FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The next morning in the Southern Lands.

Az was sitting in the living room with Krawly who decided to visit suddenly, but he wasn't bearing good news this time.

He had a CD with him which contained a recording of a commercial that caught his attention.

Krawly placed the CD in the DVD player Az had, taking his seat on the couch, with Solen the Sun Monarch Necrolite, laying along its length, his head on Az's lap while his feet were in Krawly's.

Krawly pressed play.

"Ladiiiiiies aaaand Gentlemeeeeen!!" The voice of the announcer blared forth, "Are you ready for the best sport there is, the greatest thrills and the most awesome of challenges?? Then don't turn your channels, because you are now watching the premier of the best live hunting show around, 'BEAST HUNTERS'. In the first episode we are kicking it with a BIG BANG, since we have footage of the greatest Monsters that have ever been caught on camera" The first clip show a large lizard like creature that was almost twice the size of a full grown bear if not three or even four times bigger, it had some hair around its chest, back and shoulders as well as the tip of its tail, it was walking on its knuckles like a gorilla, "First we have: the Goliath. This great beast is believed to be the father of all Reptilians living among us today" The second clip showed a footage under water, a large object swam by the camera, it wasn't clear, but whatever that was, it was huge and dangerous, since the camera caught a glimpse of very sharp teeth, "The terror of the deep: The Leviathan, this creature was believed to have been extinct for many centuries, but these clips prove otherwise" The third and final clip showed a figure standing in the middle of the woods. It seemed to be a Lycan of sorts, but it had horns that were aiming forward, large Draken wings, and spikes going from the sides of its muzzle, and through its back ending just above the tail, which was furry like a Lycan's. The fur on its head was thick, reaching just below the neck covering some of its chest and upper back, the fur on its hands from below the elbow and its claves was just as thick, the rest of its fur was thin enough that it looked like skin from a distance. When it caught a glimpse of the camera, its eyes glowed bright yellow before disappearing from view, it didn't fly, it didn't run, just disappeared, "The mystic of the forest: The Chimera, now this creature is a local legend even before the Monsters came along, well it's a legend no more. Now we have shown you these beautiful never seen before clips, but what is needed from you, you ask?" Az dreaded hearing it, "We at 'BEAST HUNTERS' simply require of you dear viewers are information about the current location of these three legends. But if you happen to successfully hunt them" And there it was, "You will be rewarded with fortune beyond your imagination and even your wildest of dreams. Just call us on this number or send an e-mail on this address, and we will get back to you. Now. Let the hunt BEGIN" Then came the title of the show flanked by a loop footage of explosions and fireworks.

All three sat in silence, until Az spoke, "Well if I saw the word 'HATE' written in bold letters and zoomed out until it was the size of a skyscraper, this would induce more hate, and towards Monsters at that" As he spoke he was rubbing Solen's stomach softly.

"Yeah, I can't believe that they even allowed something like this to be aired" Krawly said as he took the CD out of the player, snapping it in half as if it was infected with an indestructible virus. And to them in a way it was.

Solen remained quiet enjoying Az's rubbing hand.

"Did anyone try to do something?" Az asked.

Krawly shook his head, "The chief and the head priest tried filing a charge against the producers of this atrocity of a TV show, but when the police did some digging around, they found that the actual channel network was hacked, and those assholes were filming at a secret location, but the police are still looking for them. I know I have an old friend in the police force"

Az smiled with mischief, "A friend? Or is he something more?" Krawly blushed lightly, scratching his cheek with a finger.

Just then Leyland came down stairs drying his head with a towel and naked as the day he was born. Az smiled widely at his first farm employee, "Had fun last night?"

Leyland placed the towel on his shoulder, let out a huff of relief, then smiling at Az, "Sure did sir. Your Monsters know how to make a guy feel welcome"

Az remembered this early morning when he went to wake Leyland up, but found his room empty, normally Az thought that this was too much for someone like Leyland. But when he checked the barn to wake up his Monsters, he found Leyland there, butt-naked, covered literally from head to toe in cum, and lying over Dozeran's chest, he looked to be pressed right between those firm pecs, but with a wide smile on his face, the other Monsters, seemed to be spent and soundly asleep just like the human. Az then decided to let them sleep in for the day. Later when Leyland came through the door, stinking with Monster musk and smiling widely, Az simply pointed in the direction of the showers.

Krawly went over the slimmer guy, "Hi, name's Krawly Lenze, you're Leyland Conners right? Az told me a few things about you, don't worry, all of them good and only the basic things"

Leyland smiled, taking Krawly's hand in his, "Hi, yeah I'm his assistant if you will, and don't worry: even if he told you everything I have nothing to hide, hiding stuff like that in the past caused me so many problems, so I decided to be as open as possible or as needed"

"Cool" Krawly stated, just then, a loud honk of a delivery van sounded by the gates.

Az stood up from his place, walking to the gates, followed closely by Krawly, while Leyland went upstairs to put on some clothes. When Az and Krawly reached the gates, the delivery guy was just getting out, "Hello there! Which of you is..." He checked his delivery schedule, "Eizen? Astaroth Eizen?"

Az raised his hand, "That would be me"

The dilevery guy nodded his head, then went to the back, followed by Az and Kraw. The back had two bird cages holding the two Falcons, he cancelled his Cockatrice order a few nights ago.

One Falcon had the original eagle feather patterns, while the other was more attractive looking, his head feathers were as if they were combed back, with two longer black ones jutting out and reaching just below his neck, his feathers were blue in color, with a white under belly that reached his pits and thighs, and a black streak went from his eyes to the edges of his wings.

Falcons and Avians in general were just like their name implies: Birdmen. They all have wings for arms, scaly bird feet with very sharp claws. But there is a variation of Avians called Garudas, they are just like all Avians, but have actual arms that were scaled like their feet, the feathers reaching just above the elbow on their arms, and their wings were located on their backs and on some very rare cases their hips, located about a foot above their butts. Az remembered that the head priest had a Garuda, but was forced to sell him due to personal circumstances.

Az reached his hand towards the blue Falcon, the Avian reached his beak forward, placing it in Az's hand, allowing the human to pet him. Then Az reached for the other Avian, only to have him snap his beak at him, Az managed to pull back before his fingers were bitten off, "WOAH!! What was that for?!" The Avian simply crossed his wings and turning his head.

The delivery guy turned to Az worriedly, "Really sorry sir, he is just in a bad mood ever since it was decided he was going to be sold, and no one knows why"

"Well he could have liked his old master and didn't want to leave" Az tried to theories the reason for the Avian's grumpiness.

Just then Leyland reached them, wearing some loose fitting clothes, Just as he arrived, the brown Falcon turned to the slim human, he had a weird look on his face, Az noticed this, then went behind Leyland, pushing him towards the Falcon, Krawly tried to stop him, "Az what are you doing?"

"Trust me" Was Az's simple reply, just as they reached the cage, "Reach for him, but do it slowly and carefully" Az instructed. Leyland did as he was told, but instead of his hands being snapped at, the Falcon placed his beak in Leyland's hand.

Az smiled, "Guess he will be yours now"

Leyland turned to Az, "But I didn't buy him, and I can't simply take him from you"

Az then began thinking, before it lit up in his head, "How about this? You pay me in installments with a small sum of your salary, until you pay what I paid for him in full"

Leyland smiled, as he petted the Avian, who also seemed to smile.

They let the Falcons out to stretch themselves, as Az signed the delivery form and the guy was on his way. When Az turned back to them, the grumpy Falcon was pecking softly at Leyland's head, and ruffling his hair with his beak, "Uhh, what's he doing?" Leyland asked, fearing that all this had some scary ending.

Az laughed softly, "Don't worry, he isn't going to eat your brains. He's just pecking for bugs and such, that what Avians do, especially to someone they like"

The group made their way to the tree, where the bird range was built, Nox and Ratchet suddenly swooped down to greet them, Nox went to the blue Falcon, sniffing him lightly, then the Falcon began pecking Nox's head the same way the other one did with Leyland, Ratchet, on the other hand, stayed in his place, until the other Falcon walked over to him, Az then tapped both Falcons on the shoulder, "Okay you two, we need to take your measurements before you are free to do whatever you want" He pulled out his measuring equipment.

First was the grumpy, after being reassured by Leyland that is, Az is still trying to figure out why is he reacting that way towards Leyland.

Az took their basic measurements, but both were a bit shy when it came to measuring their genitalia, so he decided to leave that to a later date. The Nightwings took the two new arrivals for a little fly around the farm to tell them about it's different locations and what's what.

By the time Az and his friends arrived at the gates, another delivery just arrived, and it's the final of Az's orders. This had five Monsters inside, three Canids, and two Lycans, Az stepped over to them, "I only ordered two Canids, why am I seeing three?"

One of the delivery guys was wearing a military jacket, he stepped over to Az, giving him a salute before speaking, "Sir, the general asked to give his two Canids for you, he also asked the delivery company to keep it a secret to surprise you"

Az rubbed his chin lightly, "Well it's a nice surprise" He then noticed two of the Canids, one was a doberman, fit and buff, his body was tight with muscles but not as big as most of Az's monsters, and he had a flat and barely visible four abs, the other was a rottweiler who looked to be as big as the other Monsters, with a small but thick muscle gut, he also had some shaggy fur around his chin and along his lower jaw which also sported some gray fur, a few scars littered his body, making him look more badass, those two were what caught his attention since they seemed familiar, the last Canid was a border collie with bluish fur on its back and white all over and a few splotches of black around his midsection, his body was average, slightly slim but with a tiny chub that was slightly visible only when you look at him sideways.

One of the two buff Canids stepped towards him, easily dwarfing Az, then bowed slightly, "It's good to see you again Master Eizen" Az was surprised that this Canid was a Sentient.

"Do I know you? I get the feeling that I should actually" Az crossed his arms, trying to remember why they seemed familiar.

Then the doberman jumped from behind the older Canid, he was obviously the younger of the pair, "It's us master, the general said you would remember us"

"The...general?" He began raking his brain until it was almost steaming, then it came to him.

Sudden flashes of memory of when he was younger, of his grandfather and another older man in a military uniform.

And that's when it hit him, He looked at the rott, "Saturn?" Receiving a nod, he turned to the dober, "Mercury?"

Mercury the doberman, jumped and took him in a bear hug that would make an Ursa jealous, "You _DO_remember us. That is great!!"

After they broke the hug, "But I don't understand, you guys never leave general Adams' side" He looked at them while their happy expressions turned south, WWAAAYY south, "Did something happen with the general?"

Saturn raised his hand, stopping anymore questions, "We'll talk later. In private. I believe you have others to tend to?"

Az then turned his gaze towards the Lycans, one had yellow fur that could easily pass for golden, he was sitting cross-legged , his hands between then, while rocking himself sideways, all the while a big smile was on his face, his build was similar to Locki's slim and athletic, "Well isn't he a cutie" Az commented as he pet the Lycan.

The other Lycan however, was anything but cute. Chains mummifying his body, cuffs keeping his hands and legs together, and a thick metal muzzle on his face, his fur was black all over like Locki, but many varying scars covered his body, scratches, stab marks, bullet marks, bite marks and many more. This guy was definitely trouble. Oh and he was, literally, as big as Dozeran and just as big in muscle mass, "And this guy is?" Az asked suddenly regretting his choice of taking this guy in.

"Your new alpha, bitch" The large Lycan stated blankly with a hint of threat, his voice was slightly muffled but everyone got what he said.

"Someone is acting all tough and dangerous" Az stated smiling confidently, while the delivery guys cautiously brought the Lycan down from the van.

"Take these chains off and I'll show you 'acting' meat!"

Mercury growled loudly at the Lycan and was ready to attack, but Saturn held him back, he then gave the large Lycan a hard stare, "I think you should tone the attitude boy, unless you're looking for trouble"

The Lycan scuffed while being led to the Kennel.

After Az signed the delivery form, he went back into the house, there he found Mercury and Saturn sitting on the couch, Solen taking one of the beds in the upper floor along with Shooty.

Az sat on the smaller love seat, beside the couch, "So? What's happening?"

Mercury's lips suddenly began quivering, then he drew his body together until he held his knees with his hands, sobbing lightly, Saturn placed a hand on his back, answering Az, "The general went to the doctors two months ago, but never came back, we thought they were just keeping him there for further testing of his condition. But then last month, we got the news that he was getting worse"

The general was diagnosed with a fatal mutation of a lung cancer that slowly crept to the heart. The man was fighting it ever since it was discovered in him five years ago, but it seemed to Az that he was simply postponing the inevitable.

Saturn then went on, "He told us how you were thinking of taking over your grandfather's ranch, so in his will he stated that we will be placed in your care when it became his time to go"

Az couldn't believe it, the general was a dear friend of his grandfather's and then became Az's friend when he joined the ranch when he was younger. He couldn't lose an important person in his life like this, but life must go on he thought and there is no way of knowing in which direction it will go, "Is he...?"

Saturn shook his head, "Not yet. The doctors gave him two weeks from now, but he thinks that it is just the one week" Saturn then smiled softly despite the circumstances, "He said that he wants to see one last time"

Az nodded his head slowly, "I'll go tomorrow, and I want you both with me, okay? I don't think I can do this alone" For the first time in a very long while, Az was feeling weak.

Saturn nodded his head, picking up Mercury who was still sobbing, "We will be in the Kennel if you need anything"

Az, called for him just as they neared the door, "Just be careful of that Lycan. He is trouble" Saturn nodded his head, then left, quietly closing the door behind him.

Az sat on the couch, still trying to process what he heard. But when it dawned on him, he could only put his face in his hands, and cry his heart out. Losing someone dear to you, whether they are family, lovers or friends, it's never easy. NEVER.

Leyland, Solen and Shooty, were at the top of the stairs, as they heard everything that was said, they wanted to comfort Az, but any attempt in doing so would be completely futile, so they decided to leave him to his sorrows, for now.

____________________________

Meanwhile in the Eastern Lands.

Hiroki Saya, was sitting in front of his PC, messaging some friends on the rancher chat site. He had a small group going on, where it included him from the Eastern Lands, two ranchers, brothers from the Northern Lands and finally one female rancher from the Western Lands, he was going to ask Az to join the group, but he wasn't replying at the moment, but Hiro left him a message regarding this.

His Tegrin duo, Hakon and Teru, still haven't find his siblings, but they are still searching. And they seem to be closing in.

He was still talking with his friends on the site. Their group was ironically called the Three Directions. Hiro was hoping to make them the Four Directions.

East (Hiro): So, what is going on with you guys?

West(Mei): Not much. Just got my Water Golem. XD

North 01(Duncan): Awesome. But we can beat that easy.

North 02(Austin): We got ourselves a Dire Lycan. But he seems to be on edge most of the time.

East: That is great! I heard that Dire Lycans are very rare in the north and they can only be found there. Have you tried feeding him or grooming him?

North 01: We tried everything, but he is still all grumpy and snappy.

North 02: I told you, the big guy needs to get laid, badly.

North 01: Sex isn't the answer to every stressful issue dude. Get your head out of the gutter.

North 02: Well maybe if you put _YOUR_head in the gutter every once in a while, you would have already lost your v-card bro.

And the two North Landers kept bickering on and on.

A private message ping on his PC turned his attention from the squabble. It was from Mei.

He opened the message, it read: Just leave those two babies for their little slap-fight. Tell me more about this Astaroth guy.

Hiro sighed in irritation, Mei was badgering him about Astaroth ever since he told the group about him, all were interested in the guy, but Mei seemed to have another thing in mind.

He replied to her: He is a rancher in the Southern Land, his ranch is big, bigger than mine I believe, and he has many Monsters that I'm sure love him. He sent a few pictures of them, and he sent me a few new ones yesterday.

Mei: Nevermind the ranch, tell me about him.

Hiro: Well....he is 19 I think, tall and well built, he sent a few selfies of himself.

Mei: Oooohhhh, getting to the exchange of selfies stage are we?

Hiro: What do you mean?

Mei: Stop trying to act dumb. I know you have the hots for the guy.

Hiro: W-w-w-what a-a-are you t-t-talking about?!

Mei: Okay I will leave you alone for now, but you WILL tell me about your little relationship. ;p

Hiro: He isn't my boyfriend or anything, he's just a nice guy I met online and became instant friends with. Besides even if he's my boyfriend, I would have broken up with him long ago. You know that I don't believe in long-distance-relationships.

Mei: But you need to talk to him Hiro. He just might be the guy for you.

Mei: Listen, the Merchant and Sympathizer associations, have set a date for next month, there will be a gathering of ranchers and merchants, it was decided to be a yearly thing, and the first year was voted to be in the Southern Land since it was their emperor who brought the Four Lands together. Ask Astaroth for his address so you guys could meet.

Hiro: I don't know Mei, maybe he won't like me, I didn't send him any selfies yet, and he doesn't mind. But I'm not sure that he will like me.

Mei: He's not Alek, Hiro, your break up with your ex have made you more closed than usual. To be honest I think it's a miracle that me and the twins see you here, you need to believe in yourself and let at least one person in.

Hiro sighed as he leaned back on his chair and away from the PC, she had to bring up Alek. The guy was a Southern Lander that Hiro met over 4 years ago, when Alek returned to the Southern Land, they kept in contact, but Alek began messaging and replying less over time. Until Hiro have had enough, and actually wanted to surprise him with a visit.

Only to find that Alek was with a girl, and to add salt to injury, Alek blankly told him that he will marry her.

This broke Hiro's heart to countless pieces, sure he yelled, screamed and cursed his heart out, then left with no word. Then the moment he stepped back into his house, he began destroying everything that reminded him of the traitor, lastly leaving the promise ring that Alek gave him, throwing it in the sea as far as he can, which was quite the distance actually.

He vowed never to engage in a long distance relationship, because he knows that he will become broken again.

Another ping sounded from his PC that pulled him out of memory lane.

Mei: You there?

Hiro: Yes I am. Can we please change the subject?

Mei: Sure. I think the twins have calmed down.

Back in the group chat.

North 01 & 02: Hey! Where did you guys go?

East: Yeah we're here. Did you decide on what to do with the Dire Lycan?

North 01: We decided to find him a female or male, whichever he desires. It's the last thing we haven't tried actually.

West: Great idea. If you want I can send one of my Monsters over, they can really please a fellow Monster.

North 02: No need. We have a friend who got that covered, we contacted him a few minutes ago actually.

North 01: BTW? Are you guys going to the gathering next month? Me and Austin are going, no question about it.

West: I'm going. Hiro?

Hiro thought about it. Mei was right, maybe it IS time for him to allow himself to love again.

He typed with a smile: Definitely.

_____________________________

The next day in the Southern Land.

Az, Saturn and Mercury all rode Az's truck to the city of Maros. One of the big cities in the kingdom.

Az himself hated the place. Bad memories outweighing the good by many kilograms. Too many people who think too much of themselves and do nothing but stuff themselves silly and complain about one thing or another, all while leering down upon the people who do the real work, those who have every right to complain, as if they were gods looking down on their worshippers.

The funny thing is: They really think of themselves as such.

Az, parked his car in the parking lots of one of the biggest hospitals in the city.

He exited first, then followed by the two Canids, both wore some clothes, as an act of decency. Monsters are allowed to wear clothes when they are allowed to join a festivity of sort or when going to a public place like the city. Saturn wore a white tank top, that hugged his body slightly, and a pair of black jeans and Mercury wore a black t-shirt and blue jean shorts.

When they exited however, "Look at that piece of scrap!" They turned to find a small group of humans, all dressed fancy or cool to show that they had money. A futile attempt to outclass one another in Az's opinion, since all of them were tasteless freaks to him.

"Did you buy that thing at a junkyard or something?" The leader of the group a lightly blond haired guy spoke, "And look at the two freaks with him"

A long haired girl stepped up and hugged the guy's arms, "Awww, the little one looks cute. Harvey can I have him?" She said pointing at Mercury.

Az growled softly himself. His growl sounded dangerously feral or primal, or just like a Monster's.

The guy stepped up confidently to Az, ignoring the two Canids, pulling out his wallet and then a large sum of money that was chocking the insides of it. He waved the money at Az who was trying his best to ignore them, "Here you go. Maybe that will allow you to buy a better car"

Almost lightening fast, Az turned, snarling like some beast, he grabbed the guy by his shirt, lifting him off the ground with ease, then brought their faces close together, almost touching noses, the guy saw a pair of golden eyes bordered by a greenish blue hue, with the pupils being small making the eye look almost bloodshot, "Keep your filthy money. And tell your bitch that if she wanted a puppy she can buy her fucking own at a fucking pet store" He let the guy go roughly, making him fall on his butt, then making his way to hospital, "Let's go guys"

When they entered, almost all eyes turned to him, a few seconds later some turned back to their business while others kept their eyes on the trio.

Az had gotten used to those stares already, having lived with his parents for a long time, he expected them. Those filthy eyes judging you, watching and analyzing everything you did, every move you make, even every breath you take in or push out. All for those fucking vultures to decide of you were in their caliber or not.

But Az ignored them, he had only one thing to do and then he can leave this place.

He stepped towards the reception desk, "Excuse me" No response, the nurse was another long haired woman, her chest obviously larger than her brain, "Excuse me" He said a little louder this time, still no response, since the lady was busy doing her makeup.

Az had enough. *BAM* She jumped as Az slammed his fist hard on the desk, swiping the lipstick on her face, making a line from her lips to her ear.

"What gives you bastard?!" She looked at her mirror, "Look what you made me do!!" She began yelling at him as if he was trying to kill her. And Az was very tempted by the idea.

He placed his hands in his pocket, giving her a blank stare, "Now that I got your attention, I would like you to lead me to--"

She cut him off, "Oh no. First you ruin my make up, then you expect me to help you?! Forget it douche bag!!" She yelled again.

Az's left eye began twitching, even as he spoke, "I like to know-"

"Didn't you hear what I said?! I said fuck off!!"

"Now is that a way to speak to a gentleman who is trying to be polite?" A thick and deep voice called from the side. Az and the nurse turned to a young looking guy, who wore a black leather jacket over a tank top, and a pair of blue jeans.

"Oh Mr. Adams" The bitch of a nurse's attitude suddenly did a 180, fluttering her eyes, while the lipstick beeline made her look like a clown of sorts, "How can I help you?" She said in her most seductive tone she could muster.

But the guy simply scoffed with disgust, "You can help me by packing your stuff and leaving the hospital. I already called the head doctor and he will deal with you" He then turned to Az, "Hello Az, long time no see. Good to have you hear"

Az calmed down somewhat, "Glad to be here Lemmy, too bad it's was under such circumstances" The look of sorrow returned to his face.

"I know what you mean, but there is nothing we can do. Come on, I'll take you to grandpa"

Az followed the younger Adams, with the two Canids in tow. The soon to be ex nurse called out to them, "Um..sir, the hospital doesn't allow pets in"

Az's eye began twitching again, more violently this time, he had had enough of this bitch. But before he could act, Lemmy was over at her desk, with anger burning in his eyes, "Oh so now you want to talk about the rules, huh? First you ignore a visitor, then you start doing your makeup as if this place a blasted brothel, then you had every nerve to yell at and disrespect said visitor because of your ruined makeup. You're lucky that I don't have proper authority or I would have thrown you in a jail cell where your makeup is the last thing you will worry about. And you better be gone by the time we finish our visit, or there will be issues for both you and the hospital" He turned from her, walking back to his original destination, followed by the visiting trio.

While they rode the elevator, Lemmy turned to Az, "You should learn control your anger more" The anger in his eyes was gone and replaced by sympathy.

Az, grabbed his own wrist tightly, just as his nails began extending, "I know. Thanks for dealing with her by the way, it would have been troublesome if I was the one who did something"

Az had quite the temper when he was really pissed off, he could even become more dangerous than a hostile Monster. And that woman was close to driving him past that point.

Lemmy placed a hand on his shoulder as the elevator doors opened, "Just try to think happy thoughts, okay?" They exited the elevator, making their way to the general's room.

When they reached the desired hallway, Az saw four more figures, to guys and two girls. One guy was wearing a t-shirt that was a few sizes too small and had short black hair, the other wore a dark brown coat and his hair was slightly reaching the base of his neck. The girls both had long blonde hair, one of them had hers done in a ponytail, one of them wore white pants and red shirt, and the other wore a pink shirt with a skirt.

The short haired guy stood up as he saw Az and Lemmy, "Oi, oi oi oi!! What the fuck is he doing here?!" He asked pointing at Az.

"Cool it Hunter, he's here to see grandpa" Lemmy tried to calm his hotheaded brother.

"The hell he is!! He's not even family!!" Hunter however was not having any of it.

"Yes he is, that's what grandpa said. Or is your ego big enough to begin disrespecting grandpa's wishes?"

That shut up Hunter.

The brown coat wearing guy looked up at the duo who just arrived, "He's awake Az. We already finished with our visit, so you can go right in"

Az bowed quietly, then making his way inside the room. Lemmy cleared his throat to get the attention of the Canids, then nodding his head towards the general's room.

The Canids followed Az shortly to the room. When they went in, they could barely hold back their emotions.

On the hospital bed, was the human that they loved and cared for just as he loved and cared for them, they remember him as this strong macho man who didn't take shit from anyone. But now: all they saw was this thin being on the bed, his energy taken from him, and barely alive.

Az sat on the chair facing away from the window, "Hello general" His voice was soft and small, but filled with emotions he can't control.

The general turned his head slowly, a smile on his face, "Hey there yourself kiddo. I'm sorry I didn't visit often" Az nodded his understanding, but his eyes were slowly becoming moist, "Oh come now, don't make that face. Where is the confident, happy boy I'm used to" The general reached a hand to raise Az's face, who could only muster a sad smile, "It's a start. You have grown so much since I last saw you"

"All thanks to your instructions"

"I already talked with the others, don't let Hunter's words get to you. You are as much a family to me as them, and don't you dare forget that"

Az nodded quietly.

They heard sniffling and light sobbing, they turned to Mercury who was on the brink of bawling his eyes out. The general smiled, holding his arms out, Mercury almost ran to him, taking him in a deep hug, the dam finally breaking, "P-p-please master, d-don't go"

"I'm really sorry Merc, wish I had more strength in me, but these old bones have reached their limit"

"B-b-but I do-d-don't want you t-to go" Mercury began sobbing harder.

"There, there, it's just how it is. But even if I was forgotten here" He pointed at the side of Mercury's head, "I'm always right here" He pointed at Mercury's chest, right on the heart.

They hugged for a few minutes, then the general signaled for Saturn to join, and the three enjoyed a group hug.

The general then broke the hug, "Sorry to cut your visit short, but this old man needs his rest, I'll hopefully speak with you all later" Az nodded, getting up from his seat, planting a small peck on the general's forehead, a gesture mimicked by the two Canids. Then all three left silently.

Az passed by the younger Adams siblings, then, "Mercury, Saturn, the hell are going with him for?" Hunter really needed to learn to keep his mouth shut, "Come here, both of you" Neither moved, "Come here now!"

The two Canids both fixed him with a glare, it wasn't an angry one, but it resembled that of someone looking down on a little worm, with disgust.

Lemmy stepped up behind Az, "Let it go Hunter, this was in grandpa's will"

"What?! Nobody told me anything about this"

The pants wearing sister finally spoke up, "No wonder, since you left the minute you insured that you got something from grandfather. We stayed for the whole thing, and it clearly stated that Saturn and Mercury are now both belonging to Astaroth"

Az, didn't say a word, but simply walked away towards the elevator as the siblings bickered. Just as he pressed the button, a hand tapped his shoulder, "Want some company?" Lemmy asked with deep concern, despite him and his siblings being blood related to the general, Az was the closest on to him.

Az didn't say a word for 2 whole minutes, then simply nodded.

They passed the reception desk where the bitch nurse was really packing her stuff, and into the parking lot.

Az's eyes widened at who he saw sitting by his truck, "Dozeran?1 What are you doing here?"

The large Long Horn Necrolite stood from his place, standing taller than Saturn by a few inches, he gestured to the group that Az encountered before entering the hospital, all huddled around a small group of cars, all the latest models, eying Az with death glares.

Lemmy leaned his head towards Az's ear, "Looks like he was looking out for you and just saved your car"

Az smiled softly, stepping up to the large Necrolite, taking the big Monster's waist in a sweet hug, "Thank you"

Dozeran grunted before breaking from Az's hug, his wings spread to his sides, both seemed bigger than Az's truck, before they began flapping very fast, producing a loud humming sound, almost sounding like a revved up car, then jumping high in the air and flying away.

Az pulled out his key and tried to insert it in its place, but his hands were shaking. He gave up and handed them over to Lemmy, who took them from him, while he and the Canids got in.

Lemmy turned the ignition, then lowly pulling out of the parking lots, and driving away and out of the city, much to Az's delight.

_____________________________

Back at the ranch, Krawly and Leyland both were waiting by the gates.

When they saw Az's truck roll by, they opened the gates, to allow them to drive in.

Once the car was secure in the garage, all the riders got out, with Lemmy greeting Krawly with a small hug, "Hey babe"

Krawly hugged him back, "Hey yourself. What are you doing here?"

Lemmy nodded towards Az as he went into the house, Absolos was barking happily at him, but the pup's mood turned sour as he sensed the emotional condition his master was in, despite Az's attempt to hide it by petting his head.

Krawly turned back to Lemmy, "Not good news, huh?"

Lemmy simply shook his head in the negative, "Grandpa is withering away Krawly, and there is nothing any of us can do about it"

In the house, Az lied on his bed, face first, he was completely drained emotionally.

General Lukas Adams was a big part of Az's life after his grandfather, training him personally, and gave him Ragnarok when Az became 17. He was the father that Az's own neglected to become, he was almost everything to the young man.

And now he's as good as gone, slowly withering away to the winds.

And Az was so weak he couldn't shed another tear.

___________________________

Precisely one week later. General Lukas Adams passed away.

Az was picked up by Lemmy to attend the funeral three days later.

Both wore black suits and Az wore a small pendant that was a gift from his grandfather, an attempt to bring his spirit along to attend the general's funeral.

When they went into the church, the place was packed with friends, relatives and even acquaintances.

"Never thought you cared for anyone but yourself" Az heard behind him.

He turned to find a man with graying hair and thick sideburns. His father.

"I'm not like you, dad" His emphasis on 'dad' was said in an attempt at sarcasm.

"Watch your tone boy. We're at a funeral" His father was trying to act strict.

"Then I guess you better be quiet before you say something stupid and embarrass yourself" Az said quietly, making his way to sit with Lemmy and his siblings, leaving his father to boil himself in anger.

When the funeral started and the priest gave his words and prayers, everyone was asked to share some good memories of the general, first his children then grandchildren and finally Lemmy surprised everyone when he asked for Az to say something.

Az was nervous in the beginning, but then, he began to speak of his times with the general, how he treated him like a son where it should've been his own fathers duty to do, and he was taken under his wing, and became a tracker, then a rancher, once he mentioned that he got a few disapproving glares, most of them his own family unfortunately, but the majority were simply listening to his tale of the general.

When he finished he allowed himself to be viewed as vulnerable, as he allowed a small tear to streak down his face, all in honor of the man he respected besides his grandfather.

After the burial, Lemmy was sitting with his siblings, Az have taken a seat under a tree away from the crowd.

"Well if it isn't the crybaby" That nauseating tone belonged to his direct older brother, Matt Eizen. His brother pulled out his phone, then almost shoved it in his face, it showed a picture of when he was silently crying over the loss of the general, "This will look good as my background. Hah, wait till everyone in the academy hears this"

Az however wasn't in the mood to even be angry, "Even men cry Matt. Stop being a toddler about it"

"Who the fuck are you calling a toddler, bitch?!"

"What is going on here?" The two turned to find a mature looking man, with black hair, thicker sideburns than their father and a beard that lined his lower jaw, he was wearing a suit that threat to tear to shreds if he even thought about flexing his big muscles.

"Nothing uncle Jared" Matt suddenly seemed to decrease in size, "Me and my dear bro were just..um..uh...fooling around, you know? Just like brothers should, right?" He tried to make the act more believable by wrapping an arm around Az.

"Just shove off" Their uncle simply gestured to the crowd, Matt immediately obeying his command and going back to where their parents were.

Jared turned to his younger nephew, "Don't let him get to you Az. He's all talk"

"I never let them get to me uncle, not anymore. Both grandpa and the general taught me that real men are not afraid to hide their emotions. To most, showing your emotions is a sign of weakness, and it is at times, but hiding them only makes you weaker, becoming unable to express yourself, and close yourself away from the world and into your own, away from everybody. Even those who actually care about you"

Jared sat beside his nephew, "You're a real man Az, for sticking to your own views like you did the day you left the house to live with dad. At that moment I was only thinking about how I wished that my son would grow up to become like you"

Az scoffed, but his spirit was slowly rising, "An Exotic rancher?"

Jared chuckled lightly, "No. An honest man"

Az finally managed to smile a genuine smile, his mood brightened by talking with his uncle, remembering the general's words about how he will always remain in the hearts of his loved ones, Az gripped his pendant, standing up. The atmosphere around him brightened.

Az he was heading for the Adams, Jared stopped him, "Az, there is something I need to tell you" Az raised a brow, waiting for his uncle to speak, "Have you heard about your grandmother?" Az's grandma was the first person before his grandfather to introduce him to the goods of Monsters.

Az shook his head, "Do you actually believe that those frauds of parents and siblings would actually tell me anything when both sides disowned the other?"

Jared nodded, "The family heard that mother is re-writing her will. Nothing is for sure yet" He had a hard expression on his face, "Your father, Allen is thinking of stealing the will and writing it in his favor"

"WHAT?!"

"Don't worry. You're grandmother is a clever woman, no need for alarm"

"I'm not worried about grandma, it's just that I can't believe that dad's greed has manifested so much. What will he do with all that money anyway?"

"To tell you the truth: His business is slowly losing, he is buried in debts and he is only digging himself deeper. If he doesn't get anything from the will or didn't get enough, he will lose everything" He then had smile on his face, "So to make it clear, your Exotic ranching is the only profitable business in the family in the meantime. And your father doesn't like that one bit"

"I'll be careful uncle" Az assured him, before splitting from his uncle and making his way to the exit, where Lemmy was waiting.

Lemmy immediately noticed Az's heightened mood, "Did something good happen? Did your father go out of business?"

Az smiled, "One could wish Lem, but I believe that this wish is close to becoming true. No I just realized that it's better to remember our happy moments. Even when the bad ones outweigh the good, all we need to do is push the scale ourselves in our favor"

Lemmy, nodded firmly, taking Az in a brotherly hug, then both got in the car and drove off towards the ranch.

_____________________________

Everyone was happy that Az have become emotionally better after being all dark and gloomy all week.

After stopping at the ranch and checking on his Monsters, he went to the alchemist shop. Aurum stayed longer than he should.

Az, opened the door to the shop, but wasn't met with an explosion this time, "Dr. Abner? I'm here to check on Aurum"

When Az neared the Dr's work area, Abner appeared from behind the door, "Hey Doc, I'm here to check on Aurum, he overstayed the limit here I think"

Abner made a quiet sign, the beckoned Az to follow him to the back.

Az followed the Dr, the place was a small laboratory, with many small machines, flasks and test-tubes. Abner opened a door in the far side, making the quiet gesture again.

When they looked inside, Az, saw the cutest scene in his life.

Nagi was lying over Aurum, wrapping his arms around the golden scaled Serpent, both sleeping with wide smiles on their faces. Az couldn't stop himself and snapped a picture with his phone.

He then stepped over to them, nudging Nagi lightly, making him stir, "Hey Nagi, come on wake up. It's time for Aurum to come home"

Nagi yawned, as he got up from his place, shaking Aurum lightly, until the other Serpent woke up.

Az looked at his Serpent, "Hey there buddy, had a good time?" Aurum smiled goofily to himself, rubbing his head and yawning, "Come on, time to go" Az told the still sleepy Serpent.

"Do I have to?" Aurum pouted as he woke up.

"Don't worry, you can visit anytime you want"

When Aurum was awake enough, Az bid the Dr and Nagi good day, as he took his Serpent home.

As they were driving back home, "So? How was your stay there?" Aurum was hissing happily, "I'll take that as a yes"

When they arrived back at the ranch, Haxel walked up to Az, "Glad your feeling better, was really getting gloomy around here"

"Thanks Haxel" Az raised himself up, planting a small peck on Haxel's cheek.

Az stepped towards the kennel, only to hear growling and barking. He ran inside only to find the large black Lycan fighting with Mercury.

Az didn't want to know what they were fighting about, but it was clear that Mercury was losing.

They broke off and away from each other, Mercury growling loudly, "Take it back douche bag!"

The Lycan smirked, "Not in this lifetime, bitch"

Just as the Lycan began charging at Mercury, he felt his big body easily lift off the ground and then was thrown on his back. When he got up, Az was looking at him with a hard, feral stare, "Enough of this" The human commanded.

"You don't tell me what to do here, you bastard. I'm the alpha here." Just then Dozeran landed behind him, his multiple arms crossed over his large chest.

Az nodded towards the large Necrolite. Just then, Dozeran began flapping his wings hard, small electric sparks began appearing which slowly turned to a constant flow of electricity. He placed his arms on the Lycan's back, forcing the electricity into his body, the large Necrolite acting like an over-sized living taser.

The Lycan screamed and howled from the pain, then slumped to the floor, unconscious.

Dozeran tied him in a hard chain, then taking him inside the bigger kennel, while Az took Mercury to the house to bandage him up. Az sat the Canid on the couch while he went and brought his medical equipment, while he was disinfecting the smaller cuts, "Mind telling me what that was about?"

"He began bad mouthing you and everyone else, calling us weaklings for being with you and allowing you to control us. Then he began saying that he will show us what a true alpha is by making an example of you" Mercury winced as the disinfectant began working.

"I appreciate your concern Merc, but I can handle myself as you must have seen just moments ago" Az said smiling.

Mercury smiled himself.

When Az finished bandaging the Canid, he felt a hand on his thighs. Az smiled softly, placing his hand on Mercury's lower back, rubbing softly. Mercury pulled Az close for a kiss, slipping his tongue into Az's mouth, licking the insides, Az then placed his other hand on Mercury's chest, rubbing softly, then taking one nipple in hand, pinching and rubbing softly.

Az broke off the kiss, lowering his head to take the same nipple in his mouth, licking and sucking it slowly. Mercury was moaning and whining loudly, as Az was stimulating his body, a stray hand belonging to Az slipped to his butt cheeks, groping, pinching and kneeding.

As moved his hand lower to reach for Mercury's balls, but felt his fingers slip inside something slick. Az almost jumped off, pushing Mercury lightly until he was lying sideways, Az then found out what his fingers slipped in.

Mercury was sporting a vagina in place of his taint, which was getting wetter by the second, "Sorry I didn't tell you about this, but it's yours master, please breed me and fill me with your children" Mercury begged, while he was panting hard.

Az, smiled to himself lowering his head until he faced the Canid's taint, then slipped his tongue in, moving it around. Mercury began screaming with pleasure while Az stimulated him, his cunt being his weakest pleasure point, and Az was exploiting that to its fullest.

Az, lifted himself off of Mercury, who was trying to catch his breath, then thrust his fingers inside, opening him up for his hard cock. When Az opened him enough, he pulled out his cock, rubbing the head on the opening lightly, "Pleeeeaaaaassse, stop teasing and put it in already" Mercury begged, Az smiled at his handiwork, then pushed his cock inside Mercury slowly, and he didn't stop until his hips connected to Mercury's.

After a few minutes, Az leaned towards Mercury's ears, "Better bite on something, because I'm taking you for a ride" He pulled his cock back until the head remain inside, before thrusting it hard back inside, forcing a loud howl from Mercury. Az didn't stop there, he began fucking Mercury hard, but at average speed, taking pride in the noises that Mercury was making, Az then took the Canid's cock and began jacking him off, fast.

After 40 minutes of constant fucking, Az picked up speed, his hips and Mercury's clapping together, both were getting close.

Mercury then howled loudly, his rocket shaped cock spewing his load all over the couch and floor, his cunt clamping on Az's cock, milking his cock until he began breading the Canid, filling his cunt to the brim. When he calmed down and pulled his spent cock out, Mercury's cunt overflowed lightly from Az's cum, letting the big load seep out and run all over his legs.

After they both calmed down, Az, pulled the Canid up and lead him to his bedroom. Both laid in bed, Az's arms around Mercury's shoulder, pulling him close as both slept soundly.

___________________________

A month later.

Az's lake was filled and ready, he already placed an order for a Shark Merman.

The Black Lycan, now named Shadow, was quite a handful, but Az managed to discipline him, taking him on whenever the Lycan challenged him, and humiliating him every time.

Aurum and Nagi's relationship began flourishing, Az could hear wedding bells, that is if Monsters got married like them, but their love for each other was clear. His two Falcons, now named Sky and Dust warmed up to Az, and Dust finally stopped trying to take a bite out of his fingers, but still felt a bit cautious around the rancher. Solen now could lay his eggs any week now, Az estimates by next week, hearing the news brought large smiles to the Swarm.

But now he needed to concentrate on the gathering for this month.

He decorated his ranch with signs, billboards with maps nailed to them and finally some clothes for his Monsters, none of them liked the idea, but they needed to be presentable.

Now the Southern Land was expecting the people of the other Lands any day now.

___________________________

In the Eastern Land.

Hiro packed his final items, then taking his luggage with him, he left the house, he asked his father and a few friends to watch over the ranch while he's gone, but he will take his Monsters with him, so there isn't much to protect.

Sei the Mizuchi, Shippu the Kamaitachi, Mahjo the Koi Merman, Gen the Tate-Kame, and the Kitsune twins and their Nine-Tails older brother: Ko, Ten and Sui respectively, and his two Felin, Hakon the Tegrin and Teru the Pantharin all wore their best clothing, ready to follow their master.

"Let's do this guys, remember, we might be guests but we need to make a good impression" He got a nod from all of them.

Then nodding himself, he made his way to the docks to board the ship going to the Southern Lands.

______________________________

In the Western Lands.

A ranch was built in a mountainous area, on top of a beautiful grass plains filled with flowers here and there.

Ling Mei was a young woman at 20, going 21 in a month, she was lean and beautiful, her hair done in pigtails and wearing a female's kung-fu outfit, which was red in color with blue stripes, with a dragon's design flowing from the left shoulder to the right hip.

She had a small bag, with a bigger suitcase, not taking many things herself.

She stepped up to the gates, and found her Monsters.

A white furred Lapin female that was as slim as her, she had some markings on her body. She also was wearing silk pants and a black tank top.

An entity made of flowing water walked up to her, a Water Golem, it simply had a golden metal object that could pass for briefs or jockstrap, golden wrist bracelets, golden leg braces and a V shaped crown also golden with a small blue Elemental Stone embedded on it.

A digitigrade legged and four armed Leonin male, with white fur and a golden mane, this Leonin species is called Rakshasa, and is only found in the Western Lands. He was wearing baggy silk pants with a silk cloth wrapped around his waist like a belt, all his arms had bracelets on the wrists that were made of leather and a sharp fang hanging from them.

Finally a digitigrade legged, male sheep Monster who's wool was fully grown around his wrists around his head, neck and just above the chest and shoulders, his crotch area and his ankles, the rest of his body was free of wool, making him look like a poodle.

Mei smiled at her Monsters, she could barely hold her excitement, she always wished to visit the other Lands, and now she had her chance.

__________________________

In the Northern Land.

The ranch was placed deep in a thick forest, littered by some snow here and there, which was melting away due to summer closing in.

The twins Dustin and Austin Grey finally packed their belongings. Both twins had big, hard bodies from working at the ranch and doing some weight lifting when they had the chance.

As they were leaving, their mothers stopped them at the door, "Did you pack all your things? Clean underwear? Enough food for the trip?"

Dustin the older twin was the one answering her, "Yes, yes and the ship will serve food for the passengers, but we packed a few snacks. So no need to worry mom"

She hugged both her sons close to her, "Oh, I know, it's just that I'm very happy to finally see my children leaving the nest"

Austin took his turn answering, "We're not leaving the nest mom. We're just visiting a new place. You know how curious we were of the other Lands, now we can see one of them up close"

Their father walked up to them after placing their last suitcases in the van, "Wish I could go with you, but I can't leave your mother all alone"

"It's okay dad, we wouldn't want it any other way" Dustin assured his father, as he and Austin took turns hugging their old man.

When everything was packed, they walked towards the gate, were their Monsters were waiting by the van.

A large mammoth Monster sat leaning back on the van, a Furred Tusk, this variation of Tusks was relatively larger than the normal Ivory Tusk, and built for the cold weather, he was wearing a simple loincloth.

A grey skinned Saurian with a hard built body and black scales on his snout, head and back, wearing a heavy shirt and pants.

And their Dire Lycan, a larger variation of the Lycans built for the harsh cold weather. His fur was red, with a black mane-like fur going from the back of his head to his waist, thick black fur on his arms going from below his elbow, and his calves reaching to his ankles. He wore a simple loincloth like the Furred Tusk.

"Alright mom, dad. We'll send you pictures" Both twins and their Monsters got into the van, with the Tusk and Dire Lycan riding in the back, driving away towards the docks.

___________________________

Az was sitting in his living room, with Leyland, Krawly and Lemmy. All enjoying a cup of tea.

Az was all smiles, barely containing his excitement and anticipation of the coming gather. He promised to meet Hiro and his friends when they arrive.

His uncle called him last night and told him that his father's business was not part of the gathering so he isn't invited.

And Az couldn't be happier.