FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Maximus stood in the centre of a ravine, leaning on his mace against the wall and sharpening one of his horns with a whetstone. Suddenly, a blast of lightning came from behind and struck him, but the bovine caught the blast with his mace, redirecting it into the ground.

“Come on runts" he roared, “At least try to hit me-"

He was cut off by a blast of water hitting him in the back, but he barely moved an inch from the impact and batted away the stream with his weapon.

“You gave yourself away Quin," he shouted, sending several rocks flying towards the water's origin but another lightning bolt intercepted, blasting them to dust.

Maximus smiled and hefted his weapon onto his shoulder just as Quinten dived down from the sky, a massive stream of water trailing behind his b? staff. Two Ether rings were wrapped around the bird's arm and his eyes were glowing with magic.

Maximus sidestepped the eagle first strike easily, then gestured upwards with his fingers as Quinten's staff struck the earth. The ground lurched forwards, ensnaring the staff and then its wielder in quickly hardening rock.

Barry then came charging in, his own Ether rings pulse on his wrists, and jabbed both tonfas into Maximus's back, sending a powerful blast threw his weapons but when the dust settled the Minotaur remained unmoved.

He almost lazily tried to back hand Barry but the panther ignited his aura and use his enhanced strength to block the blow, earning a surprised look from Maximus. Taking advantage of their mentor's confusion, Quinten broke an arm free of the spell and made a chain of water to bind the large bovine's other arm.

Maximus's eyes glowed as his crossed his arms in front of him, pulling along Barry and Quinten, smashing his two students into one another.

“I was gone for two months and this is what you two have been working on?" asked the bull incredulously, “I'm still see the same weaknesses from the both of you. Barry, you rely too much on your offensive attacks. Your aura control is way better but you need to work on conserving your power, the attack just now used way too much magic."

He turned to Quinten, who was rubbing his left arm, “Quin, your magic is impressive but you have next to no physical prowess in a battle. The Fallen One beat you because you rely too much on your magic so when it's gone, your practically defenceless," Maximus gave a sigh and dispelled his weapon, “We'll end it here. I have to meet up with the others. I want you both to work on what I've told you today before we meet up again."

With that, he disappeared, severing the Link and returning Barry and Quinten to the real world, albeit in different locations. Barry opened his eyes stretched his arms before leaving the GSA's meditation chambers. Due to Quinten's recovery and Maximus's being too busy to visit them in person, they had been having their training sessions in the Link, however doing so while Drake was housebound from his fight with Boar was not easy so Barry had to travel to the GSA if he wanted to get any training done at all. Although, given recent events, the academy had been abuzz with Boar's attack with Drake, the former having used his talisman to broadcast the battle right up until Drake had escaped.

Barry joined the crowd of hungry Guardians on their way to the lunch hall, chatting about their days or discussing recent events. As Barry walked over to his friends' table with his food he heard conversations about how scary Drake was and theories about what kind of creature he was. Barry plopped down onto his seat and dug in, barely listening to his friends, David and Sebastian, as they talked excessively about what Drake was.

“He's got to be some kind of Shadowmancer," said David, a light-brown pegasus who used air magic, “Why else would he attack one of us without provocation?"

“Look at the facts mate," said Sebastian, a large jade coloured crocodile who was an earth mage, “The bloke clearly was acting in self-defence. We all know that Boar is a real prat and only cares about inflating his own ego."

“Careful what you say about the Zodiac," whispered David, “you never know who's listening and we both saw the footage. That lizard is a-"

“Let's not talk about this now," interjected Barry, his voice low, “Look who's coming."

They turn round to see a tall snow leopard walking by, flanked by two large white tigers. The snow leopard's name was Justin, he and Barry got on like oil and water, the former never letting a chance to criticise the panther go by. As Justin walked pass their table he made a quick gesture with one of his hands. Barry's water froze and their food was suddenly covered in frost.

David stood up to challenged him but Sebastian grabbed the equine's arm and shook his scaly head. Justin and his friends were a powerful combination, the leopard himself didn't require any Anchors to bind him to the human realm and nobody knew why. Because of this Justin was given the same rank as Barry and Quinten, a third-tier Guardian 1st class, and he always thought it prudent to degrade and annoy the panther and his friends whenever it was possible. Another trait they shared was that they were both under the tutelage of two of the toughest members of the Zodiac, Maximus the Bull and Hunter the Boar.

“How is he the same rank as you?" asked David as both he and Sebastian were second-tier Guardians, “He's such a-"

“Prick, prat, son of a farm animal?" suggested Barry, momentarily adopting his twin's persona, “you know why mate. Justin is a natural at his craft and that proved to the higher-ups that he was ready for a promotion."

“Doesn't mean we have like him" said David, superheating the air to defrost their meals but none of them touch the food, save for Sebastian who even ate his friends' lunch.

“I'm suddenly not very hungry," said Barry, “Come on, let's get out of here."

They left for the gym, which was located nearly half a kilometre south of the lunch hall. It was split up into several sections, one of which being the target range where Barry and his mates were heading to blow off some steam. The range wasn't like one's typical black and white bullseye a few metres away. Instead it was made up of several different monster mannequins that had multiple crystals situated at different points on their bodies. This was a way for teachers to show how to defeat a large variety of creatures.

Barry's level of access allowed him to select monsters on a more difficult level than most of the other students but when he went to select a creature he found someone already at the counter.

“Quinten?"

The bald eagle turned and looked at Barry with a vacant look on his face.

“Oh, hello Barry," he said nonchalantly, “How have you been?"

“I'm fine, I thought you'd still be recovering back at Hector's. Are you alright to be practicing here?"

“I'm fine," said Quintin, looking away from Barry, “I just needed some time alone."

“Look, I'm sure that-"

“I said I'm fine!" snapped the eagle, spreading his wings out wide, “I just want to be left alone!"

Quintin then pushed passed Barry and took off into the air. Barry watched him for a moment then turned to the pearl coloured table top that had a small indent where one's talisman would be placed. Barry took off the crystal on his arm and inserted it into the space provided then a computerised female voice said,

Bartholomew, tier-three, Guardian of Light. What is your selection?

Barry splayed out his fingers and several images appeared on the table top in front of him. This was a form of light magic that acted as a computer, something Archie and most other Seekers were familiar with. Barry scrolled through the names until he found the creature he wanted then tapped the image.

Please make your way to room 8 , instructed the computer.

When Barry met up with his friends he asked them about Quintin as they headed for room 8.

“There are some weird rumours going around," said David, “Apparently, he's been missing some classes and he and Hector aren't on the best of terms nowadays."

“That's odd," noted Barry, “Those two never fight. They're more in sync than Sam and I are."

They approached room 8 and prepared for battle. Since Sebastian's scaly hide was so tough, he rarely wore any armour so he was in a pair of baggy black shorts with a large hunting knife holstered on his belt. Since David was a Pegasus his armour always covered part of his wings which were always visible. He wore lightweight steel armour, with room in the back for his wings and a crossbow.

Barry had chosen the hydra as their opponent so they all readied themselves as the wooden replica of the mythic beast rose from the wooden floor. There were several small crystals imbedded into the base of the neck, to complete the exercise they needed to take out all of them and cutting of a head only increased the amount of crystals to destroy.

Sebastian went on one knee and slammed his hands on the ground, creating a deep sand pit to slow the monster's movements. David then shot into the air and whipped his were sent hurtling towards the crystals in the beast's neck. Three targets went down then Sebastian clapped his hands and stone spikes erupted from the tiled floor, skewering four more of the hydra's. Barry watched this all from the back, enjoying watching his friends practice.

He often selected one of the low-level monsters so that they could get in some practice. Neither of them had Anchors of their own so they couldn't leave the academy in their normal forms. There were more Guardian trainees than there were humans at the GSA and thus there were many that only trained, day in and day out. Because of this, mages like Sebastian and David could only exist in the human world in their beast forms until one of the current Anchors were willing to pledge the oath or they grew to be strong enough to exist without one on their own.

“Oi, Bagheera! What are you up to?"

Justin and his henchmen were leaning on the banisters that separated the viewing platforms.

How long have they been standing there? wondered Barry, were they watching us fight?

Because of the distraction, David was knocked backwards by the hydra's tail and crashed into Sebastian. Justin and the gang laughed at the equine and reptile's misfortune. Barry tightened his grip on his tonfa then slammed his fist into the control panel, deactivating the simulation.

“Come on tabby, don't be like that," called Justin from the platform, “I just wanted a word."

“Then find a dictionary," Barry shot back as he and his friends turned to leave but a wall of ice appeared in their way.

“I'm afraid I'm gonna have to insist."

Justin had created an ice slide for him and his cronies to descend to them. With both tigers on either side, the snow leopard now resembled a mob boss with his bodyguards.

“I challenge you to a battle," said Justin.

“What is this, Pokémon?" demanded David, “You can't just demand someone battle you out the blue like that."

“Actually he can," said Elliot, the tiger on Justin's right, “'Any third-tier Guardian, Anchor or Seeker can challenge another team or warrior in the same tier or lower.'"

“As per the rules that govern us," sneered Justin, “So let's go little cub. I'm anxious to see who's the best."

“I decline," said Barry.

“As per the rules-," started Elliot.

“'Any Guardian, Anchor or Seeker that is the senior may decline the right of challenge if declared by the junior ranking warrior,'" recited Sebastian smugly, “You're not the only ones who've read the rules, mate."

“Fine then," sneered Justin, “I'll just have to challenge your lackeys."

Barry spun around so fast that by the time any of them could react the panther already had one paw around Justin's neck, the other was raised and ready to strike, claws extended.

“Don't get cocky now," coughed the grinning snow leopard.

Barry looked down and saw the ice dagger pointed at his chest and jumped back quickly. Justin gave a hack filled laugh then said, “So what do you say little kitty? Ready to settle this?"

Barry's fist glowed and he slammed it into the ice wall, shattering it instantly.

“Let's go," he said then he and the other two walked away.

“We're gonna have to finish this sometime little cat," Justin called after them, “I'll take you out then I'll get that scaly bastard who took out Master Boar."

***

Barry's walk home was long and cold. A snowstorm was approaching and everything was getting covered in frost. Fortunately, due to prior events, Barry barely noticed this. In fact, he had been so preoccupied by Justin's words he nearly walked right past Sam's door.

“Get a hold of yourself", he muttered, “He's just trying to get under my skin."

“What's trying to get under your skin?"

Barry whirled round to see Arthur sitting by the stairwell, his head was cocked to one side like a confuse dog.

“Arthur?! What are you doing here?"

“I was in the neighbourhood," said the lupine, “So, what's this about a skin crawler?"

“What? No! It's just some prick at combat practice. He loves pissing me off and recently he's begun asking for a fight."

“Why don't you fight him?" asked Arthur as he walked towards Barry, “I'm pretty sure you could take him."

“I don't want to stoop to his level. Besides, his master and mine had a similar relationship that only got worse when Maximus agreed to the fight and won. Now Boar won't leave him alone, constantly demanding feats of strength to prove he's better and I don't need tat kind of headache in my life."

For a moment, there was silence while Arthur thought up a response then Drake's voice called from the doorway, “If you two would come inside for a moment, I might have a solution."

Drake stood at the doorway, wrapped in a small scarf and a holiday cat sweater Robin had bought Barry for Christmas. Barry and Arthur walked inside the apartment to find the gas heater was on and there was a pile of blankets laying beside it.

“What's with the get up?" snickered Arthur once they were inside.

“It's not by choice," snapped Drake, “My magic is still recovering from my escape from the Boar, summoning two Astra within mere hours of one another takes its toll. Using it now would only prolong this process and leave me more vulnerable in any near future fights. For now, this is all I have to keep my body warm enough to even function."

For a moment, Barry and Arthur were surprised by this, then they remembered that Drake was still a reptile, ergo cold-blooded. Without his magic the cold weather must have been affecting Drake more than it did the two of them, seeing as they both had fur.

Drake wrapped himself in the blanket and said, “Now then, the Guardian that you speak of is merely trying to get a rise out of you. If you want him to leave you alone, the best thing would be to show that you're not someone to be messed with."

“Thanks for the pep talk but I don't plan on starting a fight with that guy," said Barry, hopping onto the couch, “I'm more concerned that he'll try something to my friends. Since your fight with Boar, he's gotten worse."

“If there's nothing you can do about it then why worry?" said Arthur matter-of-factly, “Doesn't do anyone any good to dwell on negative thoughts."

“Thanks Buddha," muttered Barry, “Why are you here anyway?"

“To drop off some of these for Drake," said Arthur, reaching into his shadow to produce a small sack, “When I saw him yesterday, he asked me to try find these."

The sack contained several pink flowers that seemed awfully familiar to Barry.

“You found Wind Flowers this far up north?"

“Yep, it's easy if you know where to look."

Drake nodded his thanks and took the bag, munching on a few petals as they watched the snow slowly cover London.

***

“I had him!" yelled out the Boar Zodiac, slamming his fist onto the table, “I had that scaly bastard dead to rights!"

The Zodiac had decided to reconvene early, following the aftermath of Boar's fight with Drake.

“And yet you let his slip through your hooves," said Elizabeth in a sardonic tone, “We know, we all watched the footage, along with everyone else, across the world."

“If we're done berating Boar," said Maximus loudly, “Perhaps we could get onto the matter at hand?"

“I don't need your-" started Boar but a look from Elizabeth quickly silenced him.

“This dragon warrior has proven to be more well-versed than we initially suspected," said Rat, “Not only does he seem to know how to use Sigil type magic but Imbuement as well?"

“That in itself is not the issue here," said Capricorn and he waved a hand over the table, creating a project of the fight from the river's perspective, “One of the wards in London caught the fight and there's something you all should listen to."

Drake laid his hands on the earth and began his chant. When the gauntlets appeared on his arms, Elizabeth quickly stood up.

“He can summon Astra?!"

“Are you referring to weapons made from light magic?" asked Scorpio.

“No, she means the literal weapons of the Ancients," confirmed Capricorn, “And here I thought only you could summon them Lady Elizabeth."

“The technique is different," she mused, “But that is definitely an Astra, although I will have to consult my library to learn which Ancient wielded such a weapon."

“So he can summon old weapons," muttered Boar, “still doesn't explain how he bested me."

“Unlike the light weapons some of our Guardians can create, a true Astra represents a fragment of an Ancient's power. The weapon itself can also restore its wielder's strength if summoned during battle," Elizabeth sat back down slowly, “I don't know where he learned this, but a misuse of this kind of power could be potentially devastating in the long run."

“If we are only going to speak of one unruly reptile," said Sagittarius sharply, “Then you can leave me out of it. I have important business here."

“How goes the fight in Africa," asked Alexander.

“Leo and his forces has been a great help to my people, but I'm afraid things may get far worse before they get better."

“And the seal?"

“Remains intact," said Sagittarius solemnly, “But if this continues for another year, we might fall."

Leo sighted heavily and leaned forwards, “The fact is, even if another of you came to help, we'd be spreading ourselves too thin. The seals need to remain protected and worrying about one stray mage in London isn't help us down here."

“And what about your seals, Capricorn, Elizabeth?"

“We are in no danger," said Capricorn.

“I checked it the moment I landed," said Elizabeth, “Nothing seems out of place."

“Didn't the London seal have a breach in November?" asked Jen.

“The seal itself wasn't affected but something else was," said Rat, bringing up a document, “The resulting EMP wave from the Fallen One's arrival released a creature that must have been kept under a separate binding spell. A hamrammr, according to reports and it was dispatched by two 1st Rank Third Tier Anchors and their partners. Hector Smith and his partner Quinten, along with Samantha Jones and her partner, Bartholomew."

As he spoke, a hologram of each mage appeared above the table, along with their rank and elemental affinities.

“Isn't she your niece?" asked Elizabeth, “She shows potential."

“Bartholomew and Quinten are also Taurus's apprentices," reported Rat.

“And are advancing quickly in their training," added Maximus, “We've lost a few months but I'll get them up to scratch in no time."

“That's good," said Leo, leaning back in his chair, “If we could also get Mr Smith onto the roster then they'll make Tier four soon. We could use more hands down here."

“How did they do it?" asked Dragon sternly.

The other Zodiac looked taken aback by their leader's tone but Alexander replied, “They said that they were able to trap it in one form then execute it."

“If it were that easy, then why was it sealed away?" asked Dragon carefully.

“I'm not sure I follow."

“The Gargoyles would've been able to defeat such a target with ease. So why seal it away?"

The table fell silent for a moment then Scorpio said, “I have fought alongside Bartholomew before, if Hector and Quinten were on the same level as him and Ms Jones-"

“It wouldn't matter," said Jen, “I've seen Gargoyles in action. Their ferocity and power in battle were in another league compared to most of our Guardians. They wouldn't have needed to seal this beast away."

“So, if the shapeshifter wasn't what was sealed by the Gargoyles, what do you assume was?"

The Zodiac Leader brought up a picture of Drake, “His arrival coincides with the broken seal. The Fallen One took months to recover from the blast, perhaps so did he."

“Then why help us so many times?" countered Alexander, “If he were a being so strong even the Gargoyles couldn't put him down, then why was Boar able to get him to run away?"

“When I saw him, he didn't seem all that evil," mused Maximus aloud, “He seemed more concerned with destroying the necromancer. Even going so far as to work with Barry and other Guardians when needed. If he wanted to destroy us, he would've left them to die."

There was a long silence after this statement while the Zodiac considered their options. Was it better to snuff out a potential threat or should they wait to seek more answers?

“I'm afraid that this is all the time I can spare," said Sagittarius, standing up along with Leo, “My people need me."

“We'll have Boar go down to you," said Alexander, “I will find substitutes for his duties here in the meantime."

Sagittarius and Leo nodded in response then the two Zodiac's holograms left the room. Dragon and Capricorn followed suit, as did Jen and Libra. Elizabeth stood and looked at the rest of the Zodiac, her expression hard to read.

“London is in your hands gentlemen," she said, “But, should you need my assistance, all you have to do is ask."

With that, she left the room, leaving the rest in silence.

“I'll make arrangements for Africa," said Boar, “I'll try to be gone by tomorrow morning."

“Alright," said Alexander, “Would you mind assisting in covering his duties Scorpio?"

The Zodiac nodded then he and Boar left the scene. Just Alexander was about to leave Rat spoke up.

“If I may offer some advice," said Rat, wiping some dust off his glasses, “Don't keep all your aces too close at hand. We are a council for a reason gentlemen, and we're all on the same side."

With that, Rat walked off to his door, leaving Maximus and Alexander alone in the now dimly lit hall.

“Do you think he knows?" asked Maximus carefully.

“It's Rat, of course he does," replied Alexander, making his way to the door, “But we both know he has no evidence to show the others. Not yet anyway. Thanks again for keeping Arthur out of the report."

“Don't mention it. Although I have to ask you something."

The door led them back to the terrace next to Big Ben and the two Zodiac faced one another, the wind suddenly picking up to cover their words from outsiders.

“What is it?"

“I know you know who this creature is. I'd be a poor friend if I couldn't read you but I trust your judgement. Just do me a favour and keep him off their radar. If he's like Arthur-"

“Believe me when I say he isn't," said Alexander, “Although I can't help but think about what Dragon said. If he was really sealed by the Gargoyles, I want to know why."

Maximus nodded leaned back against the railing, “Who else knows?"

“Besides us? Barry, Sam, Hector, Quinten and Archie, Barry's twin."

“Alright then, let's keep it small. There are plenty at the GSA who'd love a chance to fight someone that strong. Anything else I should know?"

“Yeah, He's over one hundred years old and says he's a gargoyle."

Maximus looked taken aback, “Wait what?"

“Yeah, how about I get you up to speed."