common life.

The human sent a glare to the doberman to which he was stared down by her cold eyes, "These are two of the group that broke into the outer ring, they easily told us that what we wanted to know. We were looking for a single person from that group. One that was wounded during their little break in."

The females eyes cast down to the humans left leg where that cloth had been tied, her eyes shifted back to the humans face which seemed far more serious than earlier, "We were looking for you, I believe they said your name was 'Joseph'..." Being cut off with a sudden 'Jo' caused the female to pause while the panther widened his eyes showing his surprise, clearly to interrupt a noble was not common nor an accepted thing.

Several of the other guardsman cast a few glances back and forth to one another without breaking their formation, it was clear to everyone in the dome that the situation just became tense. "Only one person has ever been allowed to call me Joseph and that ain't you, its Jo or nothin at all." The human was firm with his intent glare on the matter and it seemed to keep the silence for a moment as the dobermans cold glare was lost in a small daze before she regained her cold demeanor.

"Very well then, 'Nothing'. You will then return with us to High Rise in exchange for these two being released. There is someone that wishes to meet with you." The offer being laid out with a motion of her hand to the two on their knees, she then returned her hand to rest folded over her stomach while she waited for his answer. Jo was left conflicted as he stared at his two friends who stared back looking worse for ware.

Ruffled fur, some swelling around the face, they had taken a bit of a beating from the Guardsmen when they were caught, nothing new there. Jo however snarled as nearly every sound around them faded out to leave just him staring down the doberman but his answer was clear as he stepped forward with a quick 'Cut em loose' being said. The woman give a condescending smile and motioned with her hand for a second time, several of the Guardsman approached Jo and quickly restrained his hands in front of him, his two friends were then hoisted to their feet and their bindings removed, both were given a shove to the side to get them moving as the guards started to file out of the dome with the doberman safely surrounded.

Jo was 'kindly' escorted by the guardsman to the carriage outside, joined by two royal guards, the large panther and the doberman. The shackles about his wrists held Jo's attention when he first sat down; clearly trying to figure out how slip out of them but with so many eyes in such a small space the thought of escape quickly faded. The trip from The Commons was rather quick and quiet, as it turned out when one had over a dozen armed guardsman that defended three High Rise carriages that would not stop for any reason, with the inclusion of trampling anyone that got in the way made for a very smooth trip.

The only way to get to High Rise was to climb, though it was beneath those of High Rise to actually preform such physically demanding tasks, it was amazing that some of them actually used their legs to walk. In order to get up and down they would use a machine called 'The Lift', a massive platform that would fit nearly ten carriages with plenty of room for the guardsman. Operated by two massive gears on either side and plenty of steam the large slab of metal hoisted the three carriages and all the bodies with only a steady hiss of steam showing the effort it exerted. Jo took time to examine the carriage and the change in scenery through the window as everything seemed to shift to a whole new world.

People walking around High Rise completely dressed even on the outer most area, it wasn't clear but there seemed to be some kind of hierarchy in High Rise, apparently there was something about 'common nobles' or something like that. It was hard to understand from The Commons, like trying to explain how clear water was just thrown away like the water being used in a large fountain that they carriage passed. Jo stared at the flowing clean water in awe before he decided to sit himself back and stop looking out the window. Yet the silence would be broken as Jo tried to work out in his own mind all the waste that he had seen, the way water was just tossed away for some kind of sight that no one even payed mind to.

"What do you know of High Rise?" the dobermans voice would cause the human to look up with a confused gaze. What he knew? That was something hard to answer as he knew nothing, how could he? No one was allowed up here, that was clear with the wound on his leg, the only thing he knew was he wasn't allowed to be here. The female would not wait for his answer however, "It matters not, you are about to learn that everything you thought you knew was wrong." she would turn to look out the window causing Jo's eyes to follow, he looked into the distance with her to see a massive spire in the distance.

Jo had to lean over the guard next to him in order to look to where the spire ended only to see above them hiding in the clouds would be a massive structure, a plateau of some kind that looked to be held up by the spire. He could not make sense of it as he sat back with a clearly questioning gaze to the female, she seemed unfazed by his curiosity but parted her lips to explain, "That is the Spire Lift, similar to the one we were just on, it will lead us to Third level of High Rise were the interested noble is waiting to meet you."

Third level? There were apparently levels now, Jo thought to himself as he glanced to the panther who still seemed ready to jump on him at a moments notice. To continue the conversation however Jo would pose a question "If there is a third level, what's on the second?" The panther give a 'Hah' in regards, "The second level is the home of the second class nobility, unlike the common nobles you see here. Sons and daughters of traders they actually have noble blood in them from off branches of the main noble blood line."

The doberman waited for the panther to finish before she explained more "The noble blood does not mix with the common blood yet must maintain a balance between noble houses and so they are kept separate between the levels. The noble you are going to meet is High Lord Bernadad the II, second son to High King Bernadad Du Mont and first line successor to the throne with the passing of his elder brother." Now the information seemed clear yet Jo made no attempt at pretending he understood, his right hand coming up to wiggle his index finger about "So that seemed real important but what was that middle part again?"

The panther let forth a growl of anger as his hands gripped his thighs to try and contain his desire to leap from his seat, the doberman merely regarded Jo with those cold eyes as she sighed with a clear show of disappointment. "I shall not hold any hope for you to understand as all you need to grasp is this. This man you shall meet can have your life taken from you with a single gesture of his hand, you meeting him is something that has never been heard of before. A low common class not even fit to reside in the lowest levels of High Rise meeting a High Lord."

As the female explained the carriage would pull onto the Spire Lift, Jo taking the time to note the difference between the two. No hissing of steam or clanking of gears as they were lifted to new heights, the human looked to the ceiling of the carriage as he felt his stomach begin to shift with a new unease. The thought of going even higher from the ground troubled him in many ways as the Spire Lift took them to heights he never thought existed for those that walked on the ground. The second level would be passed without so much as a glance, Jo able to see people in the distance but little else as the rose up higher and higher. The Third and final level of the spire being so high up that the second level could be pinched between two fingers; Jo wondering just who in their right mind build such a thing yet he doubted he'd understand if he asked and the more pressing matter of his stomach being uneasy drew much of his attention from anything else. As the lift came to a stop he was thankful he had not vomited on the way up and as the carriage began to move once more he felt the unease subsiding. With a silent sigh of relief he would glance out the window again only to find himself in awe.

People outside the carriage drew all his sense, the most beautiful people in the most breath taking clothing he had ever seen walking about with not a single care in the world. The first level of High Rise seemed to pale in comparison to these people as they slowly wandered about with several neatly dressed servants standing behind them at all times. They would be talking, laughing, they didn't even glance toward the carriage as it passed over the street that looked to be paved in shimmering red stones. The greenest grass and the most lively trees danced in the softest of breezes, how it was even possible for a place like this to exist killed Jo on the inside. The waste of water on the first level was nothing compared to this, streams would just flow through open land as there were no buildings to stop them. Houses didn't exist and instead there would be massive mansions that rivaled that of castles in sheer size and no sign of Guardsmen anywhere!

The female could see Jo's stunned stare and broke the silence once more, "This the second to last area of High Rise, the final and top level being the Palace of Kings where Lord High King Bernadad resides with his council. This is where you shall meet High Lord Bernadad the II, I will warn you a final time. Do hold your manners in the highest of regards." Jo sat himself back down the females words lost to him as he stared at the floor of the carriage, such a vast difference in just the first level of High Rise and The Commons was enough to make him sick but this.

All this land the carefree laughter, the land that could fit all the The Commons and more! Even as the carriage came to a stop before a massive mansion Jo could not bring himself to look, yet with a nudge from the guard on his left he was broken from his thoughts. He stood to exit the carriage only to find that three rows of servants had come to stand on either side of the carriage making a walkway as a red carpet had been rolled down to it. The human felt bad as he placed his dirty boots onto such a thing, the dirt and grime standing the fabric as he looked it over. The servants on either side had been bowing at the waist, all with eyes closed and lowered heads as the panther and doberman exited yet they remained as Jo stood there with the two Guardsman. With yet another shove to his shoulder he began walking, leaving dirty foot prints as he passed; he could of sworn that he also seen several noses from the furred servants twitch at his passing. Probably never even smelled what a hard days work was as even the worst looking servant on the first level was still better off than the best commoner.

He was walked down the carpet for what seemed like forever, the carriage having stopped nearly three house lengths away just to make room for the servants; yet he could see why as he tilted his head back to try and take in just the size of the mansion alone. The path would turn into a stair case which led to two more sets of stairs before you would finally reach the front door and servants lined three rows deep on either side all the way from the carriage to the doors which would be open to show that even more resided inside. Jo's common mind was officially fried at this point, just unable to even comprehend what was going on in the world anymore as if felt himself just walk along to the base of the stairs where the panther and doberman waited.

The carpet ended at the first step, the panther and doberman waiting just a few steps up for Jo who took a single step up only to have to quickly catch himself as the stairs suddenly began to move! They looked to be cut from marble yet they moved like machines, lifting the group of three up slowly, the two Guardsmen remaining behind at the base of the stairs with their hands up in a salute. Jo had to take a moment to look about as the stairs shifted up, making sure that he was not going to fall as he glanced behind him seeing that the entire center column of stairs were moving to lift them. Walking up stairs appeared to be beneath the highest of nobles. This would happen for all three sets of stairs, Jo now had time to regain his composure as the view inside the mansion became clear. The three walked forward as the sight of a seated person came into view, Jo had to narrow his eyes to try and make out just who and what it was sitting down. The chair was ornate and decorated in gold and jewels, large wheels on either side with pipes that hissed softly lined all over the back of it, curved over the top before disappearing behind the back of an aged lion.

The lion being long past his prime, his man laid down and grey, his once gold fur had turned just off of a white color, aged green eyes glazed white as well. Each breath of this lion caused the brass pipes to hiss and a small puff of steam to flow from the back as he sat with what seemed like a strange eagerness. The two in front of Jo came to a stop and bowed, the panther dropped to a single knee with his right arm laid across his chest and his head bowed greatly, the doberman bowed at the waist with her head low and her right hand out stretched. Meanwhile Jo stood there with confusion plastered over his face, the lions old eyes widening just slightly before he gave a strained chuckle.

This caught the panthers attention enough to cause him to glance back, the doberman opened a single eye to glare at Jo with a new level of intensity; she looked ready to tear him apart herself this time and that was enough to send a chill down Jo's spine! The lion however took all attention as his strained voice came forth, "You must be the one I wish to see, the one who's blood was found in the first level; the lost child of the human Mariana."

Jo's reaction said it all as his eyes grew wide while the two in front of his stood straight up, the female doberman moved to stand at the lions side while the panther moved to the side while watching Jo carefully. The human though was at a loss in a new way, he didn't have anything to say as he stared with a mixture of confusion and anger at the name, "Mariana was a servant here, a well respected one from a lower noble family; a second branch that while respected in some ways was never to be brought into the main family. You might not understand what that means but you are the son of Mariana are you not?" Jo was silent in his response, the panther clearly grew frustrated as Jo stared blankly at the lion with more questions than ever rolling around in his head, yet for his silence the lion merely chuckled again with the hiss of the pipes echoing out.

"Sir Knight Leacon..." the panther responded quickly as he stepped forth to kneel down once more with his head bowed! "Remove this man shackles and to the servants, continue about your duties. Emily, have something to drink fetched for our guest."

The panther lifted his eyes with a concerned gaze to the doberman who merely nodded as she glanced to a nearby servant who seemed to be waiting for her specifically, a wave of the dobermans hand and the mouse bowed her head and shuffled away backwards. The next few moments the main entrance would be bustling with activity as servants quickly shuffled about though made a point to never step between Jo and the lion. With an intense glare down at Jo as he pulled the restraints from his wrists, he said nothing but Jo was able to read his eyes with the words 'Give me an excuse' written on the older panthers face.

With silence now being the only thing between the four left in the main entrance Jo would be the one to break it, "You know my mother but she never said anything about being a noble or from High Rise; so you've got the wrong person." The lion merely tilted his head to the side "Is that so? Well boy I've never made a mistake in my life and the people who traced your blood to your mothers have yet to fail in such matters."

Once again things went over Jo's head, he couldn't hope to understand what vague words like that could even begin to mean but he got what the gist was, Jo was wrong and he was right. Jo gave a glance to his left to see the mouse servant return with a silver plate of some kind in her hand and a glass resting on top of it. Jo moved to cross his arms over his chest "So what? You saying my mother was some kinda noble? Even if that grease shit was true, what of it!? he could not hide his anger any more as he glared down the lion. The doberman knelt down to speak to the lion in a hushed tone as the panther stared down Jo only for all attention to be stolen as the mouse servant nearly dropped the glass of water, some of the clear liquid splashing onto the floor as she recoiled!

The lion and doberman seeming confused yet the panther was quick to jump to anger, "You fool! What is it you think you are doing!?" the small mouse lowered her eyes while her eyes clenched shut! "Forgive me Lord Knight but...there's blood!" the mouse stammered as she visibly shivered from head to tail, the group having to search about in confusion, Jo himself had to look to his right before the connection was made. He glanced down to his left leg, a steady flow of blood ran down his calf to the inside of his boot, the pain was something he had gotten used to but all the walking and carriage riding seemed to have reopened his wound.

The doberman stood straight before she took a few steps forward "You are dismissed, fetch Lady Erilia!" the mouse quickly gave a bow before she turned to run out of the room, "Now Jo, you are here not because your mother was a noble but because she was a second branch noble in service to the Bernadad bloodline." The human still made no attempt to understand as he stared down the doberman, she was clearly became frustrated with trying to get him to understand! "You're mothers served High Lord Bernadad! She severed here in this very house! To the lord himself!"

Now the dots were connecting in Jo's mind as his eyes were cast about, the thoughts worked out the problems in his mind, the lion now took the floor with his voice, "You see Jo, your mother was a servant of mine many years ago and catered to my more...'carnal' desires. The blood of the High King is something that is to be protected and it is considered a taboo to share it without prior approval. Yet in my younger days I did as I pleased with or without approval, my elder brother took care of all my needs and wants but when he passed without leaving a family of his own it fell unto me to present an heir."

The female doberman had moved back to stand at the lions side yet again, though this time she lowered herself to a kneeling position with a hand resting upon the arm rest of the chair as the lion spoke. "As it were I had many children, several of which have met unfortunate ends by one means or another, the reasons behind such are something troubling but I feel that another family is attempting to gain the throne by removing all other possible heirs."

The lion stared intently at Jo now who had an grown unease about this entire situation now, "Three of my children are dead now, two are still alive one of which is far too young and the other..." the lions hand would raise to lay atop the female dobermans as it rested on the arm rest "Sadly will never be recognized."

The lion would share a glance with the doberman who gave a comforting smile, the elder male shifted his eyed back to Jo who was now fidgeting a bit, his hands lowered to his sides showing how unsure he was about all this. "Mariana was one of the women who gave birth to one of my heirs, she however being of a second branch feared for her life and her child even though I assured she would be protected. She fled, with you."

Jo now glanced to everyone in the room, the panther who seemed far less likely to attack and the doberman who's cold eyes were much softer now; the entire thing blowing over him and the only thing he could think about was getting back to The Commons were things were normal! "You Jo or rather Joseph Bernadad are now the leading heir to the High Kings Throne of High Rise." Jo felt like he had just been punched in the stomach as everything just kind of faded out, he couldn't tell if he was breathing any more or not, he felt like was passing out as he attempted to regain some control. His right hand lifted to wipe his mouth as he stared at the lion, he wasn't sure how to even go about all this but as his hand fell he gave out a small laugh before he shook his head.

"Wow! You guys up here..." Jo used his tongue to wet his lips as he pushed the growing panic in his stomach away "I gotta say you people really do some weird things for fun, draggin me alla way up here just to mess with my head." His nervous laughter continued for a few moments as everyone else stared at him, he knew it wasn't some kind of joke he could tell but as his laughter died down his demeanor grew serious.

"You know, my mother wasn't round very long in The Commons. Got sick and died when I was about three, was lucky enough not to be eaten by someone. Was raised down there by an old human who was once a servant in the first level, told me a lot about High Rise but never about all this..."

Jo turned his head to look up at the massive entrance hall, he lifted his arms just trying to take in everything before he let them drop. With a heavy sigh he'd stare at the lion "What makes you think I give a damn bout any of this?" the sudden statement put the panther and doberman off guard, their expressions of surprise said it all as the elderly lion kept his calm demeanor.

"I mean seriously, I don't need any of this crap up here. I've survived in The Commons all my life, didn't need any of you and damn sure don't care about any of you. How many times do you people even think about what goes on in The Commons!?" Jo wasn't able to keep his voice down and it echoed through the hall as his stare shifted into a sharp glare.

The lion lifted both of his hands to lance his fingers, the show of several rings that were now too big for his bony furred fingers "This situation did not escape my thought, your refusal and rebellion against this. Yet Joseph I am not without my power, I can easily force you into this position by way of physical force against you or threats against your friends down in The Commons." Jo's eyes grew wide as his anger built even more, he seemed ready to charge the old lion and the panther was ready for him to do so. "But, I am not without understanding. You do this Joseph and I shall commute your friends."

The lions offer caused Jo to pause, his anger disappeared in a moment before he leaned back a bit as confusion took over at the word 'commute'. "Meaning what exactly?" he would question though the female would stand straight up and explain, "You're friends would be made lower class noble servants in High Rise. They would have no voice in any decision making affairs or any connections to a family house but they would also want for nothing in comparison to The Commons. Light labor duties adhering to a lower class noble family." Jo was struck dumb by this, he had heard that some people in The Commons would be taken in as servants from time to time but it was rare beyond rare for it to happen. Yet here it was, laid out before him for all of his friends down in The Commons, but Jo quickly pushed down the shimmering thought with skepticism.

"You mean they'll be servants?"

The doberman merely lifted her head slightly before she responded, "They will be well taken care of, give full High Rise status. They will be given quarters, clothing, food and treated as lower citizens. It might not sound like a glorious thing but what is this compared to life in The Commons Jo?" He couldn't answer that, it was true that even the lowest servant position had to be better if it meant food and clothing without having to scrounge for everything.

So many questions remained however, he just had so much going through his head but had no time as several more bodies appeared in the room through a side door. An elderly human accompanied by two twin felines and a well dressed owl with gold glasses. The elderly human and owl were female though the twin felines wore long robes that hid their gender, the owl dressed in a tight fitted black suit with wings folded against her back; Jo having never seen an avian before yet she also had arms with hands connected to her shoulders. The older human approach,d twin braided hair with a white robe covering her body, she looked to be in her forties which was a life time in The Commons.

Jo leaned away from her as she came within his 'personal space', she giving a friendly smile as she lowered herself down to look over his poorly wrapped leg, "My, my you have done a very poor job at tending to this. You might as well have just rubbed trash in it." Jo raising a brow at the comment before his eyes glanced about with the clear expression of 'Who the hell is this' written over his face, "Tim fetch some clean water, Tom go and fetch some bandages and the cleansing tonic."

With her instructions given she stood as the two felines with perked ears quickly turned in unison and set about their tasks. As the human backed away the owl would approach with a harsh and intent stare from her golden eyes, he couldn't tell if she was looking for something of if she was trying to decide to eat him or not. He wasn't much comfortable in any case. She began to circle him as she did her hand would move out to poke and prod, Jo shifted every time to avoid her invasive fingers. No one else seemed to mind, the doberman had lowered herself down to speak in hushed manner to the lion once more, the panther simply stared forward waiting for Jo to do something in order for him to get violent.

The human woman seemed happy to just hum to herself as she waited all the while Jo was being sized up in every way possible by the owl who finally stopped and stood directly in front of him. "I believe I can work with this M'high Lord Bernadad."

Her voice was high pitched, almost shrill enough to make Jo wince as the owl turned about and bowed at the waist, Jo staring with the utmost confusion slapped across his face as he stared at the owls back before his gaze moved to the lion. Bernadad giving a nod before gesturing with his hand for the owls dismissal,"This is Lady Germella, she will be taking charge of you to shape you into a proper noble.

You will do everything she commands until she feels you are ready to commit on your own terms." Jo was once again left kind of dumbfounded as he stared at the lion, he had to shake his head to break his speechlessness! He took a single step forward "What are you talking about!? Her charge? I didn't agree to none of this!"

The owl stood with a hand raised to her feathered fore head "Oh by the lords your speech is deplorable!" Jo tilted his head to look up to the owl with his right eye winced slightly "De-what!?" a disgusted 'Ugh' would be his only response as the owl stepped away from him to bow again "M'lord if we may I would like to begin immediately before his foul language and demeanor linger too long in your presence!"

Jo now being the odd man out as suddenly everything was being decided for him and his anger grew as everyone seemed to talk over him, making decisions for him as if he had no say. He could feel his teeth grinding in his own mouth as his fingers curled into fists. The lion, the panther, the doberman, the human and her cats and now this owl! Everyone had made all these decisions and choices without a single word from him!

"Enough!" Jo's voice echoed cause everything to stop, even the two feline twins that had just wandered back in with items in their sleeve covered hands; having paused mid skip with perked ears.

Jo grit his teeth as he stopped forward toward the shocked owl, her head had spun about backwards on her body when he yelled yet as he approached she stood and spun her body to match her diction.

She stepped back several times while the panther moved to intercept he was stopped by a raised hand from the lion, "You listen here! I might not be able to talk as good as all of you up here but that damn sure don't mean I can't understand things for m'self! I ain't in your charge for nothing got it!" Jo shoved his finger into the owls face causing her golden eyes to cross as he said his point, yet he turned his finger to the human woman who continued to keep that friendly smile despite all the aggression.

"N'you! Sorry bout my leg but we don't have clean water for cuts and scrapes, we're too busy tryin to survive to think about clean bandages! We barely have enough to cover ourselves from the cold!" Jo would spin and step toward the panther now and he moved right into the larger anthros face,

"And I get it! You don't like me but I don't like you either you over dressed house cat! You want to take me out then by all means lets step outside and I'll loosen some of ya teeth! I've fought bigger than you and come out on top!" the panther merely stared down at the human as he spun about to step toward the lion and doberman. Jo's anger still seething as he stopped but a few yards from them,

"And I haven't agreed to shit yet! You want me to do all this but I get no say? No!" his hand would shift out to point at the doberman "First off you need me more than I need you. So my friends get brought up and taken care of and I wanna check on em!" The dobermans ears were perked straight up looking completely stunned by this sudden out burst as Jo directed his final anger toward the lion.

"And yeah! I'll do this but it damn sure ain't gonna be me dragged along behind some dressed up bird! I got a voice and you ain't talkin over or makin my decisions for me, got it!?"

Dead silence remained when Jo finished his rant, none seemed to know what to say, the lion merely staring up at the human in front of him for the longest time before a smile formed on his aged muzzle. "You seem to have more of me in there than you knew. I accept your terms Joseph, make sure you do not disappoint me."

Jo left go of a breath he hadn't realized he was holding as the lion agreed to everything just like that, the female doberman giving a blink before her ears lowered with her eyes having to shift off to the side as if to collect her thoughts. The owl folded her hands over her stomach with her narrowed eyes as she gave a soft 'hmmm' while she looked at Jo from behind. The panther had nothing to say as he stood there yet the human gave a soft chuckle before glancing to the two felines still frozen off to the side, lifting her left hand to give a small wave for them to approach. "Well with all that excitement done shall we tend to your wound Master Joseph?"

Jo turned his head slightly before he spun about to look at the approach of the elderly woman, the two felines behind her. The lion give a small nod before his chair suddenly hissed as the wheels began to draw him back, his left hand holding a small stick on the arm rest "You get cleaned up Joseph, we can discuss things further at dinner." With that the lion rolled out of the entrance, the doberman followed suit with the panther in final tow leaving Jo with the other four and slightly out of breath.

The human reached up to rub his face with his dirty hand as the elderly woman stood before him, "Well, we shall first need a proper bath before anything else. If you'd please follow me I shall lead you to your quarters where you may be cleaned before we attempt to tend to your injuries." Germella would speak up, she approached with her hands still laid across her stomach, she made sure Jo nodded with a small show of defeat as he understood that at this point things were just the way they were.

He followed the owl out of the main hall with the older woman and two felines in two, both felines holding their items over their heads as the human continued to hum her happy tune.