Chapter 1 Fangs and Claws
It’s important to know how the world got the way that it was. For such a long-time humans were on top of everything, and for obvious reasons. We were smarter, more creative, and had thumbs. But we were also terrible to the planet and its other life. We waged war on one another constantly, and it seemed that each year that went by society got worse. Then came “The Year of Circumstances”, a time filled with chance events that got the world ready and in motion for what was to come next. There were the nuclear war heads that went off in Europe, and the discovery of space rooks that are now thought to have been magic. The list of events goes on and on only getting weirder or life altering as it goes. But what came after is what’s really important now.
The world called it a great evolution. Around the globe animal kind seemed to catch up to the human race. It wasn’t until 10 years later that seeing a tiger or a deer walking down the street in clothes, or having a conversation with a dog became normal. And it seemed that over time, in some people’s opinion, the furs proved to be better than humans. With them in society we started to fix the environment, there were less wars, and most species on earth were protected.
But despite the many contributions and progress that furs made to and for society humans, much like myself, still weren’t 100% comfortable with them. After centuries of lions, tigers, and bears being thought of as dangerous and deadly animals can you blame people for being a little scared to just sit next to one on a bus, or send their kids to school with them? The more harmless species like dogs, cats, squirrels, and rabbits didn’t have problems, but it’s the furs with fangs and claws that did.
Which brings us to my freshman year of college. I was 18, and it was my first time being far from home. I was just your average white guy, skinny, average height, hardly enough muscle to pick up a TV. I was not at all threatening. I thought I was a real lady’s man, or a man’s man with a face like a lead singer. My mom and dad dropped me off on campus and from there I was on my own.
I had my schedule, and my room assignment. I knew I’d be living with three other guys, Tyler, Ray, and Paxton. From there I went to find my dorm. Walking the campus was something amazing, I grew up in a time when furs were just as normal as humans, but it was my first time seeing so many of them in one place. My parents were in no way against furs, but like I said, it’s scary sending your kids to school with people that have the fur, the fangs, and the claws of animals that were once thought to be dangerous. I think that’s why for the majority of my childhood I was raised in neighborhoods where the most exotic furs I could find were canines.
I found my dorm, and my room shortly after. The door was already open, so I just walked in. I didn’t have much with me, just two bags of clothes and a suitcase of my stuff. I never had much of a fashion sense, so I never had a lot of clothes. I left my things by the door as I explored the apartment style space. Each person living in the space had their own room that was connected to a living room type area. I wasn’t sure which room was mine, so I checked each one to see if anyone was already using it.
The first room I entered was inhabited by a fur, he was a grey and black rabbit just a little shorter than me. His door was open, but I knocked on it so he would turn around and notice me. He was still moving in, or he just preferred for his room to be messy.
Josh- hey
He turned around to meet me in his doorway.
Paxton- hey, you must be Josh
I shook his hand; his paws were so soft and kind of warm.
Josh- yea I am
Paxton- I’m Paxton, most people call me Pac
Josh- whys that
Paxton- something to do with Pac man, you must be looking for your room
Josh- yea
Paxton- well this room is mine, the one next to me is Ray’s, on the other side of the living room I think his name was Tyler your room should be next to his
Josh - thanks
Paxton- no problem, and hey if you need any help with anything I’m here, it’s my 2nd year after all
Josh- I’ll keep that in mind thanks
I left Paxton’s room and went to the other side of the apartment. As I was crossing the living room floor in walked this handsome wolf guy. He was an inch or two taller than me, his fur was grey and light tan, his fangs were very present, and those claws were as well. I might have been in love if not for the fear that crept into my mind as he grew near.
Ray- you must be Josh
I was frozen for a moment, but quickly caught myself.
Josh- yea, who are you
Ray - I’m ray, I’ve been waiting for you all day
He walked up to me, and instinctively I walked backwards to keep space. I felt like an ass, but I was scared.
Josh- you were waiting for me?
He must have noticed my fear, I know he did because he lost his smile and gained a slight frown before he took a step back.
Ray- yea, I had a bet with Ty that you were human
Josh- that’s a wired bet
Ray- not here, most of the students here are furs, so humans are rare
I could see I offended him. I tried to suck up my fear. I held it down just enogh to force my feet to step closer and extend my hand out to him. My hand might have been shaking, and I was undoubtedly sweating hard. He glanced at my hand, and his smile returned as he took it in his paw and shook it.
Ray- first time being around fangs and claws
He said as he still held my hand.
Josh- that obvious?
Ray- you’ll get used to it, especially with Ty being next door to you
Josh- what does that mean
He let go of my hand and went to his room. I figured I would know in a moment what he was referring to.
I went to check another room on the side of the apartment Pac told me my room was on. It was empty so it must have been mine. The room next door to me was open, but the lights were off. Someone was sleeping in it but I couldn’t make out who or maybe I should say what they were with them under covers.
I unpacked and settled in. Classes didn’t start for another couple of days, but I thought I’d be smart and get myself ready for when I had to get up in the morning. I went to bed.
