A Tribute to Firefox: "The Night of the Fox" FF, FFM, FM *Nudity & sexual reference**

[Featherdemon]

A Tribute to Firefox: "The Night of the Fox" FF, FFM, FM *Nudity & sexual reference**

Helllo,

This is a long over due tribute to the wild and wonderful Firefox. A fair while back he did a wonderful tribute picture of the sweet, sexy Gedan and the dark and equally wonderful Feathers:

http://www.tickletheater.com/showthread.php?t=70528

SO here is my return tribute! At least the first part! It is a tad too long and thrill filled for a single post! Lol.

With his permission and for your enjoyment, please enjoy!!!

****

This story starts as it will end; with two beautiful Kats lying naked in a bed, waiting for a very particular person to join them.

Join them for what, you might ask?

Well, for the long and unhurried indulgence of Kat-induced pleasures, of course; sensations so unimaginably sweet and breath-taking that words cannot do them justice. Such a treat is enough to melt the mind of any hedonist, mortal or otherwise, as the good reader will surely agree. What a wonder it is to have the company of such wonderful, furry, tickle-loving succubus.

But to be gifted the treat of a delicious Kat twice...surely something spectacular has happened? Well, yes, something spectacular did happen. And do you know what that was?

No one died.

Doesn't sound all that special, does it? But it will. Soon, very soon, in fact. And when the events have unfolded, you will see just how miraculous it is that no one died - and that was the work of one in particular. You will see that the reward offered is equal to the effort made.

For make no mistake, gentle reader, between the two sweet, hedonistic events there are deeds both dark and dangerous.

And all of which will be told herein.

* * *

"Mm, you look delicious," said Rhenn with a purr.

"Thank you," said Meex.

Rhenn finished tightening the silk ribbon about Meex's wrists and tied them to the cold metal bar of the bed board. She drew in a breath and looked down the full length of Meex's naked body and sighed hungrily. "Something about seeing you tied naked to stranger's bed makes me want to just eat you up."

"Oh my," said Meex with a blush and wriggled her tail free from beneath her to wrap and chewed its tip gently. "Naughty, Rhenn."

"You have no idea, sweetie," said Rhenn. "So many things popping into my head."

Meex was cute. Even amongst the Kats, Meex was something special. No one was sure if it was a natural trait or something she'd gained when she became a Kat, but no one could deny she was irresistibly cute in everything she did. Whether it was tickling, teasing or even just lying tied on someone's bed - as she was now, she had a reputation for being irresistible.

Meex giggled. "But who are we here for?"
"His name is Firefox," said Rhenn."We're waiting for him."

"And I needed to be tied to the bed?"

"Yes," said Rhenn. "I want to make sure we're both in the mood when Firefox arrives here. And, of course, it will help get his attention."

Meex was smaller than most Kats, standing only a little over the five and a half foot mark when she was upright, but she took most of the bed up with her body. Her fur was perfectly black and shone even in the dullest of light, while her waist length hair, starting in a shock for a fringe and falling perfectly down her back, was somehow a shade darker, like liquid onyx. When she stood still, Meex could disappear entirely into the night with only her wide eyes, a dazzling blue, giving her away.

"Won't this scare him away?"

"I doubt it," said Rhenn and slid down the edge of the bed to sit across Meex's thighs. The black Kat felt wonderfully warm and soft beneath her. Rhenn wriggled from side to side gently. "Not with what I have in mind."

Rhenn was in many ways the opposite of Meex. Where her black furred sister had an uncanny knack for melting people's hearts and drawing out helpless 'aw' sounds, Rhenn's knack was to be unnecessarily abrasive, even with her Kat Charm on the go. She had an uncanny ability to rub people the wrong way; she was loud and unapologetic to the point being unmanageable and overbearing. She was wild and untamed, both in look and in nature.

Meex purred and looped her tail about Rhenn's neck. "We need to be careful and not make too much of a mess."

"Mm...messy," said Rhenn and stroked her hand down Meex's face and around her breasts.

"So why are we waiting for him?" asked Meex, shivering.

"Bless His big blue balls, Meex," said Rhenn with an exasperated sigh, "You're ruining the mood. Are questions the only thing on your mind?"

Meex looked up coyly at Rhenn, sitting astride her. Rhenn's fur was thick and a near luminous lime green in colour, but it as smooth and as luxurious to the touch as Meex's. Rhenn was an exquisite mass of thrilling curves and inviting swells; a form that was full and intoxicating and made even the most reserved voyeur lick their lips with need. Her shoulder length hair was a light purple in colour, completing the shock of her wild and beautiful appearance. There was a perpetual hunger in her eyes that warmed everyone's blood and no one felt that glow more than Meex.

"No," she said, "not the only thing."

"Good," said Rhenn, stroking Meex's belly and sides gently.

"But we're here for a reason, are we not?" said Meex, giggling and squirming pleasantly under Rhenn's touch and trying to keep her thoughts where they needed to be. "And...mnneeeheheh...while the thought of surrendering my senses to you makes me want to melt...hehehehe...I would like not mess this up and not to be a puddle of giggles when he arrives."

"He wouldn't mind."

"Rhenn..."

Rhenn sighed. "Fine," she said, rocking gently from side to side as she looked down on Meex but keeping her hands to herself. "Like I said, his name is Firefox."

Meex nodded. "And?"

"He's a friend of Lady Gedan," said Rhenn. "All I know is Lady Gedan said that you and I were to come here, meet him and then bring him back to see her."

"Ah."

"Satisfied, now?"

"Not really," said Meex and lifted her head a little "Did Lady Gedan say exactly why she wanted to see him?"

Rhenn shook her head. "Does she ever?"

"It is odd, don't you think?" said Meex. "I don't remember Lady Gedan ever doing anything like this before. Not in all the time of me being a Kat - and that's two hundred years."

"She's done it before," said Rhenn, "I've been a Kat a lot longer than you, Meex and trust me...she's done it before."

"It doesn't usually take two of us to meet and greet someone," said Meex. "I guess this Firefox must be someone special."

"I guess."

"Aren't you the least bit curious about him?" Meex asked.

"No," said Rhenn. "What I'm curious about is why you would rather ask questions than have me tickle you to a warm and happy place."

Meex purred. "All in good time, Rhenn."

"I just hope Firefox is in the mood for more than talking when he turns up."

Meex giggled. "I doubt we'd be here if all he was needed for is a chat," she said.

"True enough. All the more reason for us to not be idle."

Rhenn slipped her fingers down the underside of Meex's arms and let them fall, fingers dancing and drumming ever so gently, into Meex's arm pits. It took only a couple of seconds before the tickly sparks made Meex twitch and grin flashed across her face. She twitched and wriggled and giggled sweetly.

"Rhenn eeheeheheheee....that tickles. Hahahehehehee..."

"Isn't that better than just lying there?" Rhenn teased. "Come on, sweetie, giggle for me. Tickle tickle tickle!"

"Eeeheheheheh teeheheee!"

"You like my tickly skills, mm?"

Meex laughed and nodded. "I've heard all about your...skill," she said.

"So have most Kats," said Rhenn, wiggling her fingers a little faster.

"They say you you're almost merciless."

Rhenn grinned. "They say a lot of things," she said. "Not all of which you should believe. But you're about to find out just how merciless I can be."

"I heard you hurt someone," said Meex, fighting back the hysteria crawling up from her gut.

Rhenn paused in her tickling. "I did," she said. "And well done on killing the mood."

"What happened?"

"Someone cracked on me," said Rhenn as if it were the most normal of things.

Meex shot Rhenn a horrified look. "You broke someone?!"

"I know, disgusting, right?" Rhenn shook her head. "They actually broke on me!"

"What did you do?!"

"Everything they wanted," said Rhenn defensively. "And more, in fact! I rocked his world, more than once that night! He was loving it!"

"But you broke him?!"

"I didn't know he would be so...fragile," said Rhenn. "So embarrassing! One minute I'm riding him like he'd never dreamed possible, and he's loving it - as you would expect, right? The next moment, I hear this dull crack from beneath me and then he starts screaming - and not in a good way."

"Oh Throne, Rhenn, that's terrible!"

"I know! Threw me right off of my rhythm, I can tell you!"

"Jeez, Rhenn," Meex frowned, focussing on how it must have been for the poor man beneath her. "What happened next?"

Rhenn took a deep breath. "Well, as much as I wanted to, the guy wasn't in the mood to continue--"

"I meant, what happened to the poor man you broke?!"

"Oh," said Rhenn with a dismissive sigh. "He was fine. Gedan appeared out of nowhere, almost as soon as it had happened, like she'd been watching or something. She ushered me back to the Realm almost before I could slide off of him. It was all a little...disturbing, not to mention frustrating. Gedan went back with the Wound Leach and un-cracked whatever had cracked in my guy while I was riding him. He was fine afterwards, so I heard, but I wasn't allowed to go back and see him."

Meex shook her head. "Did she tell you off?"

"No, why would she?"

"You broke him!!"

"I didn't mean to," said Rhenn. "I just got carried away. I enjoy what I do as much as they do, you know. I just...forget sometimes that not everyone is as sturdy as I am."

"Is that why you're not allowed to play with humans?"

Rhenn frowned defensively. "I can play with anyone I like," she muttered petulantly. "It's just sometimes I need permission."

Meex shook her head. "Did this guy ever call for a Kat again?"

"I don't know, but he sure as hell never asked for me again."

Meex looked up at Rhenn. "Are you all right with what happened?" she asked.

"It was a long time ago," said Rhenn, lying alongside her. She folded and arm beneath her and snuggled against Meex, purring. She kissed Meex on the cheek. "I'm fine, sweetie. I don't let things I can't change bother me."

Meex turned and smiled sweetly at Rhenn. "I just figured out why I'm here," she said.

"To keep me under control?"

Meex nodded. "But why are you here?"

"At Lady Gedan's request is all I know."

Meex drew her legs up under her chin and wrapped her arms around her knees. "I guess time will tell," she said.

"And in the mean time," said Rhenn with a mischievous smile on her face. "Does my little Meex wanna giggle for me?"

Meex purred and nodded.

"Good."

Rhenn slid down and off of the bed, drawing her hands down the full length of Meex's body and relishing the feeling of her fur. She knelt at the foot of the bed, looping her tails about Meex's ankles and gently tugging her leg's straight. Rhenn lifted her hands, stroking the air with her nails in a slow and deliberate fashion. She made sure that Meex could see every little finger wiggle.

"Here come the teekuls," Rhenn teased. "Giggle for the big bad kitty!"

Rhenn started stroking light and fast up and down the soles of Meex's feet, ensuring the tips of her nails made only the slightest of touches. Meex twitched and jumped at the first little touches, but Rhenn's tail kept her feet in place and it was only a matter of scant heart beats before the Meex's first cute giggle filled the air.

"Oh, I think she liked it...."

"You have the softest fingers, Rhenn, eeheehee eeheeheehe....they go right through mee ehehehehehehee!"

"Glad you like them, sweetie."

Rhenn slipped her fingernails between Meex's toes, scraping slowly, delicately before sweeping them over and down the front of her feet. Meex bucked a little and tried grabbing Rhenn's fingers with her toes, but there was no stopping them and ticklish glee flooded through her. Rhenn scraped between her toes; teasing and fleeting were her fingers, always one step ahead of Meex's delicious attempts to stop her as she tickled with a flurry of little touches, working her quickly back under Meex's heels and onto her arches.

"Eeheheheheehehee!" squealed Meex. "Heehehehehehahahahehehehehehe! Oh Rhenn! Eeheheheheeheeehehaaaa. I do sooohoo aaahahaheeehehehehe love it when youhooahaheeheehee teekil me!"

Rhenn purred.

Of sudden, when Rhenn's fingers feel a particularly fast and furious tickling of Meex's soles, her arms jerked suddenly enough to break the ribbon that bound her hands. And in that moment, Meex bolted up right and put her hands behind her - a breath taking vision of black beauty given life by the magic of Rhenn's tickling. Meex looked down, sweet squeals and giggles tumbling from her, at Rhenn.

"Is that you telling me you've had enough?" Rhenn asked, resting her fingers for a moment.

Meex purred luxuriously. "Oh no," she said and thrust her feet back into Rhenn's hands. "I just want to see you while you tickle me."

Rhenn mewled. "You're going to sit there, without bonds while I make tickly love to your feet?" she asked, delight in her words.

"Only if you're good," said Meex with false coyness.

Rhenn giggled at the concept of her being good. "Yeah, right," she said. "Let's see how well your self control stands up."

Meex purred and braced herself, but at that very moment there came the sound of the front door to the house opening. "He's here," she said excitedly.

"Hmph," said Rhenn. "Perfect timing."


* * *

Firefox stepped through his front door and into his cream walled hallway, realising the instant he did so that there was something not right. In his ears, sharp and reliable, hung the very distinct sound of delicious laughter. It was a sound he loved, but not one that he expected to hear on returning home.

"Well, what in the name of pleasant fuck, is this?"

Firefox stopped still on his plush white carpet, letting the wooden door click shut behind him, his breath caught momentarily in his throat. He stared down the length of the hallway and into the darkness of his distant bedroom, noting the odd shadows. He sniffed at the air and then let his held breath out slowly.

"Now that is just fucking rude," he called out with a smile on his face. "Deliciously and decadently thrilling, but rude nonetheless."

He waited a moment saw shapes moving softly in the shadows of his bedroom, but there was no spoken reply.

"You can stop trying to hide," he said, slipping his coat off and hanging it up. "I heard the laughter outside - very cute, by the way."

The shadows in his bedroom suddenly stirred and an eye-catching shape, darker than the rest of the room and undeniably female, slid like silk off of his bed. He saw another figure move out of the way but it was instantly blocked by this silk-moving figure who filled his sight.

Firefox watched as she moved to stand in the doorway of his bedroom and leaned to one side; there was a sultry look in her eyes and it quickened his pulse. He was drawn to her eyes, where he saw a promise of something thrilling in her vulnerable pose. This stunning fur was covered head to toe in smooth black fur and gave off a tingling vibe that screamed at him to touch her, to put his hands on her and feel the silkiness of her fur.

"Mm hmm," said Meex, looking him up and down. "I can see why she likes you."

Firefox nodded approvingly at what he saw, but had no idea what she was talking about. "Aw!" he said before catching himself.

Meex tittered.

"Damn...forget I said that."

"Everyone says that," she said. "Hi, babe."

"You're cute," said Firefox. "Very...very cute. And naked. Gotta love the naked look."

"Thank you," said Meex, coyly dipping her head for a moment.

"You're very welcome," said Firefox. "I consider myself a connoisseur of all things beautiful and you, lady, are a sweet peak."

Meex grinned.

"So," said Firefox. "I'm going to give you a little longer than I normally would to get the hell out of my house, before I call the police and have your sexy, furry ass hauled into prison. Okay?"

Meex giggled but seemed otherwise unperturbed. "My name is--"

"Not interested," Firefox said with a wave of his hand. "Unless you want me to do something with that rocking body, which I am not opposed to, you should get out."

Meex smiled. "Hey, Rhenn," she called back to the shadows. "I don't think our presence here is at all appreciated. I think he's trying to hurt my feelings."

"Boo hoo," came a loud and non-plus voice. "Is he good looking?"

Meex lifted an eyebrow, "Come see for yourself."

Another furry woman, taller but equally naked and just as stunning, appeared to stand beside the first. This one had lime green fur, wild purple hair and now that she was in light, Firefox could better see the delicate feline touch of her features. The two of them together were an unspoken promise of something exquisite, something more than words that can describe.

"Quite delicious," said Rhenn.

Firefox stood dressed in fine denim and clean Converse. His lean limbs and broad chest gave him a sleek, muscular build that spoke of health and power. He had piercing blue eyes and a ready smile, one that quickly and more often than not gained an equal smile from its intended recipient. There was a deep confidence in everything he did and slender fox features of his face made one hard to ignore.

"So, you don't want to know our names?" said Rhenn.

"No."

"But how will you know what to shout when I get you alone?" said Rhenn.

Firefox grinned. "If that happens, lady, the last thing on my mind will be your name."

Rhenn purred approvingly.

"You know," Firefox said, smiling and relaxing a little. "Taking your illegal entry to my home out of the equation for a moment, you two are amazing. I mean tent-pitching, blood filling kind of amazing. Even if you weren't butt-naked and striking a pose, you're still a pulse raiser."

"Your eyes work fine at least," said Rhenn.

"And my ears," he said ."I know a giggle when I hear one and I know how someone sounds when they're being tickled. Ladies, I am impressed. Break into my house, get naked and tickle each other on my bed. Mm. It's almost enough to make me forget about your transgression."

"If I get my hands on you, sweetie, you'll be forgetting all sorts of things," said Rhenn.

"I bet," said Firefox.

"And If you call the police, it'll only prove one thing."

"What's that?" he asked.

Rhenn smirked. "That your brain doesn't work half as well as your eyes."

"You don't care about my brain. If you did you wouldn't be butt naked. And on that subject, as you two were in the middle of something, please feel free to continue. I would love to watch you two go at it."

"I like him," said Rhenn. "He's got grit."

"Ordinarily," said Meex. "standing in front of us two, naked, would have you in a right pickle. You'd be giddy, foaming at the mouth, just itching to your clothes off and to have our hands on you."

"Well, I can't say that's not going to happen anyway," said Firefox. "Just looking at you two is giving me a start."

"We're not here for that," said Rhenn with no little amount of disappointment. "Well, not just for that, anyway. We have a more pressing issue to deal with, specifically involving you."

"You're here for me?" he said dryly. "Who would have thought it."

Rhenn grinned.

"Wait," Firefox said. "Wait just a cotton picking minute, I know you...I fucking know you! You're Kats, right?"

Meex purred and nodded. "That's right, sweetie," she mewled. "I'm Meex and this is Rhenn."

"Yada yada," said Rhenn. "We're Kats, you're Firefox - big whoop. Can we skip to the fun part all ready? All of this talking is getting me...agitated."

Firefox grinned. "Actual Kats, here in my house," he said. "Never would have thought it. I figured you guys all had better and more majestic things to do than breaking into my house and waiting for me."

"Oh, we do," said Rhenn. "So this is your lucky day."

Firefox chuckled. "I'm sure it is," he said.

"And technically, we didn't break in," said Meex. "We just materialised in here. No actual damage was done to your home, save for crumpling your sheets."

"You crumpled my sheets?!"

"All of them," said Rhenn, giggling.

"When we leave," said Meex, "the only proof there will be that we were ever here is in your mind."

"And in your pants," said Rhenn.

Firefox laughed out loud. "You have quite the mouth on you, Rhenn," he said.

Rhenn purred. "Does it bother you?"

"No, I like a bit of fire in my ear. It's refreshing."

Rhenn grinned. "I got tonnes of fire, baby," she said, stepping forward. "I've got fire enough to make most folk melt. And I don't just mean metaphorically - people have literally wilted under me. A real disappointment to a girl, that. Think you can handle me?"

"I think I could," Firefox said and laughed a little more heartily. "Maybe I can get a taste of that fire that will keep all three of us warm."

"Maybe," said Meex. "if we have time."

"Oh, we'll make time!" Rhenn promised.

"You mean this isn't just a social visit?"

Meex shook her head. "We're here on business, sweetie," she said. "First and foremost, anyway."

Firefox frowned. "You're part of Feathers' lot right?"

The two Kats nodded in unison.

"Impressive."

"Really?" asked Rhenn. "Seeing us enough to get you in such a wild flutter? I thought... had hoped...you would be different."

Firefox's grinned. "I'm as different and just as easily irritated as the next guy," he said. "But maybe it's not me who's falling short of expectation. Maybe, you're just not as hot as you think you are, Rhenn."

Rhenn grinned. "That sounds like a challenge," she said.

"One I doubt you're up to."

"And what a mouth you have, Mr Fox," said Rhenn, her smile broadening and a deep purr ringing in her throat. "I hope you can do more with your tongue than cuss."

"Enough to make you melt," said Firefox.

"I do hope so," said Rhenn.

Meex tutted and pushed Rhenn backwards into the bedroom. "Mr Firefox," she said. "I'm very sorry if we have startled you by our unexpected visit, or if my friend has rubbed you the wrong way."

In the background, Rhenn tittered lustily.

"We didn't mean to upset you," said Meex, walking slowly towards Firefox, her hands behind her back and her eyes wide. "We came to ask a favour of you."

"What kind of favour?" he asked..

"We'd like you to come with us," said Meex, stopping just in front of him, looking up with wet and wide looking eyes. She put her hands, gentle and warm, on his chest and swished her tail slowly behind her. "To come and see Lady Gedan."

Firefox frowned, recognising the name. "Gedan? Why, what does she want with me?"

"Come with us and find out," said Meex. "I promise you will enjoy it."

"Is she in some kind of trouble?"

Meex giggled and it was one of the sweetest sounds the Fox had heard in a long while. "Constantly," she said.

"Am I in trouble?"

"Would we be standing here with you if you were?" called Rhenn.

Firefox shot Rhenn an amused but edgy look. "Honey, I wouldn't put anything past you!"

"What about putting something in me?" she called, a needful warmth to her tone

Again Firefox laughed. "I'm sure I could do that!"

"Yummy."

"Rhenn!!" said Meex.

Firefox's laughter spluttered from him and Meex shook her head, finding Rhenn helplessly amusing and enjoying the edge to her temper.

"So," said Meex turning back to Firefox and calming herself.. "Will you come with us, please?"

Firefox looked back down at Meex. "If I say no, what will you do?"

"Are you going to say no?"

"No," said Firefox, "But I was curious about your deal sweetner."

Meex purred sweetly, lifting her hands to stroke his cheeks. "Well, if two naked Kats in your bedroom isn't clue enough," she said, "then let me put it this way; I'd have to stay and convince you."

"Convince me, huh?"

"Mm," said Meex. "Slowly, gently and for as long as it takes."

Firefox shivered at her tone. "And if I say yes?"

"We all get a happy ending," said Rhenn, unimpressed. "And not the good kind."

"Does she have to be here?" he asked, nodding towards Rhenn.

"Yes," said Meex. "But if you would like, she can just watch."

"Oi!" snapped Rhenn. "No fair!"

Meex flashed a cheeky grin and stuck her tongue out.

"Done," said Firefox with a grin.

"You'll come?" said Meex, her face brightening up and ears pricking.

"Of course," said Firefox. "But...I want you to convince me anyway. I want to take up where you left off when I arrived. I want a taste of you, so to speak. And I want Wonder mouth over there to watch - in silence."

Meex purred and taking his left hand in her right, she turned to lead him down the hall towards the bedroom. "Sweetie, you're going to love every second of this."

Firefox saw the perfect peach of Meex's ass and the heart catching curve of her back as she walked. He found himself suddenly looking forward to being convinced and to watching that wonderful body moving in softer, sweeter ways. "Meex, babe," he said. "I do not doubt it."

Rhenn stood bemused and angry in the doorway, arms folded across her chest as they passed.

"Don't take it personally," said Firefox, winking at Rhenn. "Take this moment to rest that mouth of yours and enjoy the show."

Rhenn fumed but as she was under strict instructions not to mess this up, she merely nodded and let them pass. The look in her eyes, however, spoke of a storm of wild and biting cussing tirade was waiting behind those pursed lips. "I'll have my chance," Rhenn promised.

Firefox darted in and pecked her on the cheek. "I'm sure you will," he said. "Just not yet."

"Bite me."

"Maybe later."

Rhenn stuck her tongue out at him.

"Come on then, sweetie," said Meex, pulling him quickly to the edge of the bed. "Let's get you convinced..."

* * *

Rhenn closed the bedroom door and stood sulking against it as Firefox and Meex set themselves. This was not right and she would make both of them pay. Rhenn promised herself that pleasure and then continued to fume silently.

Meex was even more breath taking in the soft glow of the bedside table. She stood before the bed, all soft curves and erotic swells, her fur a perfect and absolute black. She held Firefox's hands before her, her tail swishing at her back and the sparkle of something incredibly sweet in her eyes.

"Where do you want me?" she asked, purring.

It would be forgiven if the recipient of that question were to stall or even take second to gulp. But even with the unspoken promise of what stood before him, Firefox took it all in his stride. He smiled, a cocky and suave flash across his face.

"Kneel on the edge of the bed," he said.

Without breaking his gaze and keeping gentle hold of his hands, Meex eased herself backwards and on to the edge of the bed. With considerable grace, she folded one leg beneath her at a time until was kneeling before him. He stepped up so they were almost touching.

"Put your hands about my neck," he said, his voice softly commanding. "Link your fingers at the back of my neck and no matter what happens, you're not to pull away or break your hold. Clear?"

Nodding and purring, Meex did as he instructed and locked her fingers about his neck. "Yes," she said. "And what about my tail?"

"It's fine where it is."

Firefox took a moment to enjoy the feel of the fur on his neck. Then he slowly lifted his hands, drawing his finger tips up onto her naked hips. He let them linger them, drawing little circles with his nails. Meex twitched gently under his touch, her waist swaying a little from side to side. A few more touches drew a giggle from her and an involuntary dip of her arms.

"Uh huh," said Firefox. "Keep those arms locked where they are, babe."

Meex bit her lip and straightened her arms. "Bad Meex," she breathed.

"Mm."

Firefox slid his delicate yet sharp nails up her sides, again relishing the sensual feel of her fur and the control he had over her. He saw the laughter in her eyes, just waiting to be teased out along the slightly puffing cheeks as he stroked up and down her ribs. He counted slowly as he tickled and got to three before the first long giggle tumbled from between her lips.

"Mnneeeheheheheh eeheheheheheheheeheheheeheeee."

"You're doing very well," he cooed. "But don't feel you have to hold back, sweet thing. I know how this must feel. So tickly. So sweet. Ooh."

"Neeeheheh eeehehehahahahahaha!"

Meex's laughter bubbled out from her quite helplessly as Firefox's finger tickled and dug between her ribs. She twitched and bucked, kicking the tops of her feet against his bed as she tried to control the movements.

"Cutest tickle-dance I've ever seen," Firefox chuckled. "Such an obedient kitty. I could do this for hours."

A flush appeared in Meex's eyes and she purred louder.

"You like that idea, mm?" he asked.

She nodded.

Firefox lifted his tail and swished its tip very lightly into her belly button. At once she erupted with a bout of sharp laughter and her hands fell from around his neck to cover her belly.

"Cheater," he said, chuckling. "Am I going to have to tie you down?"

"Oh, yes, please," she purred. "Then that wicked tail of yours can wander all over with ticklish glee and there would be nothing I could do." She blushed at that and sank back onto her heels.

Firefox grinned. "Cute, Meex," he said. "Very hot and very cute."

A full throated purr rose from her and she met his eyes once more, but this time there was new fire in them. His touches and his teases, the confidence with which he had commanded her, has set something alight in her. "Now," she said, her tones soft and warm, "to convince you."

"You all ready have-"

A moment later she was off of the bed, one arm at the back of his head, the other running through his silky tail. She rose up on tip toes and darted a fleeting kiss on his lips. She waited a second and did it again; inviting him to do it back.

"Um, do we have time for this?" objected Rhenn.

"Shut up, Rhenn!" was the joined response of Meex and Firefox.

* * *

"We're here!" said Meex with evident joy. "We're in her chambers!"

"That was quick," said Firefox, relaxing a little now the experience of teleporting was over.

Rhenn tittered. "Not the first person to have said that tonight," she said.

Firefox grinned, liking the lime furred Kat a little more. "You know, Rhenn, I'm going to have silence that wicked mouth of yours one way or another."

"Enough," said Meex. "This is going nowhere nice!"

Rhenn's face lit up at those words. She smirked, looked at Firefox and went to say something. Firefox, grinning and pre-empting her response, clamped a hand on her mouth to stop whatever she was going to say.

Meex pulled them apart. "Behave!" she said sharply. "We are now in Lady Gedan's personal chamber! No more games!"

Firefox nodded. "Sorry," he said, pulling his hand away from Rhenn who licked his hand.

Meex's nodded and let her temper return to what it was before their spat. Her blue eyes were still aglow after her attempts to convince Firefox to accompany them. It had taken two hours to finish convincing him after his little tail tickle.

"Good," said Meex. "Now, focus."

Meex held one of Firefox's arms around her waist, both to support him and because it felt good to have him close. Her tail looped about his hips and she leaned into him with the softest of purrs making her body tremble.

Rhenn gave him the same support as Meex, but was a lot less happy about it. Having been able to only watch Firefox and Meex, she was feeling all on edge and eager to play. It had been almost too much for her will power to just stand there and not get involved.

"And mind that tongue of yours," said Meex.

"You weren't saying that before," said Firefox. "Quite the opposite, in fact."

Meex blushed a little.

"Not surprising," said Rhenn.

Firefox and Rhenn grinned and shared a mutual look of filth.

It had taken only a matter of heartbeats for Rhenn and Meex to 'shift' him from inside his bedroom to the interior of Gedan's personal chambers. The vertigo lasted only a few moments, just long enough for to catch a good view of his surroundings.

"Not what I expected," said Firefox, sliding free of the two Kats.

The chamber they stood in was massive and sprawled archaically in every direction. It was only one room; massive and divided by curtains, dressing walls and alcoves, but still only a single room. The walls were the colour of sandstone and filled with tapestries, exotic and erotic in nature; bas reliefs of unnamed figures and massive paintings depicting scenes that defied description. The floor was not carpeted, though there was no shortage of tables and chairs, couches, cushion piles and sagging bean bags. It was a decadent haven.

Meex tittered. "Understandable," she said, "But Lady Gedan--"

"Lady Gedan," said a voice behind them, "has been tidying up for you, my friend."

All eyes turned suddenly behind them. It was sweeter and more intoxicating than any sound that had come before. It was musical and warm and held an authority that was soft but absolute.

Gedan stood in the doorway of her chamber, hands clasped before her and a smile on her face so beautiful it held the breaths of Firefox, Rhenn and Meex all at once. She was a picture of raw, heart yearning loveliness; a black chemise that feel to half way down her thighs covered her achingly delicious form. Black shiny jewels marked odd symbols on its surface but other than that it was a stunningly perfect piece. Her arms, legs and feet were bare, but the soft terracotta of her fur was immaculate as was the tumbled ropes of thick red hair that fell about her shoulders. But it was the look on her face and the perfectly emerald eyes that undid them.

"Hello, Firefox," said Gedan.

Meex and Rhenn, purring uncontrollably, bowed and slid backwards and away, but Firefox just stood there, smiling.

"Hey, Gedan," Firefox said, "you look fucking amazing!"

Gedan's smile widened. "Thank you," she said and dipped her head a little, her emerald eyes locked on him. "Though, it's not often I get compliments edged with such carefree vulgarities."

Firefox chuckled. "I daresay more will follow, what with you looking so delicious," he said. "And I make no apology for it - I tell them as I see them; and some things are just worth swearing about."

"I will take that as a compliment," she said and her face lit up. She took a step forward and then the first wave of her scent hit him. "I am glad to see you again, Firefox."

Firefox sighed. "I'd forgotten how good you smell," he said, drawing in the scent of her neck. It was sweet and tugged at his every sense. For a moment he was a little giddy. "Does the rest of you smell that good?"

Gedan grinned. "Most of me smells better," she said. "But I guess you'll just have to trust my word on it."

"And here I was hoping on getting some alone time with you to find out for myself."

Gedan giggled and walked forward to put her arms around him. He let out a warm laugh and opened his arms to her, sliding them about her waist and shoulders, hugging her tight as is the want of old friends. He held the pose for a time that was just short of unreasonable.

"And I was hoping that two of my most trusted Kats would be enough to sate that hunger of yours before we spoke," said Gedan.

"One of them has tried," said Firefox, glancing at Meex. "For a little while, anyhow. And I have been promised more once I have heard what you have to say."

"That is why I sent them," said Gedan. "I hope it didn't come across as cheap."

"Not at all. Hottest break-in I've ever had."

Gedan tittered and stroked the fur of Firefox's cheek. "I'm afraid, beyond them, the most I can offer you is a hug," she said with genuine tenderness. "Maybe a little kiss, if you behave yourself."

Firefox chuckled. "Behave myself?" he said. "That is a tall order. Well, I sure as hell can't promise anything, but I will do what I can."

"Good."

"Damn, it's good to see you, Gedan," he said.

"And it's good to see you. too," she said. "It really has been too long. How have you been, mm? Tell me everything."

"Everything?" he said..

For a moment the hard, sharp blue of Firefox's eyes met the cool fathomless green of hers; and in that moment, something passed between them. He felt something tug at his core - something strong, something that touched his deepest emotions. Her look went straight to something helplessly rooted in him, hidden, waiting to be freed.

"Everything," she said and meant it.

The urge to talk was almost impossible to resist; while looking in her eyes and the sweet openness of unshakable trust that she emanated, it shook his resolve. He bit it back with a conscious effort.

"I'm good," he said at last, "but thank you for asking, though. I see you still have that knack."

"What knack?"

"That annoying knack of making people want to talk," he said, "to helplessly blab their deepest, darkest innermost, with only the slightest look."

Gedan's smile never wavered. "I'm sure I don't know what you mean," she said. "But, as a friend, you know you have my shoulder and my ear as and when you need." She paused. Something deeply kind appeared in her eyes. "Is there something on your mind, sweetie? Anything I can help you with, mm?"

And for a fleeting moment Firefox was almost taken in by it. Such a gentle and exquisitely sincere invitation for intimacy He figured few, if any, could or would turn down such an offer. Having her know your heart's deepest and darkest, for her to be intimately privy to all that was going on in his life...it gave Firefox wonderful chills. But he resisted it.

"Stop with your Jedi mind tricks!" he laughed. "Just stop, damn it!"

Gedan grinned and her tail swished happily. "One day," she promised. "You'll let me into that heart of yours. One day you'll let me help."

"I don't need help."

"Everyone does, sweetie," she said. "We just don't always know it."

Firefox raised an eyebrow. "What about the mighty Gedan? Does she need help?"

Gedan's smile froze for a moment. "More often than you think," she said. "Hence why you're here."

Firefox nodded. "Where is the Big Blue? I figured he would be here for this."

"He's...away on business," said Gedan. "He sends his love and his regrets, but other matters detain him helplessly."

"You got him tied up?"

Gedan laughed. "More times that you might think, but not on this occasion. He has important business elsewhere."

Now Firefox frowned. "Matters more important than you?"

Gedan giggled. "He knows I am in good hands," she said and gave Firefox a knowing smile. "And besides, we were talking about you letting me beyond your shields."

Firefox grinned. "I love that you keep trying," he said with a blush of feeling. "But not today. I don't need that today. You're in my heart enough for me to be here, Gedan; and that is fine for now."

"As you wish," she said, "but I make no promise that I won't try again."

He grinned. "I would be upset if you didn't at least try," he said. "But for now I'm here to help you, aren't I?"

Gedan laughed and nodded. "Indeed you are!"

Firefox drew back from her, sliding out of her arms and reluctantly out of her grip. She felt good to hold, if only for a moment. He moved over to a soft cushioned chair tucked into a table and sat down on it. Gedan sat next opposite him, her hands joined before her.

"So, how is it I can help the mighty Gedan?" he asked, his sure and confident demeanour returning.

Gedan took a deep breath to gather her thoughts. "I need you to do me a favour, sweet Firefox - something few others anywhere else could do, and even fewer could do as well as you."

At that point Rhenn walked over and passed him a chilled bottle of beer. Her tail looped teasingly about his neck. He took the drink off of her and nodded, resisting the urge to shudder her tail gave him, before turning back to Gedan. Rhenn purred and walked away.

"Now, you got me really curious," he said. "I have a modest amount of skills in a wide number of areas but none of them I can see being directly useful to you. I thought you were in danger."

"I am, in a way."

Firefox shook his head. "I'm no fighter, Gedan," he said slowly. "I mean, I can, but it's not what I do best."

Gedan smiled. "I don't need you to fight," she said. "You're far more precious to me than that. I need you to do what you do best."

Firefox raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what do you believe it is that I do best?"

Now Gedan smirked, a cheeky and blood warming smirk. "Charming people and getting people to smile, despite themselves," she said. "Distract people with that smile of yours so they forget what they were doing." Gedan leaned closer, her clasped hands edging closer to him. "I need you to be the cheeky, pulse raising, ear burning, irresistible character I know you to be."

Firefox sat back from her, pleased by her compliment but at the same time, a little unsettled by it. "I don't get it," he said. "You just want me to be me?"

"Yes, but not for me."

"For who?"

"For some bad people."

Firefox froze, his face and his feelings hardening in the wake in the wash of fear her words caused. "What the fuck?" he said, shooting Meex and Rhenn a venomous stare. "You two fucking set me up, didn't you?!"

"Oh no," said Gedan, reaching out to touch his hand reassuringly. "Nothing like that! I promise!"

"Then what?"

"These people," said Gedan, "the people I would like you to charm, they have been after me for many years and very soon we are going to bump into one another. I have avoided them for as long as I can, but we must now meet. It is unavoidable. And when we do finally meet up, it can go one of several ways. All of them end with me safe but..."

"But what?"

"But," she said, "What happens to them is not so sure or as pleasant. Through this conversation I would like to steer the encounter towards a specific direction."

"And what direction is that?"

Gedan smiled. "Your direction," she said.

Firefox pulled back from her. "Why me?" he asked.

"Because they won't be able to resist you. And I don't want any blood to be shed."

"You think I'm the one to ensure that?"

"Yes," said Gedan. "You're the solution to a very tickly problem, if you will forgive me the phrasing. I am asking for your help because I have a preference to how this will end and I need your help to see it through."

"And how do you want it to end?"

"Without anyone dying." Her soft tone couldn't hide the seriousness of the message.

Firefox took another swig from his bottle. "Go on," he said. "Tell me more."

Gedan nodded. "These people," she said, "they are not interested in you, other than the fact you know me. They know you know me because they know everyone who comes to see me. They may ignore you entirely, which would make me very happy, but if you will help me, I can make sure this passes without any harm to anyone."

"Who are they?"

"Rivals," she said. "Specifically with Feathers, but through association and a long, complicated history, now with me. They are known the Ty'grahs. Wild and beautiful, our dark cousins in many ways."

Firefox frowned dubiously. "Will I be at risk?" he asked.

"No," said Gedan, "I swear it, or I would never have asked this of you."

"How is it they know of me?"

"They know who Feathers and I trust, who we like and who we spend time with."

"Crap."

"But they are not directly interested in you," said Gedan, trying to reassure him. "They will come to you as a matter of interest, looking for very singular information that they think you can help them with. And with that in mind, they will come to you with very specific questions - questions to which I will give you the answers."

"I don't get it," said Firefox. "What is you want me to do for these idiots?"

"Simple," said Gedan. "I want you to betray me."

Firefox frowned. "Are you shitting me?" he asked.

"No."

Firefox shook his head. "I don't know about this, Gedan," he said. "This sounds like bad business, very bad business."

"I know," said Gedan. "I know how it sounds and I am sorry to ask you, my friend. But these people will eventually find their way to me and without careful handling I may have their deaths on my hands. And I am desperate to avoid that."

"Why not just take them?" he asked. "You know, mob them with Kats?"

"I could try to do that," said Gedan. "But these Ty'grah are looking for a fight. They would welcome the chance to take a swing at a Kat, or even at me. And while we would win with numbers, blood will be spilt. Kat blood. And if Feathers finds out that his Kats have been hurt..." Her voice trailed off.

"What?"

"That would lead to very bad things," she said.

"Hard to imagine the big blue with a temper."

"He has a one; just like everyone else," said Gedan. "But there are things he is especially sensitive about. Hurting the Kats is one of them, I'm another. And his friends are one, too."

Firefox nodded. "Good to know," he said. "And you're worried how the Big Blue will react if these figures get out of hand."

"Yes."

"Makes sense."

"I have a plan," said Gedan, "that will mean the Ty'grah can have their long awaited confrontation with me, without anyone getting hurt and no one has to die."

"What is they want to do with you?"

"Kidnap me, I think," said Gedan with a dismissive sigh. "I think their leader wants to use me as leverage over Feathers. All it will do is anger him and lead to an escalation of unnecessary nastiness."

"And you figure you can stop it all by making the meeting on your own terms?"

"Yes," said Gedan. "But I need your help to do it, my friend. No one else can do as I need on this occasion. You are the only one I can ask.."

"Mm."

Gedan rose and moved to stand in front of him. She held his gaze for a moment and then slid to her knees before him. Firefox shuffled back at the gesture. She took hold of his hands and held them in his lap; their soft warmth tingled through him.."I beg of you, sweet Firefox," she said softly. "Will you please help me?"

Firefox flushed, suddenly uneasy having seen Gedan in such a position.. "Jeez, Gedan, get off of your knees!" he said and rising to his feet, he lifted her to her feet. "Kneeling like that in front of me...it's just wrong. What if someone saw you?!"

"Did I make you feel uncomfortable?" she asked, keeping hold of his hands.

"Yes," he said and grinned. "Besides, kneeling before me like that, put a question in my head that would make you blush."

Gedan giggled and went to speak. "I'm sorry--"

"Oi!" called Rhenn from behind them. "If anyone is going on their knees like that it will be me!"

Firefox chuckled softly and looked Gedan in the eyes. He smiled. "Of course I'll help you," he said. "You don't ever need to beg me for help."

Gedan's face lit up. "Thank you," she said.

Firefox laughed and put his arms around her. Gedan hugged him back and the hug went on for longer this time.

"You know," said Firefox, "I don't mean to be rude, but unless you want this hug to get suddenly awkward - like pitching a tent kind of awkward, I think we had best separate now."

Gedan slide free of him, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "And we wouldn't want that, would we?" she said and smirked. "Well, not yet, anyway."

At that moment Rhenn and Meex came back into the room, sidling up on either side of Firefox; they were both purring.

"He's agreed to help me," said Gedan.

"Great!" said Meex.

"Yeah...great," said Rhenn, not at all enthused. "Can I play with him now?"

"Rhenn," said Gedan. "You will be patient."

Rhenn lowered her head. "Sorry, Mistress."

"I wonder if that would work for me," said Firefox with a grin.

"Now," said Gedan. "Here is what I had in mind..."

* * *

Firefox let out a long and happy sigh and drew his hands down the back of Rhenn, who lay curled alongside him. They were back in his room and in his bed and she felt as warm and as good as he imagined.

"I never figured you could be so soft," he said, holding her close under the sheets of his bed.

"If only I could say the same of you," she replied, chuckling.

Firefox laughed. "Well played."

Nothing had happened between them yet but it was necessary they share a bed.

"I'm teasing, of course," she said, a sultry warmth to her words. She lifted her head off of his shoulder to peer at him through the thick bundles of purple hair. "I know there is nothing...soft about you, Mr Fox."

"Sweet as well as complimentary," he mused. "You are a bundle of surprises."

Rhenn felt deliciously warm and soft against him; she had all the sweetest curves of her naked body pressing against his own nakedness. It was a rare moment of tender calm for her. It was, Firefox thought, at complete odds as to how she was normally. She was quite adorable when she was like this.

He stroked her hair, moving the fringe out of the way so he could her cheeky smile. Even in the gloom of his room, she was almost irresistible and it took a herculean effort to indulge the 101 things that were running through his mind.."Tell me again," he said, wriggling to keep himself comfortable. "Why is it we have to be lying together like this?"

Rhenn giggled saucily. "You don't like it?"

"Oh, I like it," he said, "I like it a lot. It's just, well..."

"What?" she asked letting her hands slide down a little.

"Lying here with you....oi! Hands above the waist, thank you!" he said and Rhenn tittered. "Lying with you like this, naked and so close, without doing anything is like a weird kind of torture!"

"I know," said Rhenn who was equally unhappy as not being allowed to indulge. "But it is Lady Gedan's plan."

"But this is too much! How can I be expected to just lie here?"

Rhenn tittered. "She said it will be more believable if I am in bed with you when they arrive," she said.

"You have no idea all the things that are running through my mind."

"Oh, I do," said Rhenn and purred. "And I approve, sweetie. Absolutely, I approve."

"It's a cruel test of my self control, is what it is."

"Of course it is," said Rhenn, putting her head back on his shoulder, "But you know, it would be even sexier and therefore undeniably more realistic, not to mention more convincing, if they arrive and I'm doing more than just lying here..."

Firefox felt her hand move down his bare stomach and onto his hip; with a sigh of bemused restraint, he took hold of it with one hand. "No," he said, not believing he was actually saying it. "We...have to stick to the plan!"

"Spoil sport," Rhenn purred. "But, as you wish. I'll just lie here...all warm...and soft..."

"Rhenn!"

"Sorry."

Firefox knew she wasn't even the remotest bit sorry. He was sorry, though. He was sorry he had agreed to display such a ridiculous level of self control. She edged further against him. He stroked her back and hip, revelling the feel of her fur on his hands; she mewled happily and writhed gently against him.

"Jezus...this is so unfair..."

Rhenn tittered and rising up, she pecked him on the cheek. "Don't worry," she said, "Once this is done, I'll have all of that pent up energy out of you."

"I will hold you to that."

* * *

When the Ty'grah appeared, they did it without any of the subtlety of the Kats. Ripples of power slid through the house in anticipation of their arrival, reaching the two reclined figures in the bed.

"Here they come," said Rhenn, rising up beside him as the growing energy prickled her senses.

"I'm ready," said Firefox, sitting up alongside her.

"It will be all right."

"I hope so."

Rhenn looked at him and for once there was no joking in her face, just a look on tender concern. "Just remember, I'll be with you through it all. Okay? All you have to do get them where Gedan wants them," she said gently. "We will do everything else."

"And what if it goes wrong?"

She smiled. "It won't," she said. "No matter how hard it is or how much it rips at your heart, don't steer from the path. Even if means me getting hurt."

"No."

"They must believe it!"

"They will," said Firefox, "But what about you?"

"I am tougher than I look," she said and touched his cheek gently. "And so are you. You can do this. You can best all of them."

A portal suddenly tore the air open with a storm of white flashes of power, ripping open a gaping, roaring vortex in Firefox's hallway. It filled the place with an acrid stink of ozone and tinged flesh.

"Put these on," he said and thrust a pair of handcuffs at her. She locked her hands behind her back. Once that was done, he put a leather blindfold over her eyes. "You okay with this?"

"Oh, yes," she purred. "Remind me to use these with you later."

Firefox gently guided her out of bed and sitting on the edge, he placed her on her knees, between his legs. Her pretty face was so close, so damn close. He pushed the almost irresistible urge from his mind.

"Just for appearance," he said.

"Don't mind me," she said and purred louder, as if she knew how close he was to touching her and what he was thinking. "I like me like this." She brushed against him with her nose. "Want me to lick you? Mm? You know, for appearance?"

"No," he said, laughing. He slipped on a pair of trousers. "And stop purring so loud! I'm trying to focus here!"

* * *

There were six figures who stepped through the portal and each was as wicked looking as the other.

The first was the leader of them; she was tall and covered in thick, black fur that looked matted in places. Her body was lithe and powerful, that of a hunter while her arms and legs were mottled with patches of white fur. She had red hair that looked like an explosion of spikes from her scalp. Her face, while a little flatter than that of a Kat, was pretty in its own right. She wore hide leather trousers, thick knee length boots a padded shirt - a warrior out for blood. She had two blades at her back. Pretty - in a dark kind of way.

The second was a giant, standing at almost seven feet tall. He filled the hallway and the portal with his bulk following the leader as if he were her shadow. His long, strong body was light brown in colour and covered in thick scars and ropes of muscle. He had only one working eye and wore only dark pants, but a belt around his waist held all manner of terrible torture devices. He reeked of blood and the sight of him was enough to freeze a man with fear.

"Firefox?" said leader, her sharp hazel eyes locking on his sitting on the edge of the bed. "Are you the one they call Firefox?"

"Who wants to know?" he called back, putting displeasure and impatience in his voice. "And what are you doing in my house?"

The woman strode forward, confident and predatory, eyes locked on him. "I am Ra'dae'lash," she said.

Firefox rose up, leaving Rhenn on her knees at the foot of the bed. He grabbed a tee shirt and slipped it on before moving to intercept Ra'dae'lash. Her scent set cold fingers on his spine, a feeling at complete odds to the warm reassurance of a Kat. She was something darker, something of pain and cruelty. He didn't like her.

"Get out of my house!"

Ra'dae'lash stood before him, locking eyes with him in a test of dominance. A wet, savage growl rose from her throat - like the sound of a hungry beast about to feed.

"Are you Firefox?" she asked again, sniffing him.

"I am," he said. "And you're intruding on my quality time. So take the your Anthill-mob out of here."

"Do you know who we are?"

"Intruders," he said. "Who should be getting the fuck out of here before my temper slips and I forget my manners."

The giant growled and it filled the room. Firefox shuddered at the sound, but in an act that took him by surprise, he turned to the giant and in a hard voice said, "Bad dog!" he snapped. "No growling in the house, or you get no treats!"

The giant snapped with his jaws at the air in front of Firefox's face. "The Flesh-piece thinks to talk to me like I am whelp?" said the giant. "I will peel your skin off of your body and wear it for you. Then I will show your own wet muscles and let you scream for a year before I let you die."

Firefox didn't doubt for a second the giant would or could do that. Part of him blanched at the words and a voice in his head, primal and old, told him to curl up in the face of such a predator. "Wow," said Firefox, pushing back his fear, "A coherent sentence. Never would have figured that. You'll be telling me you can write next."

The giant lunged suddenly but Ra'dae'lash put an arm across his path, stopping him dead. When the giant didn't fall instantly in line with her request, she cut open a wound on his cheek with a swipe of her nails. The giant fell back in line.

Jesus! Thought Firefox.

"Angering him is not wise," Ra'dae'lash said with an amused smirk. "You are brave, but it makes you stupid. Graxx has skinned thousands of people like you and only at his pleasure does he allow them to die. Do you want to share that fate?"

"If your dog was just going to skin me for the sake of it," Firefox said. "then you wouldn't have introduced yourself and you certainly wouldn't have held him back. So, you're here for a reason. And it isn't killing me."

"Killing you isn't the primary reason why I am here, true," admitted Ra'dae'lash, "but unless you tread carefully I will be less inclined to hold him back."

"What do you want?"

Ra'dae'lash looked over to where Rhenn knelt and her face soured. "You consort with a Kat?" she said, her voice filled with disgust.

"I was about to," said Firefox. "Before you and your dogs turned up. You kinda killed the mood."

"Your soft pleasures mean nothing to me."

"Well, that breaks my heart," said Firefox with a raw dryness. "Really. So, if you have business, tell me what it is and I will get back to my consorting, and you can go walk your dog."

Graxx growled and the other four, little more than silhouettes, snickered behind his back.

"You have been warned, Firefox," said Ra'dae'lash.

"Oh, please," he said, allowing a little of his fear to creep into his face. "Like you're not going to kill me anyway. If you think I'm stupid enough to believe you would turn up all armed and then just let me walk away, you've got as much brains as Graxx,"

Ra'dae'lash smiled, turning her attention back to him. "I like your forwardness," she said. "But we are not here for you. You can keep your skin this night. You may even get through it unharmed, if you keep that tongue of yours in check."

"Well, if not me, what do you want?"

Ra'dae'lash turned to look at Rhenn and her face filled with hate. "This," she said and she grabbed Rhenn by the hair and dragged her to her feet.

Anger flared bright and hot in Firefox at sight of that. His fists clenched and his knuckles whitened. He went to step forward.

~No!~ Rhenn's voice filled his mind. ~No. Don't. You must play along. I'm all right, I can take it.~

"Hey," said Firefox, tight lipped. "That one is mine."

"Don't you want to share your toys?"

Firefox smiled, an easy and blood warming smile. "With your dogs? No."

"I promise," said Ra'dae'lash. "I will be gentle...ish."

"If you want to lose the dogs then fine," Firefox said, looking Ra'dae'lash slowly up and down, "You, me and this Kat can play all night long, babe. I would like that a lot. You're quite cute."

"Cute?"

"Mm," said Firefox and drew his tail lightly in front of her face, a teasing swish. "Apart from the blades and the armour, you're a sassy catch."

Ra'dae'lash grinned and though no one else would have noticed it, Firefox saw the tiniest hint of a blush on her face.

"What do you say?" he asked, edging closer and grinning easier. "Care to unleash the beast with me for a little while?"

Ra'dae'lash pushed him back and let go of Rhenn, who staggered, but stayed on her feet. "You can keep your pet," Ra'dae'lash said. "For now. I'm not here to indulge me or you. I am here on business."

Firefox sighed, feigning disappointment, and then walked around the back of Rhenn. He touched her shoulders reassuringly and gave her hands a gentle squeeze, slipping something into them. "So, what is your business?" he asked.

Ra'dae'lash turned to look at Firefox, her face passive. "You know Gedan," she said.

"I do."

"Have you ever been to see her?"

"A couple of times," said Firefox.

"And you can get into her realm?"

"I guess, but why?"

Ra'dae'lash patted Graxx on the shoulder; blood was trickling from the wound she had given him, but neither of them seemed overly perturbed by it. She looked each of the other four, who were still nothing but shadows in front of the portal, and said something in a guttural tongue.

"I want to see her."

"So why come to me?"

"Because you have seen her recently and offer the best chance of surprising her."

Firefox chuckled. "I don't think she will like that particular surprise."

"I was going to use you to get to her without her knowing," said Ra'dae'lash, smiling. "I was going to threaten to torture you unless you gave me what I wanted."

Firefox couldn't help but blanch and Rhenn squeezed on his hands. It was a single moment of consolation, but it was enough to be noticed by Ra'dae'lash and something clicked in her mind.

"But," said Ra'dae'lash, "Since luck appears to be on my side tonight and you are here with one of her Kats, I don't need to do that anymore."

Firefox frowned. "You don't?"

"No," she said. "I can torture her instead. Of course, I'd have to be a bit harder on her than I was going to be with you. She is a sturdy creature and, of course, in light of her loyalty, is much likely to try and betray me. Still, I can torture her for the answer and if it goes wrong, I can just maim you."

Firefox shook his head, trying not to pale at her words. "No," he said. "You won't."

"You can't stop me."

~Don't worry about me~

Firefox's mind raced - Ra'dae'lash knew something was going on. She knew and was planning something terrible as a response. He had to think fast - had to do something to stop Rhenn getting hurt.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Firefox said slowly, standing between Ra'dae'lash and Rhenn.

"And why is that?" asked Ra'dae'lash.

"Do you know what will happen if you hurt one of the Kats?" said Firefox. "Bad news, sweetie, really bad news; and not just for her, but for you and your dog as well."

Ra'dae'lash chuckled. "We've been battling the Kats for a very long time," she said. "Their fury is not as far reaching as you might think. We've snatched Kats before."

"But you're talking about seriously harming her," said Firefox. "That changes things. And actually, I wasn't talking about his anger."

Ra'dae'lash inclined her head. "Oh, what were you talking about?" she asked.

Firefox moved back, so Rhenn was pressing against him; warm and reassuring. "You torture her, fine," he said, hiding the anger and disgust he felt at the idea. "And she tells you how to get in. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that you believe her and that she survives your questions. You get into their Realm and go looking for Gedan. But when you get there, what do you think is going to happen? You think you're going to be able to just walk around with her blood on your hands? They'll come after you, hard and fast."

"We're strong," said Ra'dae'lash. "We can fight."

"Not that strong," said Firefox. "Not strong enough for those odds. Stuck in their realm? With all of them after your blood? Not even your little pet over there will be able to hold his own. And your little...plan will be for nothing." Firefox's thoughts latched onto something. "Heck, you might even get hurt - and I would actually hate to see that. It would be a waste."

Ra'dae'lash chuckled, but it was clear to Firefox that his words were having an effect. "You think I should ask her and just trust this Kat to not betray me?" she asked.

"Oh no," said Firefox. "Absolutely not."

Rhenn froze at his back. ~What are you doing?~

"Why?" asked Ra'dae'lash, frowning.

Firefox laughed. "You really think it is a coincidence that I just happened to be with a Kat on the moment you come to interrogate me about the Mother of all Kats? Come on. Use your brain, sweetie."

Graxx and the other Ty'grah exchanged puzzled looks.

"What are you saying?" said Ra'dae'lash.

Rhenn nudged him pointedly, but Firefox ignored it and pushed her back so she fell onto the bed. "I'm saying," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "That you're walking into a trap right now and unless you want to lose yourself and your pack, you had better listen to what I have to say."

Rhenn hissed savagely, leaping back to her feet. "What are you doing?!" she yelled.
"Are you stupid? You can't trust them!"

"I'm no one's bait!" snapped Firefox. "You think I was just going to let Gedan and you dangle me like a piece of meat for these animals? Fuck you and fuck this plan!"

Ra'dae'lash frowned. "Your change of heart is suspicious," she said, reaching for her blades. "Explain yourself quickly."

"I don't want you to hurt Rhenn," said Firefox, "She's cute and hot. I think she has something for me--"

Again Rhenn hissed. "Like I'd ever touch you now!"

"Oh please, of course you would!"

Rhenn seemed to consider it seriously, then shrugged helplessly. "True enough, but I wouldn't like it as much."

"I don't want her hurt," Firefox said, pointing a finger at Ra'dae'lash. "I will help you get in, just so long as Rhenn doesn't hurt and I don't get dead."

"That will depend on what you have to say."

Firefox nodded. "Fair enough," he said. "You can't use Rhenn to get to Gedan. You do know all Kats are connected, right? The moment you get her back there, your little plan will be ruined. You need to leave her here and make sure she doesn't leave - that way she doesn't get a chance to warn Gedan, right?"

Rhenn was glaring at him. He could feel it, even without looking at her, but there was nothing he could do to change that.

"So what do you propose we use instead of her to find Gedan?"

Firefox drew a deep breath. "Simple," he said. "You use me."

Ra'dae'lash ran her hands down the flat of one of her blades. "And what can you do to help?"

Graxx edged forward, moving to the right of Firefox, his eyes locked hungrily on him. The giant's body heaved with every breath and there wasn't a single inch of his muscled frame that didn't want to kill.

"He's going to eat you," chuckled Rhenn. "And not in the good way."

Firefox frowned and pushed Rhenn and the giant away from his mind. "I can get her to open a portal."

"How is that?" Ra'dae'lash asked carefully. "And if you lie to me about this..." She looked over towards Graxx.

"I get it, I get it," said Firefox.

"Oh, you will," Rhenn said darkly.

Firefox frowned but pushed on. "She gave me a portal stone," he said, "which I can use to get in touch with her. She'll never see you coming."

Ra'dae'lash moved forward to stand directly in front of him. Her eyes were hard and questioning. She looked wound tight, waiting for the right moment to spring. Her mood was a hair trigger waiting to be tripped. "And what if you're lying?" she asked.

"Take me with you," he said. "Then you can do whatever you want."

"It will mean your life," growled Graxx. "If you deceive us."

He nodded. "So what do you say?" Firefox asked.

Long moments passed and each was measured by the heavy beats of his heart. The room had fallen silent, as if the weight of what was about to be decided has pushed all sound beyond their hearing.

"Fine," said Ra'dae'lash and Firefox breathed an audible sigh of relief. "We will do as you suggest, Fox." She turned and walked back to whisper softly to Graxx and the other four Ty'grah.

Firefox turned, looking for Rhenn's eyes, but she refused to meet his gaze. It made him shrink a little but he hid it from his face. He turned back with a hard look on his face, telling himself that he must be strong.

"Kurr will stay with the Kat," Ra'dae'lash said, turning back to look at Firefox. "Graxx will watch the fox as he leads us to the realm of the Kats. Once we have Gedan, Kurr will follow us and then the Fox will be returned in one piece - as long as there are no setbacks."

"There won't be."

"Then let us begin."

Firefox turned and walked back into his bedroom. He wanted to say something to Rhenn, but he knew that every step he took was being carefully watched by Ra'dae'lash and her twisted followers. He sighed and walked into the gloom of his bedroom, snatched the Portal Stone from where it lay on his bed side table and went to head out.

"Hurry up," Ra'dae'lash called.

Firefox returned to the where all of the others were gathered. Kurr, a squat and brutish looking fellow, was sitting on the edge of his bed with Rhenn sat on his knee. It made Firefox a little sick to see her sat with such a creature and for a moment he was tempted to say something.

"Trouble, pup?" Kurr asked of Firefox, his voice so thick that his words were barely discernible.

"Well," said Firefox. "Now you come to mention it, ye--"

"Oh no," said Rhenn, cutting him off and turning about on Kurr's knees to put her legs around his waist. "The fox is just jealous, sweetie. He wants time with Rhenn, but he knows it is too late now. He knows he never will have that time now."

"Whatever," Firefox muttered and waved a dismissive hand at the pair of them, who looked sickeningly intimate. "Kurr, if you can put up with her long enough to enjoy her company, then you are welcome to her."

Ra'dae'lash chuckled in amusement. "Your new found animosity amuses me," she said, "But time is short. You must open the portal."

Firefox drew a deep breath, extended both his arms before him with the Portal stone held tight in both hands. He closed his eyes and thought of Gedan, of seeing her and needing to be with her. A moment later, the air before him rippled with power and a circular wall of shimmering light appeared before him.

"Impressive," said Ra'dae'lash.

"A bit too Dungeons and Dragons for me," muttered Firefox. "But, it is what it is."

"It will serve our purpose," said Ra'dae'lash. "Let's go." She motioned for Firefox to lead the way.

Firefox took a deep breath and stepped towards the portal, all manner of niggles and doubts running through his head, but most of all the driving need to get through the next couple of hours without dying. He looked behind him once more to where Rhenn sat astride Kurr. He felt a pang of something sad. She looked over her shoulder at him and met his gaze but it didn't make him feel better. Firefox stepped towards the portal and a moment before he went through it, Rhenn gave him a single nod of her head. Then he was gone

* * *

"At last," Rhenn purred, locking her hands behind Kurr's neck. "I thought they would never leave."

"Thinking of indulging me, Kat?" asked Kurr.

"Oh, yes," she said, her voice raw with need. "I've been aching to do this ever since I saw you and your pack arrive. So much muscle. So much...meat."

Kurr chuckled coarsely. "I'm not much for gentle touches, Kat."

"Good," said Rhenn. "I hate gentle."

Kurr grabbed at her hips with his hand as if he wanted to take her there and then, but Rhenn slid off of his knees before he could get a proper hold. Her giggle was as dirty as the look in her eyes.

"Stand," she said, her words little more than a breathy whisper. "Lose the clothes. I want to see you - all of you. Then I want to taste all I see."

Kurr rose quickly, his blood set on fire by the look in Rhenn's eyes and the promise in her words. She knelt before him, exquisitely subservient and soft looking. He worked with a clumsy grace, loosening the straps that secured his chest armour.

"I hope you handle me better than you handle those straps," she said, pawing impatiently at his trousers.

"Then help out, Kat wench!"

Grinning, Rhenn grabbed him by the hips and spun him around so his back was against the bed and ripped at his belt with her teeth. dragging it through the loops of his pants and letting it fall. Then she turned her hands to buttons and zip Kurr groaned hungrily, clutching at her shoulders as she worked. Raw excitement seized him, all of him, tightening his muscles and bulging the front of his of leathers. Rhenn mewled at sight of it but kept working to loosen his clothes.

"You have....a pleasing fire, Kat-wench!" said Kurr.

"My name is Rhenn," she said, as his leathers fell about his ankles and she saw him in full glory for the first time.

"Why should I care about your name?" he said, casting the last of his garments away. He stood naked for her, his breathing laboured with need.

Kneeling at his feet, Rhenn looked up at him and smiled. A thousand pleasures fired in Kurr's brain; things he wanted to do to her fired before his mind's eye as well as things he wanted her to do to him. They all rushed forth in a tingling swarm. He growled. He liked how she looked so vulnerable, so soft and crushable. He licked his lips and braced himself for her touches.

"My name is important," she said. "Because for you it will be the last name you say for a long time, sweetie."

"And why is that?" he rumbled. "Are you that good?"

"Oh, I'm better than that," she said. "But mainly because of this."

Rhenn slapped his bare calf suddenly, leaving a black mark in the shape of a feather on it - a mark Firefox had slipped into her hand. For a moment nothing happened but then, as her smile started to slide away, a black pool appeared underneath his feet and swallowed him whole. In seconds he was gone.

Rhenn purred happily and rose to her feet. "Stupid monster," she said. Her thoughts went to Firefox. "Come on, babe, you can do it. One down. Five more."

End of part 1

 

[Cryptic71]

Hey.
*poke*


Hey.
*poke*


Hey.
*poke*


Hey.
*poke*

...


You spelled Firefox wrong in the thread title.

Just a heads up.

 

[Featherdemon]

...thanks, bud. Corrected. 🙂

 

[Cryptic71]

...thanks, bud. Corrected. 🙂

It's corrected in the post title.

But It's still misspelled in the thread list.

 

[Featherdemon]

Not sure if I can change that.

 

[dalekfire]

Not sure if I can change that.

I can! *fwah!*

Awesome story man. ^_^ Great tribute to a great fox!

 

[Featherdemon]

Thank you very much, Dalekfire! Very kind of you!! 🙂

If you know how to change it, would you mind sharing? 😀

 

[dalekfire]

You can't, I don't think. 😛 But I can manually edit topic titles from the forum browser screen. Topic-starters may be able to do it as well, but I'm not sure; try double-clicking beside the topic title (not on it, just right next to it, within the thread's box thingie).