You're Life In An Anthro's World

The two officers that Deluma had brought with her charged into the house. They first entered the living room where they found an unexpected scene unfolding in front of them.

“Ma’am? We have something,”

Deluma eyed the cheetah smugly before slowly and deliberately moving down the hall and to the room that the two canines were zeroed in on. Her smug expression faded to a neutral stare as she observed a rather tranquil family moment. She found Alex drawing, Tara listening to music on earbuds and their parents were both drinking coffee at a table in the corner of the room. All of the room’s occupant’s turned to regard the nine tailed fox with surprised expressions.

“Mayor Deluma?” Alan asked as he stood up, “We weren’t expecting a visit from you! I apologize for our lax demeanor.”

The larger vulpine was confused and slightly annoyed, but recovered quickly as she dismissively waved a hand through the air, “It’s quite alright. I’m simply conducting a door to door search with my officers in regard to the human that recently appeared. We were hoping to catch him by surprise, but it seems that all we’ve done is interrupt you’re family time.”

Felicia then came into the room with a sympathetic expression, “I’m sorry mayor, but this is why I’d initially said it was a bad time. We were planning to have a pleasant evening with my friend who owns this house. She’ll be home soon, but you searched the house before I could explain that.”

“I see,” Deluma replied as she adjusted her glasses. She then looked pointedly at her two officers and tilted her head towards the front door, “In that case I’ll be off. There are plenty more houses for me to search in this neighborhood. Enjoy you’re evening.” Saying nothing more, the Mayor turned and followed her officers back out of the house and onto the street.

Felecia quietly closed the door and locked it before releasing a sigh of relief, “That could have been very bad.”

“But it wasn’t,” Alan replied, “I just hope that we bought them enough time to get a head start…”

Several miles away, Annika and Hunter ran on either side of you as you followed closely behind Luna. Worried that you could be spotted from the street. Luna was leading you down an embankment that ran alongside a small river which flowed through the neighborhood.

You felt your stamina beginning to fade as you continued along the grassy bank. You couldn’t help but remember the famous expression, ‘be careful what you wish for.’ It wasn’t that long ago when you couldn’t stand being locked up in the house, even though it was for your own protection. Apparently, you’re loss of stamina was also noticed by Luna. The wolf slowed down until she came to a stop which prompted to teenage foxes to do the same.

“Why are we stopping?” Hunter asked.

Luna pointedly looked down her snout at you, “You’re tired… aren’t you?”

Being a natural athlete gave you and advantage. But even with that advantage, there was simply no way for a human to keep up with in anthro. It would’ve been possible if you were in an urban environment where your size would’ve been an advantage to traverse tight spaces and dart around street corners, but since you’d arrived the worst place for you to be was on a long stretch where there was nothing to do but run.

“I’m a little tired but I’m alright,” You replied.

Luna hummed in thought for a moment before turning to Annika and Hunter, “Can you two scout ahead for me? See if the path ahead is clear of any…. Obstacles…” The foxes nodded before running off to do as they were told. Luna then turned and eyed you with a mixture of curiosity and concern. You returned her gaze, wondering what she was thinking. Eventually, you got you’re answer as she knelt down and looked you squarely in the eye, “You’re absolutely exhausted…” She observed.

“I’m fine,” You replied.

“Why do you do that?” Luna asked, “Why do you push yourself so hard? I mean, I admire your drive and determination… but the extent to which you take it is beyond what I would push myself to if I were in your position…” The wolf paused in thought before for asking the question on her mind, “Do all humans insist on pushing themselves so hard?”

Initially you had decided not to answer, but at length you sighed and replied to her, “No…. they don’t.”

Luna tilted her head as her ears flicked from side to side, “So then, why do you?”

“When I was growing up, I was okay at whatever I did. Sports, school, games… you name it. I was always in this middle ground, never the best and never the worst,” You explained. You looked down at the river before continuing, “I was the oldest of three siblings, we got along pretty well. But that was largely because our parents were always at odds. In particular, my mother. She tended to have a problem with something every single day.”

“Oh… I’m sorry to hear that,” Luna replied empathetically.

You shrugged, “Dad was always supportive, but I knew it was hard for him to do with having a wife that wanted to argue and three kids that all needed to be raised. So I tried to lighten the load on him by becoming more independent. I strived to train my body and mind to be the best they could be all the time. I started exercising to get stronger so that I could protect myself and get a job, I began reading and researching strategies and information that would help me in interacting with people and dealing with threats. My neutral skill level made it easier than it would have been for many to become self sufficient. After doing it for so long… I guess I’ve just developed a natural distaste for being dependent on anyone.”

Luna nodded understandingly, “That would make sense. You essentially conditioned your mind to reject help and survive on your own.”

Before anymore could be said, Annika and Hunter returned, “The police are starting to move this way, but auntie Tanya is waiting for us just up ahead,” Hunter reported.

“We can’t stay here,” Luna muttered as she looked down at you.

“Then let’s keep moving, sounds like we only have a bit further to go right?” You replied.

Luna said nothing, but instead scooped you up in her arms bridal style before turning and running of toward her goal. You were about to complain about her lifting you up but you realized that she was moving at least twice what you’re previous pace was, and you were running close to full sprint just trying to keep up with that! The fox siblings seemed to have no problem keeping up, but there was no way you could have kept up with her pace. It wasn’t long before your small group reached a stone bridge connected gap over the river. Luna along with the teenagers in tow, quickly scaled the side of the grassy bank. Once at the top she knelt to the ground to set you on your own two feet. You turned to find that you’re group wasn’t quite alone. A black sedan waited on the bridge with it’s driver patiently leaning against the hood.

The driver was a white furred, twin tailed fox. She had brunette hair that fell well past her shoulders and down her back. She a head shorter than Luna, but more heavily built. She was by no means fat, but she was definitely a bit larger and less athletically built than anyone you’d seen so far. She had bright green eyes which regarded you with a mixture of interest as well as concern. She wore a pair of denim jeans and a black t shirt under an undone button up shirt with a red flannel pattern.

“Glad ya made it in time,” She sighed, “I was beginning to think that the police had cut you off.”

“They will if we don’t hurry,” Luna warned as she opened the rear passenger door of the car. Hunter slid in, followed by you and then Annika. Luna climbed into the front passenger seat while the white fox jumped into the driver’s seat.

The car quietly started and pulled out and onto the street. As they drove through the neighborhood, the fox in the driver’s seat looked at you through the rear view mirror, “Keep your head down…” She warned. You slumped down as much as you could in your seat, while Hunter and Annika leaned over you from either side in an effort to conceal your body under their own as you drove past several police officers who were continuing their search.

Fortunately, Deluma was now searching for you down near the river bank. Believing that she was close to finding you, she ordered all of her officers to assist in canvassing the river itself as well as both sides of the banks.

Luna, who had been tense for the entire trip out of the neighborhood now relaxed and slumped her shoulders.

The fox in the driver’s seat glanced over with a raised brow, “Really? It was that stressful for you?”

“You could tell?” Luna asked.

“There isn’t much that stresses you out Luna,” She replied, “I’ve literally seen you relaxed in a hostage situation… when you were the hostage.”

“Tanya, you have no idea what we’ve been dealing with. Deluma is absolutely obsessed with-”

Tanya quickly interrupted her friend’s rant, “Shhh… The kids are asleep.”

Luna looked in the back seat to find a rather tranquil scene. Hunter had fallen fast asleep as he leaned against your side. You on the other hand, had slumped over into Annika’s lap. Annika was just barely clinging to consciousness as she slowly slipped into slumped while resting her upper half over Hunter’s. “I suppose its been a long day for all of us,” Luna sighed. But as she looked upon the trio, a smile crept across her face, “This is the first time I’ve seen him resting so peacefully since he came here.”

Eventually you woke on a large couch with a blanket draped over you. You sat up slowly as you looked around and observed you’re surroundings. You found yourself in a rather comfortable looking living room. It was lavish with wood floors and a large chandelier. Twin bookcases sat against the doorway that seemed to lead into a kitchen or maybe a dining room. There was also a large flatscreen television that took up most of the wall that the sofa faced. Even the couch itself was extremely large and plush. You swung you’re feet down to the floor and noticed that even the floor was made of a fine carpet.

“Ah, so your awake,” A male voice commented.

You turned to face the source of the voice and nearly fell over at what you saw. A nine tailed fox in a white button up shirt, black slacks and a grey business vest. He wore a grey tie which matched the vest while his feet remained bare. He also wore a pair of rectangular glasses on his muzzle that sat comfortably just ahead of his brown eyes. He looked to be the very definition of a male version of Silvia Deluma.

“You… you look just like-”

“Silvia Deluma?” He asked, “Yes, my older sister and I do have quite a bit in common as far as our features go.”

“Sister?” You asked in shock.

The fox smiled as he looked down on you, “Allow me to introduce myself; I am Malcolm Deluma.”

You stood absolutely petrified. You were lucky to escape the first Deluma you ran into. She had literally made your life into a suspense thriller. You spent every other day wondering if you’d get snatched up off of the street and disappear into what ever dark hole she threw you into. But now? Now you’ve discovered she has a brother who is remarkably similar to his sister, from the way he carried himself to the glasses he wore, there was no doubt that he was Silvia Deluma’s brother.

Seeming to sense your feeling of dread he smiled and took a step back, “No need to be afraid, I’m not here to harm you.”

You shifted you’re weight to your back foot as you watched his every move, “Nobody ever ‘wants’ to harm me until it becomes an inconvenience for them not to.”

Malcom put a hand to his chin and chuckled as he nodded his head, “Fascinating… I knew you were capable of speech, but not to this extent. Your sentence structure and grasp of meaning is well beyond anything that I would have expected.” A dubious expression flashed across your face before Malcolm quickly composed himself, “Forgive me, I’m just excited to meet you is all. As for what you said a moment ago, I’m inclined to agree to an extent. However, I would say that that line of rationality would only apply to those who are interested in realizing their own selfish goals without any regard for collateral damage.”

You gave the multi tailed canine a doubtful stare, “And you have such a regard?”

Malcolm gazed at you with wonder, “Such an insightful creature,” He muttered before answering your question, “I do. I understand that it might be hard to believe given what my sister has put you through. However, the fact of the matter is that I feel I can learn much from you without turning you into a prisoner or science project. I’m sure you’d agree that conversation and diagrams are more pleasant than chains and scare tactics, wouldn’t you?”

“I would,” You replied, “But what you’re suggesting is the polar opposite of what I’ve experienced.”

“I understand and you have my sympathy. For now, I think I’ll have you stay with my cousin and a friend of hers whom I think you know rather well.”

Not long after he finished his sentence, you found Luna and Tanya along with Hunter and Annika entering the room. You slowly moved in their direction while cautiously watching Malcom. The large anthro made no move to stop you. He watched you with a neutral expression until you found yourself in Luna’s arms.

She gave you an apologetic smile, “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you. But we were worried that you’d panic if we told you we were taking you to meet another Deluma.”

You wanted to be angry, but you couldn’t deny that she was probably right and made a wise decision keeping you in the dark, “It’s alright, I’m just… surprised is all.”

Malcolm cleared his throat, grabbing your attention, “You’ll stay at Tanya’s house for the foreseeable future. I have quite a bit to do to make sure that you’re stay will be comfortable here, but I’m confident that it will be beneficial for you as well as anyone who has assisted you.” You weren’t entirely sure what that meant, but you decided not to ask. Malcolm crossed his arms and smiled, “Well that’s all I have for today. You can go if you’d like. I’m sure you’re not too comfortable with me just yet. Just know that you’re safe in this city. Both the governor and myself will see to that.” You tilted your head as a perplexed expression glued itself to your face. An expression of comprehension washed over Malcolm’s face as he spoke, “Ah, yes. I suppose I should mention that I’m the mayor of this city just as my sister is the mayor of her city. Anyway, go… enjoy some peace and fresh air.”

Luna and Tanya took you and walked you out. You barely registered them guiding you to the door as you tried to process what just took place. Mayor Silvia Deluma had a brother. A brother who was similar to her in every respect with the exception of being a heartless dictator bent on chaining you up and cutting you open…. Or at least, that’s how it seemed. And said brother had his own city to look after. A city that you were now protected in.

By the time you’d checked back into reality, you were in the back of Tanya’s car, presumably on the way to her house with Annika and Hunter on either side of you.

The white fox looked at you with concern, “Are ya feeling okay?”

You quietly nodded, “Yeah, I’m just… trying to take it all in I guess.”

Before long, you arrived at a modest two story home in the suburbs. Tanya got out and stretched while Luna looked around to view the surroundings. Here ears twitched as she turned this way and that. She looked a lot like a watch dog on high alert.

“Would you cut that out? You’re starting to make me nervous,” Tanya said as she came around from behind the car to stand behind you.

“Sorry,” Luna apologized, “I’m just being careful. I’d hate to find out that Silvia sent a retrieval package for Kiba.”

Tanya rolled her eyes, “You want the riding mower so that you can patrol the perimeter?”

Luna scowled at the white fox, “Funny,” She muttered.

“I thought it was,” Tanya snickered as she turned her attention to you, “Come on, let’s get you comfortable.” You followed the twin tailed fox into the house. You found that Annika and Hunter had already made themselves at home, claiming bedrooms and making snacks in the kitchen. You gave them both an incredulous look.

Hunter seemed to take notice of this, “Tanya is our aunt,” He explained.

“We’ve spent several summers here, so this is basically like a second home to us,” Annika interjected.

“That explains a lot,” You murmured as Tanya grinned and led you upstairs. She took you to a small bedroom. It was pretty basic as far as rooms went. It had a bed, a dresser, a closet, ceiling fan and nightstand. You weren’t complaining though, you happy to have a place to sleep at all.

“Here you are,” Tanya brightly declared as she put her hands on her hips, “Anything else I can do for ya?”

“No,” You replied, “This is perfect.”

Tanya grinned, “Great, you probably already figured this out. But my name is Tanya. Luna and I are very good friends and the two fur balls that tagged along with you happen to be me niece and nephew. They’re good kids, they just get a little excited.”

“Yeah,” You murmured as you thought back to your first encounter with the quartet of foxes.

Just then Luna walked in with a smile, “I’m glad to see you’re settling in.”

“Are you heading back out?” Tanya asked.

Luna nodded and sighed, “Yes, I have to meet up with Malcolm and give him my report on Silvia. He wants to know what he’s up against so that he can prepare both in the political arena and physically.” You looked up at Luna, “I don’t think she knows we skipped town yet, but she’ll figure it out eventually.”

Tanya nodded and sighed, “And you can bet that the minute she does, she’s not going to be one to sit quietly and let it go.”

Luna frowned, “She’s as vindictive and aggressive as she is sly and calculated. I have no doubt that she’ll come for us, that’s why I’m meeting with Malcolm to discuss a plan of action.”

“Well feel free to take the car, we’ll be here when you get back,” Tanya replied. Luna nodded, flashing you a quick smile before she walked out of the room. Tanya came over and patted you on the shoulder as you stared at the empty doorway where Luna once stood, “You okay?”

“Huh? Oh yeah,” You replied as you forced a smile and looked up at Tanya. She didn’t seem convinced.

“Don’t worry, it’ll all work out,” She stated as she left the room, “Why don’t you get some rest. You can find something to keep you’re mind off of Silvia tomorrow.”

You nodded and started getting ready for bed.

“How!? How could he have slipped through my fingers!?” Silvia roared as she paced her office. Her tails swayed erratically as she scowled at an imaginary target that seemed to be right in front of her. Just then there was a knock at her door. Her head snapped up as she paused, she then eyed the clock on the wall. She sighed as she calmed herself and strode briskly back over to her desk where she sat. She rested her elbows on the desk and interlocked her fingers. “Come in.”

The large wooden double door swung open revealing the black lab that acted as Silvia’s personal agent, “The group you requested has arrived.”

The mayor nodded, “Good, send them in.”

The lab returned to the hallway as a group of anthros walked in. First, a trio of rabbits walked in. Two were male, while the third was female. They were all in casual street clothes, denim jeans and t shirts. Following them, there was a pair of mice walked in. They were both males wearing dark and baggy clothes. The last anthro that walked in was a lioness. She wore a tactical vest, green cargo pants and a grey tank top.

“Thank you all for coming,” Silvia started, “I’ve called you here because I have a job for you. Something was recently taken from me and I want it back.”

Night had fallen. Annika and Hunter were fast asleep. You however, were wide awake. You simply couldn’t get to sleep no matter how hard you tried. You’d managed to find your way out onto the roof of the house through the bedroom window. You sat quietly watching the moon as your mind drifted back to Silvia. ‘What are you up to mayor?’ You wondered. A cool breeze blew across the rooftop.

You jumped as you felt a hand clasp around your arm. You began to flail until you caught a glimpse of white fur and heard a familiar voice, “What are you doing out here?”

‘Tanya….’ You thought as you relaxed yourself, “Just getting some fresh air,” You replied.

Tanya sat down beside you, eyeing you wearily, “You go for a walk or sit on a patio for fresh air. Generally, when someone is alone in the middle of the night; there’s a problem.” You looked over at the fox who looked back at you with a neutral expression, “So what’s the problem?”

Initially, you’d kept quiet. That didn’t last long when Tanya’s expression shifted from neutral to stern, indicating that her question was not rhetorical. You sighed as you gave her what you thought was a true enough answer, “I’ve just had a lot on my mind that past few hours, that’s all. Just needed to clear my-”

You weren’t able to finish your thought as Tanya cut you off, “Let me stop you right there. This garbage about clearing your head? I’m sure that along with a fake smile would probably fool most people. In fact, I’m sure it’s fooled plenty of people. Seems like you’ve been using that pitch for a long time.” She then moved her face closer to yours until her nose nearly touched your own and gave you an indignant stare, “But it won’t work on me.”

You irritably crossed your arms and scowled at her, “And what would you know about me?”

Tanya sat up straight once more as she narrowed her eyes, “If I had to guess? I’d say you’re feeling pretty lonely. Maybe even scared. Just a kid lost in a big bad world.”

“I’m not scared!” You snapped, “And I’m not a kid either!”

“No? Could’ve fooled me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I know you’re an adult according to you age, but you’re a human. You’re smaller than the actual children that are in this world, so how do you think we adults see you?”

“W-Well that doesn’t mean-”

“And then there’s this,” Tanya added as she gestured to you’re body, “You’re always so far off and distant. I’d be willing to bet you’re just wondering how long you can stay ahead of Silvia, aren’t you? Wondering how long until she catches up with you. But, there’s something else… you’ve got this… thing…” Tanya continued as she flexed her fingers and scrunched up her face trying to describe what she What said ‘thing’ was.

“What thing?” You asked irritably.

Tanya looked at you hard, as though she were trying to see through you, “I’m not sure, but I can see it. It’s like this… conflict.”

You huffed as you looked back up at the moon, “Yeah? Well you’re not wrong… But I don’t really want to talk about it.”

“Why not?” Tanya asked.

“Because it won’t help,” You muttered.

“Not talking about it won’t help either.”

“How would you know that?” You demanded as you cast an annoyed glance at her.

Her face softened before she gave her reply, “Because evidently, you’re still struggling with this issue of yours.”

You’re eyes widened as you cringed and became quiet. You noticed your vision beginning to blur as your eyes watered. ‘She’s right,’ you thought, ‘I can’t believe that never occurred to me.’ You wiped your eyes with your sleeve and turned away from the fox. “Maybe so, But that doesn’t mean discussing it will fix it.”

“Why won’t you talk about this with me? Clearly something is bothering you, yet you keep pushing me away.”

“Because you wouldn’t understand,” You grunted as you stood up.

“Where are you going?” Tanya asked.

“Away,” You replied.

You didn’t make it far before Tanya stood up as her tails shot out and wrapped around your torso as she grabbed your wrist with her left hand, “We’re not done here. We can stay up here all night, but until you tell me-”

“I’m lonely, alright!?” You shouted. Your voice carrying and echoing through the night. You began to shake as you started to explain yourself, “I’m lonely… where I came from, I was isolated. Nobody took any real interest in me, I’d been betrayed, heartbroken and forgotten. So I kept to myself, always on my own doing what I could to stay afloat with my bills and finding enjoyment where I could.” You laughed a little as you continued, “And you know what? That was good enough for me. I may have been a lonely outcast, but at least I could take care of whatever came my way. But then I was pulled here. Everyone is bigger, stronger and faster than I am. I have to work twice as hard as anyone else just to keep up, and three times as hard to stay ahead!” You looked back at Tanya, waiting for her to say something to try and make it better. But she didn’t, her gaze was calm and empathetic. She radiated a peaceful and calm aura. After determining that she wouldn’t interrupt, you finished your thoughts, “I’ve gone from being a lonely human to the only human. On top of that, there’s a literal conniving fox out to get me and I have little to no hope of ever getting back to my world again!”

The two of you stayed silent after that. Like statues you remained unmoving. A warm breeze swept across the roof ruffling your hair and shirt as well as own hair and white fur. You were then taken by surprise as the tails wrapped around your torso tightened and in a blur of motion you were firmly enveloped in soft warmth. It took you a moment to realize that Tanya was hugging you. She gently stroked the top of your head as if you were a small child. It reminded you of when your mother would hold you when you were little. Before she was replaced by a argumentative and bitter woman that inhabited the same body. “You’ve been in so much pain,” Tanya noted, “Bearing such a heavy load alone. But you don’t have to do that anymore. We won’t let you…. Do that anymore.”

Tears silently streamed down your face as you sunk to your knees. Tanya gently knelt with you, quietly reassuring you. Eventually, you began losing coherent thought. You vaguely remember seeing Hunter and Annika with worried expressions on their faces before it all just faded to black.

You grunted as you shifted in bed. ‘Wait, bed?’ You thought. You sat up and looked around, “How did I get here?”

You stretched and moved to the door, opening it and nearly getting run over as Annika and Hunter raced by. They were in such a hurry they didn’t even notice you. You started to follow them when you heard a familiar voice, “You seem to be feeling better.”

You turned to find Luna standing in the hallway, “Yes, much better,” you replied with a nod.

She smiled and ruffled your hair as she continued walking, “Well let’s go get breakfast before those two devour everything in the kitchen.”

You stood there, blankly for a moment before you cracked a small smile before you followed her to the kitchen. As you entered the kitchen, you found Annika ravenously devouring a stack of pancakes while Hunter was devouring a plate of eggs and bacon. You started to ask where the eggs came from but thought better of it.

There was a lot of general conversation between the For of you. Eventually, you finished breakfast. As Tanya cleared the plates from the table, there was a knock at the door.

Luna rose from her chair to answer the door while you, Annika and Hunter lazed about at the breakfast table feeling sluggish from the food you’d consumed.

Luna returned before long with Malcolm. She cleared her throat to alert you to her presence. You lazily looked over in time to see him entering the kitchen with an amused smile. You quickly sat up, slightly embarrassed that he caught you so relaxed.

To your surprise however, he merely raised a palm up in a halting motion, “No need to act so surprised. I don’t expect to be entertained as a formal guest. After all, you are a guest in my city.” His smile then changed to one of genuine pleasure, “It pleses me to see that you feel so relaxed here. Despite that this is yet another new setting for you, your peaceful and lax demeanor tell me you feel safe here.”

You nodded, “I do, thank you for that sir.”

The mayor chuckled, “You don’t have to call me that. In fact I’d rather you didn’t. Just call me Malcom.”

You nodded, “Okay, if that’s what you want.”

Malcolm smiled, “Good. Now then, down to business. I have a little demonstration in mind, but I can’t do it without your help. Interested in lending me a hand?”

“Can I know what it is first?” You asked.

“Afraid not,” Malcolm replied as he shook his head, “Prior knowledge could taint the results, and…. It’s more fun for everyone if it’s a surprise for you.”