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Lagomorphs
Copyright © July, 2015, FurryWurry
All rights reserved

Chapter 10 -- Warren

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The door closed with a thump and some dim lights came on, just bright enough to make colors visible. They seemed intense after the dark, enough to make everybody wince.

"Why're they so bright? I've never seen the lights this bright before." The young buck seemed confused.

"Me, neither," Sky mumbled as he put on his loincloth.

In the light, Jeff couldn't help admiring Cloudy. Her fur was the same dark cream as Sky's and she had the same stocky, muscular build. She was flat chested, but a half-dozen nipples were visible. Her only clothing was a loincloth identical to Sky's. Maybe she was putting on a little weight, but she was sleek and beautiful nonetheless. Especially now that she wasn't making him freeze in the dark.

"Doesn't matter, come on." Cloudy pushed Sky toward a darker tunnel leading down. "The Grands are waiting. What took so long, anyhow? And where are Jumper and Runner? Why'd you leave 'em?"

Jeff was a little surprised that the warren's entry wasn't bare dirt. For some reason he hadn't expected them to be very advanced, although now that seemed a silly assumption. The walls and low ceiling were finished with something smooth and dark (plastic, maybe?) and the equally dark floor was soft underfoot. The light came from recesses near the ceiling that looked almost like tunnels leading to the surface, but he knew it was pitch black out. The glow was constant, as if from a light bulb, certainly not an open flame.

He pulled on his clothes hurriedly. The attractiveness of his hosts was starting to have a physical effect he'd rather keep private. With the medallion safe around his neck, he grabbed his backpack but didn't bother putting it on. The back of his shirt was cold and clammy.

"Raptors, a pair. One got Jumper. I saw it. Heard him scream," Sky reported. Cloudy seemed to stumble. "I think they got Runner, too, though I'm not sure. I went one way and he went the other. I hid for a long time. Then it rained. Then Jeff came." He smiled back at Jeff.

"Come on, keep going. Everyone needs to know the Raptors are back. And Gran'Dam'll want her berries." Cloudy's voice sounded dull and emotionless. Was she in shock?

Jeff followed them down the low, narrow tunnel. It'd be hard to get past anyone coming from the other direction, and it was good he wasn't claustrophobic. Lights turned on as they went down the passage and quickly faded behind them, making it hard to see very far.

They passed several doorless openings on either side of the passage. Jeff couldn't tell if they were more tunnels or entrances to darkened rooms. At one of the larger ones, though, Cloudy said "Gemma, you get to your studies. You'd better know that song when we get back!"

"But, Mam!!!"

"No buts. Now."

With a pout, Gemma went in. Whether 'bot or kitten, she certainly was a typical kid. Maybe a little more obedient than most, though.

They passed by some more dark openings, then took what seemed to be random branches, all leading farther down. Jeff was quickly lost. He'd need a guide to find his way back out. He hoped the Grands were as friendly as Sky and would welcome a stranger so unlike themselves.