vexkader

[vexkader]

Solis Part 10

  I stared down at my paws, sitting up as one them started to twitch. A nagging feeling coming up at the very back of my head. I swallowed hard, trying to ignore it. 

  "Tiny-Half, you do not look well. Are you sure you-" Jóhan expresses, but I immediately blow him off with a scoff. "We're going. I'm fine." 

  He raises a brow, looking down at me. "You shake as if you are cold." 

  "Not cold." I state, looking up to him. "Do you have any water?" He nods and turns around, my voice sounding a bit dry. He came back with a small little cup, which I gratefully took. He expected me to down it right away, instead I reached a paw into my pocket. Pulling out two tiny white pills, which I took then followed by the water. 

  "Is that why you shake?" He asks curiously. 

  "It's for a condition." 

  He looked puzzled at me for a moment, tail twitching as he didn't understand. "What is this.. condition?" He asks me, throwing together a pack of food and supplies for a like hike. Hearing everything rustle around as he talked. "Shaking does not seem right."

  "Its none of your business." I tell him bluntly, finishing off everything including the water. With a scoff he heads to the mantle. Pushing down the fire to keep it low and slow burning, smoke billowing from the coals. Above he takes a dark orange-colored fish, looking to me with a newfound smile. "Smoked trout, it is good! We will have it for our walk."

  I nod, getting off the bed and recounting my items. My rifle, smooth and sleek as always. Check. Energy bars, dull and tasteless as ever? Also check. Jóhan finished up his preparations and we headed out into the cold morning. 

  A cold glacier breeze swept through my fur, Jóhan put his paws on his hips and breathed in deeply. Puffing out his bare chest. "Ah! beautiful morning, no?" 

  I looked around, the sun has barely even risen, just a slight glow on the horizon to signal its return. "I guess so, now show me the way to this ruin. I'm eager to finish this."

  Jóhan laughs as we start our trek, motioning a paw to follow him. "Patience Tiny-Half! Patience, enjoy this beautiful land and its offers!"

  I didn't know what he meant by this, and I wasnt interested in spending too much time here. "Jóhan, I do have to be paid for this you know. And get to other things." I protest, waving my tail behind me in irritation. 

  He blows me off as our paws carried us over dirt and grass. We must've been quiet for at least half an hour, enough time for the sun to start poking through. Up and over a grassy hill,  to a wonderful view of a blissfully dark grey beach. A small lake reflecting the scenery around it, as the sun bounced off its ripples. 

  "Here we are, it is time for morning eats!" The leopard gracefully bounced down the hill to the beach, heading toward what was a shovel left there. I had to admit, I was curious about this. So I bite his bait and followed him down. 

  "You come from a place of volcanos, yes?" He asks me, grabbing the wooden shaft of the shovel, sticking it into a mound of sand. This sand felt odd beneath my paws. Warm and almost bubbling, in definitive contrast to the cold and hard dirt on the way here. 

  "Yes, Venus is covered in them. Why do you ask?" 

  "Because my home, Iceland, as you see is also volcano. Our land is warm and beautiful!" 

  I had a hard time believing the 'warm' part of that. It was summer and I was reconsidering bringing a jacket. 

  "Some of these sands you see carry that warmth. Warmth of an oven!" He tells me, digging away at the sand. I watched carefully, a rifle still in my paws. He lifted sand upon sand, water filling the holes he created. To my amazement this water was bubbling and steaming! I could feel that very heat from here! 

  "Earth is a giant oven here, ripe for cooking!" His shovel thunks against what sounds like metal. Carefully he goes a bit lower, upon popping the shovel out. A whole metal pot came out with it, the warm smell of bread with it? No that can't be right, as delicious as it smelt. 

  "It is time to eat, come sit, sit with me!" He grabs the metal handle with his bare paws walking back to the grassy hill. Intrigued by this, I followed. Sitting down, he opened the pot. The smell of bread was even stronger now, and sure enough there was bread! Cooked from the heat of the sand!

  "Amazing." I remark, eying it closely. 

  "Ah but wait till you see how it tastes friend, come sit. Eat with me!" 

  Still amazed by this, I did just that. I sat down with him and enjoyed a breakfast of bread with the trout on top. Cut thinly to not over power each other. I had to admit it was a nice diversion from the usual instant noodles I would usually eat. Doing all this as the sun rose above this island. 

  "So Tiny-Half, we will continue to the glacier but I must warn you. We will pass through a old town. It has been untouched for hundreds of years." He turns to me, a seriousness on his face I had never seen from him. "Do not enter those buildings, they are cursed from the útrýmingu."

  My face twisted, "The what now?" I ask him. 

  "I do not know the english word, but long time ago the world shook. Creating monsters and us alike. Do you not know this?" 

  I huffed, I did know this. Everyone was taught this from elementary school. The apocalypse that destroyed civilization as we knew it over six hundred years ago. 

  "I do, I'll be careful in it. I expect you to lead the way." He nods understanding his part. 

  "Good, you may have gun but these things do not bend to your weapon." I wasnt going to argue, I've heard terrible things about the past. I suppose some areas like here in Iceland are still affected by these... anomalies. 

  We continued onward after breakfast. Passing over hills, marshlands, using old forgotten roads to travel. All the while Jóhan enjoyed the cool weather. 

  Though come mid afternoon, after I was told we were getting close. His demeanor changed, the once strong and head held high snow leopard now looked anxious. Checking around, nervously looking to the top of the hills. 

  His uneasiness felt contagious, knowing something was around that could scare this cat was unsettling. I had my rifle though, let something test us. Soon enough however, I knew what was making him this way. At the bottom of a small hill stood a dilapidated town. 

  Buildings that hardly stood made up a small maze of old roads. Crumbling from the harsh weather, bits of asphalt sticking between my toes. Windows almost nonexistent here as the glass been broken and smoothed out by the years of neglect. 

  "BB?" I asked silently so Jóhan couldn't hear me. 

  "Vex, you havent talked all day. Do tell me you're not being eaten."

  "I'm not, I'm in a small destroyed town. It looks like a war was fought here." I whispered anxiously, feeling a growing unease. "Are you seeing this?"

  "Off your feed yes." He says confirming my question. 

  "Tell me, how old are these."

  A brief silence was heard before he told me. "These buildings predate the apocalypse, being built either late nineteen nineties, or early two thousands. Making them a touch over seven hundred years old."

  This blew my mind, how could such buildings stay standing for being so old? Almost none had a roof, but still for even the foundations to still be there. 

  "Seven hundred." I whispered to myself in awe, walking through ancient history practically. My thoughts were quickly off by a sound of what was like steel collapsing on itself. Mine and Jóhan's fur sticking up from the sudden shock. 

  "BB I have to go!" I say in a rush, cutting him off and readying my rifle before the AI could talk back. 

  Stepping up to Jóhan, he walked slowly eyeing every building we passed. "I do not like it here Tiny-Half."

  I agreed staying close to him. "Neither do I." 

  As we edged near the town, a thick fog rolled in. Covering and hiding these buildings, as they started to say their whispers to us. Dead languages I couldn't understand, things moving in the distance I could not see! A dread feeling struck my heart, I could not stay here. 

  "Tiny-Half we must go, please no more here!" Jóhan says in a panic, his pace turning from slow to a jog. I picked it up as well, my paws pounding the ground below, kicking up debris. 

  Human figured danced in the fog, trying to coax us in, into the basements of the building. Whispering a doom I did not wish. I started to run, wanting out of this personal Hell. The dead will not call me, as Jóhan shared similar thoughts. The two of us running, panting and feeling this feeling of encroaching death! 

  The whispers were louder, almost yelling for us! Fog creeping in, trying to choke our lungs out! What has Earth done for this to happen! 

  I coughed while running, no more of this please! My legs carried my up as fast as they could, up and up with the leopard beside me. 

  The further up I went, the cleaner things became! The fog was lifting! Freedom from a dead town! I started to smile, feeling a heavy feeling off my shoulders as the day was now clear. No more was the fog there to snare us. 

  Looking back from my position, I could see no fog. Only the town, left as we entered. A shiver ran down my spine, wanting nothing to do with that place anymore.  Jóhan's face said it all, fear of that place. 

  Neither one of use said a word, the further we moved away the better. I wanted nothing else with it. We had to have been miles away at this point, as the air felt clear once more. And colder. 

  "We are close Tiny-Half, the glacier will show soon." I nod, eager to get off this island. I wished to find these ruins, and leave nothing else. 

[vexkader]

Solis Part 9

  Jóhan brought me back to what I assumed was his town. Old buildings nearby a small lake, mixing old and new architecture. Wood, metal, and some old ships making up this town. 

  "So Tiny-Half." He starts, "You want the ruins yes? You will need guidance!" 

  We walked into this tiny town, everyone here was human except me and Jóhan. All watching me carefully as the snow leopard next me exaggerated his every move. 

  "Someone knows the land, who is fearless and strong!" 

  I throw my paws up in front of him, getting him to stop. "Alright, I get it. I'll let you guide me, one condition though."

  His ears tilt and his tail sways in the wind, as he looks down to me with his chest puffed. Amused to hear a demand out of me.

  "Alright Tiny-Half, let me hear it!" Says, paws now on his hips clenched into a fist. 

  "Its me and you alone, no one else should go with us." I point at him, making it clear I didn't trust the humans around here.

  He thinks about this for a moment, putting a finger in the air wagging it back and forth. Biting his lip as he thought. "Yes yes.. I do see your point. We will go together then. Me and you, me with the small one!"

  "Good" I started, "You at least speak english unlike the others."

  He let's out an amused huff, patting my shoulder and leading me to a small hut. "My father spoke english as well, however rarely. But however he made it a point to teach me as well."

  "Where was your father from?" I ask him curiously, as he leads me into the small hut. A simple carpeted floor, with a fireplace I was greeted by. A bed and a desk was really all he had. 

  "I dont remember really," He started. "But my modir told me he wasnt from Iceland, that he crashed her from.. hmm what was it?"

  I cock my head curiously. "Go on." I urge him, crossing my arms. 

  "I believe it was from a place called Mars.. I do not know much of it." 

  I let out a chuckle, closing my eyes and thinking. "Well, I can say that is very much not from Iceland." 

  Letting out a deep huff, he puffs out his chest. "Yes, now Tiny-Half! Tell me what you think of my home!" He outstretched his arms, smiling. "You will stay here for the night, as the trek to the ice fields is long!" 

  I nod in understandment, I had no reason to fully trust the snow leopard. But then again, he was the one with a village full of very functional guns, and was offering help. I guess it could go either way. Though I had to at least tell BB, not that he was really worried. Probably. 

  "Excuse me though for a moment Jóhan, I need to step outside."

  "Of course of course, but do not wander! I do not wish harm to you." 

  I nod understanding him, stepping out from his warm hut to the icy wind. Humans of all ages stared at me in awe and confusion. I was the only anthro they had seen besides Jóhan, and I certainly did not look like him.

  Eyeing them all carefully, I raise my wrist up to my muzzle. Trying to contact BB. 

  "I wont be back for at least a day or two, made contact with the locals." I tell him, hoping he was listening in. 

  "Fantastic, they aren't threatening to eat you are they?" His monotone voice provided some relief. 

  "No, at least not yet. I'll keep you updated though." I sigh for a moment, looking around once more. It was getting late, as I could see the sun starting to set. 'Bit early for that', I thought to myself. 

  "Though I came into contact with another anthro, the only one here. He seems well enough, but I'll let you know of trouble."

  Amused, BB sends his reply. "If you end up in a winter stew, don't say I didn't warn you."

  I shake it off, getting a bit annoyed with the AI. "They'll shoot me before eating me, now I'll get to you tomorrow." 

  Then I shut off my comms and went back inside. The strong smell of fish cooking on the mantle hit me, along with the sound of some other stuff being fried. 

  "Ah! Tiny-Half you return! I am making dinner, do sit down!"

  I take Jóhan's advice and sit down at the foot of the bed, almost sinking into the thick carpet. 

  "I hope you like paddock, it is all I have to share with you." He tells me, flipping it as oil seared its side. Though the smell of the oil was unfamiliar to me, as it was not normal cooking oil. 

  "I suppose I'll be fine with it." 

  He smiles, grabbing an old plate and handing one to me. "Get yourself some then, it is good to eat." I nod, having hardly any time to relax. Getting up I look to the fish. Two white filets in the pan, with a smaller pan next to it. With what looked like tiny potatoes. 

  Good enough, I took a filet and some potatoes. Sitting back down as Jóhan took the rest and sat himself by the fire. 

  "So Tiny-Half" He says in between shoveling fish into his mouth. "Enjoy my beautiful country?" I agreed with him, this land certainly was. 

  "It is.. quite the sight, nothing like my home."

  His curiosity peaked, as I saw it rush across his face. "Your home, what is it like?" 

  "Venus? Oh hm.. It has a major city, Ishtar on its northern continent, also called Ishtar." He listened intently. "Its very tropical and volcanic, with plenty of tropical and desert islands. Toward the center you have Aphrodite, the second continent. Too hot for really any city, it's almost one giant desert there."

  His mouth was agape, listening to the wonders of Venus. It was certainly nothing like here.

  "I see, I have never left Iceland. This has been my home forever, you are a lucky man seeing so much!" 

  I let out a quick breath, amused. Not sure if I'd call myself lucky. "I suppose, I have seen many things." 

  Jóhan quickly finished his plate, putting it near the mantle but not on it. "Well Tiny-Half! I will set up your sleep tonight, so you will be comfortable."

  "Thank you but that's not quite necessary" I started, but was quickly interrupted. 

  "No no, I will! You will be comfortable!" I didn't see a point in arguing as Jóhan had already begun, reaching under his bed and pulling out a roll of bedding. Quickly he untied it, as it made a whooshing sound while un-curling. 

  "You will sleep here!" He says proudly, standing up and looking down at me. His head almost hitting the roof. 

  "Well thank you, I suppose I should sleep soon then shouldnt? Busy day tomorrow."

  "Yes, yes you should! We will be up with the birds!" He then started to get ready himself, enthusiastically might I add. Packing himself into his bed, the pillow being crushed under his massive weight. 

  Rubbing my eye, I set my plate on top of his. Laying down on the 'bed' he laid out for me. It wasnt terrible, but it wasnt my bed for sure. Sleep didn't come quickly, though it was mostly from an on edge feeling I got. Though Jóhan himself was quick to fall asleep it felt like hours for me. In the end I did find it, even though it was light. 

[vexkader]

Solis Part 8

  White waves broke upon black sand. Retreating then reforming all the same. Gulls wailed and cried, swimming and picking at fish on the surface of the sea. 

  I sat in my retreat, watching this slowly. Eating a bowl of sticky porridge, the taste of sugar and cinnamon in my mouth. This land seemed beautiful and untamed, I would honestly come here for a vacation if I wasnt so busy. 

  "BB?" I start-up, pausing from my breakfast. "What time is it?"

  "Nine forty-seven, GMT Earth standard." 

  I sighed, as I had to leave soon. I told myself no later than ten am, that I had to at least be getting ready by that time. Mr. Tisek did not seem to be a patient man with this, and I didn't wish to disappoint Friday again. Despite our incident she was putting a lot of faith in. Too much I felt. Nevertheless, I finish the bowl I had in front of me. Filling it up with steamy hot water to rinse it clean. 

  As I got ready, I decided against the armor. Even though I knew the natives on this island were possibly hostile. I was going to avoid them the best I could, and I wished to feel the cold sea wind on my fur. My armor would only heat up to keep me warm. I didn't want this. I wanted to feel the cold, the let the breeze brush through me. I never got this on Venus. I wanted to feel it while I could. 

  A black shirt paired with a sandy colored pair of pants was good enough for me. Two large pockets on each side. One for a spare mag for my rifle, and another for an energy bar. As I'd probably be out all day, or at the very least all night. 

  Stepping out of the ship, the smell of sea salt filled the air. My paws leaving prints in the moist black sand, getting my fur cold and wet. I let out a content huff, feeling happy as gulls around me cried out. 

  Grey clouds rolled in the in the sky, keeping the temperature cool and low. As giant pillars of rock and stone jutted from the sea, nearly piercing the sky with the giant black and green cliff to my left. Looking up to it, I mumble to myself.

  "You know, maybe I should've landed atop that." 

  Never the less, I got to climbing. Crawling my way up the lovely green moss filled side, up the black and rocky cliff. Reaching the top and looking behind me with an exhausted huff. Taking in the view of the dark sand and grey seas and skies. All merging on the horizon. 

  Turning back with a flick of my tail I began my journey across this island. I thought about its history for a bit, running my paws along its rocks. Hundreds of years ago humans living here, almost alone from the outside world. Then doing so after the apocalypse started. Thankfully we were out of that now, I couldn't imagine how they lived though it all. 

  Keeping up with my thoughts, I walked the rocky path. Ancient stones slide and moved beneath me, as I found myself in a rocky canyon with a cool flowing river. Gurgling and bubbling as I walked along its bank. The grey skies soon giving way to a precious blue. 

  Stopping for a moment, I bent over to get a quick drink of the water. Sticking my paw into the rocky river, I felt a chill run up my arm. My fur flowing with the current. Lifting my arm, I sip the water, tasting so much more pure than the water back home on Venus. This was cool and crisp, going down easily. I go for another, quenching my thirst as I looked around this canyon.

This wide river bed full of black rocks gave way to mossy cliffs full of black and red stones. Truthfully I was tempted to take a few back for the ship. The serene beauty of this place. I wish I came here sooner. 

  But as I was lost in thought, a multitude of footsteps crashed on the rocks behind me, shouting a language I did not understand. Quickly I raised my rifle, its white and silver shell, smoothly bouncing light from it. A slim ammo counter on the top with bright orange letters read to me. [2 6]

  I moved my eyes from the gauge to who was in front of me, a host of angry-looking humans. Skin nearly as white as my gun, mostly hosting blonde hair. Still shouting at me in twisted tongues. From between them, a massive snow leopard walked between them. Shirtless, fur moving about in the breeze. 

  "Do you english!" He shouts to me, voice deep and heavily accented. 

  "Yes, I do english!" I shout back. Refusing to lower my gun. 

  With this he let's out a bellowing laugh, stepping right up to me. He was massive, easily over six five. Built with nothing but muscle. 

  I pointed my gun up to him, and taking a step back. Cold water surpassing me as my paw sunk into the bank. 

  "Who are you!" I demand from the leopard. 

  With a large smile, he places his massive paws on his hips. "I! I am Jóhan! You are little!" He laughs again, I look to the rest of his company while he laughed. They all carried older looking guns. Some wooden, some black with polymer grips. It was like time was frozen here. 

  "Now little one, tell me why you here." His tone turned serious, and he looked like he was ready to crush me. 

  "I'm here on business, I will leave you alone if you let me go. I do not want trouble." I tell him, which I truthfully didn't. This cat looked like he could take some rounds and laugh about it.

  "Do not tell lie, for I see through! You are here for the ice ruin." 

  My ears perk as my interest was caught, making me lower my gun for a moment. 

  "Ruins you say?" I ask curiously. 

  "Ah yes yes, ruin! Many come for them, many forced us to tell where they are! Many did not go back to ship." He says with a sinister voice, sounding like he took pleasure in that. 

  Gulping, I tried to carefully step around the conversation. Purely to not anger him. 

  "Well... Jóhan. My name is Vex, and yes I'm here for those ruins." I tell him truthfully, hoping the truth would ease him up. 

  "Are you now? Well I will help you! You did not demand from us, so you are okay to me." He says shrugging, patting my shoulder. Nearly pushing me over. 

  "You are so tiny!" He remakes again. "What are you so tiny for? You look like me, but not!" 

  Sighing, I step out of his way. Seeing his company had lowered their guard. "I'm only half leopard, unlike you." 

  "Ahhh!" He seemed to understand that. "You are tiny and half, so you are tiny-half!"

  "I suppose so, yes."

  He smiles to himself, walking along the river bed. Urging me to follow him. "Well Tiny-Half, follow me! I bring you home, then to ruin!" 

  Shaking my head and rolling my eyes, I didn't want to get caught up with these natives. But I guess I didn't have a choice now did I? 

[vexkader]

Solis Part 7

  The elevator rose and rose above the white gleaming city. Sun beamed off the buildings and slightly into my eyes. Shaping off the curved glass of the lift. The early evening made everything have just the yellowest of hues to them. Soon to be red as the evening grew on. 

  The party was at the Maxis Tower, one of the tallest buildings here in Ishtar. The view was magnificent, as I could see the bay and beachfront. Cars below zooming home and wherever. Some freighters in the sky, heading to Earth or Mars. Anywhere between. 

  With a ding, the lift stopped and the doors slide open. A long carpeted hallway was greeted with a door at the end, and a few maintenance closets. The odd thing about this place was it seemed older, if that's the right word. Ceramic walls, a rough carpet beneath my paws, a greeter by the ending door.

  The human stood up straight, fancy clothing all and held a holopad in his hand.

  "Name?" He asks me, all perky readying himself like it was his destiny to push names. 

  "Vex Kader." I reply, not so enthusiastically.

  "I see you there, and done! Head on in!"

  The doors behind him outlined in a lime green, and slide open as I approached them. A beautiful room with walls of windows appeared in front of me. Low beating music played, synths just enough to be heard beyond the talking. And truthfully I felt under dressed. 

  Everyone here was in some type of business attire. Sleek suits, cutting off into straight edges. Silver, black, white, some blue, some purple. You named it, all screaming importance over my just casualness. 

  I looked for the only familiar face I knew, but as I looked around I saw former clients. A few of which I hoped to never see again, and likewise to me. But I slinked around, looking for Friday. Even if she may not have been the happiest to see me, but as fate had it she found me first.

  "Vex, guess you did show up." Her voice startled me, as I quickly turn around. 

  "Oh, there you are!" I say almost relieved. "Yeah yeah, I made it. Probably wont stay long though."

  "Hm? Whys that?" She asks me curiously, a drink in her paw. Head tilting in a canine way. 

  "Ah, let's just say a few faces in here I didn't want to see again." 

  "I guess that's fair, but come on. Let me bring you to my dad, besides the business bit you have, hes hosting."

  I nod and follow her, weaving through suits and ties, along with a couple skirts. Friday's paws clinking on the hard surface. Looking around it all felt odd. There was hardly any anthros here, almost everyone was human. Varying shades of humans that is. 

  I knew most high-profile business owners here on Venus were human, but at this rate it felt odd. I swear a few probably recognized me as well. Probably the cyan on my tail that set me off, but it wasnt something I could help. 

  After reaching the opposite end of the party, I saw another coyote. His muzzle starting to grey a bit around the edges, dark fur like Friday's. Deep brown almond eyes peered right at the two of us, meeting mine at the same height. 

  Next time him was another coyote, light in fur like your traditional ones. Cold icy eyes like Friday's, standing about the same height too. It was safe to assume these were her parents. 

  "Dad, this is Vex. He's the one I told you about that could take your job."

  Gripping his drink, he swished it around a couple of times. Then took a sip of it, staining his lips red for a few seconds. "Vex.. I've heard your name before, not a small one in your line of work. As shown by a few of the guests here. Mine is Kim." 

  His voice was serious yet accented slightly, sounding like he was testing me. I did not feel like playing a game with him. 

  "Quite so, I know my stuff and I'll get your job done. What is it?" I ask, crossing my arms and leaning on a back paw. I wanted it as soon as possible to get out of here. 

  "After the party, I can't talk around prying ears. This matter is sensitive." He smirked, taking another sip. "Please please enjoy! There is plenty of food and drinks to go around."

  I wasnt happy, I wanted this job and out. "With all due respect, I'd rather just take the job and go. I didn't come to-" I was soon cut off by him. 

  "Your accent! It is unique, I don't think I've heard it before?" He questions me, bringing his wife in close. 

  "Welsh, my mother was from the isles. And yours?" Fine, I'll play this bullshite if it meant I got a job. 

  "My parents were from the East Asia-Pacifica cities, specifically Korea. They came to Venus to start our ship building company, on vacation back there is where I met my wife, Ara." He went on, talking about his wife and parents. 

  Truthfully I hadn't a care in my heart over the Pacifica cities. Most were split up between old cultural boundaries anyways. What were they, Korean? Japanese? Chinese? I hardly kept track of my own! Welsh, English, Scottish? I didn't care, all I knew is it made my voice sound funny. 

  Kim and Ara kept me distracted for a while, Kim mostly trying to pry into my life. As I did the same to him, each of us budging with small tidbits we deemed unimportant. Waiting for someone to give some leverage. 

  By this point on, few stars glistened in the night sky. Neon lights and traffic whites shined below, a city of night life humming and buzzing. The last of the guests left, slightly intoxicated and heading to their lifts home. Kim looked to me and breathed in, the music dying out as now nothing remained except the lights of the tower, the smell of hours old food, Friday, Kim, Ara, and me. 

  "So," he begins. "You're looking for a job aren't you?" I nod slowly, looking to his face. "She told you about the ruins?" He motioned his drink to Friday, as she stood motionless. Watching how this played out. 

  "Aye." Is all I said. 

  "Good. Now listen closely." He begins to speak of the job. "Theres an artifact buried under Iceland, I believe its inside the glaciers there. However, I havent been able to get in close." His voice trailed off and was low at the end, peaking my curiosity. 

  "How come?" I ask him, stepping forward with my right paw. 

  "The natives have proven.. trouble some. Resistant to those who go there."

  Natives? I was not aware of any native populations. 

  "What.. what do mean by natives?"

  "A small group, should be easy to avoid. But my last hires messed with them too much, and could've even get the damn ruins open. So I've heard you can though." 

  Well that was a quick topic change. 

  "That's besides the point, are they armed?" I was worried for my safety, I havent been in a firefight in over a year. I was probably getting rusty, and I had no plans to visit the jovians after it almost costed me my life. 

  "Yes, but again. Easily avoidable. I will be paying you in cash, if that makes it better." Mhm, that it did. That always sweetens a deal. 

  "How much are we talking? If I'm going to 'possibly'" I mocked slightly, "be dealing with dangerous natives with guns. It needs to be worth it." 

  He huffs, setting down his drink with a clink. Red wine staining the clear glass. "Two hundred thousand. In cash."

  That.. wasnt bad, certainly wasnt my highest paying job, but this is no jovian raid. 

  "Fine, I'll do it. I'll set off tomorrow." With a smile, he shakes my paw, giving a tight grip. "I will send you everything else." He tells me.

  With that I set off, leaving the family behind. Leaving the ballroom, I could see the door boy had go home. Leaving me alone and down this empty hall. As I reached the lift down, I could hear the door open behind me and close again. Paws running along the carpeted floor. 

  "Vex, hold on a minute!" Friday calls out, turning around I could see her. Struggling to run in the business skirt. 

  "Yes?" I asked, wondering what she had to say. 

  Huffing and puffing, she looks up to me. "About the other night."

 "I thought you didn't want to talk about it." I tell her. 

  "It's whatever, I just wanna say I'm sorry." An apology? This surprised me, making my ears perk. 

  "I thought you were angry." I lean against a nearby wall, almost amused by this. 

  "Well I was, but after thinking about it." She pauses. "We were both drunk things escalated and-" 

  "I get it, no need to go on." I cut her off, raising a paw and getting off the wall. "These things happen, not like you'll have a cub." 

  Rolling her eyes, she sassily crossing her arms at me. "Okay, they happen for you. Not for me, I never really done that before."

  "Oh? Well, if you wish to remember it next time." I say giving a sly smile, trying to add some comedy this.

  "What? No you.. mhnrrg." She growls a bit in frustration, pretending to air choke me with her paws. "Listen jackass, you're decent enough when you're not trying to be smart or drunk. Just please don't screw this job up."

  I sigh, looking down with my own arms loosely crossed now. "Yeah.. yeah I get it. I'll apologize too, it was our faults. Sorry it couldn't happen under better circumstances."

  "Its fine, just again don't screw this up. Then maybe I'll see you around." See you around? Did she really say that? I didn't know what to say, just awkwardly nod and duck away. Heading into the lift and trying get away from this. It started to feel a bit too personal now, which I had enough of. I was just ready to get to Iceland. 

  

  

[vexkader]

Solis Part 6

  I woke up to the sound of a loud huff, a pillow being shoved into my face. Groaning, I open my eyes and with blurry vision I could see Friday. Covering herself with a blanket. 

  "I knew it, I knew I shouldnt have drunk last night!" She said in a rushed and quiet tone. Quickly gathering her clothing off the floor. "Damn it, why did I convince myself to keel drinking with you!" 

  Sitting up, I rub my sore head. Still slightly hung over from the previous night. Covering myself up as well for where it mattered. 

  "Well! What now!" I could hear the anger in her voice, as she quickly started to clothe herself. Taking a moment to rub my head, rubbing the sleepy feeling from my eyes.

  "What do you mean what now?" I ask her, looking to the floor for my clothing to put back on. Her jaw dropping to this. "What do you mean what do I mean? Vex are you just an asshole or dense?" 

  "Probably a bit of both." I reply, she huffs shaking her head at me. Stomping to finishing picking her things up. Quickly I started to feel some guilt, usually when this happens I'm left alone by this time. Never dealing with the aftermath. Shite.

  Sighing, I start to put on my own now. Giving her a slightly regretful look. "I feel like a damn mess, head is killing me, damn it nothing to fix my hair." She paced around, looking around for her holopad. "I've got a meeting in three hours and I'm like this! The hell and I gonna do!" 

  "Shower is right through there." I motion to my bathroom, trying to help her out a bit. "Take as long as you want. I wont bother you." 

  She stops to look at me, a bit surprised but taking it. "Thanks." She let's out softly, walking into the bathroom. A slight heaviness to her footsteps, but not like a minute ago. 

  I rub my head, the pounding feeling from a night of drinking still there. I had no access to any pain medication as she had just close the door to the bathroom, the shower soon running after that. 

  As pipes ran clear with water, I flipped back down into the bed. My head hitting the soft pillow below. Time passing by without notice, water fumbling around in the bathroom next to me. Cool air brushing through my fur, keeping any heat at bay. 

  Now something changed, the water has stopped, and the whirring of a fur dryer could be heard. My ears picked up and so did my head, as I looked over myself and my messy clothing. I figured I should change. Getting up to throw on a fresh pair of presentable clothing. A nice deep grey pair of pants, with a good light-colored shirt. Not quite blending into the fur. 

  Another few minutes passed, as the door slid open. Out walked Friday. Her fur still damp, as the smell of wet dog ever so slightly filled the room. 

  "Feeling better?" I ask her, throwing on a smart watch and tapping it. Making sure it was charged up. 

  "I don't feel gross, if that's what you mean. Honestly still feel like shit though." She tells me quietly, slinking across the room. 

  "Hmm.. why don't you head into the kitchen and grab something to eat. I'll get you something for the headache." Her ears lay flat as she nods to me gently. Leaving out of my room and away, now with the room to myself I could fix myself up.

  I went into the bathroom to clean up, brushing through the fur on my face. Cleaning up its ruffles and a few knots. After I inished, I set down the brush and looked into the mirror. Wondering if I was really going to do this with some over. My conscious screamed no, but my body told me yes. I needed to. 

  Opening up the cabinet, I took out the orange vial and popped a few of the white pills into my mouth. That should hold me over for a while. At least till Friday leaves that is. After my dosage, I took one out. Cutting it carefully in half. That way its dosage was closer to something over the counter. 

  Heading to the kitchen, I found her sitting and drinking a sports drink. Looking up with icy eyes, she drank as she saw me. Walking in slowly, I set the half pill down on the table in front of her. As it gently clinked against the table. 

  "What's this?" She asks, staring at the white half oval. 

  "Something for the headache." I tell her, moving to the fridge to get something for myself. 

  "Thanks." She mumbled, popping into her maw and downing her drink. "Ugh, I should've never drank last night." She started to complain, I figured it was best to leave her be with it. 

  But seeing nothing appetizing, I close the fridge. It's cool air retreating with it. Maybe something delivered will be a better option.

  Turning to her, I could see her rubbing her head while sipping on the drink. "So, I'm gonna order food. Do you want some?" I ask, leaning on the fridge.

  "Sure I guess." She tells me, putting her drink down to the side. "Whatcha getting?" As she asked her ears perked up, waiting to listen. 

  "Probably just some nearby restaurant that delivers. I've stopped here before so there's a decent on right by, just your basic classic style foods."

  Thinking about this, Friday agreed just wanting something chicken. I wasnt gonna argue. Which I place an order in, some lemon chicken for her, and a chicken parm sub for me. 

  Once the food got here, I sat down with her handing her the carton of food. As it lifted, the smell of lemon and garlic filled the air. And as mine opened, the smell if parmesan and tomato sauce clashed with the lemon garlic. 

  "So, about this job." I ask, lifting up the sub to bite into it.

  "Again, I can't talk much on it. But its deep within Iceland, you know that island far north in Earth? That place." She takes a bite of the chicken, waiting for my answer. 

  "Well, what's in it. I need to know more before I commit." I press on, needing information. With a huff, she sets down her fork and finishes chewing. 

  "Ruins, not human in design." This got my attention, making me nearly choke on my food. 

  "Say what now?" 

  "Mhm, not sure what or who they're from, but dad wants something from them."

  Setting down the sub, I grab a towel and wipe the tomato marinade from my paws. Eyeing the coyote in front of me. "What exactly is he looking for."

  "I don't know, I just know he's looking for someone to get in there for him."

  This could be a lucky break for me, if these ruins in Iceland were anything like the ones on Venus I'll be set. I can find out more, discuss the findings with her father, and hopefully set us on the path for a proper defense. 

  With this newfound purpose, I head into the fridge and grab out two waters. Walking over to Friday I extend my paw handing one over.

  "So when's this party again?" 

  

  

[vexkader]

Solis Part 5

  An orange and yellow glow of an eastward sunset, shone over the sandy beach. A large hideaway full of lights blasted music. The synthetic sounds moved through my ears. The feeling of slightly sandy bamboo under my paws as I looked under this hideout, on the far side a full bar serving glowing drinks. 

  I looked around to see familiar yet aging faces, a few with their spouses as well. I wanted to try to talk to someone, but I felt so out-of-place here. This gut feeling that I'd rather be back at my ship. All other parties I've been to have been full of CEOs looking to talk business with me, not people catching up with their lives. 

  I moved carefully and quickly across the floor, making my way to the bar. Away from the humans and anthros dancing, talking, and laughing. Drinks, food, phones, all of them in their hands and paws. Groaning, I set myself at the bar, small blue and orange flames coming out around it. 

  "Anything you want?" The human bartender asked me, wiping the counter down from the last set of drinks served. The flames reflecting in its shine. 

  "Umm yeah, just give me a mountain jungle." I ask him quietly, looking around seeing who I could approach. My tail flicking gently behind me. 

  "Mhmm alright, don't do anything stupid now."

  "I can handle my drink." He starts to mix liquids, pouring this glowing brown and purple drink. Honestly hated how this thing looked, but the deep fruity flavors from Venus just hit everything right. Along with a hit of alcohol. Downing it, I could feel the burn in my throat. Putting the shot down I shake my face a bit. 

  As the shock of the drink wore off, I heard a voice at the other end of the bar. "Vex? That you? Where have you been all these years?" The booming voice startled me as I turn around to see a beastly sized human. Tanned skin and a dark blonde hair, he sets a beer down on the counter as he looked to me. 

  "Mhnn.. Kenneth right?" I asked, as I wasnt to sure on who this person was. To my surprise his eyes lit up, lifting his bear up in almost a celebration. "You remember! I'm kinda surprised to see you in a joint like this, how the hell did you get here?" He asks me, acting like we were longtime friends. Truthfully I only knew him from being occasional partners in group work. 

  "Well, the promise of free alcohol is usually a good way to get me out." I say with a half-joking laugh, even though that really was the reason I was out here. 

  "Cant argue with that I guess, what have you been up to man!" He takes a sip, turning the chair toward me as I prepared for an uncomfortable conversation. And as I tried to think of a convenient lie to tell him, as most of my work wasnt exactly legal.

  "I uh, do mostly free-lance retrieval. Ship goes down in the jungle, or some other place say on Earth or Mars I retrieve the data and whatever valuables I can find for the client."

  He nodded his head, at least pretending to be interested in what I was saying. "Mhmm okay, can seen a bit dangerous. You go into those jungles often?" 

  "I can yeah, was just in there the other day. Ran into slashers." His eye widened as he drank, looking like he was going to spit. "Salshers?! The hell kinda items are you retrieving?" 

  "Special ones, good pay though." 

  "I bet, I'm finishing up a degree in engineering. Not a masters or anything, but its gonna get me a good job on a few cargo ships. Already a job lined up for when I'm out on an Earth bound freighter."

  I nod, listening to his plans for life. Even if I was going to find someone to help me, it wasnt gonna be him. 

  "Nice seein ya Vex!" He gives me a pat on the shoulder, taking another drink. "You take care out in those jungles!"

  "I'll try my best."

  As he left to mingle with others, I kept an eye out. Others coming to say hello to me, and wanting to see what I've been up to. No one heard from me after graduation, one even thought I died. Which I can thankfully say I havent. However, one did catch my eye. 

  A brown and cinnamon furred coyote, almond-shaped icy eyes. Short not quite petite build. She strutted over in some casual clothing, over to the bar asking for a normal drink. Her name.. what was her name? 

  "Just have a cola please." She asked in a softer voice to the bartender, as he poured her a fuzzy drink. "Dont have a ride home?" He asks her as she shakes her head, sipping the drink. 

  She looked to me, a bit of shock in her eyes. "Vex?" She asks, setting down the drink. "That you? I never expected-"

  "Yes, it's me surprisingly." I interrupted, I was honestly getting tired of the question. "I didn't expect to be here either, yet I am!" 

  She smiles a bit, taking another drink. "It's good to see you though, highschool wasnt easy on you so it's good to see you here and looking decent."

  I felt awkward from the compliment, I was far from decent really. This old clothing I had was well below what most people were wearing, stained and muddied up from exploring planets. "Thanks I guess." I look away shyly, I wasnt here for this small talk. I hated this small talk shite! 

  "Oh jeez, you don't remember who I am do you?" She cocks her head, a sly smile almost laughing as she lifts her drink. "Friday remember? Friday Tisek?" 

  The name rushed back as I raised a finger, waving it a bit. "That's right, shite what did your parents do?"

  "Own a ship building company, BlueStar?" It all started coming back. While everyone was rich in my school, it was private after all, she was the rich of the rich. I mean hell, her parents sold ships and tech to the government and military sometimes. They had money, and of course that came with the thought of her being above everyone else. Come to think of it.. this may be what I need.

  "Right right, been on a few I believe, umm." I snap my fingers, thinking of the class of ship I was on. "Nova liners? They're a subsection right?" I ask her, my face puzzled. 

  She shakes her head, paws facing me as I had her interest. "Not really, they're more in good faith with mine. We occasionally share details, but that's about it really." 

  I nod, pretending I understood the business jargon of it all. "Ah, because I was on a cruise liner once for a trip around Mars. Very formal business you see." 

  Scoffing, she takes a moment to chew on some ice, swirling the rest around in her glass. The little spheres dancing about in the fizzy soda. "What kind of business do you run to take a line around Mars?" I told her it was mostly retrieval, leaving out my activities beyond the asteroid belt. 

  "Interesting, maybe you'd be up for some work for my father?" My ears perked, a job opportunity with some powerful friends with even more powerful friends? I'm all paws in. 

  "What kind of work is it?" I ask, leaning forward. 

  "You said retrieval right?"

  "I did." 

  "My father is holding a party for business associates and the like, seeing how you're a fan of them why don't you swing by. This weekend, I can forward you the details."

  I groan, not another party. I'd prefer she just give me his details, and not dance around the point. 

  "Any more information you can give me?" I tried to pry from her, hoping shed give. 

  "Hmm," She looked around the room, making sure no one was listening in. "Since you said retrieval, my father has bugged about something. Under Iceland."

  "Iceland?" My ears perk, whatever what could be so important in Earth's frozen north. Especially some island no one has lived on in centuries. 

  "Yes Iceland, I can't talk about it too much in the open." She tells me, looking around the patio to all the faces. 

  "Care to come back to my ship after this? I'd like to know a bit more before committing." 

  Groaning, she reluctantly agrees to come with me back to my ship. Honestly I wasnt a fan either, but a job is a job no matter who it's from. 

  We ordered a few more drinks, her another soda me some more alcohol. She tried small talk again, but honestly once business was over I had a hard time feeling it. 

  "No idea how you're able to handle drinks like that." She starts. "Last time I had alcohol I nearly threw it up."

  "Well, I mean I guess I'm just used to it. Always mixed the stuff myself."

  "Might've been the problem, I just had straight whatever it was. Burned the whole way, tasted terrible." She waves a paw, drinking from the soda. 

  I gave a slight chuckle, sipping on my drink. "Drinking straight was your first problem, gotta ease into it. Youd probably like something that has more taste to it than alcohol. Let's try something more customizable, and good for this beach."

  I order her a margarita, an old drink from Earth. Making sure the bar tender only put in a hint of alcohol. Trying it her eyes lit up, maybe not from taste however. "Well it's not terrible, kinda salty though." She licks her lips, her canine tongue trying to get the salty taste out of her mouth.

  "That's cause they salt the rim, after this one you want another without the salt?" She stops to think about my question, swirling the drink in her paws. Occasionally tapping a claw. "Sure why not, can't go that bad could it?" Taking another sip, she agreed to it. Leading to a long night ahead of us. 

  Unsurprisingly a lightweight, me and Friday probably drank for another hour. Or two. Getting a bit heavier and heavier, making the rest of the night an uneasy blur. 

  The things I do remember, I remember walking or more practically stumbling along the beach. As the sun set over the mountains beyond, the only light coming from the city and the party itself. Mine and Friday's paws sinking into the damp sand as we walked along. 

  Occasionally she touched a paw against mine, laughing at the smallest of things. One thing I'll give alcohol is I feel dumb enough to talk openly to people. A real confidence booster that one, although it very well leads to trouble for me. 

  As we stumbled back to the ship, I let her in. Making sure BB kept his AI mouth shut. From here things got really blurry, and I certainly don't remember talking about a job opportunity with her father. 

  

  

[vexkader]

Solis Part 4

  My head pulsed and pounded, as a constant knocking was felt in the back of my skull. Rolling over and letting out a waking groan I look to the time. 

  10:45am, Venus Standard 

  Letting out a dry huff, I lick at the roof of my mouth. A cotton feeling inside, reminding me I needed water. Lifting the blanket off of my body, I lifted myself to my paws and stretched. My back aching and creaking from the stiff sleep. With a yawn I made my way to my small kitchen, sliding a cabinet open to grab a faintly orange tinted glass. Filling it to the brim with water, as I drank away the last bit of the pills I took. 

  "It's about time you came out of bed, I was tempted to grow a body and perform CPR!" 

  Sighing, I set down the water and begin a hunt for food. Not wanting sugar tarts again. 

  "Very funny, maybe I should've made you a comedian over an AI. At least comedy is legal."

  "Because your health is the biggest joke this year."

  Shaking my head with disapproval, I settle for some instant waffles. Heading to my fridge instead and grabbing a cool black handle. Freezing air from the freezer waking me up last of the way. As I spotted a bright yellow package that had two left in there. 

  "Even funnier." I tell him off with the last bit of tiredness I had, whispering to myself. "Fucking arse." 

  With a pop, golden waffles spring out of the shiny black and metal toaster. Grabbing a plate, I set them down on it. Slathering them with a gooey strawberry syrup and jam. The smell was wonderful. Out of all the Earth fruits and berries, strawberries must've been my favorite. 

  Biting down into it with a wet crunch, it filled me with a morning joy. Taking me back years and years ago, mornings with mum just before school.. mhmm. 

  "However you may feel now Vex, what did you find out?" BB shifted the topic, as I took another bite of the waffle. "It'll happen on Mars, but I don't know when though. I think winter from the snow."

  "Mars? Is that so?"

  "Certain." I say with a mouthful, swallowing quickly. "Name one other place with red sand and snow."

  "Mars it is then, any indication in how soon. Winter can be vague, this years winter? Next years?"

  Shrugging, I finish up the last of the waffles, and place the plate into the sink. It giving a final clink as I walked off. Heading back into my living space of the ship, with plans to just relax for the day. Traveling through caves, getting knocked out by an orb, and dealing with slashers takes a toll on the body. 

  "Though Vex, this all has me thinking." BB started up. "Once you figure this all out, how will you convince everyone an invasion is happening. You can't just walk into any government office."

  I scratch my head briefly, he was right I couldn't just do that. Screaming about impending doom is well enough to get you put in a mental care facility, and enough medication make a meal. 

  "Honestly, I havent thought about that. I was figuring getting all the evidence first."

  "Interesting, I have a better idea however." BB proclaimed, which made me roll my eyes. 

  "Fine, let's gear this idea of yours." Flopping down on the couch, I stare out the window. The scenery was rather dull and drab, just ships taking off and landing at the docks. Wanting a change of pace from that sight, I pull put a holopad and start swapping through scenery options. Meanwhile BB went over his idea. 

  "I was thinking a proxy, someone close to the government or at least in a position of respectable power."

  "And?" I urge him to go on, eventually settling on snow-capped mountains. Covering the wall to wall window in icy peaks. Casting a low and chilly blew over the room, the white tiles only adding to the illusion. 

  "I'm sending you to a party." I could hear him trying to hold back his monotone laugh. 

  "You're what now?!" I shoot up, protesting the idea of a party. A bloody party? Full of sods and pricks I don't know and don't know of me, and now I have to interact with them! No no no! Absolutely not! 

  "Relax Vex, conveniently one of your old highschool classmates is holding a party.. a get together for all you who graduated. And I've already secured you a spot." At this point I believe he was mocking me. 

  "That's even worse, sending me back to deal with those idiots!"

  "Vex think about this, you went to a private school didnt you? Everyone there was rich, and a few well-connected. I'm not asking you to make friends, just at least someone with connections that will believe you."

  I was outraged, stomping through the lounge, ridiculous! Sending me back to those clowns who never gave two sides of a moon about me! 

  "BB I will not go back to see those faces again!"

  "Its being held at a tiki bar, including free drinks on tap." Now that got my attention. 

  "Free you say?"

  "Mhm, free as the air you breath."

  "Who's holding the party?"

  "One of the baseball players that's now on his way to becoming pro I believe. Asher Davis."

  I remember him, never interacted but the human certainly made his rounds. Not surprising he wants all together again. 

  "Fine." I reluctantly agree. "Only for the drinks, nothing else!" 

  "Dont make a fool of yourself, remember you do have an objective." 

  I huff, I knew I had one! He didn't need to remind me of that. Theres plenty of people in power there, or at least that would have powerful friends. However, how they not see me as anymore crazy than the government would? I certainly had to think this over. Maybe inviting them over to the ship for a few drinks could work, however that could be seen as sketchy. 

  I wasn't particularly close to anyone from highschool, mostly a loner in my time. Perhaps a few felt sympathy for me though. No matter I have to figure this out, but I would certainly save that for the party; after a few drinks to get creative. 

  

  

[vexkader]

Solis Part 3

  I gasped, shooting up from the cold floor. My fur feeling sweaty and sticky. Wiping brow I was under the silver tree. Looking up to its purple leaves. The dream or vision, whatever it was. It was on Mars, this I knew for sure. 

  Looking back in front of me, the mysterious orb was gone now. The pedestal which it sat now empty. Shaking my head, I got up to my paws. Making my way back out of the cave, taking one last glance at the foreign structure. 

  The cave remained unchanged, only this time I followed the lava flow up. The dry heat turning back into the muggy soup like air of the jungle. 

  Catching my breath, letting out a few huffs at the base of the cave. I gazed into the jungle and sky. The yellow haze of sunset, casting steam off the tree tops. The forest floor being defined with a slight mist as everything began to cool. 

  "Ah shite!" I curse myself, with night falling is the worst time to be out here. Slashers ruled this time, their beady eyes peering through darkness as if it was nothing. 

  Dashing through the underbrush, leaves whipping at my face. I tried to raise BB, but communications through the thick jungle were hazy at best. As I got nothing but a load of static from the ship. 

  "Shite.. shite shite!" I stopped for a breather, looking around the jungle. I knew my way back for now, but my paws were sore from the sharp rocks. My chest raised and fell, my pupils wide and looking for danger. 

  My paw hovered above my gun, ready to snatch it from its holster at a moments notice.  As the jungle screamed and cawed its way to life at night, I still kept an eye out for this life.

  I still caught my breath, my comms came back in. BB doing his best to make contact with me. 

  "Vex?" His monotone voice came through. "What did you find?" 

  "We'll talk about it later, I'll reach the ship first then I'll go over it. Let me get out of this damn jungle first."

  "I see you're stalled, what is it?" 

  I didn't answer him, my ears darting to the back over a noise I heard. Something rustling in the bushes behind me. 

  "Vex?"

  "I'll get back to you."

  Turning around with my revolver drawn, the polymer and metal gleaming from the tiny shards of red sun poking through. I took a steady breath, stepping forward just once. Trying to draw out whatever creature made that noise. 

  Sure enough it revealed its ugly head. Shiny black scales dawned a thin dinosaur like head, two bright, tiny, crests protruded from its snout and chin. Facing me were four beady eyes, a sickly pale yellow stared right back at me. Sharp needle fangs sent shivers down my spine, as it stepped forward with three razor sharp claws on it hands. A dotted purple strip ran from its muzzle, eyes, back, and tail against the dark black scales. All leading up to why they're called Slashers. A protrusion of bone, like a blade, came from the tip of the tail. 

  If I wasnt careful it could go right through my armor, ignoring the shielding on it! Stepping back now, I took in the size of this animal. It wasnt large by any means, adult slashers could grow as tall as a man. This one was maybe half that, but that didn't matter as single one this size was well enough equipped to kill. 

 Out of instinct I shot at the creature. A bullet ripping through the air near its feet, sending bits of dust flying up and up! It screamed and hissed, mock charging me and waving its tail. The two of us circled, my own teeth baring out of aggression and partly fear. 

  With a wiggle of its rear, it went to leap on top of me! Quickly I raised an arm and tossed it to the side, letting another shot rip as I tried to hit it! Its claws leaving their mark in my armor. 

  Landing with a grunt, it quickly got back to its feet. Hissing and snarling, saliva dripping from its fanged jaw. The Slasher was furious with me, its prey, wanting nothing more to stab me and gut me. Clamp its jaws on my throat and feast on my innards. All things considered I preferred to keep my insides, INSIDE of me. 

  Though one mistake almost gave it its wish. Paying too close attention to its claws and maw, I soon felt the sharp sting of its tail pushing itself into a weak point in my armor, my arm being set a fire as muscle was cut. Letting out a yell I pushed the muzzle of my gun forward, letting out a few desperate shots hoping one would land. 

  Bellowing and yelping, it was unclear if I hit it as it scampered off into the jungle. Even if I did, it knew I was wounded as well. Smelling the blood that seeped from my arm, sticking to my fur. Now it was my time to run, as I stuck my gun back into its holster I took off. Grabbing my arm from the pain. 

  Dashing through the dense jungle, I started to hear calls behind me. The Slasher had run back to its pack, and they were hot on my trail. Calling and hooting like something from a dinosaur movie, fear struck my heart. I couldn't fight them all, no way I could, one small one nearly took me out. If it was just a bit higher.. no, do not think like that. Just run. 

  "BB!" I called into the comms desperately, pushing away palms and branches. Knowing I was close to the ship. 

  "Your heart rate is elevated, what did you piss off now?" 

  "Slashers! Get the ship ready now!" I yell out again, the clearing in which I landed getting closer. Pain in my arm dulling my mind as blood still seeped under my armor and in the tear.

  "You brilliant genius! What made you think fighting Slashers was a good idea!"

  "Now is not the bloody time!" 

  Dashing and almost tripping into the clearing, blades of grass danced back and forth from the power of the ship. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, leaping to the deck and climbing aboard. Looking behind me, I could see then running after me. Bounding over the field, wanting revenge. Quickly I closed the hatch and watched them come for me. Smiling just a bit knowing they wouldn't feast on me tonight. 

  "Maybe next time you scaley bastards." I said surprisingly calmly, panting and huffing as I was soon reminded of the pain once more. 

  "It appears one got you." BB chimes in now, as I tilt my head and smirk. "Just a bit, didn't even feel it at first. Thing got so scared it ran off after that." 

  "Hmph, I suppose it was full-grown too."

  "Damn right!" Slinking my way back up inside the main parts of the ship. I stripped off my armor to show blood and sweat soaked clothing. Tossing everything aside to be cleaned and washed, far enough away for me to not notice the smell.

  Heading to the bathroom, I look behind the mirror for my first aid kit. There in a bright red box, with a large cross plastered on the front of it. Using my thumbs I pop the case open with a click, all kinds of bandages, cleaners, and stitching before me. Picking up an alcohol pad, I tear open the casing and toss it into the garbage beside me. 

  Sitting down on the toilet, I begin to wipe at the wound. Wincing as the pain seared through, blood being pushed aside and out of my fur. Revealing a gross gash into my arm, the blood pretty much stopping at this point waiting to be cleaned. Which I did, cleaning and removing the blood, taking my time to carefully not re-open the wound. 

  Once the red was gone and my greyish blue fur back, I want to pick up a stitch pack. My head now pulsing and my paws getting shakey. Pain staying well overdue its welcome. I sighed and tried to get a grip of myself, but this itch would not go away now as long as pain existed. 

  Giving in, I grab the stitching pack and head back into my room. The the now dark jungle seen from the window, the Slashers nowhere to be seen in the black soup. Quickly I grabbed the orange bottle off my dresser, opening it up and taking out little white pills. 

  "Vex don't you do this again."

  I winced, leaning on the dresser as my tail started to swish. "My arm hurts, I need them." 

  "You don't need them you want them." His voice rang throughout the ship, trying to get me to reconsider my actions. 

  "BB don't start this, I wont be able to sleep with my arm like this."

  "You're killing yourself."

  "I'm not!" I snap facing his outlet in my room, angrily looking at the blue holographic ball. Turning back to the desk to stare at the bottle. I knew he was right, I just couldn't stop. Not when the pain was like this. 

  Tears forming in my eyes I dump a few out into my paw, not even counting them as I downed them. The tacky feeling being stuck in my throat for a moment, swallowing for a second time to get them down.

  "Why would you do that, you should've done at least one. The recommended amount if it was for the pain."

  "I'm fine! I'll just sleep it off."

  "How long before you don't wake up Vex."

  Growling just a tad, I close back up the lid and take out the stitching patch. Placing it on my arm and yanking the string, breaking it off unintentionally as I felt the stitching inside the pad close up my arm. 

  "I told you I'll be fine."

  "You need help." BB said in a low voice, to which I brushed it off and flopped into the cold bedding. Closing my eyes and laying my face into the pillow.

  "Piss off, I'm tired of this every damn time." 

  "Fine, but don't think I wont do it again. You will break this habit."

  Ignoring him now, I closed my eyes with the room dimming around me. The pills kicking in, dulling my senses, the pain. All of it going away as the time passed, the sounds of the air rushing through the ship. BB taking off gently to find a nearby port. The jungle turning to sky as the dark took me to sleep. 

[vexkader]

Solis Part 2

  Wet grasses stained my paws I stepped off the ship. Looking at my surroundings I was in a small field. Grass reaching a few inches. In the distance was a jungle teeming with hoots and hollers, as storm rolled in the distance. Leaving a trail of puffy grey clouds against a sky with a lazy yellow hue.

  I made sure my revolver was holstered, my armor tight, and my comms working with BB. Then I was off, marching into the jungle aiming at the mountain. 

  The air made things uncomfortable as I trudged through the muddy earth. Making my fur stick to everything, sweat pouring down my face. Tall vine-covered trees providing some shelter from the sun, palms with glowing purple accents dotting the forest, as poisonous yellow and red flowers dotted the ground. Warning anything that may try to eat them. 

  The scene was beautiful, if not dangerous. I had to be on my guard here. The plants, as many thorn and spines they had. Were nothing to the carnivorous beasts you found on this planet. 

  Howls and roars of these reptiles could be heard in the distance, even the odd chirping of the animals flying above. My ears twisting and turning to each sound, listening to anything that might be considering me for lunch.

  Treading ever on ward, the soft and mushy ground slowly became more rocky. The jagged black rocks mixing with the dirt. Slowly pacing itself into an incline. The trees changing slowly as well. The once bright green and purple palms, making way for dark broadleaf trees. Their roots and vines creating a claustrophobic ground. 

  The trees were so densely packed together, it was getting harder to see. Echos of the jungle creeping ever so much in my mind. My nerves keeping me on edge if I was jumped at. 

  My march continued as rocks and trees continued to change. The sharp volcanic rocks becoming bigger and bigger, wanting to choke out life. But it found its way, as the trees got bigger and bigger. The base of the mountain was near, this I was sure of now. In addition to the hiking I was now climbing over the rocks. Gingerly taking hold of them, to not slice my paws wide open. 

  Breath started to escape my lungs, feeling the burning from climbing rock after rock. gripping vine after vine. The towering mountain taking up most of my view, but I finally came to my destination. A small cave opening, once was a lava flow. Revealed itself from small bits of bushes covering it. 

  I smiled to myself. "Finally", said out loud. "About time I reached ya!" 

  Stepping forward, I treaded down into the cave. Arms slightly swaying from the sudden down ward walk. Rocks tumbled and cracked against each other. Blackened sand swished its way down. With the sudden absence of light, my suits flash light turned on. Illuminating the dark tube. 

  Its rough circular and jagged nature was still surprisingly easy to navigate. Taking time to catch my breath from the climb. Pawing at the sides with wonder. Hundreds of years ago, lava forced its way through this mountain. Helping forge the Venus we know and live on today. 

  Further and further into the tube, it started to open up into a full cave system. The warm and humid air from the outside replaced with just pure hot air, and the smell of burning. The sound of flowing lava nearby, telling me I was close. Last time I was in this cavern, I followed the lava down. Which it lead me to the ruin. Intending to do that again, I stepped to the sound. 

  Closer and closer I got, the cavern started to illuminate with a blue hue. Soon pulsing and slowly flowing lava was in sight. A deep, dark blue color. Its light bouncing off the black rock of the cave, almost reflecting off. Letting out a cough from the heavy air, filling with molten rock and smoke. I cursed myself for not bringing my respirator. No matter it was a short hike now. 

  I went deeper in, after the bubbling lava. Careful not to burn or singe myself. Staying on the cooler ends of the rocks. The small flow soon turning into a river, flowing a bit faster. My sights lefts the lava river for only a moment, turning to what was now a huge cavern before me. 

  Gazing upon the awe-inspiring sight, it was just as I remembered. This cavern was huge! Hosting all sorts of weird and wonderful things! Hopping into it, I took a bit more time to look around. Turning off my flashlight as a hole in the roof of the cave let in enough natural sunlight. Vines and ferns nearly tumbling down. 

  Off to my right side was a vast lava lake, twisting and turning. Flowing to the rock beneath me and into the crust below. A few small trees and bushes grew, shallow root systems sucking up whatever they could. careful not to reach the magma below. Sleek and shiny black rocks were everywhere, making up the structure of this place. Leveling out every so often, making me clamber up about three to four feet each time. 

  But all of this beauty was nothing compared to the mythical fashion of what laid before me. Towering above it all, nearly reaching the top of the cavern. Was a structure, not like anything made by man. Its design screamed a sophistication not known to us. 

  Flowing designs, as it looked to made of white marble. Angles never used, as everything curved into each other. Forming a tower. In the center of this tower, was a window like pane, a generous amount of gemstones filling it in. All a familiar shade of purple. Everything covered in accents of silver. 

  Everything of this contrasted with the ruggedness of this cave. The soothing white marble, compared to the harsh and slicing black of the lava rock. Stepping up to the structure was a series of stairs and bridges, all ornate with the same patterns. The white marble, purple gems smoothed and buffered into the building itself. Silver railing for the bridges, over hypnotic lava. 

  The contrast was glaring at first, but it all blended together for a beautiful serene picture. Gracefully guiding my paws against it. Feeling smooth and cool, granting them some solace. 

  Slowly I reached the top, a massive archway and door in my way. Made out of the very gems that led me here, but this time with deep moving designs. A faint blue color, they begged me to touch. Circled and planetary like designs all crossing forming with each other. Eagerly waiting for my return. 

  Then came the part I never understood, but what felt natural. I pressed my paw against the deep purple, moving against the blue. Forming them to my will, my wants. So they listened. The door began to phase away, not even leaving a cool wind in good-bye. No matter I was after its secrets beyond. 

  And beyond they were shown! In the seat of the tower was a beautiful hollow tree. Made of silver and etched in a flowing design. Leaves of amethyst. Breathing in deeply, I took in its lack of scent. Feeling calmed by the tree's presence. Moving forward, I went to the trees embrace. Enticed by its gift in the center. A glowing purple crystal. A perfect sphere in shape, with a silver ring around it. Flowing gently as the ice around Saturn does. 

  Stepping up to it, I gazed in its beauty. Filling my vision once again with promises of the future. Gently I took it up in my paw, maw gaping as I viewed it. It was majestic, nothing could recreate this beauty. 

  "Show me.. show me what you showed last time. Make me understand." The words I spoke didn't feel like my own, even though they came from my mouth. 

  My wish granted however, my vision blurring. Everything feeling fast as wind whipped across my face! Blowing my fur around all over, freezing my mouth inside!

  My eyes opened to a blurry scene. It felt like a dream, but as if this was real. A cold wind whirled and twirled. Snow falling from the sky against red sand. Mars... I was on Mars. 

  But the sand was not the only red thing, looking around I could see flames everywhere. Burning the massive skyscrapers of steel and concrete. Neon lights flickered in and out. Some still showing the stores they advertised for, others warning you to seek shelter or evacuate. 

  I wasnt there to evacuate, as a seething hatred boiled inside me. Standing up from my knees, I wiped the blood from my nose. Staining my grey fur red. Blood? I don't remember bleeding. It felt warmer than the fires around me, as my body felt colder than the snow falling. 

  Looking back up, I could see a hazy figure on an overpass above me. An unnatural being, as if it was of twisted metal. Letting out a demented and robotic yell, it surveyed my pass below. Looking over each building and spotting me. Raising a rod like arm as a purple beam shot from it! Burning deep into my chest, blistering and boiling. 

  Soon I found myself falling with the snow, coughing and gurgling. My chest turning inside out as the grey Martian sky disappeared from my view. 

  

[vexkader]

Solis, Part 1

Fires burned. Hazy and unfocused, my breath was slow and controlled. Screams heard the distance as mechanical demons fired purple from their rod arms. Burning the flesh from humans and anthros, indiscriminately killing with a seething hatred.

I aimed my rifle to fire as one of monsters, sleek and cool in contrast to the jagged design of my foe. Gripping and pulling the trigger, the recoil jutted into my shoulder. Yelling as I sent them back to Hell. As I fought, I felt a mass upon me. As black and as cold as space itself. It whispered to me with no signs of embracing me.

"Your existence is failure, we are perfection."

My eyes shot open as I drew breath. Groaning as I looked up to the cold silver and white of my ship. The sheets of my bed trying to lull me back to sleep, but I knew I had to wake anyways. Rubbing my eyes with a paw, I sit up on the edge of the bed. Not quite dressed for the days adventure.

Sitting at the edge and pondering random thoughts, I stared down at my paws. Till a voice spoke to me.

"You're awake, I wasnt expecting it honestly after you dozed off for another ten hours." The dry and albeit a bit sarcastic voice rang throughout the ship. Annoying me as I still felt half asleep.

Jumping to my paws, I sluggishly make my way to the shower. Across the tiled floor, yawning and dragging my paws. I made my way to the shower.

"No answer?" He asks, almost seemingly in a mocking tone.

"No." I say back. My accent cutting through the tiredness in my voice.

Turning the dial up on the shower, making sure it was nice and warm. Water sprays from the nozzle, wetting the glass and stone working. Taking off the only clothing I had on, I step into the waters embrace. Letting it run through my fur, relaxing the tense muscles after that dream.

Soaking the thick fur, that of snow leopards. I grabbed some shampoo and began to lather up. Whiteness contrasted my grayish fur, softening it up all the same. Bringing out the cyan colored spots on my forearms, calves, and tail. Rinsing my self off, and draping a towel over my waste.

Stepping up to the mirror, I look myself over. A blueish gray overtone, followed by a grey pattern starting from my chin down. Along with two grey ovals on my cheeks, bringing out my deep cyan eyes.

Grabbing my tooth brush from behind the mirror. I wet it down in the sink, dapping it with minty flavored paste. Going over my feline teeth, and my two odd saber teeth. Not exactly found in snow leopards, but not uncommon to a mix like me. Finishing up and spitting into the sink. I wash down the excess and begin to dry off my fur. Making it poofed up.

Stepping out of the bathroom I was assaulted by my AI's voice again. Showing an irritating concern.

"You can't do that again, your wellbeing dropped well below my comfort."

"I know, shut it! Please!" I beg with him, "I really do not want to discuss this."

"Fine, but I won't ignore it."

Rolling my eyes, I go to get myself dressed. Secretly I knew he was right. I was destroying myself, but I just couldn't.. stop. Taking a glance at the small bottle with little white pills inside. Feeling a deep regret.

Getting myself dressed up for the day, in a tight shirt and shorts. I prepare myself some breakfast as I listened to rain hit the ship. Creating a consistent pattern of drops. The pure sound of rain. Nothing beat it.

After my breakfast of sugary pastries, I clean up and head to the front of the ship. A small blue hologram, spherical in shape, appeared from the console of beaming lights and boards. All of it shining off of a brilliant cherry wood and white finish of my walls.

"BB?" This time I pester the AI. "Head for the Maxwell Mountains, far side preferably."

"Going to investigate those ruins again?"

"Yes, I need to figured out what those dreams are. What those things are."

"Have you tried other ruins in the system? You know theres some on Earth and Mars as well."

I nod, seating myself into a leather chair. Looking over the dashboard. "I do, but this one just." Pausing, thinking of how to describe it. "Theres something about the one here on Venus that has something about it. Need to head deeper into it."

"To Maxwell Montes then."

The ship whirred to life, the engine purring as if it was a newfound kitten. Soon me and BB found ourselves pulling out of Ishtar Port. Soaring high above the streamlined buildings and highways. The tropical sun beating off them, creating reflections in their material.

Zooming past them at great heights, the sky scrapers made way for suburbs, then the suburbs to grasslands. Guarded by a few walls then a dense tropical forest.

Trees and trees and nothing but trees made up the view of the ground. With the looming mountain range fast approaching, its foothills below.

Steadily, the ship slowed down above a clearing in the treeline. Declining down, landing gear exposed as it sunk into the soil. Taking in a deep breath, I exit the chair. Heading off to get ready for some exploration. Paws carrying me through the ship.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" BB asks me. "Those dreams have been wrecking havoc on your sleep."

"I have to know, they dont mean nothing. I only got them when I visited a ruin for the first time years ago."

In a small bit of silence, BB seemed to understand my wonders. That ruin on Io, it would've been my own ruin ironically. But somehow, just somehow I was able to interact with it. Then see a bit of our future, our not so far future. I had to know and to stop it all, cast my own issue aside.

"And Vex?" I stop, turning around to face the blue light. "Yeah?"

"Be careful out there." BB warned me, bringing a small smile to my face as I turned away from his holographic image. Heading down the ship to find my answers.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed the story, and I hope to see you around for the next parts! I've been enjoying writing this so far, and I'd like to hear your thoughts and comments on this. I've worked on my story and lore for a while now, so if you have questions I'm open to answer them!

[vexkader]

Vex, Snow Leopard Smilodon Mix

He was born on Venus in 2690, Ishtar region. His mother was a snow leopard, his father a smilodon. Growing up wasnt easy for him, as his father was a raging alcoholic, and was made fun of in school for a Welsh accent he carried over from his mother. Come his teen years, his father was eventually arrested on child abuse, and battery charges against Vex and his mother. However only a couple years after his mother died from a brain tumor.

Come Vex's adult life, he spent time in the poorest regions of Ishtar. The undercrofts. A place the sun never touches, the only lights come from neon and fluorescent lights. Poverty, gangs, and drugs rule this area and this is where Vex found himself for a year. Making a living pickpocketing any unknowing drunk.

Eventually he found himself under the care of a mercenary, who traveled the three rocky planets for hire. Taking Vex out of the life of poverty as a partner in the business. Wanting more, Vex left on shakey terms with his partner. Heading beyond the asteroid belt to the Jovian moons to earn some big credits. Though a bullet in 2714 left a hole in him, and addicted to pain medication.

Art is of Vex on Io holding a small little beetle. Art is by Lucite-da-roma on Furaffinity: https://www.furaffinity.net/user/lucite-da-roma/

[vexkader]

Hello, I'm new to tumblr and was recommended by a friend to post my stories here. I've tried Telegram and FurAffinity, but I'm looking to broaden my base. My story is about my OC, Vex Kader, traveling through the solar system in search of alien ruins and unraveling a possible extinction level event. I'll post when I can, but I'll try to make it weekly, if not bi weekly.