FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

It had taken several hours of surveying the small furred creature, now identified as Yukiomaru Alexander, but the D.E Squad had felt comfortable enough to lift the general alert in Canis Major. Feeling bad that they were keeping this adorable creature locked up, and knowing there wasn't anything else they could with him, they finally opened their home to little creature.

They were trained to handle a situation like this, but no matter how many times they went over it in organized drills, the real situation was virtually walking into the unknown. They followed all the protocol, but still relied heavily on their instinct. This was an anomaly situation that the Evos felt like they should break away from protocol because so far, they knew they could trust this little creature that looked so much like them. They hoped that he could trust them in turn so that everything ended up well for both sides.

The parasitic organism encountered in his blood could be a deadly threat, but sufficient tests had confirmed that the organism refused to infect, or even go near another blood cell from another being. As reckless as the decision of letting the little alien roam inside Canis Major sounded, they trusted that it wouldn't be contagious as Yukiomaru himself confessed.

Besides the knowledge of the parasite in the creature, his appearance was playing a huge role in the Evos decisions. They couldn't even think on keeping this beautiful creature captive any longer. All there was left to do now was to find a way to help him get back home. And until that was figured out, they would share their hospitality with the little creature of radiant white fur.

"You're free to explore our vessel, but I imagine you're very tired," Kalem expressed after the glass quarantine room had been opened. "We have a room prepared for you__"

"He can stay with us," Husky interrupted. The Evo looked at Kalem and the rest of the D.E1 team. "We will all be more comfortable with that. You can trust me."

Yukiomaru remained silent, unsure of what decisions were being made for him. He disliked not having any control over the situation, but he dare not interrupt his hosts.

"I really would not mind," admitted Hasky, seeing the expression on Husky. He had been the one to make all the initial contact, and he seemed to have grown attached to the white furred creature in the short amount of time since they've met.

"Very well," Kalem said. Hasky's family had offered themselves to be Yukiomaru's escort for as long as it would be necessary for him to stay. This would allow for the team to remain vigilant. "We hope you will feel comfortable here with us, Yukiomaru. Hasky and her family will help you settle in while we work on a plan to fix your ship."

"Thank you," muttered Yukiomaru, still wary with Kalem. He knew the Evos wouldn't forget about the infection, even if they were choosing to ignore it now.

The D.E1 Squad finally split up and Husky and his family led Yukiomaru to the tram that would lead them back to their Sector, as risky as it sounded. Yukiomaru followed silently, wary that he was again taken to somewhere new within this giant ship.

It had been a strange day at Canis Major. Many Evos knew about what had happened, but had agreed to keep from interfering by trying to see the white furred alien that looked so familiar. This would prevent Yukiomaru from being overwhelmed or stressed.

"It's okay, Yukiomaru," Husky spoke to the little creature. When Yukiomaru accepted the clothing, he had shown that he was willing to trust the Evos, but as they got further into the colony, he seemed much more alert and defensive. "This tram will take us to our home. You will stay with me and my family until we manage to fix your ship."

Yukiomaru hesitated when he saw the tram station. All around Yukiomaru was the beautiful and cozy Canis Major. Natural light, vegetation and warm colors and textures surrounded them and yet he looked very hesitant.

When the tram itself pulled up in front of them, the transport vehicle's door opened up and awaited them to walk on board. The Evo's stepped forward to board the tram, but they immediately noticed that Yukiomaru stood his ground.

"Where exactly is this transport taking us?" Yukiomaru asked shortly. His tone didn't suggest curiosity; it was almost as if he demanded to know. Yukiomaru tried to control his tone to show himself as respectful and well mannered, but seeing the size of the tram made him cautious of how big this ship really was. And how deep he was being taken into it.

His ship was just outside, and the Evos still haven't said anything on what they'll do to fix the ship. Yukiomaru was exhausted but he didn't want to rest now, he wanted to fix his ship.

"I told you, Yukiomaru," Husky responded softly and patiently. "This transport will take us to my home; where Fx, Hasky and I live at." He was concerned about the little alien's worries, but he understood that he was within reason to still feel defensive.

"I don't know..." Yukiomaru seemed to doubt. "I have to send a distress signal. My friends must be looking for me." Yukiomaru sounded worried, and almost desperate. His eyes were wide but he wasn't looking at anything in particular as his thoughts overwhelmed him, and he took two steps back. The little creature's insecurities were showing, and the Evos sensed it.

Not only were the Evos worried about Yukiomaru's worries, but if he disobeyed them, they'd have no choice but to keep him locked in a solitary room so that he wouldn't put the safety of Canis Major at risk. They looked shocked by Yukiomoaru's hesitation, but also concerned for the little white furred alien.

"Please, Yukiomaru!" Hasky interfered. She was worried about his actions, and pleaded for Yukiomaru to see the Evo's reasoning. "Everything will be okay. There are reasons why we can't... do that just yet."

Her words were not reassuring to Yukiomaru. Being in that situation, he was right to doubt and it only made things worse as his desperation grew. Yukiomaru didn't want to disobey them, but he had to set off the beacon. Jun would be out there looking for him, worried for him and that worried him.

"I'm sorry..." Yukiomaru said, somewhat insecure of his thoughts. "I don't think this is the right thing. I appreciate your help, but I must keep moving." He took another step back and was ready to return back to where they had stored his armor.

"Yukiomaru!" Husky nearly pleaded his name. Out of the three of them, Husky's expression showed more concern than worry. He was concerned about Yukiomaru, and how he would react to the Evos plan that they would have to come up with for Yukiomaru to get home. If Yukiomaru didn't accept it, then it'd only make things worse. "Understand that we cannot take the risk of setting off a beacon on our ship. I trust that your encryption methods must be safe, but that is no guarantee that the signal might not be intercepted by something else."

"Trust me. That won't happen!" Yukiomaru responded, now slightly defensive. They knew what he wanted to do, but they were denying him that.

"And we do trust you!" Hasky interceded. "But you need to trust us as well, and understand that we can't let you set that beacon."

Were they denying him his means of returning to his home?

"Something tells me you are not bad, but I don't see logic in your statement." Yukiomaru responded firmly. He was fighting to hide the fact that he was getting frustrated. Not with the Evos but with the whole situation.

"We've been attacked many times now, Yukiomaru," Hasky hesitantly explained. "One of those attacks was result of us being too trustful of our security. We won't let that happen again." Her tone was now firm as well, but sadness in her eyes was also visible.

Yukiomaru's expression softened while Hasky's words finally broke through his stubbornness and desperation. He stood silently and stared back at the Evos, offering no response as he sensed that something, like personal memories, were affecting these aliens when the female spoke about those attacks. There was only a brief moment of silence.

"All you see here, Yukiomaru..." Husky now continued. His voice much more calm now that the situation was not so tense. "All you see here is what we have left. This is all we have as a species."

These words fell hard on Yukiomaru. They had told him that this ship was all they had of their race, but he didn't 'make the connection that they've been under attack, their entire race has been under attack, until just now when Husky spoke. He was reminded of the events that his own race went through. This realization defused his desperation and his tense attitude, now that he was feeling more empathetic about these aliens' desire to protect themselves.

"Please trust us, Yukiomaru," pleaded Husky. His eyes were sadder than before, but he still managed to let out a faint smile seeing that Yukiomaru was now listening. "We will do everything in our paws to help you return home to Jun. But let us do this our way." He once again extended his paw as a friendly offering of trust. "Please."

Yukiomaru knew then that Husky understood his desire to return to Jun. He desperately wanted to set off the beacon, but he now realized that his urge to rush things along was putting the Evocanis race, as a whole, at risk. He couldn't do that to them. Yukiomaru once again accepted the friendly gesture that twice had been offered to him already.

The Evos expressions lightened immediately with relief. The three Evos led the little white alien to board the tram. They took their seats on the vehicle, and soon were taken to the depths of Canis Major.

"It will take a bit of time before we reach our home," Husky informed the little white alien that sat across from him. Yukiomaru didn't respond, which disappointed Husky but he let him ride in peace.

There were other Evos on board, but they understood that they had to be as calm as possible to avoid overwhelming their visitor. When Yukiomaru glanced at them, they only gave him a friendly smile or waved at him. He tried to appear friendly in return but was still distracted, and he quickly averted his gaze. Regardless of Yukiomaru's solitary attitude, the ride was as silent and peaceful as ever.

Yukiomaru seemed worried and distracted by his thoughts still, but something had caught his attention. The tram often went through crystal clear tunnels, showing the beauty of the gigantic ship. The Evos were sure that Yukiomaru might've been used to such technology like any species capable of space travel, but they understood why Canis Major could be such an impressive sight.

"How... long did it take you to build all this?" Yukiomaru couldn't help to ask. He was sitting next to a window, with Hasky next to him; Husky and Fx were in front of him.

"It's... complicated." Husky responded. He was also next to the window enjoying a view that he was so used to, yet that it always amazed him.

The white furred drove his stare toward him, as if curious to know more.

"We didn't build this ship," Husky responded when he noticed the inquisitive golden eyes staring at his. "It's a long story..."

"This is something that not many races can afford to build under normal circumstances, Yukiomaru theorized. "There had to be a strong reason for this ship being made." He couldn't think of why the Evos would be so hesitant about this knowledge.

"And that is something we don't know, unfortunately." Husky replied. Deep inside, like many Evo's, he always questioned his origins and the origins of Canis Major.

"Wait... since when have you all been living in this ship?" Yukiomaru asked.

"Five hundred years; standard astronomical time." Husky didn't wait to respond.

The small furred creature didn't respond immediately. Instead he was confused on why this strange race of furred aliens would take a huge risk to live out in space.

"It doesn't make much sense..." Yukiomaru thought out loud. "You are telling me that you actually live here permanently? Why did you decide to leave your home planet?"

"We've never been... outside this ship we call Canis Major; our home." Husky confessed.

There wasn't any response again. For Yukiomaru this was something that made very little sense. Five hundred years in that massive ship, yet they haven't been anywhere else before? How else could they have evolved? There are no races that evolve on an artificial creation such as a ship.

"I promise we will reveal much more about us when the time comes, Yukiomaru," Husky continued before Yukiomaru could continue theorizing. "All you need to know is that for now you're welcome here and that we will help you get back to your home."

The Evos refused to say anymore. A slight frown could be seen in the small creature as he turned and looked again at the window. The response that the Evo gave him didn't clear even half of his doubts, but he couldn't blame them for being defensive and their answers would have to suffice for now.

Lush views passed in great numbers as each time the tram went by transparent walls. Yukiomaru seemed to have lost himself in his thoughts, looking out the window. He remained silent and ignorant to the passing of time. Who knew what went through his mind, but Husky and his family could notice his golden eyes being glossier than usual, suggesting that the creature might've been fighting with strong emotions.

Husky didn't know if Yukiomaru would open himself to the Evos. He, and his family, could see the pain the white alien was in and they wanted nothing more than to comfort him.

They remained silent, trying not to stare at or bother Yukiomaru as he was lost in deep thought. Several views of Canis Major would come into view, providing a peaceful ride for its duration. The ship's size was massive, which was emphasized by how long it took for such a fast moving vehicle to reach its destination. The tram finally started to slow down as it closed in on its destination.

Yukiomaru didn't even seem to notice that the tram had stopped, until a soft hiss from the doors was audible. The Evos stood up that moment which Yukiomaru's ears immediately sprung up to the direction of the sound and saw Husky once again extending his paw at him.

"Welcome to Sector H2; my home." Husky said with a friendly smile on his face. "Let's go. We'll take you home."

Yukiomaru let out a sigh. Yukiomaru was tired, but Husky didn't know if it was just physical exhaustion, mental exhaustion, or impatience that prompted the sigh. He ignored it as Yukiomaru took his paw and followed the Evocanis family.

They walked silently together down deeper into the Sector until finally they reached the entrance to some of the Zone complexes. All that Yukiomaru could see was a huge corridor, with a very high ceiling. It was big enough to fit a reasonably sized ship in that space. All along the corridor there were heavy looking blast doors that the little furred creature inspected closely. Every now and then a small green area with a couple of trees and bushes could be seen. It was a strange but very lovely fusion of technology with nature; the artificial with the organic. This was something Yukiomaru was used to, but to see it outside his world was a new experience.

"How many of you live here?" Yukiomaru asked curiously. A strange Evo walked by and smiled at the little white furred alien, and Yukiomaru's curiosity had placed him a better mood for him to return the friendly gesture at the passing Evo.

"We are close to one million," Hasky now replied, being more knowledgeable about technical details of their ship. "Canis Major has a maximum capacity for five million inhabitants, so you won't see many of us."

"So, is that your entire population?" Yukiomaru dared to ask.

"I am afraid so..."

There was no response by Yukiomaru. He just seemed as if thinking a lot and examining his surroundings discretely. He was still confused by the whole subject of this strange alien race.

"Well, this is it." The vulpine Evo now spoke. He wasn't of many words, but he seemed excited that they finally made it to their Zone complex.

"This is where we live, Yukiomaru. Please come in with us." Husky said.

Yukiomaru stared up at the large blast doors, to see that it wasn't much different than the others they had passed.

One of these heavy looking blast doors opened when the Evos got close. At the other side, an unexpected view made itself visible for the small alien; a large green area with many plants, trees, a small hill and a wonderful artificial sky reflecting itself over a small creek. Surrounding this beautiful green area were smaller doors with numbers on them. Walking into the large sector, Yukiomaru could smell the natural vegetation. It was very clean, but it certainly was not synthetic.

Following the Evo's toward the small hill, Yukiomaru looked around at the sky. It was simulated but it was incredibly realistic. The light was also fueling the vegetation to grow much the same way a natural star would on a habitable planet.

Waling over the hill, the Evos approached a small door that read 112. Before they could gain entrance, two Evocanis walked out into the sector and approached them.

They bared a very strong resemblance to the each other. Both had silky smooth fur and long floppy ears. The dark chestnut one was larger than the other that had a very light cream colored fur. They both smiled and welcomed them in. It was Rika and Luke; the Zone Managers in that area.

"You finally made it," Rika said. Yukiomaru stared at them shyly as they approached the other tall Evocanis aliens.

"It was a long trip, Rika, but here we are at last." Hasky responded, wagging her tail at her friend.

"I can't believe what I'm seeing..." Luke said in awe, staring directly at Yukiomaru.

He knelt down to take a good look at Yukiomaru. The white furred alien instinctively took one step back but didn't move away from the chestnut furred alien.

Luke had been informed about the situation already and they knew everything about this white alien that stared back at Luke. The Zone Managers had even received images of when Yukiomaru was in the quarantine room. But being in front of a creature that bared such an intriguing resemblance to their race was something that they never thought they would see.

"My name is Luke." The chestnut Evo presented himself. "This is my sister, Rika. We welcome you to our home, Yukiomaru Alexander."

Yukiomaru's eye twitched almost unnoticeably when he heard his name. Luke noticed this. He wondered if these strangers knew him already, how many others had been informed on his presence. How much were they watching him too? Yukiomaru would admit that he felt uneasy about that; he didn't want his presence to cause a disturbance to the million habitants of the ship.

"We are directly related to Canis Major's defense team; the D.E1 Squad," Luke explained. "We are already knowledgeable of what happened. I just wish to tell you that you are welcome here, and that we will start working tomorrow on helping you out."

"Thank you..." Could be heard from Yukiomaru. He wasn't sure what to think about these aliens' promises to help him out. If they were going to fix his ship, he'd want to be there to ensure they don't destroy his only chance of going home.

"As for now, it is late and I'm sure you've had a very difficult day so we won't be holding you back anymore asking you questions and such," Luke said. "Hasky, Husky and Fx will welcome you into their room, but everyone here will be at your service for whatever you might need."

"Please, come in." Rika now also welcomed the small furred creature.

They soon walked into the Zone as the door closed behind them. Rika and Luke were obviously fascinated by Yukiomaru, but tried to remain as neutral as possible.

They could notice how the little furred creature examined his surrounding as they went through the peaceful and cozy living areas of the zone until they reached the inner corridors were the rooms were at. Yukiomaru was surprised to find that the corridor looked nothing like a ship, and it was more made as if it were a regular hallway at any residential property.

"It is very silent here... and comfortable," Yukiomaru said as they stood in front of the door that led to Husky's family room. His little paw toes seemed to be squeezing the fluffy carpet beneath them. It was obvious that Yukiomaru was doing a huge effort to feel at ease, but there was something in his eyes that still made him seem uneasy. Although the sector was very comfortable, Yukiomaru felt like a stranger among the Evos.

"Come in. You'll love our room!" Husky whispered excited, wagging his tail while he pressed a button that opened the door. They didn't want to disturb the rest since the night cycle had already set in.

"We'll leave you four to rest for tonight," Rika said. "Tomorrow there will be much work to do regarding our visitor's situation. Please feel at home, Yukiomaru." Rika slightly bowed at the small creature and caressed him in the shoulder.

Yukiomaru wasn't used to the soft touch but he found it comforting. He wouldn't dare admit that though. Luke also disembarked with a similar friendly gesture while he and his sister retired to their own room. With nothing else to do in the corridor, the Evos walked through the door to their room. Yukiomaru was hesitant and followed them cautiously into the room. Yukiomaru was the last to pass through the door, and it slid closed behind him in silence.

While three Evos got comfortable in this fairly large but cozy room, Yuki still stood by the door, examining his surroundings. The room was more of a suite, with a kitchen off to one side, a relaxing recreation area across from the entrance and what Yukiomaru assumed would be the sleeping and bathing quarters.

"Fx, can you help me make something to eat before we go to bed?" Hasky said to the vulpine Evo. "You can show Yukiomaru around, Husky." She turned toward Husky, before she looked down and smiled at Yukiomaru. "And Yukiomaru, please feel like home. Anything you need, just let us know."

The small furred alien just nodded at her as he watched her walk to the far left side of the room where the kitchen was.

"Come here. I'll show you around." Husky said with a huge smile on his face. There wasn't much to see, but he would make sure Yukiomaru felt comfortable there.

Yukiomaru was less enthusiastic but when he was practically yanked by Husky, he had no choice but to be taken on a tour to get familiarized with the room. It was obvious that the room wasn't huge by any means, but it had all the necessary space to move around freely. Husky was quite excited to show Yukiomaru the different features of the room regardless.

"This is our personal control center," Husky explained as he threw himself in a squishy huge brown couch. He made a gesture at a glass panel in the wall and this immediately turned on and showed a menu with a wide variety of content. "In this screen we can check the status on Canis Major, the Sectors and anything going on inside or outside the ship. This is partially why most of our brothers already know about what happened in the quarantine sector. It's almost always on, but we had it off since we weren't here."

"It's pretty much like an access panel to anything we need," Husky kept on explaining, as he made paw gestures, which the screen seemed to follow by moving between screens and sub-menus. "We can also control everything in our room from this screen like temperature - which is almost always fixed at certain parameters-, lighting systems, energy saving, door locks; you name it."

Yukiomaru found that the controls were similar to how many of his computers back home worked. It was fascinating to see that this Evo was familiar with such similar controls.

"We also have a massive collection of educational data bases that we can watch here," Husky continued. "Everything from engineering, science, nature, space; you name it, it's here."

Yukiomaru just stood almost frozen next to him. The little furred alien kept close attention to what showed on the screen and how Husky controlled it. He didn't doubt that he could control the console if he gave it a try. Maybe this will be a way to watch the progress on his ship repairs.

"It also serves as entertainment. We have some flight simulators installed here. Also some strategy puzzles and games that keep our brain well toned." Husky said as he kept going through all the menus.

Yukiomaru didn't say a word, but he seemed interested in some of the simulators that Husky scrolled through on the screen. Some curious nature in this white furred alien was showing.

"Here, follow me," Husky said and suddenly stood up and walked deeper into the room. Yukiomaru wasn't able to keep up with Husky's enthusiasm, as he was still watching the screen and took a moment to pull himself away from it. He followed slowly and in complete silence.

A small door was opened by Husky at the end of the room, after the small living room. It was a dark small room, but was soon lit after Husky slid his paw gently in a panel on the wall.

"This is where we keep our clothes and some useful supplies for our daily living." Husky, explained as Yukiomaru slowly walked inside, always looking around. The closet was a very small square room, but enough to walk around.

Yukiomaru recognized the closet and apparel storage. He wondered if his armor would be placed in here once they were done disinfecting it, and probably mapping a blueprint of it.

"If I'm not mistaken," Husky muttered as he dug around some Px outfits. "Oh yes; here it is." Husky then took a small outfit, the same size as the one Yukiomaru wore at that moment. It had different colors though. "I requested for a couple more outfits for you. I'm glad my friends brought them."

"Thank you," Yukiomaru responded with an almost mute tone. "But you don't have to."

"It's okay, Yukiomaru," Husky said with a big smile. "We want you to feel as comfortable as you can while you are here. I'll leave them next to mine so you know where to look for them if you want to wear different colors tomorrow."

"I--" Yukiomaru tried to speak but was soon interrupted by Husky.

"Over here; I need to show you something," Husky said enthusiastically, but almost whispering due to the thick silence of that place.

Yukiomaru shut his maw, and followed silently. He folded his arms across his chest. Not because he was cold or irritated, but because he was starting to be overwhelmed. He's never really had a home before, even though Jun tried to give him one just before he left. Jun had toured Yukiomaru around like this, except Yukiomaru was more enthusiastic then. This tour was starting to remind him of his best friend again.

Husky opened another door inside the closet room and walked in. Yukiomaru just stood at the middle of the closet room.

"It's okay Yukiomaru, this is an important part of the tour," Husky insisted. Yukiomaru finally walked into the next room with Husky. With an innocent chuckle, Husky continued to explain. "This is our bathroom. It's small, but it has all the necessities." Husky responded smiling. "You can brush your teeth in this small sink. Which reminds me..."

Husky opened a small compartment and took a toothbrush from their supply cabinet. "Here; so you can keep those lovely pearly whites of yours shining," Husky said, again with a huge smile while he presented a toothbrush to Yukiomaru.

"You're... too kind," Yukiomaru responded as he accepted the gift of such useful item. He realized that Husky really was really trying hard to make him feel comfortable, but Yukiomaru was having difficulties accepting all of this.

"So," Husky continued. "Here's our tub. This is a very important thing to us since we can relax here while we contemplate the stars and enjoy each other's company. If you feel like it, you can use it. We've thrown a lot of chemicals at you today and I imagine you want your fur soft again."

"I don't know if..." Yukiomaru again appeared a bit insecure. "I..."

"Yukiomaru. While you are here, we want you to feel at home. Those chemicals staying in your fur will not be pleasant to sleep in. Before we go to bed, it would be good if you wash off those chemicals from your fur."

Yukiomaru swung his gorgeous tail and grabbed it with his paws. Running a paw through the fur, he noticed that not only did his fur feel rough, but that it also had a very strong smell of some sort of disinfectant substance. "Very well," Yukiomaru hesitantly accepted. He let his tail fall back to the ground.

"But first, we will give you something to eat," Husky said while he walked outside. "You must be hungry and you need to recover from that crash."

"Excuse me," Yukiomaru hesitated to say before he added: "Husky..."

Yukiomaru has been under the careful eye of the Evocanis for hours, and even though he hasn't eaten or drank anything for a while, an urge had been building.

"Yes, Yukiomaru?" questioned Husky, stopping in his tracks. Hearing the little creature calling his name felt strangely pleasing; as if trust was finally growing between them. "What do you need, my little friend?"

"What if..." Yukiomaru tried to speak, but didn't seem to find the right words. He noticed Husky's surprise reaction, but tried to ask a valuable question. "Well... if I need to..."

"Oh! I'm sorry," Husky responded quickly understanding what the little creature needed to ask. "I forgot about that. I know what you mean. You go over there."

He pointed at an open doorway that led into where the Evos could relieve themselves.

"I thought that might have been it," Yukiomaru shyly said. He lost his almost emotionless demeanor and he was now obviously very shy. "It's different... than what I'm used to."

"It's fine, Yukiomaru," Husky replied, trying to make Yukiomaru as comfortable as possible. "I forgot, I need to show you how you use this for when you have the need. I'll tell you how."

"Thank you," Little Yukiomaru responded; his ears splayed back."

After a brief explanation, Yukiomaru asked for a moment. Husky went outside and waited until Yukiomaru rejoined him.

Yukiomaru now felt more comfortable, and rejoined Husky for the finishing of the tour. Husky rushed outside with Yukiomaru to show him the rest of the room.

With some of his discomforts solved, Husky noticed Yukiomaru's less tense appearance. It could be that the Evos trusted him by sharing their more private life, or that he was growing tired and his mind was losing focus. Whatever it was, he now didn't look so tense.

"Here, Yukiomaru. Take a look." Husky said as he walked behind a half wall. At the other side the floor seemed different. It was a big area on the floor that felt very soft when Yukiomaru placed his paw on it.

"This is the sleeping panel," Husky proudly showed off the comfy sleeping panel. "This is where we will be resting for tonight. I'll take out some extra pillows and some sheets for you."

"The view..." Yukiomaru said, quickly distracted from the large sleeping area. He noticed the wall adjacent to the sleeping panel was a simulated window that covered almost the entire wall across the room. "It is beautiful." Yukiomaru placed a hand-paw in the window as he saw the beautiful veil of stars.

"It's... simulated." Husky confessed. "It helps ease the feeling of enclosure."

"I imagined."

"It can be changed, or it cycles by itself through night time and day time. You will see how it does that tomorrow."

Yukiomaru stared out at the stars, seeing no space anomaly that he might have flown through. The constellations were completely unrecognizable to him, so he didn't know if one of those stars were of the Hulu system. It made him miss home, but the sheer beauty of the stars was almost enough for him to enjoy the moment.

"Let's go eat," Husky suggested. Yukiomaru nodded and complied, taking his gaze away from the view of the stars. He was led back toward the kitchen area with Husky, where they sat at the breakfast bar. Fx and Hasky were still preparing a small meal for them to eat before bed.

"Do you need something, Yukiomaru?" Fx asked at the other side of the breakfast bar.

Yukiomaru stared at the strangely colored Evo for a moment before he finally responded.

"I would," he admitted. Yukiomaru was a little hesitant to ask with fresh memories of his previous requests being denied.

"Yes? You can ask for anything." Fx reassured with a smile.

"I am a bit thirsty," Yukiomaru said before he politely asked: "May I have some water?"

"Of course you can, my little furred friend," the friendly orange Evo replied. Immediately he filled a small strange container with fresh water and passed it over to Yukiomaru.

With his throat dry, Yukiomaru didn't hesitate to reach for the water. It was the first time the little furred creature accepted something so quickly and without hesitation. It didn't even take him more than a second to figure out how to sip out of the small container and drank all the water.

"You want more?" Fx asked, resisting from giggling at how quickly Yukiomaru drank .

"Yes please," Yukiomaru immediately answered. He didn't hesitate when responding this time. Yukiomaru held out the container for Fx to take and refill.

Fx didn't hesitate to refill it again and present it back to the white furred alien. "Here you go my little furred alien friend."

"Why didn't you tell us you were thirsty, Yukiomaru?" Husky asked worried. He realized that it might've been a while since Yukiomaru had something to drink or eat.

"I am sorry, I didn't want to bother you," little Yukiomaru responded while his pink tongue licked the water around his muzzle. "And I am a... Canideran, by the way. That's the name of my race." Yukiomaru was exhausted and it was starting to affect his better judgment but he also felt comfortable with the Evos.

The Evos were pleased that Yukiomaru was opening a bit more now and gave out the name of his race. This also confirmed that he was not related to them, but also rose many more doubts of how such a similar creature exist.

"We are Evocanis Genesis," Husky confessed. "Although we prefer not to use the latter; but just Evocanis. We discovered the full name of our species just a few months back, but we are not very... pleased about its origins. You can refer to us as Evos for short.

A slight frown on Yukiomaru confirmed for Husky that the little Canideran might've not expected that they were in fact not related at all. Yukiomaru also didn't want to question about why the Evos were not forthcoming about their origins, because they obviously were avoiding talking about it for some reasons.

Within the next minutes, Yukiomaru started showing himself a bit more open to the Evos. Not opening conversation himself, but being more open when answering questions.

"So why were you out in the middle of nowhere by yourself, Yukiomaru the Canideran?" Fx asked, smiling at Yukiomaru who had just sated his thirst.

"I was... clearing my mind," answered Yukiomaru, his expression falling again.

"What do you like to do Yukiomaru?" Hasky asked, quickly trying to change the subject to one more lighter.

"I like the snow," Yukiomaru answered comfortably enough but his expression didn't lighten up. "I once spent a few days in a cabin on a tall mountain with... friends. It was the best time of my life."

"What is snow?" Fx asked, his expression confused.

Yukiomaru didn't know how to answer that but soon enough the growing fragrant aroma of something baking filled the kitchen area. Husky could notice Yukiomaru's nose sniffing the air, examining what that lovely smell could be.

It didn't take long until Fx helped Hasky pull out a pan of steaming chocolate chip cookies from their oven and placed them right in front of Yukiomaru and Husky.

Yukiomaru's eyes never lost contact from the cookies, and Husky noticed this. The delicious scent teased the Canideran, making his muzzle salivate.

"Are you hungry Yukiomaru?" Husky asked, with a smile while he watched Yukiomaru's reaction to the cookies.

"Yes, a little bit." Yukiomaru admitted, although he immediately sat straight and tried not to make evident his craving for those lovely cookies. But it was too late.

"They are hot," Hasky now said. "Let's just wait a couple of minutes until they are cool enough so they don't crumble into pieces when we grab them. Here, Yukiomaru. I don't know if you drink this, but it goes well with cookies. It will also make you feel full and it's somewhat relaxing." She then gave Yukiomaru a clean container and filled it with warm milk.

"Is this... milk?" Yukiomaru asked.

"It is, Yukiomaru," Hasky replied.

"Where do you get it from?" Yukiomaru again asked. And a very valid question.

"It's synthetic. But don't worry; it's just like the real thing. And we also made sure that it won't be hard on your tummy."

"That's good to know," Yukiomaru said, as he took a tiny sip of Canis Major milk. "I'm surprised. You seem to have it all figured out here."

"Living in space is not an easy thing," Hasky admitted. "But we've grown used to it."

Some time passed, and the cookies were now cool enough for the touch. They were still warm and moist and the chocolate chips were still molten on the inside.

"Here, Yukiomaru. Have a cookie." Hasky said as she served a cookie in a little plate and gave it to Yukiomaru. "I noticed you haven't taken your sight from these. You'll love them."

Yukiomaru didn't hesitate too much this time. His muzzle was still salivating heavily when he finally gave the cookie a huge bite. Hasky, Husky and Fx noticed how Yukiomaru's golden eyes opened in awe as he happily chewed on the chunky cookie.

"Thank you... this is delicious!" Yukiomaru said, still with his mouth full of cookie crumbs. He quickly devoured the cookie, but it didn't satisfy his hunger. However, the Evos were glad to give him more.

"They're our favorite," informed Husky. He chewed on a cookie of his own, and drank from his own glass of warm milk.

"I can see why," Yukiomaru said, taking his third cookie greedily. "They're great. I never had anything like these when I was training, or when I was on my ship."

Yukiomaru was opening himself up more a bit. Either because he was tired and letting down his guard without knowing he was doing it, or that he really did trust the Evos more that they wouldn't do him or his friends and race any harm.

"You command a ship like Kalem?" Husky questioned.

"Yes," Yukiomaru answered, still gnawing on the third cookie. "Actually, I command four ships but I have given leadership of those ships over to our Lead General."

"Four ships?" Fx repeated.

"Yeah, we have a large fleet to defend our planet," answered Yukiomaru. "We've had our own events threaten our existence recently so a lot of resources went into rebuilding our fleets to protect us and our new allies."

"You don't have cookies like this where you're from?" Husky asked. Yukiomaru noticed that he was trying to keep them away from a serious conversation.

While they continued to idly chat about the foods and drinks that they like, the Evos and the Canideran enjoyed the cookies and milk. Yukiomaru was finally opening himself more and this made the Evos feel at ease.

After they finished the whole pan of cookies and their glasses of warm milk, Husky stood up from the bar and stretched.

"Come Yukiomaru, lets get you washed and ready for bed," Husky mentioned. Yukiomaru was now feeling heavily sleepily, either because of the dozy affects of the warm milk or that Yukiomaru was exhausted and had no more discomforts gnawing at him.

"Very well," Yukiomaru tiredly agreed and hopped off the stool as well to follow Husky.

"We'll clean up," Hasky volunteered.

"Thank you for the delicious cookies," Yukiomaru said with a groggy tone of voice. He followed Husky lazily to the tub.

Back in the bathroom, Husky knelt down next to the tub and turned a nozzle. With a quick rinse, he removed the excess fur. No matter how many times they clean the tub, fur still manages to appear out of nowhere in it. The tub quickly started to fill with warm water.

"You can set the outfit over there," Husky said as he pointed at a nearby seat.

Yukiomaru glanced back through the room at where Hasky and Fx were still cleaning up after their short snack. Husky waited patiently nearby, so Yukiomaru started to undress.

Only wearing his fur now, Husky gestured for Yukiomaru to enter the bath. The white furred alien obliged and climbed into the pool, slowly sinking himself beneath the warm water surface.

"Here, use this," Husky said holding a black bottle out for Yukiomaru. "It smells much better than the disinfectant soap, and makes your fur very soft."

"D.E1 Puppy Shampoo," was written across the bottle. Yukiomaru accepted the bottle, opened it and squeezed a small drop on to his paw.

"Take your time," Husky said. "When you're finished, you can dry off by using this fur dryer over here." Husky pointed at another hose with a nozzle like a showerhead attached to the nearby wall.

"Thank you, Husky," Yukiomaru said quietly, rubbing the drop of shampoo into his fur. It was surprisingly potent as the small drop covered a large portion of his dense fur.

Husky left the room and allowed Yukiomaru to bathe. Yukiomaru stood out of the water to cover his entire body in the shampoo, which he felt immediately softened his fur. After a good long while, Yukiomaru stepped out of the tub and drained it. He started to dry his fur with the loud fur drier.

Yukiomaru held his tail in one paw while he dried it with fur drier held in the other paw when the Evos entered the room.

"We'll take a quick bath then we'll all go to bed," Hasky said as she and the other two Evos started to remove their outfits as well.

Yukiomaru was a bit embarrassed when Husky removed a large amount of white fur from the tub.

Husky, Hasky and Fx all climbed into the tub together once it was filled with fresh water and they started to help wash each other. Yukiomaru noticed how happy they seemed to be doing such a simple activity, and this with him now combing his fur, Yukiomaru was strongly reminded of many nights he had spent with Jun in similar ways.

The emotions came back strong, and Yukiomaru even stopped brushing his fur when he was reminded of Jun. His friend had brushed his fur for so long now, and Yukiomaru loved it. It was hard to realize that he wasn't here this time to brush his fur.

Husky, Fx and Hasky were quickly washing each other's fur, but Yukiomaru felt his heart sink. He didn't wait for them, and walked out of the bathroom toward the sleeping mat area.

"Yukiomaru?" questioned Husky, noticing the white furred creature leave. "What's wrong?"

"I'm... tired," Yukiomaru concealed the truth and he walked out of the room.

Husky was concerned about him. "Poor little Yukiomaru."

"We'll help him return home, Husky," Hasky encouraged him. "He'll have to trust us."

Husky didn't respond and only hurried to finish washing himself, before the Evos stepped out of the tub and dried off. They followed Yukiomaru to the sleeping mat, where they found him curled up on the ground already.

With the lights off, the Evo's lied on the mat close to each other. Fx hugged Hasky, and she wrapped her arms around Husky, but Husky stared at Yukiomaru feeling concerned for him. If the white furred alien was sleeping, he wasn't sleeping very well as he kept shifting position, somewhat hugging a pillow.

"I wish he would be comfortable here," Husky whispered quietly.

"You saw him eating, he was comfortable then," Hasky said reassuringly. Fx's breathing had already slowed down as he soon asleep. "Let him rest, we'll make sure he's comfortable tomorrow."

"He really misses home," Husky muttered so quiet that only he heard it. He slowly closed his eyes as sleep started to overtake him. He hoped that Yukiomaru would find comfort with them during the night, rather than be alone.

Before he dozed off completely, Husky heard a slight movement. Opening his eyes, he noticed that Yukiomaru was now sitting up a couple of feet way from them. He sat in front of the window staring at the stars while he caressed his own tail.

By now, Husky would've expected the little Canideran to have gotten close to them and got comfortable. Instead, those golden eyes were again full of sadness, as the little creature continued brushing his tail.

"Yukiomaru?" Husky asked worried. Yukiomaru's ears perked up and he turned and looked at him but didn't say a thing. He didn't look surprised but only wore a saddened expression.

Only the faint light from the simulated stars illuminated them softly. The light bounced on Yukiomaru's pure white fur and his tear-filled yellow eyes.

Husky didn't know what to say. He gently wiggled loose from Hasky's grip since she was spooning him. Thankfully she didn't wake up and instead turned around to snuggle with Fx. Husky now slowly scooted himself closer Yukiomaru.

"Yukiomaru... is it okay if I... hug you?" Husky said. Yukiomaru was still sitting in front of the window, while Husky lied very close next to him. There was no response.

The little Canideran's saddened expression deepened and he turned his gaze away from Husky and back toward the stars. Husky heard how he started sobbing, and noticed how his ears pulled back tightly.

This broke Husky's heart... He didn't wait for an answer and reached out to wrap his arms gently around Yukiomaru's waist. He pulled the little body of the white furred creature to press against him. Husky pressed his face against Yukiomaru's belly, feeling the soft scent of the Canideran that reminded him so much of his own, and curled his body around the small furred creature. Yukiomaru remained motionless, as he felt Husky tenderly wrap his body around him.

Yukiomaru's sobs worsened, and his tears spilled, as he did not resist. He openly cried. "I miss him..." Yukiomaru whispered through his sobs.

Husky squeezed the fox tightly, nuzzling his face into Yukiomaru's soft tummy. His ear was just below Yukiomaru's sternum, close enough that he could hear how Yukiomaru's heart beat rapidly and uneven, wracked by his sobs.

Yukiomaru only continued to cry when Husky hugged him, which broke the Evo's heart more. He loosened his grip and sat up before kneeling behind the arctic fox, wrapping his arms around his shoulders and holding the little Canideran tightly.

Yukiomaru didn't oppose any resistance and accepted the embrace. He turned into Husky's hug and buried himself into the Evo's body. Yukiomaru wept, and Husky did all that he could to soothe him by softly petting him, licking his face and hugging him harder. This was really breaking Husky's heart causing him to shed tears as well.

"I want Jun," Yukiomaru sobbed. "I want him here..."

"Yukiomaru... I know that you might be worried about your friends... But again I promise you we Evocanis will help you get back. It's the only thing that we can tell you right now... I'm sorry little one..." Husky softly uttered as he pressed the little Canideran closer to him.

"I love him," Yukiomaru sobbed. "I never should have left, I should have stayed. I should have listened to him. I am so sorry Jun."

Husky shed tears with Yukiomaru, his tears falling around his muzzle and falling into Yukiomaru's dense fur. Yukiomaru seemed much calmer by resting in Husky's warm embrace as time passed, and Yukiomaru was crying himself to sleep.

When the sobs had stopped, Husky gently held onto the white furred creature and lied down, pulling Yukiomaru with him. Yukiomaru still did not resist as he was carefully lied down in Husky's strong and tight embrace.

He placed a paw on the sleeping mat, and gently pushed himself back, still pulling Yukiomaru, underneath the sheets close to Hasky and Fx.

With a gentle lick between Yukiomaru's ears, Husky heard his breathing slow and that he had finally cried himself to sleep. Husky rested there next to his brothers, and holding the little Canideran in his arms, never letting go.

"We will reunite you with Jun, Yukiomaru," Husky whispered his promise. He soon fell asleep, never letting go from the tender embrace.

The next day would be a new day for Yukiomaru. One day closer to reuniting with whomever he missed so dearly...