~ Anthro ~
Created by Dark Phoenix
Edited by Michael-Leonard
Feedback appreciated: thedarkphoenix2008@yahoo.com
Everyone prepares as the time of reckoning draws near

~ WARNING ~
This story is geared towards adults. If you are not into female muscle growth, muscular anthropomorphic animals, superhuman strength, intense sexual themes, and violence, then this story is not for you. Otherwise, enjoy the story!

~ INTRO ~
This is definitely a longer chapter than I anticipated. But if nothing else, it thoroughly sets the stage for the final chapter. I really hope you like how this chapter turns out. I've pushed some limits this time around, something I don't easily do. But given how vastly farther I've seen them pushed by others, I'm sure it'll all be good. I'm really hoping you'll take a minute to comment on this and tell me what you think. Thanks!


Chapter VI: Countdown to Extinction or Salvation

Zephram worked feverishly into the evening. It wasn't easy converting the gene resequencer into an airborne variety. The good news was that since it didn't have to deal with the immune system, it would almost instantly activate the dormant beast genes upon contact with them. The question is, how would he be able to deliver it to the remaining million or so humans spread all over the world? His mind began to become hazy as fatigue started to set in. He hasn't slept for two days now. He had to put his head down for a minute. The pull of sleep was very tempting. But with time against him, he had to fight it at least until he had the cure ready. All that was left was the engineer it to replicate endlessly, effectively giving it the characteristics of a virus itself; though it was anything but.

Suddenly, he sensed someone enter the room and he lifted his head up and spun around. His eyes went wide with shock as he stumbled out of his seat.

"No way! It can't be! Benjamin?! Meredith?! But I saw...I mean...you're..." Zephram struggled to say.

Benjamin calmly finished his sentence, "Dead. Yes, I know."

Zephram tried to make sense of the situation, "Is this a dream?"

It was Meredith who answered just as calmly, "I don't know. You tell me."

But all reservations of that notion had disappeared as Zephram's emotions flowed back to the surface as renewed grief and guilt overtook him, "Oh Ben! Meri! I'm so sorry! I took a risk with your lives and was wrong! It was the hardest thing I had to endure, seeing you both die because of me! Will you ever forgive me?"

Meredith's calm expression changed into a smile, "Zephram, it's ok. You've already been forgiven. Your intentions are honorable and selfless and there was no other way you could have gone about saving the human race, even if it is to exist in another form."

Benjamin chimed in, "We actually came to deliver a message to you. He says...that you're not alone."

Zephram was confused, "Who? Who is this messenger? What does that mean?"

Meredith walked up to him and put a hand to his cheek, "You've become such a handsome anthro, honorable and true. You will know who soon enough."

Benjamin's voice was now urgent, "It is time! The world needs you! May those who accompany you speed you on your path! Open your eyes!"

Zephram rapidly sat up in his bed. He must have drifted off to sleep after all. He felt tears in his eyes and the emotions from what he had just experienced. Was everything he just witnessed real? If it was a dream, it was the most vivid one he had ever had. Come to think of it, how did he end up in his bed? The answer came almost immediately as he looked around and saw Silvia laying on a set of extra blankets on the floor, this time far enough away for him to notice her. He looked at the clock and saw that he slept for five hours! It was now late at night and he had to make the last preparations to the cure.

He quietly got out of bed and left the room, but Silvia's voice froze him in his tracks, "Hey Zephie, how do you feel?"

Now that she asked, he actually felt well rested considering he only slept for five hours. Was this part of the change that came with being an anthro?

"Yes actually. In fact, I feel great. As a human I needed a good eight hours, sometimes nine! But I feel like I slept that long anyway." Zephram said with a mild chuckle.

Silvia got up and walked up to him. As always, she was such a magnificent sight. Her muscles, even fully relaxed, were a symphony of bulges that always made him hot for her. And she was right. Ever since he made the conscious choice to avoid letting his libido take over, he had found it increasingly difficult to keep his sexual urges suppressed. And now as she stood before him, he felt like a cocaine addict going through severe withdrawal. He had to make a difficult choice, for both their sakes. He had to complete his mission.

Zephram put his hands around Silvia's tight waist, "Silvia my mate. I love you more than I have ever thought possible. You and I share one heart and one soul. When this is over, I want us to start a family. Not sure what to call it, but I want us to have lots of babies together and to raise them to be among the first pureblooded anthros to live in what will be a new world for them. And while the recovery of that world will take many years, it is my heart's desire that our children know only happiness and peace. And also, I will no longer be known as Zephram Reinhardt. From now on, my name shall be known as Zephram Pantera. Silvia my love, will you share that last name with me and be known as Silvia Pantera?"

His words touched Silvia's very heart and soul. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she felt unconditional love for this man, the one who she loved with all of her being.

She chuckled a bit in response, "If this is your way of making me, as human's would call it, your wife, then I would want nothing more than to share that name with you."

Zephram was all smiles, "I suppose you could call it that. Now I can say that my life is truly complete. Now then, I must ask you something difficult. When the time comes for me to set out to spread the cure, will you remain here and wait for me?"

Silvia's expression of joy lowered to one of surprise, "But...Zeph...why?"

Zephram knew this wouldn't be easy for him, "Because Silvia...It's because we're at a critical point in this process of saving everyone. I won't lie to you, I'm trying very hard not to get heavily aroused around you. And we both know what happens if my pheromones are released. We simply cannot afford to let ourselves give into each others' sexual desires. Please understand where I'm coming from my love. You're not the only one who is succeptible to such an overpowering drive. That's why I'm asking you to wait here, for both our sakes and that of everyone in the world."

Silvia looked away from him. Zephram knew she wasn't happy about this.

"Silvia, please und..."

"No!" Silvia interrupted.

There was a tense pause between them as Silvia stared into her mate's eyes.

"I know what you're trying to say, but that's not happening. I'm in this too!" Silvia said with undeniable certainty.

Zephram was caught between a rock and a hard place. He would have to put his foot down on this. If she had any sense...

"Silvia..." he began to say, but Silvia interrupted him again.

"My love, before you say anything more, Fugara told me something that you need to hear. It's a way for you to spread the cure around the world within a day. But I think it's better that she explain it to you." Silvia said.

Zephram's curiosity was piqued, "Oh? Well then..."

Zephram got up and followed Silvia outside. The wind was blowing a bit, the sky was clear, and stars scattered across the heavens. It was a serene beauty that Zephram appreciated. He hoped to experience it again once this was over. The two walked over to the lone tree in his yard, where Fugara was lying on her back with her wings spread out and her gaze on the stars above. Next to Silvia, Fugara was indeed a well-built anthro. After a few seconds, Fugara craned her head to look at them.

"Oh hi Zephram, I'm glad you could come. It's beautiful out, isn't it?" Fugara asked.

Zephram went along with it, "Yes, it certainly is."

Fugara looked at Silvia, then at Zephram again, "Well then, now that you're here, there's something I need to tell you both. Please, sit down with me."

Zephram and Silvia complied as they sat down on the grass in front of her.

All was quiet for a few seconds until Fugara gave a bit of a smile, "I was meditating when I had a vision. I saw my great-great-grandfather, whose name is Fujin Takinaka by the way. It was such an amazing experience. He expressed how proud he was of me for succeeding with joining with my animal guide. He also wanted me to give you a message. First off, he gives you his thanks for helping us achieve what we have long since lost. He also says that the guardian spirits have decided just this once to intervene on your behalf. Which brings me to the plan that will help you succeed."

Fugara paused a moment to let them digest what she said so far, then continued, "Zephram, if you can make enough of the cure, then you must take it to the north and south poles. This wind you're feeling is just the start. It's about to become more intense. Right about now, the global air currents have been realigned to flow from the poles and scatter all over the world in an optimal pattern. If you can get to each pole and release the cure, the winds will carry it to all reaches of the Earth within a day."

Zephram interjected, "But what about the virus itself? Won't that also be carried around the world as well?"

But Fugara brushed off his question, "But you should already know that the virus is already spread all around the world. The only difference is the rate in which it's infecting those it comes into contact with. But this plan will allow your cure to get to everyone faster and save more lives. It's the only way Zephram. Since it's up to us, I will help get you to the north and south poles."

Zephram resigned himself to her plan. With time running out, he could only put his faith in her plan; Fujin's plan. He looked at Silvia and made a decision.

"Then I'd like Silvia to take a batch to the north pole while you and I take the other batch to the south. This will help speed up the process." Zephram said.

Silvia wanted to object, but she realized deep down that Zephram would not take no for an answer this time. That, and she had to understand that he meant well. She knew that they both wanted each other and that once this was over, they would mate like never before! So she accepted Zephram's decision.

"Alright then. I've been wanting to see just how fast I can run with these legs." Silvia said, winking at Zephram.

Zephram chuckled. He had a feeling she was holding back a lot when they were running together. And with her strength, she would certainly need it to get there. But all the same, he wanted her to go to the north pole since it was obviously closer. After that brief display of unbelievable speed from Fugara's flying, it would take everything she had and more to reach the south pole soon enough.

"Well then, I'll need an hour to make enough of the cure to get the job done once it's released into the winds. We'll depart at dawn." Zephram said.

The two muscled ladies nodded in agreement as Zephram went back inside to get to work.

* * *

Fugara allowed herself a moment to enjoy this brief period.

"Well Silvia, I think I'll give these wings of mine a workout." Fugara told her.

She looked back to see that Zephram was inside, and turned back towards Silvia, "You know, I've wanted to say this. But...I think Zephram's a lucky guy to have you."

Silvia was a bit surprised by her comment. But before she could say anything, Fugara continued.

"I wanted to tell you this, but...well, I find you very attractive with those muscles and beautiful feline features. I never told anyone this because of my heritage, but I've harbored a sexual attraction towards women as well as men. And to see how the beast gene seems to result in bigger muscles in females; I find myself excited at the prospect of getting intimate with another woman, even if her muscles were half as big as yours." Fugara confessed.

Silvia looked downward a bit, feeling flattered by her comment, "Wow Fugara, I'm not sure what to say. I can't say I have the same inclinations as you do. But regardless..."

Silvia walked over to Fugara and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you for making me feel extra special. And I hope that you find a mate as wonderful as mine."

Fugara put har taloned hand to the spot where Silvia kissed her and felt herself blushing. It was wishful thinking, but she respected Silvia for her choices. Zephram was a lucky man indeed. She gave a small bow, spread her majestic wings, lifted into the air, and flew off into the distance. In no time at all, she disappeared into the clouds.

Silvia had actually thought of the notion of sex with another woman. And perhaps if she were human, such an urge might have compelled her to give in to the idea. But all that seemed to matter to her was Zephram, her lover and mate. He completed her and it always drove her wild that he loved her massive muscles so much. She would strive to get even bigger and stronger just for him. And since Fugara was out flying, she figured she would pass the time by really putting her incredible muscles to some good use.

She figured she'd cut loose a bit and took off running. Until now, she had intentionally held back and had yet to really put some serious effort into her legs. She found out just how powerful they were as the street she got on blew by her like a blur. She had to find a highway to really put her speed to the test as these neighborhood roads weren't going to cut it. Given her unfamiliarity with the area, she did something bold and found the first person she could find. It turned out to be a man who was leaning against a tree. To say he was stunned by her appearance was an understatement. His jaw hung open and his eyes were wide as he gazed upon this hugely muscled specimen that stood before him.

"Excuse me?" Silvia asked, "But which way to the nearest highway?"

The old man lifted a finger and pointed towards the west, without uttering a word. Words simply failed him at this point.

Silvia smiled, "Thank you!"

And with that, she took off again, leaving a gust of wind in her wake. The old man pulled out his hip flask and threw it in the garbage can.

"I'm never drinking again." he said.

* * *

Silvia ran, at what she considered a slower pace, until she reached the highway. Once there, she saw that there were hardly any cars left on it. And on top of that, there were scattered scenes of wrecks from people who died from the virus while driving. This was good for her because she wanted as few obstacles in her way as possible. She flexed her legs real hard and launched herself forward onto the highway as she began increasing her running speed. It wasn't long until she started running faster than the cars, and the speed limit was 70 MPH, which hardly anyone ever obeyed! She got faster and faster until it started to look like the cars were sitting still. The feeling was amazing. She felt like she was coasting on a small cushion of air. Her legs were just that easy to control. The only downside was that the wind made it difficult for her to see well. She knew this would be a problem once she headed for the north pole, and got off at the next exit. She looked around until she found a large superstore. She remembered seeing commercials on television about such places and knew that she would find what she needed there.

With the minimal clothing she had on, she may as well be wearing nothing at all. The sight of her certainly didn't go unnoticed by the few people who were still shopping at times like this. She made her way to the sporting goods section and found what she needed, some goggles. With this eye protection, she'll be able to withstand the winds. Her only problem was she wasn't familiar with the concept of money and economy and proceeded to the exit. Only problem was a pair of undercover security officers spotted her and got in her path.

"I'm sorry, um, miss, but you'll have to come with us." the one officer said.

Silvia got bad vibes from them from the start, "I'm sorry, but I'm in a bit of a hurry. I don't have time to stick around."

She started to walk out, but the two put their hands on her to stop her. And while their collective strength might have been enough to stop any other human, Silvia was a walking tank, and the two felt like they were trying to stop one.

"Hey wait, you didn't pay for that!" the other man said.

Silvia had run out of patience. She didn't know what these guys were talking about and decided to deal with this swiftly. She grabbed both of them by their shirts and effortlessly lifted them off the ground.

"Now you listen to me. Either you get out of my way or I show you what happens to those who make me mad!" Silvia threatened, baring her fangs.

The two guys instantly lost their resolve and knew that she was way out of their league. Without a word from either of them, Silvia took their silence as an understanding. She tossed them onto their butts and took off again. The two guys got up and rubbed their behinds.

"Just what was she?" the one guy asked.

"I dunno, but they don't pay us enough to mess with someone with muscles that big!" the other guy said.

* * *

Silvia ripped open the packaging, put on the goggles, and immediately got back on the highway.

'Now this is much better!' she thought as she once again picked up speed.

Once she reached her previous speed, she began pushing the limit further still. What soon followed was unusual for her. The feeling of the rushing air continued to whip against her mighty body, but the sound of the rushing air just stopped. It was like she lost her hearing. Little did she know that everyone she blew by covered their ears from the deafening sound of the sonic booms that Silvia was now generating in her wake at such a close range to them. She wasn't done yet and pushed herself to her limit. On top of the heavy wind resistance that still failed to slow her down, she felt something else as well. She could feel a buildup of heat around her body. She was now running as fast as she possibly could. And while she was able to avoid any cars with her heightened senses, she was unaware of every small car she passed being thrown off the side of the road from the sheer forces she was generating from her speed.

At last she stopped, figuring she would need to get back home soon. She took a short look behind her and for the first time, saw the chaos she left. Even more cars were scattered on the sides of the road and even trucks were knocked onto their sides. Silvia felt bad for causing the additional damage. Still, she had to get back. She gathered her energy and sped off back towards home.

As Zephram put the finishing touches on the extra batches of the cure, he heard a sonic boom outside. He ran out to see Fugara descending from the air with her wings flapping just enough to give her a soft landing. Zephram was really amazed by her anthro appearance. The idea of what each person's beast gene will change them into made him excited about the prospect of seeing what each type of anthro will look like. The possibilities were numerous.

"So tell me Fugara, how do you like your new body?" Zephram asked.

Fugara answered with a flex of one of her roughly thirty inch biceps and stretched her wings out, "Amazing doesn't come close to describing how liberating it feels. The raw physical strength coursing through my muscles, the ability to fly as humans have long dreamed of doing for so long, and the spiritual connection I have with the world around me...I've never felt so alive in my entire life!"

Fugara walked over to Zephram and gave him a brief hug.

"Thank you Zephram. I'm sure there are still other shamans out there who haven't fallen to the virus yet. When this is over, I'll see to it you are hailed as a hero among my people." Fugara said.

Zephram smiled at the thought, "I appreciate the sentiment. However, I have my own plans for myself and Silvia once this is over. For one, I want to explore the world. With my greatly increased strength, I'll be able to go places no human has ever been to without technology to assist them. And with Silvia's vastly greater strength, well, there's just so many possibilities."

After a short silent pause between them, the silence was interrupted by another sonic boom in the distance. The sound abruptly faded as Silvia moved as a blur  down the street, returning to Zephram's house. She immediately made her way around back to rejoin them. Zephram saw the goggles she was wearing and failed to suppress a chuckle.

"What's so funny Zephie?" Silvia asked, amused.

Fugara also couldn't help but giggle. Zephram walked over and gave her a kiss.

"You look cute with those goggles on my love." Zephram said, followed by another chuckle.

"Oh stop!" Silvia said in mock annoyance as she playfully pushed him away.

"I take it then that you also can move faster than the speed of sound with those legs?" Zephram asked, though he pretty much already knew the answer.

"Is that what I was doing? I didn't think I could move my legs that fast. And then once I got to a certain speed, it was like I lost my hearing." Silvia said.

Zephram knew of Silvia's lack of knowledge of otherwise commonly known things and didn't blame her one bit.

"Yes, that's what happens when you exceed the speed that sound travels. You can't hear because the sound made by your running because the sound it generates is behind you and not around you. In other words, the sound can't keep up with you. It's kind of hard to really explain without going into detail. Suffice to say you are the first known living being, other than Fugara here, that has shown the ability to move faster than sound without using technology. Frankly, I think it's unheard of, even for an anthro of your immense size and strength. But then again, you are a feline and felines can run really fast. And as for you Fugara, it's no surprise you can surpass the speed of sound with wings like that. If anything, you could probably reach mach 3 itself!" Zephram exclaimed.

Fugara blushed a little, "Yeah, well, I actually didn't want to fly as fast as possible yet. The wind was a bit hard on the eyes so it was difficult to maintain mach speeds for very long. I think Silvia has a good idea with those goggles. You wouldn't happen to have a pair yourself, do you?"

"As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure I do have a pair sitting in a drawer that I used to wear when I once owned a motorcycle. I'll go look for it. In the meantime, we have about a couple more hours before dawn arrives. I think it's best that you both rest and recover the energy that you two spent. I'll need you both at 100% for this. I should probably do the same myself." Zephram instructed.

"Good idea." Fugara said.

"Yeah, I do feel a little tired from running like that." Silvia agreed.

"Alright then." Zephram said as they went back inside.

All three of them found a place to lay down. But none of them slept for very long. The urgency of the situation made sleep difficult. But once they finally fell asleep, they only had an hour to go before their departure. Only Zephram himself remained awake the entire time. The weight of his destiny weighed too heavily upon him as he waited for the dawn.


~ TO BE CONCLUDED ~

The next and final chapter of Anthro is now at hand. Zephram and Fugara head south as Silvia heads north. With time running out, will the cure be released and spread fast enough to change humanity before the killer virus wipes them all out? The fate of the future will be decided the spellbinding final chapter of Anthro: Destiny's Path