[b]Uber Carry Part 11 – Corporate Retreat[/b]


The SUV's deep, constant rumbling was such a lulling sound that Coal slowly woke up when the engine suddenly came to a stop. He blinked his eyes open, and winced when the incredibly bright orange outside blinded him. It was probably somewhere around noon, he guessed.

"Alright, boys, we're finally here," a familiar, gruff voice announced from the driver's seat. With a groan the Rottweiler stretched his arms behind his head before hitting the horn three times to make their arrival known. "Pretty nice isn't it?" he asked the person beside him.

"Indeed, sir. It's a really beautiful place!" The cat was riding shotgun. A fact that kinda irked Coal. Though, whether he liked it or not, he had to accept the fact that Perry had evolved from being the timid greenhorn to Hollard's current favorite plaything.

When Limon beside him began to move, the husky stirred as well and immediately felt the stiffness in his neck from sleeping on the ride. Even worse, though, was the blasting heat he was bathed in when he stepped out of the air conditioned car. "Whew!" he made, unbuttoning the top oh his shirt as he took the sight in himself. They were standing in a vast valley with scarce vegetation, surrounded by rolling hills and orange mountains that glimmered under the sun. A picturesque spot indeed.

Nothing has really change since Coal was here the last time, safe for the giant ranch house that sat in the middle of the estate now. While on his last visit, the whole thing was barely more than framework, today everything was finished and looked like the subject for a post card. Someone emerged from the porch of the building, but before the husky could make out who it was, his boss blocked the way to dish out instructions.

"Coal, you handle the luggage. Cases to the lodge, equipment by the truck," he ordered, pointing to a well-kept, if slightly dusty, pick up, besides which several bags and boxes already stood. "Perry can help you. Chief accountant, you come with me!" Swiftly Hollard turned around to walk up to the house, Limon in tow.

Turning to the cat left behind with him, Coal cracked a grin. "Alright, you take the cases, I'll handle the gear. Sounds good?" he asked, already on his way to open the trunk. Time to exercise some power himself. In a way he was Perry's senior, after all! Getting out a pair of the lighter utility bags, he didn't wait for an answer, but got one anyway.

"Oh, um. Sure!" Dutifully he picked out their boss's suitcase first, of course. "I'll put them on the porch, so we can take them inside once you're done."

Coal smirked. "Heh, what? No backtalk?" He waited a second for the cat to catch up to him. "Guess you're used to taking orders from a dog, eh?"

Perry blushed, but tried to hide it by hauling the large suitcase around. "W-well... Mr. Hollard said I should help you, so..." He shrugged, ending his point bluntly as if the old dog's word was infallible and any disagreement a mortal sin.

Coal found Perry's devotion kinda cute, even. Definitely a crass contrast to what he was used to. "Limon would be cussing me for making him handle the heavy baggage!"

With an awkward smile, the tabby cat agreed. "Heh, yeah. He sure complains a lot, doesn't he? Sometimes I wonder how he has the nerve to stand up to Mr. Hollard."

"All the fucking time!" the husky laughed, remembering quite a few incidents involving the fennec's big mouth, back when he was still working in the office as Hollard's personal carrier. Though from what he'd heard, not much has changed about Limon's recusancy. Apparently not even the Rottweiler could tame him. "It's like he acts up on purpose just to get knocked down a peg!" Before they parted, as they reached the pick up, Coal added, "Don't tell him I said that, or I'll get more cussing." Though he said it with a lighthearted smile. He was very capable of keeping the lil squirt in check! A fact Limon particularly despised, considering he used to be Coal's superior in the company – At least in his own, twisted perception. Coal had always been a freelancer!

As they met again at the rented SUV, Perry asked, "You've been here before, right? Does this really all belong to the ranch?" He gestured at the extensive environment.

"Uh, well not all of it," the husky answered, vaguely remembering a conversation with the owner of this place. "But most of it does. Limon could probably tell you more specifically. As far as I know, he's managing Crawford's holdings himself."

"Was, uhm..." The cat trailed off sheepishly as he pulled another case out of the trunk, his long, sleek tail swishing around nervously. When he continued, Perry didn't look at Coal directly. "Was it fun? The last time you stayed here?"

Coal remembered the visit good. Back then, they had to stay in a cozy, little farmhand house, since the actual place was still under construction. He gave the curious cat a sly grin. His first stay here was definitely, "Eventful. It was eventful." Grabbing a box, that looked like a plastic toolbox, out of the trunk, the husky's smile crumbled into a slight frown as he turned towards the tabby cat. "Now stop prattling and move those cases! I wanna get out of this heat before I'm sweat soaked." Before he left to bring the last of Hollard's equipment to the truck, Coal boldly added, "Leave that one, though. Limon can pick up his own shit!"


***


Once all their stuff was unloaded, Perry and Coal joined the others inside. Ashton Crawford was there and greeted them. The horse took a particular long moment to catch up with Perry, who seemed to make a habit out of stealing the show from Coal. Not loosing his cool, the husky briefly wondered whether it was because the cat was younger than him, or whether he was so in demand with the older gents because of his servile demeanor? Anyway, while the home owner was occupied with Perry, Coal took the chance to eye someone over, whom he didn't recognize from his last stay.

A tall, buff looking bull stood behind Crawford. He definitely had a strong build, some nice muscles were visible where the sleeves of his checked shirt ended, yet he didn't quite fit Coal's picture of a big, burly bull. This guy was still young, lean and would probably bulge out some more with the years.

"Oh, where are my manners? Here.." Crawford said, interrupting his reunion with Perry to beckon the attentive bull closer. "Meet Samuel. Sam has been living on the ranch for about half a year now. He's helping me a great deal with the work!" Perry and Coal both exchanged some pleasantries with the bull, who seemed to be a friendly and outgoing fella. "After I got to enjoy your outstanding services, during my stay in the city, Perry, I just had to find a capable carrier for myself. And Sam has been more than capable to fit the role!" He clasped the bull on the shoulder and Sam agreed sheepishly with his boss.

"Took ya long enough to find yerself a boy!" Hollard chuckled as he came over, putting one hand on Perry's  shoulder, then the other one on Coal's. "Meanwhile I already keep a stable of three, hah!"

"Yeah, you've never been able to get enough!" an unknown voice suddenly commented from above them. All eyes went up and met the lion, casually standing on the gallery, as he grinned down on them. "Or do you already need a team of three to lift your fat ass off the ground?" Triumphantly the big cat sauntered down the stairs, his long, tufted tail flicking behind him.

"Luke.." Hollard grumbled through his teeth, while Perry flinched under the Rottweiler's tightening possessive grasp. Coal could feel it too. "What can I say? I'm just a selfish man and enjoy the quality of having a good boy at the ready to dance attendance on me wherever, whenever and in whatever manner I desire." He pulled Perry and Coal a bit closer and his scowling muzzle turned into a toothy grin. "Something you unfortunately can't say about yourself, I recon?"

The lion's superior smile faltered some as he slowly approached the sharp-witted dog. "I just haven't found a fitting candidate yet," he shrugged nonchalantly. "An endeavor further aggravated by you hogging up all the good ones, it seems." His cunning, green eyes lingered briefly on Coal, before they fell on Perry. "A cat? Seriously? Do you even know how that makes you look?"

Taking his right hand from the husky's shoulder to wave off, Hollard merely replied, "Oh, please. I'm not going to take that lesson from you! Anyway..." He suddenly pressed his hands to both his attendants' backs and shoved them forward. "This is Coal. You haven't met him yet, but he's been in my service a few years now. And this is my latest achievement: Perry! He's such a diligent, courteous, little guy. Always at the ready to indulge my every whim and so eager to please, too! Isn't that right, Perry? You love to work hard for me, don't you?" The old dog's words were heavy with spite for the lion in front of him. It was very obvious he wanted to showcase the tabby cat in order to get under this Luke's fur. Though, innocently, Perry answered regardless, adding that perfect icing on the cake, wholly unaware.

"O-of course, sir! I'm always at your service."

The lion wrinkled his nose, making his long, fine whiskers twitch. "That is so unacceptable!" Luke declared theatrically. "A feline beneath a mutt? Aren't you ashamed, James? Jesus, is this twig even actually able to carry you at all? Or did you just pay some gullible lad to come along just to taunt me?!"

The Rottweiler's smile widened. Luke literally just rolled out the red carpet for him! With an authoritarian snap of his fingers, Hollard commanded, "Perry, my legs are a bit tired. Get down on the ground, I need to sit!"

The poor tabby cat blushed deeply in embarrassment when everyone looked at him. Though, of course he would never be able to disobey his boss! Nervously he nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes! A-as you wish, Mr. Hollard.." Gently the svelte cat lowered himself to his hands and knees right behind his boss. "Hrgmph!" And stifled a groan as the much heavier dog abruptly planted his thick ass on the groveling feline's offered back.

"Outrageous!" Luke exclaimed, shaking his head, the burly muzzle distorted somewhere between a smile and a scowl. Then he spoke directly to the cat who got so easily converted into a furniture. Luke softened his tone only marginally for the weak-willed boy. "Don't you feel any shame for submitting to a common dog like that?! We cat's are a proud people. And we should act the part!"

Perry stammered for a response, but before he could get anything out, Hollard silenced him by affectionately caressing his cheek. "Don't listen to this deluded moron. You are exactly where you are supposed to be!" With a victorious smile, Hollard looked up at the lion. "Maybe it's time for you 'proud people' to accept the fact that your historical impact is just that: History! Perry here has come to know and love his position. He realizes that it needs a strong dog at the top. Isn't that right, carry boy? Tell Luke where your place is!"

Struggling under all the weight and attention he suddenly had to endure, Perry quickly sputtered, "Yes, sir, you're right. I, hmph.. I enjoy my position. My place is beneath you and I'm h-happy to have such a strong and, rmff.. capable superior like you to guide me!"

Luke could only shake his head again. "I know that you canines have it big with your pack mentality and social hierarchy, but a cat's gotta be free and independent." The massive lion, still smiling despite his undeniable defeat, rounded the seated Rottweiler until he was facing his 'chair'. Then he simply raised his bare paw from the ground and planted it on the kneeling feline's head. "A real big cat would've known that!" Luke sneered as he twisted his foot on Perry's head, without so much as a word of disapproval from the old Rottweiler. Then he simply walked off, disregarding Hollard and his entourage to focus on a new target. "Limon! Long time no see. At least someone here, who knows how to treat a cat with some damn respect..."

A moment of silence followed between the trio, before Perry broke it. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Hollard, hrrg.. if I inconvenienced you, or your acquaintance."

"Oh, you did wonderful, Perry!" the dog chuckled, savoring his triumph over the feisty lion. "In fact, I might have to show you off a bit more, even. Setting a good example for some other cats. Hah!"

Feeling a bit left out, Coal stepped forward and asked, "Who was this guy anyway? I've never seen him before, but you seem to know him quite well."

"This blinkered kitten is Luke Pierce. He's the chairman of FinCo Ventures. Been doing business with him for a while now." The gruff dog explained, stubbornly refusing to get off his feline seat. "Good guy, but talks too much. And he's got some messed up views about cats and dogs, obviously. Airhead thinks he's above all canines just 'cause. Heh, laughable!" As if to accentuate his statement, Hollard fidgeted a bit on his carrier cat, grinding his big, heavy rump left and right on Perry's slender back. "Anyway," he went on. "Despite my quarrels with the lion, I expect you two to be on your best behavior! Is that clear?"

"Yes, Mr. Hollard!" both his boys acknowledged on the spot. Though, the older dog wasn't quite done yet.

"I brought you all here to brag with and to rub under Luke's nose how superior I am to him. Fuck, I'm keeping a dog, a cat and a fox on my leash, that's something, isn't it! And what does he have to boast about? 'I haven't found a fitting candidate'..." he sneered blatantly. "So while we're here, I want you to grovel and suck up to Luke and Ash. Show them how well I've trained you. How much you love to serve me and to be subjugated by me. Make them envious of what I possess!"

Again both boys acknowledged their boss in unison with a dutiful, "Yes, Mr. Hollard!" This time much stiffer than before, though.

"I don't want any blunders, during our stay. While we're here, you can consider yourself nothing more than slaves! Mess this up for me and I'll make you work for half the minimum wage for the rest of the year! That goes especially for you, Coal!" Hollard admonished the black husky with a menacing glance. "Keep your smart-aleck tongue in check. And no damn incidents with the fox, you hear!"

Coal swallowed, standing stiffly beside his still enthroned boss. He sounded really serious about this, so it was probably best to toe the line. "Yes, sir, I understand. I will put my best foot forward!"


***


Once everyone was acquainted with each other, the small crowd settled in a large, country-style living room adjacent to the foyer. Samuel, the bull, had served them a round of drinks and for a while all of them were caught up in conversation. Hollard and Luke Pierce, with Limon in the middle, discussed some casual business affairs and shared a few anecdotes, some of which centering around the latter, which caused the fennec to rail at them. It figures that he couldn't abide to their boss's demand for impeccable behavior for long.

After some more chatter with Crawford - once his talents as chair weren't needed any longer - Perry soon withdrew a bit with Sam to indulge in some gossip. Most of it centering around their employers, of course. That, though granted Coal some space to catch up properly with the horse himself. When he last visited Ash's ranch, the husky got into close contact with the stallion. Actually he had been the 'main event' of the trip! Coal was happy to see the horse again and he looked forward to spend the week on his estate.

At some point, Luke and Ash instructed everyone to get ready for departure. Samuel swiftly disappeared, while Hollard took his tabby cat aside for a few words. Limon and Coal, not quite as oblivious as their feline companion for what was about to come, were mostly prepared already. The fox had opted to start their trip already in casual clothes. In shorts and a simple tee, he was ready to go. Coal was much the same, he just had to part with his good shirt.

Once everyone was prepared, they gathered outside by the pick up truck. The only one missing yet was the bull, who apparently was tasked by Ash to arrange some things for their return later in the evening. Right now it was late afternoon. The sun stood a bit lower than it did when they arrived here, but it was still just as hot.

"Alright, seeing that you most likely won't pass up the chance to ride your lap cat in front of my nose," Luke said in Hollard's direction. "I guess I'm at least granted to chose my mount for today. So if you don't mind, I'll take the liberty aaaand... pick this one!"

With a devilish grin on his large, feline face, Luke crept up to Limon from behind and... simply jumped onto the much, MUCH smaller fennec's back. "ARGH!" With a pained yelp, Limon immediately stumbled to his knees. Unable to support the weight of the huge lion that clung to him, the poor fox inevitably pitched forward and fell. Limon tried to catch himself on his hands, but the load on his back was too much and sent him straight into the dust. "GURGH! FUCK!" he gasped as the wind was knocked out of him. Unapologetically the massive lion kept sitting on the crushed and wheezing desert fox, his long, thin tail swishing excitedly behind him. "Ah-harg... God damn! Get yourself off of me, you prick!" Limon growled, struggling on the ground. "Ah, shit! I fucking landed on a rock!"

"C'mon, Limon. Giddyup!" Luke cheered, unrelentingly pinning the tiny fox to the ground to the point where he got trouble to breathe. Though, it was very obvious that the lion wouldn't get anywhere on the back of his chosen ride. Limon was simply too small! Luke Pierce, while not nearly as corpulent as the Rottweiler, was a good bit taller than Hollard and could easily compete with his heft. Hell, he might very well outweigh his two hundred pounds! Limon, with a puny body weight of about fifty pounds, was stuck under the big cat like a sheet of paper under a boulder. In fact, seeing him get pounced like this was almost cruel.

While Ashton was taken aback by the sight, the Rottweiler merely grumbled annoyed, "Good Lord, don't break my fox on the first day already! Now stop being silly. He's just our baggage porter. Wimp's too frail to be ridden. I've tried!"

"Makes for a nice seat cushion, tho," Luke retorted, jacking back and forth on the prostrated and groaning fox.

"Aye," Hollard had to agree.

With a labored growl, Limon shoved at the immovable guy on top of him. "H-have you two quite finished yet? Urgh..." He exhaled frantically, his huge ears folding back with desperation. "Shit, get off already! I can't breath right!"

Luke chuckled as he eventually got up. "Don't be so uptight, Limon. I was just joking. No harm done!"

"Tell that to my fucking spine!" the fox mumbled as he got back up on his paws, dusting himself off, before a sharp pain made him clutch his front. "Urgh, or the rock you knocked into my chest!"

Letting the fox curse away, Luke turned around, still smiling mischievously. "Well, unless I'm expected to walk – which I positively won't do – there's only one option left..." His sharp, green eyes stared right at the monochrome husky.

Warily Coal peered over to his boss, but the older dog was already busy saddling his cat. Then again, he already received his instructions, didn't he? Serve and impress! Slowly Coal approached the grinning lion. He didn't know this Luke Pierce, but the way he pounced Limon to the ground looked harsh! Not that he was sorry for the fox. "I'd gladly be at your service, Mr. Pierce," Coal offered a bit timidly. Though considering Limon already got away with calling him a prick, the guy seemed to be pretty laid back, if a bit conceited. But that was to be expected from one of Hollard's companions.

With a judgemental, "Hmp," Luke crossed his arms in front of his chest and sized the smaller husky up. "Looks like at least this mutt has some sort of manners." His roundish, feline ears, partly hidden inside his voluminous mane, perked as the lion rose an eyebrow. "I mean, you do realize that your place is beneath a feline, don't you, dog?" He sneered the last word like an insult.

Mirroring Mr. Pierce, Coal too took the bulky lion in for a moment. He was definitely a bit younger than Hollard. And while the Rottweiler always had a certain gruffness about him, this guy had a more lighthearted, playful aura. Luke was tall, with a massive frame. Beefy and strong, quite fitting for a male lion. As was his pompous mane! It was a good notch darker than the rest of his sandy-brown fur and gave him kind of a regal appeal. A real looker! Though his question put Coal in a predicament.

Agreeing with Luke would denounce his boss. Objecting him would make Coal look like an ornery sub and thus undermine Hollard's intentions. Not to mention he'd disrespect the massive big cat that was about to ride him! Eventually he said, "Mr. Hollard made clear to me that I am to treat you suitably. So yes, I realize that my place is beneath you, sir!" Sucking up to the lion, while giving Hollard all the credit for it. That ought to work! Or so the husky hoped.

Luke wore a disdainful expression, but didn't comment further on Coal's answer. Instead he gestured his hand towards Hollard, who was just about to mount Perry. Samuel, meanwhile had returned and likewise got into position to carry his equine landlord. "Anyway, you'd better get a move on. I don't wanna drop behind the others, you hear!"

"Of course, sir!" the husky nodded obediently. "Just let me put on my harness real quick and we're ready to go." He was about to turn, when the lion's commanding voice stopped him.

"Leave the harness!" Luke declared nonchalantly, picking at his claw in a fashion that suggested he wasn't keen to hear Coal's opinion on the matter, if he had one. "I prefer to ride bareback."

Coal blinked at him. He was more surprised about the lion's bluntness than the actual request. Hollard often rode him without gear, so he was used to it. But he'd been in the dog's service for years already. This guy, he only met hours ago! "As you like," he complied nonetheless, about to get down when he was interrupted once more.

"Entirely, if you please!" Luke specified his desire in an impatient tone, pointing a clawed finger at the husky's torso. "Get rid of the singlet!" Somehow he made it sound like the simple piece of garment was an insult in and of itself.

Coal nodded vehemently. "Of course, Mr. Pierce. One second, please..." In a hurry he pulled his tanktop over his head and jogged up the porch to discard it on the railing. With the way this guy issued his commands, it sure wasn't hard for Coal to fall into line with his boss's instructions. Luke Pierce didn't only look like a king on summer vacation, he acted like one too! Serving him came almost naturally.

Once bare-chested, the black and white husky quickly huddled down in front of the waiting big cat. Dang! Hollard and Perry were already on their way. And Ashton, already seated on his bull, waited courteously for them. What an embarrassing start! And here Coal had meant to outshine the oh so diligent tabby cat. He had to buckle down! 

"Hmm, for a dog, you're quite a handsome fellow, I gotta give James that.." Luke murmured as he put one of his huge hands on Coal's shoulder. Softly he moved it down the husky's toned, black-furred back, carefully dragging his extended, razor-sharp claws through his dense pelt. At the end, Luke gave Coal's ass a hard slap of approvement. "Too bad you opted to put yourself under the old codger's heel. A neat mutt like you would be far better off to serve a feline. You'd make such a good pet!"

"Erm, thank you, sir," the husky murmured, caught a bit off guard. And also embarrassed. A pet? Jesus, this guy was quite straightforward and shameless. Opting not to comment on Luke's remark, Coal instead went on with, "Please feel free to mount m-- Nyargh!!" but was cut short when the massive lion simply hopped onto his back without warning. The sudden impact send a sharp pain through the crouching dog's spine. With grit teeth Coal trembled under the settling weight. "Ugh..." Fuck! If he weren't so used to carrying a fat Rottweiler around, he surely would have suffered the same fate now that Limon had to endure earlier. God, that must have really hurt!

Satisfied that his ride didn't break down instantly, Luke chuckled. "Alright, then let's head out already." Inconsiderately he grabbed the scruff of Coal's neck hard for support. "Time to put you to some actual use, dog. You should feel honored to carry me!"

"Mrrgh, of course, sir!" Coal huffed, struggling to push his back through to accommodate the big cat properly. Shit, he may not look like it, but Luke carried some actual heft! He was definitely heavier than Hollard, that's for sure! "It's a pleasure and a privilege to serve you!"

Carefully Coal took his first steps forward. The uneven, brush-covered ground was a stark contrast to what he was used to, but he could manage. Worse, though, than what lay beneath him, was what hung above them. The orange sun battered down on him without mercy and it didn't look like it would set anytime soon. Fuck! Huskies weren't made for a semi-desert like this!

It didn't take long at all until Coal felt the first beads of sweat trickle through his head fur. Not to mention the burn in his limbs that were forced to support this massive cat. A brief glance back confirmed that they indeed weren't far from the house yet.

"Say, what was your name again?" Luke questioned casually, sounding very relaxed compared to the puffing canine below him.

"C-Coal," he answered, too focused on maintaining his gait to be indignant at the lion for forgetting his name already. "I'm Coal."

"Right. Now then, Coal, be so kind and head over to your little friend, I need to grab something!" Luke ordered as he pulled the husky towards Limon by his neck. Coal growled in pain, but complied of course.

The fennec, meanwhile, was struggling with his own burden. In his case,though, it was not a rider weighing him down, but rather the entirety of Luke, Ash and his boss's equipment that previously stood by the pick up truck. Save for his head and paws, you couldn't see much of the fox anymore, for what he wasn't able to carry in his hands or on his back, got simply strung over him in whatever fashion was convenient enough to keep it from falling off. Several straps were slung over his shoulders and around his neck, making it an obvious donkeywork for Limon. At least the desert fox seemed to do much better with the heat, which honestly wasn't a huge surprise.

"Eghf... Here to give me a hand with all this garbage?" Limon asked with a dry laugh through his armor of bags, cases and kits. "Seriously, urgh.. this stuff weighs a ton!"

Luke only laughed. "Don't be silly! There has got to be some way you can make yourself useful. I wouldn't want to take away your only purpose on this trip, Limon. Besides," he flashed a toothy smile, posing nonchalantly on the poor dog who had to transport him. "Do I look like I'd handle my own baggage?!" Steering Coal a bit closer to the fennec with another pull on his skin, the lion carelessly leaned over to fumble with Limon's load, not caring in the slightest what trouble or discomfort he caused to both of them in doing so. "I just want to get something to make this ride a bit more appealing..."

While Coal silently did his best to keep steady, the fox freely vented his grievances as per usual, "Couldn't you have done so before we departed?! Ow! Don't pull on this. Hmrrff.. fuck, you're strangling me!"

"Yeesh, James is right: You never shut up!" the lion remarked when he finally found what he was looking for. Signaling his mount to distance himself again from the annoying pack mule, Luke shot the snorting and stumbling fennec a stern gaze along with a well meant warning, "I swear, Limon, if you drop my baits, I'll skin you with my own claws!"

Over his panting, Coal didn't hear what the fox was ranting about next. He also didn't hear the soft, metallic tinkle above him that came from whatever it was Luke fumbled with – not until he could feel it too! "Huh?" The husky blinked surprised as something was wrapped around his neck. He looked up over his shoulder and found the grinning lion with a leash in his hand. Then the leather collar was pulled tight and buckled securely. "Wh-what the...?"

"A good dog belongs on a leash, don't you agree?" Luke sneered down at him, giving said leash a light tug.

Unsure how to react, Coal eventually uttered a simple, "Y-yes, Mr. Pierce..." He stopped briefly to steady his breathing some, then quickly walked on.

Another tug on the leash. "Master Pierce would be more appropriate henceforth, I believe!"

Stumbling slightly over a particularly dense tuft of grass, Coal felt the weight of the lion sway and stagger on top of his back. God, his ribs were sore already! "Ghmmph.. o-of course, master Pierce. Huff, huff.. as you wish. Ough!" The husky suddenly stumbled again when he stepped into a small dip, this time toppling forward a few hasty steps to catch himself. That was a close call!

"Careful, you stupid mutt!" Luke chuckled, unwilling to help the tripping husky, even though his paws almost touched the ground anyway. "Don't believe I wouldn't chastise you for throwing me off, just because James lend you to me. I'm not the lenient type. You dimwitted canines need a strong cat to lord over you. And now.. MOVE FASTER!"

A powerful yank on the leash forced Coal's head upward. "Gwah!" The sturdy leather cut into his neck, making it even harder for him to breath. Now, unable to see where his hands went, the husky staggered some more as he tried to pick up speed. "Hrmg, p-please.." Coal gasped. Fuck! He was about to collapse already. This unnecessary power game was not helping at all to keep him going!

Thankfully, though, Luke eventually eased his grip on the leash some – SOME! Not entirely, though. The lion gleefully kept the leash taut so his mount wouldn't forget anytime soon who was holding the reins here!

Not keen to receive such harsh treatment again and still set on outperforming his feline counterpart, Coal trudged on and tried to do so at a swift pace. He was failing miserably, though! Even Limon was way ahead of them already. Hollard and Perry were just about to disappear into the lush forest that nestled around the mountain's feet. Was he this out of shape, or was Luke really that much heavier than his boss? If he had to guess, Cola would say yes, but so far he had blamed the sun for his enhanced burden. However, the dog was just about to find out the truth!

"Say," Luke mused idly on top of him. "You've worked as a carrier before, no? Prior to slaving for James, I mean."

Coal didn't like the lion's dismissive tone and frowned, but... Truth be told: He WAS slaving for Hollard! "Hmmph.. yes, sir.." he confirmed panting. Though he wouldn't let his rider wound his pride. Boastfully he added, "I branched out on my own, hrmmph... Worked as an independent carrier. I was, gwmm, was a one-man army. 'Twas hard, but, urgh.. I got b-by... An honest day's pay, for an h-honest, rrrmf.. day's work! I was also hired temporarily as a personal carrier, once or twice. 'Twas good money, so I specialized. Eventually I met Mr. Hollard."

Out of sight for Coal, the lion rolled his eyes annoyed. "A simple yes would've sufficed. I didn't want to hear your entire life story!" Though he only said that to mess with the dog. In fact Luke was quite intrigued by the husky's way up the career ladder. Or down, depending on perspective. In any case, the mutt was self made and that deserved respect. Respect that Luke Pierce, a kitten born with a silver spoon in his muzzle, would gladly withhold from his leashed mount! "Kinda figures that a lowbrow mutt like you would eventually suck up to the biggest dog with the loudest bark. Heh, it's always a pissing contest with you canines. A pissing contest, where the loser tucks his tail and bares his throat, calling it loyalty and social hierarchy to feel better about themselves. Hah! Pathetic. Pathetic and primitive, aren't you?"

Stopping for a brief moment to catch his breath again, Cola sighed. "Yes, master Pierce. I am pathetic..." Deflated, the husky went on, dragging his sore paws through the dust to keep up the illusion that he would still be able to catch up to the others.

"Anyway, what was your weight limit?" Luke asked next.

"Hrmf, one hundred twenty pounds," Coal revealed , glad for another chance to proof his worth. For a dog of his breed that was already quite something. As a freelancer, you gotta pull your weight, after all! Or, well, someone else's weight in his case. "But meanwhile, hff, hff.. I got pretty used to Mr. Hollard's heft of about two hundred," he added with a touch of pride.

"Heh, so..." Luke asked with a soft chuckle, Coal's leash firm in his grip. "How does it feel to have your limit doubled by me then?"

Coal gulped. Doubled?! Damn, this guy really didn't show his weight. Then again, most felines looked rather.. svelte. Even big cats carried a certain grace, despite easily weighting up to three hundred pounds, in case of a tiger, for example. And that's talking about a slim specimen. "It's eh..." He huffed a few times to stall so he could come up with an appropriate way to word this. "Definitely a challenge, master Pierce. I.. must admit yo-urgh.. you're stretching my limits a bit, hehe..."

Proudly the massive lion grinned down on his feeble ride. "Yes, I can imagine. I might not look like it, but I do carry some heft. All muscle, of course. You've got two hundred and sixty pounds of pure lion sitting on your back, mutt! You should feel honored." When the puffing husky below him didn't respond, Luke gave the leash a rough tug. "Go on, do tell me how honored you are!"

To be honest, 'honored' wasn't exactly the first term that came to Coal's mind upon hearing this number. Exploited, or overworked sounded more suitable in his ears. Though of course he was bound to stroke the feline's ego. Considering he was failing so spectacularly at carrying this hunk and also had to bid adieu to his personal goal of besting the tabby cat, Coal at least didn't want to disappoint his boss as well. "Huff, i-it is indeed an absolute honor to be at your service today, master Pierce!" he said as he stumbled through the desert grass. The heat and strain made his vision blur and his head throb. Not to mention the fact that he was dying of thirst! "Transporting you is a privilege I am hardly worthy of. Hurrrgh! I just, uff.. hope that I'm able to meet your requirements, sir? AURGH!!"

After tripping over a sharp-leafed shrub, Coal was finally no longer able to catch his balance with the lion on his back. He stumbled forward and inevitably hit the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust that tickled in his puffing nose. The lion crashed down right on top of him, slamming the husky's chest hard against the ground. He yapped in pain and gasped when he found it hard to inhale, but Luke didn't seem to care much, considering he stubbornly remained seated where he was.

"Meh, hardly!" the lion judged disdainfully, letting the flattened husky suffer under his entire weight. "You're not only incredibly slow and wobble like a twig in a storm, but now you also dropped me!" To reprimand the collapsed dog, Luke pulled the leash firmly and leaned forward to address him more directly and to also torment Coal under his shifting form. "Is this what you stupid dog call service? What if I got hurt?! I thought you said you're a professional!"

"Ghm-hrgnn!" Coal winced, grabbing his collar to ease the strain on his throat. "S-sorry, urgh..." he muttered in a wild attempt to pull himself together. In the end he managed to prop himself up on his elbows enough to at least breath a bit more freely. "Huff-huff.. p-please forgive me, master Pierce. Ugh! The weather is, hff.. doing quite a number on me..."

The lion wasn't particularly indulgent. "Tsk! Don't give me excuses. GET BACK UP ALREADEY!!" he yelled with a harsh yank on the leash that made the husky yelp. "If you think you can slack off, just because you're not ridden by your actual boss, then you're wrong! I won't let you mistreat me!"

"Of course, ARGH! I'm terribly sorry!" the canine pleaded, desperate for a breather as he began to force himself back up – with little success. The man sitting on his back was like a block of lead that pinned him to the ground. "Hrrrrmgh! I-if you could j-just..." But of course Luke Pierce didn't 'just'. He stoically refused to lend but the slightest of aid to the struggling husky. Instead he only hardened his task by keeping the leash painfully taut.

But Coal was too proud to give up just yet. Perry was clearly out of reach for him by now, but he WOULD bring his passenger to its destination! And hey, Ashton and his bull seemed to be falling behind too, so maybe, if he pulled himself together and grit his teeth, he wouldn't be the last to cross the finish line.

"Hmmrgh!" Mustering all his strength, the husky pushed himself off the ground, slowly and arduously lifting the overbearing lion on his back up with him. "Gah! Huff-hff.." The terrible strain in his sagging spine brought tears to his eyes, but after a taxing few moments, Coal was back on all fours, panting heavily.

"Great," Luke mocked, tugging on the leash. "Now get going already!"

With unsteady steps, the husky forced himself forward. Coal's arms literally felt like pudding and he feared to fall again any second. The incredible weight on his back rocked around on top of him as rough as a boulder where Luke sat. He'd definitely suffer a few sore muscles tomorrow!

"Drop me again, and I'll make you feel my claws!" the lion threatened and traced his fingers softly over the side of Coal's neck. "Honestly.. I hate to admit it, but I can see why James replaced you with a cat. I'm really not exaggerating when I say that your performance is quite lacking so far. A feline on the other hand... We're doers!" As if shaken from his narration, Luke yanked on the leash. "That's not to say I approve of the tabby's position! A dog riding on a feline, that's just.. wrong! And tacky! And indecent! And quite a few other things! But, the bottom line is," he shrugged, "cats are just better than dogs. In just about every way. Don't you agree, Carl?"

"Hmph.. Coal!" the husky corrected peeved. "And I'm not being replaced..." he cursed under his breath. Though the lion's message hit home. In a way, at least. His performance WAS lacking! "Y-you aurgh.. are right, of course, master Pierce! Ghuff..." Huffing and puffing, Coal marched on at a crawl, using his anger and frustration to fuel his body. The words he spoke next rung like a warning in his own ears. A warning to finally prove this arrogant lion wrong. "Felines are better than dogs. Hrgn! Dogs are i-inferior. I am Inferior! To you. To Perry. To every stray cat there is!" Grumbling, the humiliated dog finally picked up some speed. He was trying to refute here what he just said, after all, for fuck's sake!

Luke merely chuckled amused. "It can be taught!"

And how it could be taught! But now it was time for some teaching! Determined, Coal focused his bleary eyes on the nearing forest a mile or so away and strode through the desert-like terrain. He would not fail!

Under the backing sun and Luke's heavy ass, the husky's resolve, however, melted away just as swiftly as it had come. This arduous tour was just too damn much for a carrier, whether it be a cat, or dog. The sweat was literally dripping from his face! Dizzily, Coal walked slower and slower, until he finally came to a stop, gasping like a fish out of water. "Hugh.huff.hff-pfff...p-please, master Pierce, hmff-pff-pff.. allow me a moment to rest..." With his last might, Coal stopped his knees from hitting the ground.

The lion snorted dismissively. "You can rest, when we arrived!" Another tug on the leash meant to spur the ailing dog on. Luke really seemed to like that damn thing! "Looks like Ash's mount is failing too. Kinda surprising, considering the bull looked quite a bit sturdier than you." More tugging. "Move us over there, dog! Hurry!"

"Hurff.. yes, master Pierce. A-as you wish..." Sluggishly Coal moved on. Despite the sandy ground, his hands and wrists hurt like hell, even though he was used to heavy loads. In a twinge of spite the husky thought it hardly surprising that Luke never found himself a carrier. Hollard was already a slave driver, but this guy...

Inch by inch Coal crawled towards the other two members of their group. And once they were close enough that his fuzzy eyes could make out their forms properly, he found Samuel sitting on the ground with the horse crouched beside him. Coal wasn't really sure what they did – and honestly he didn't really care right now – but the two seemed to be occupied with the bull's right hand. Eventually the husky came to a stop beside them, ready to collapse again. Though he knew better than to do so in front of their host.

"Got bitten by a rattlesnake?" Luke asked in a measured, but still lighthearted tone, considering the bull seemed to be in pain, but not terribly much so.

Rattlesnake?! Alarmed Coal looked left and right to spot any potential threat. There was none, though, and much to his relief, Ashton confirmed his observation, "Cactus, actually. There are no rattlesnakes here. I wouldn't have built my home in a nest of serpents!" The horse grimaced at the thought.

"It's not too bad, though," the bull tending to his hand contributed. "I'll be ready to go on in just a moment. I've got a thick skin!"

"You sure do, but I'd rather not make you carry me on a hurt limb," Ash clarified, quite to the lion's annoyance, who rolled his eyes as if to say, 'Tis but a scratch'! Coal, on the other hand, wished his current rider would show just half the consideration and care for his mount than the stallion did. "I'll wait with you until you feel better and if it's not--"

"Why wait?!" Luke butted in, drawing the equine's attention, when he slapped Coal's butt. "I've got a somewhat capable mount right here. Just hop on, I'll give you a ride!"

"Huh?!" Coal blinked, looking up in shock to meet Ashton's likewise worried face. This was a joke, right?!

After a moment, the stallion laughed the offer off. "Jeeze, thanks! That's awfully nice, but I guess I'm good."

But the feline wouldn't budge that easily. He shot Ash a knowing grin and sneered, "Oh, don't play shy with me. I know you like that idea! And why wouldn't you? That's why we're here, right? To enjoy some nature and a good ride, or two! C'mere already!"

The horse blushed slightly. "Oh gosh, you're serious about this!" Ash realized, giving the trembling dog underneath the massive lion another worried glance. "Luke, the poor boy is barely managing you, as it is!"

"He's fine," Luke assured indifferently, waving his friend's concerns away with a paw. "He's just a bit bothered by the heat, apparently. Thick fur and all." The feline's toothy smile widened. "Just a few moments ago, he was bragging to me about how he's used to much heavier loads. Said he could easily handle a duo! This would be the perfect opportunity to put the loudmouthed pup to the test!"

"Hm, well..." Ashton mused, meeting Coal's pleading eyes. "He DID manage my bulk quite fairly, last time I had him over here." More and more keen of the prospect to subject the battered husky to such a load test, the stallion rose to his hooves. "Would you really be up for such a challenge, Coal?" he asked carefully. "I mean, Luke and I together? That's quite a bit!"

"P-please.." the already overloaded dog whimpered. "I really don't think that I cou-u-RGH--!" Coal suddenly trailed off and swallowed hard when he felt a row of razor-sharp claws dig into his side. That damned lion!

"Yes!" Luke chipped in, keeping his extended claws firmly pressed to his mount's ribs, conveniently out of the equine's sight. "Say again what you told me earlier. That you wouldn't mind some extra weight. That you even fancy a rough ride!"

Coal winced when the lion's murderous claws poked a bit deeper. "Y-yes!" he hissed through grit teeth. "Yes, I love it rough, master Pierce!" The poor husky was close to tears. Not so much from pain, but rather in hindsight of the cruel, brutal and highly impossible task he was forced to accept. A lion AND a horse on his back? TOGETHER?! How in the world was he supposed to manage that? How in the world was anyone supposed to? Not even a fucking bear carrier would accept a load of way over 500 pounds! This was bound to end in disaster! And yet...

The firework in Coal's pants let him throw all common sense over board. The mere thought of finding himself beneath these two hulking, handsome and overbearing men made his heart race and his sheath swell. To think these bigwigs would seriously expect him to carry more than three times his own body weight through this blazing desert heat. Fuck! Did they even care that he was about to suffer a heat stroke? Or that they could possibly snap his spine in two? If Hollard was around, he would probably put an end to this crackpot idea, but the Rottweiler was already out of sight. Coal was on his own. And despite all his senses telling him not to, the swooned dog simply couldn't help but accept the challenge ahead of him.

"And as said, hmph.. I'm quite confident that I'm able to handle two people at once. So yes..." He huffed a bit as he craned his neck up to look at the towering stallion. God dammit, what was he doing?! "I don't mind at all to be held to my word, Mr. Crawford. Please, f-feel free to mount me!"

With relief Coal noticed that the threatening claws at his side retracted and gave way to a set of large, firm pads that gently stroked the abused skin. "Good dog!" Luke chuckled and then waved again to the horse. "See? I told you he's fine. Now stop wasting our time and plant your ass on this mutt already!"

The horse smiled sheepishly, but there was clear eagerness flashing in his big, gentle eyes. "Well..." he murmured, heavy hooves crunching through the sandy gravel as he slowly stepped closer. "Who would I be not to accept such a thrilling offer?" Getting in position behind the lion, one massive leg on either side of Coal's trembling form, Crawford admired the tense body below himself. The husky's slim back was taut, the black fur shimmering under the sun like a soft, inviting pillow. And Luke's fine ass had preheated it nicely. Good Lord, the feline barely fit onto this poor dog alone as it was! Even now, perched on Coal's upper back to make space, burdening his full weight onto the huffing canine's shoulders, there was barely enough room for the stallion to take a seat. This would be a tight fit with quite a bit of physical contact. "But do tell if it gets too much!" he admonished in a caring tone.

Absorbed in his silent prayer, Coal didn't answer, but Luke was quick to fill in for him, "He'll manage. Now don't keep him waiting any longer and hop on! You can hold on to me. I promise, I won't bite!"

"Alright then..." Ash said excitedly, taking the lion up on his offer by reaching for his beefy shoulders. "I'll sit down now," he added as a well-meant warning for the dog. Not that it mattered much, this was going to be brutal! Slowly the tall stallion bent his knees and descended.

Coal's breathing quickened when he felt the familiar warmth of a passenger's butt begin to settle on his exposed back. This was really happening. Fuck, his groin was on fire! "Hmph..." Steeling his resolve, Coal tensed his arms and legs as he felt the equine's weight build on his lower back and hip. Ash was already driving his paws deeper into the dry, loose sand. Then the enormous horse finally settled fully. "Hrgnn-hmph-AURRGHNN!!!" And immediately coal felt a sharp pain in his spine as it bend under the added load. The weight on his back was so much that he couldn't breath properly all of a sudden and he felt a dangerous pinch deep in his hips where Ashton's rump bore down on it. "Eh-heegnnn..." It took everything the husky had not to collapse under the new guest.

Fascinated, Samuel observed the whole scene silently from the side. As a bull, he was able to say that his own bulkiness surpassed the husky's easily enough. Though even he had to clench his teeth now and then when Mr. Crawford rode on him, especially on the uneven soil of his homestead. Seeing this dog packed with two persons of the stallion's magnitude was a sight to behold! And a sorry one too. Coal's face looked as if he could feel each and every of his bones bend and break under the combined load. He was trying so hard!

"So far, so good," Luke chuckled high above the tortured carrier. He could feel clearly how much the boy beneath his butt struggled to just hold them up. Every one of his labored breaths felt like a cry for help. The lion knew that Ash could sense it too. And from the thick, growing lump that pushed against his backside, Luke could tell that his co-rider was clearly enjoying it. Damn horses and their giant tools! Not that the feline minded. This constellation was bound to bring everyone close together from the start and Ash was a real looker, besides. Heck, some 'friction' felt kinda really nice, actually! And the fact that the stallion had wrapped both arms around Luke's midsection for support was kinda cute. Plus, this might come in handy in just a bit! "Well then..." Luke announced with an authoritative growl in his frisky voice as he pulled Coal's leash taut. "Get moving, dog! Show us that you aren't all bark and no bite!"

A quiet moment passed with Luke, Ash and Sam all looking expectantly at the miraculously still standing canine, Coal's strained wheezing the only audible sound. Though nothing happened.

"I said, move!" the lion repeated a bit more sternly, yanking once again on the leash as if to set a rebellious beast of burden into motion. Still nothing.

Through grit teeth, Coal stuttered, "I c-cant..." He tried desperately to lift any of his appendages off the ground to take his first step, but his hands and paws were like glued to the ground. The enormous weight on his still sagging back left him with no leverage whatsoever. Fuck, it took everything he got just to keep standing! "Grmmgh! P-ple-eaurgh..." he mumbled inaudibly as his tremendous burden pushed him closer to the ground. His muscles were burning and Coal knew that he couldn't keep this up fro much longer. His arms were about to give way and the pain in his lower back was near unbearable already.

The nasty sting in his hand almost forgotten, Samuel, much like his and Coal's two superiors, was currently more occupied with the husky's agony. He trembled like an aspen leaf. "I, uh... I think he's about to break down," the bull commented worried.

But Luke was fast to dismiss the carrier's concern, "He just needs a moment to adapt, I'm sure." Then the unrelenting lion addressed his mount again with growing impatience and yet another eager yank on the leash. "Don't keep us waiting forever, you hear?!

But again Coal didn't move. At least not in the desired direction. "Hurgnnn-huff-hff... AURGH!" The trembling in the husky's left leg spiked and he had to hold his breath to maintain the tension in his muscles. Though despite his best effort, Coal was sure that the ground below him was a few inches closer now than it was before. And the absolute unbearable weight on top of him kept pushing him towards it. "Ophh... o-ough... offf..." the dog pleaded in a breathless whisper, again and again as he realized the hopelessness of his proposition, but the two passengers on his back didn't budge.

If Luke could even hear the dog's feeble imploration, he didn't care. Stoically he remained seated on his crumbling carrier, leash in hand, and expected the impossible. And the crowing grin on his regal face betrayed that he knew quite well just how impossible the situation, he'd maneuvered the dog into, was!

Cold sweat was running down the husky's forehead, forming tiny pearls that dribbled through his black fur and occasionally fell down into the bone dry sand, leaving behind a small, dark blotch. Good fuck, there were quite a few nasty looking pebbles laying below him! "Hgn-grrrrrgn..." The dog stammered, breathing spasmodically as he was afraid that leaving out too much air at once might break his body tension. His exploding muscles were only hairsbreadth away from failing him anyway. His knees wobbled under his sagging hip, the strain from his arms burned in his shoulders and chest like knifes and his backbone was so overladen that Coal felt as if he had to throw up. And these two thick butts sat on him as if he was a fucking park bench!

"M-maybe this was a bit too much after all?" Crawford asked from the back seat. "I should probably get off."

But before the horse could as much as attempt such a thing, Luke took hold of the arms wrapped around his midsection and kept the other passenger in place. "You worry too much," the lion spoke in an amused rumble, flicking his slender tail between them. "This mutt should be good enough to carry two. Usually not much in the head, these canines, but they're sturdy, gotta give them that." Glancing down Luke smiled at the hopelessly suffering guy he sat on. In a condescending manner, he flicked Coal's white-tipped ear with a finger and added, "Do you deign to start off anytime soon?!"

Though, Coal had long realized that this journey would end before it had even started. There was no doubt anymore. If these two hunks wouldn't dismount him at once, which Luke surely was in no rush to do, the husky would collapse. Hollard's orders and Luke's coercion aside, this time Coal really bit off more than he could chew!

"P-please... go, geh--" The exhausted dog attempted to beg, but he was already to depleted. And then Coal's inevitable fate took its course. "Hrrgh-hmph... AUGH!!!" With horror the poor husky felt his limbs give way under the endless pressure. Claws scraped through dirt, knees hit the ground, dust blew up. And then Coal landed hard on his front – with two absolutely massive butts crashing down onto him with the full force of gravity! "KCHAURRHGOD!"

Coal's eyes bulged as the weighed slammed into his backside, then a choked scream escaped his agape muzzle as all air was pressed out of his deflated lungs. At first he only felt a dull pressure in his body with stars exploding in front of his eyes, kinda like this initial split-second when you hit your head real hard, just before the actual pain kicks in. Which was exactly what happened next!

"OUHWWGHhhh..."

No. Pain was not a strong enough word to describe what Coal experienced. His arms and legs were useless, floppy noodles now. His chest got slammed to the ground and, as expected, he could feel every single stone, rock and pebble bore into his flesh. His crushed lungs burned as they tried desperately to fill with air and failed miserably under the incessant burden. His entire ribcage cracked and popped as the falling lion came down on it. His hips likewise got smashed to the ground under the stallion's heft, leaving Coal with a bruised hipbone and an awkwardly crushed half boner. His eyes and nose stung from the stirred dust. His head throbbed. His back ached. His paws trembled. His own coughs threatened to choke him. And he was pretty sure he had bit his lip. 

It was too much.

It was fucking too much!

Everything hurt!

"O-oh, dear! That was quite a bump," Ashton summarized with concern in his voice. Followed by a wincing gasp from his onlooking bull carrier.

"Fuck, that looked like it hurt!"

The only one silent (for now) was Luke, who admired his doing with glee. He found the gasping husky's head between his now outstretched legs and took in the expression of utter agony on Coal's face. He could feel the dog's vain attempts to expand his chest under his rump, the ragged breaths and coughs that he managed shaking him softly. Finally this mutt was where he belonged: Beaten to the dust by a more powerful feline!

Ashton's hooves suddenly shuffled through the dirt. "I'm so sorry! I'll get off at once. Luke, the boy needs to breath, let's give him s--" But before the horse could take action, he was once again subdued by Luke, who held Ash firmly in place by the arms still wrapped around his belly.

"What did I just tell you about worrying too much?" he sneered, uncaring to the flattened husky's suffering right beneath their combined weight. "He clearly talked too big for his own good. This is the result. Now he has to suffer through his consequences!" he added, talking right over Coal's torturous cacophony.

Crawford, still seated on the canine's crushed back, pulled on his arms with mild determination. "Seriously, Luke, this has gone too far. We need to get off. He can barely breath!" And with that, the stallion finally freed himself from the lion's grasp and stood up, while Luke stubbornly remained seated. "This was a barmy idea to begin with," he muttered apologetically as if the hindsight could somehow attenuate his undeniable role in Coal's downfall. Circling the husky, Ash crouched down in front of him and asked, "Is everything alright? Do you need some space?" while giving the undiscerning cat an admonishing look. "Would you like Luke to get off?"

Still gasping, Coal was doing his best to pull himself together, but the fall was intense. And the unmoving lion felt like a parked semi on his back! "Urrrgh... p-please..." he stammered hoarsely, face pressed to the warm, rough earth.

"You heard it!" Ashton urged the lion and, after another rather immature and obviously feigned protest from the latter, managed to pull Luke off his devastated mount. While his rider seemed rather unconcerned about the husky's state, Ash was happy to fill in and offered his support. In a way, he was no less demanding and smug than his two main guests, but contrary to Hollard and Luke Pierce, Ash at least was a real gentleman!


***


Meanwhile, the lion waited impatiently for his ride's imposed breather to end. He stood there, watching with crossed arms, his paw tapping in the dust, while his long tail flicked back and forth. Coal was pretty sure, Luke did it on purpose to taunt him. "Alright, I think the mutt has had enough time to lick his wounds," the towering feline declared eventually. "If we waste any more time, there won't be any fish left in the river for us!"

In his search for help, the husky, by now resting against a boulder and pampered by Ash, silently looked at the horse for support. Coal was still in pain and he doubted his arms and legs could carry on with the lion weighing down on them. Even though he already felt a bit better after Samuel offered him a sip from his water bottle, Coal really underestimated the heat here. Even now the light  that reflected on Ashton's sunglasses blinded him as if he gazed into the sun itself. Was this damn thing ever going down here?!

To the husky's short-lasting relieve, Mr. Crawford reacted in his favor, "Luke, the boy is exhausted. And rightfully so, after that crash landing. Cut him some slack, you'll be here for the entire week! One day without you in the river hardly matters." Under the lion's reckless complaining, Ash turned to the dog beside him and softly asked, "How are you feeling, Coal? Any better?"

"I, uh..." Carefully Coal glanced to his side where Luke stood. The lion stared down on him like he was a pet that just shit on his carpet. Or rather, was about to do just that. The stark difference between Luke and Ash was rather conflicting for the husky. On one hand he desperately craved the stallion's gentle care after such an ordeal. On the other, his depraved mind was panting for this bossy hunk of a lion's cruelty – Even now! "I am a lot better already," he eventually said, even though he still  felt like roadkill. "Thank you for your help, Mr. Crawford!"

"I am ready to continue as well, Sir," Samuel announced as he came a few steps closer to his crouching boss. The bull rubbed his thick hands as if to give them one last inspection, then added, "Doesn't hurt at all any more. I'll carry you to the river in no time! No need to join a ride again," he said with a well-meant smile in Coal's direction.

Of course Luke was readily siding with the bull, eager to get rid of the kid gloved equine. Crawford wasn't as receptive to the lion's sweet-talk this time around, though. The two bickered a bit back and forth, but at the end of the day (which was indeed slowly approaching) remaining seated in the desert forever wasn't an option for any of them. "I kinda have an uneasy feeling, leaving him here with you," Ashton admitted as he mounted the bull on all fours in front of him. Samuel moaned softly when the stallion's massive weight settled on his broad back.

"Oh, please! I'm not that horrible!" Luke countered with a waving paw. "I'll give the mutt a few more minutes, then we'll follow you nice an' slow."

"But if it gets too much for Coal--"

"He gets a break, yeah, yeah. Would you please make off already now?!" The lion filled in, cutting Ash short.

Though before the horse did so, he turned one last time to the husky, who was still seated against the boulder. "And you're really alright with this?"

To be honest, Coal wasn't too sure about that, but he kinda already had agreed, so he just nodded. "Yes, Mr. Crawford, it's fine."

"Well, if you say so," The equine said and then quickly added, "But you tell me if he mistreats you! Luke might be a good guy, but he does overdo it at times." The lion in question rolled his eyes and finally Ash decided to part ways. "Alright, then let's go, Sam!" He commanded and the bull below him got under way, setting off at a remarkably swift pace, Coal had to admit.

For a few more minutes, just as promised, Luke let the resting dog be and watched as the stallion's form shrunk in the distance. Coal, meanwhile, observed the lion in turn. This menacing guy, standing there, surely just waiting to abuse his already battered mount again. Luke had his back turned to him, so Coal could dare to stare for a while. And the sight was definitely something! Luke's light shirt was stretched teasingly over his broad back, his somewhat bulky arms sticking out of his short sleeves. His butt was slightly flatter when compared to Hollard and Crawford, but it fit his overall form nicely. And his pompous, royal mane only rounded the sight for Coal. Eventually, though, he had to look away before he was caught ogling

With a naughty smirk on his feline muzzle, Luke turned his head a bit to look at the husky over his shoulder. "That was..." actually rather impressive, the lion had to admit to himself. Not collapsing immediately under the combined weight of himself and Ash was already more than he thought the husky capable of. Though of course he didn't hold such praising words for his mutt. "...quite a pathetic performance, honestly!"

Coal's white-tipped ears faltered. "I'm... very sorry, master Pierce!" he said, easily falling back into his subservient role before the lordly cat. When Luke suddenly turned entirely and marched towards him with long, thumping steps, the smaller dog winced.

The imposing lion stopped right in front of Coal. Coming down, he picked his end of the leash up and, on his way back up, gave it a strong pull that tore the canine away from his resting place. "Get back on all fours, mutt! You've wasted enough of my time already!"

Before Coal could fully pick himself up from the sudden start, he already felt Luke's firm butt settle down on his back. "Hu-urghh..." Quickly he pushed himself up to support the lion and soon felt that familiar pinch in his lower ribs again. "Hmrrg... S-sir, I don't know if--"

"Don't give me that!" the lion interrupted his struggling mount, leash firm in his grasp. Luke was very well aware that, "You could've easily cried Ash a river and made us all walk the rest to the river. But you didn't. No, you kept your trap shut like a good dog. You WANT THIS!" With his superior strength he pulled the leash taut until the leather collar choked the dog he sat on. "Now move, you miserable cur, before I decide to punish you for failing so spectacularly after all!"

"Hrrrn-GLCK!" Stumbling in a moment of genuine fear, the sudden rush of adrenaline managed to drive the dog forward into a shaky trot, before the leash went lose again to let him breath. "Huff... y-yes, master Pierce... As you wish!" he groveled and pushed himself on, not keen to experience what the lion understood by 'punishment' when this was how he treated him in general! Though he only got as far as two dozen wobbly steps, before the weakness in his arms forced him to stop. His muscles simply failed and Coal stumbled to his elbows, panting under the ever present heat, rocked by the staggering lion on top of his back. "Ugh! S-sorry... I'll g-go ourghn..."

"Yeah, that's a good dog," Luke sneered teasingly down at his mount. "You're finally getting the gist of it: Your discomfort doesn't matter. Your needs don't matter. You just serve. And you enjoy it! You enjoy to have a cat above you. To have a cat on top of you. Ride you like a worthless animal. Like a worthless dog!" Chuckling the lion's large hand ruffled the black fur between Coal's ears. "Now tell me, dog, do you need a break? Do you want me to get off?"

Wheezing and gasping the husky put one paw in front of the other, struggling on through the desert for his self-proclaimed lord's comfort and amusement. "Hgnnn-no, master Pierce! I'll... I'll c-continue... to s-serve you..."

And he did. For as long as he could. Considering what he already was put through, Coal even managed to cover a decent distance, albeit slowly and unsteadily. Suffice it to say that his knees and elbows got quite sore during the ride. Though eventually the limit was reached. The point where Coal simply couldn't keep going, no matter what. He stumbled, tried to catch himself, failed and landed hard in the dirt once again with his task still undone.

"You dare drop me again?" Luke grumbled, clearly more amused at the husky's newly demise than anything else. Grabbing Coal's collar with his thick, strong fingers himself this time, he urged the dog to stand. "Get up, mutt! We're not there yet. Not by a long shot!"

"Ugh! Hurgn-gmmm..." Coal gave it his all, but he simply couldn't lift the feline up again. His body was too weak. Luke pinned him to the ground like a crushed ant. The pressure on his back was becoming too much to handle. Defeated the husky laid his head onto the warm soil and huffed. "Ha-hah-hfff... Mr. Pierce, I... I can't no more... I'm sorry, but, uhfff... I have to ask you to get off. Urgh, please~"

"You expect me to walk the rest of the way?" the lion asked calmly, but assertively, keeping his rump planted where it was.

"'M afraid so..."

Still in no rush to get off his collapsed carrier, Luke looked down at the husky's head between his legs, exhausted and puffing with need for release. "You do realize how unacceptable that would look, right?"

Of course Coal did. The mightiest, proudest cat far and wide was not only the last to arrive now, but would also have to do so on his own paws. Under Hollard's mocking eyes. While the Rottweiler comfortably rode all the fucking god damn way on his little cat boy! Unacceptable was a mild word. "Yes, sir..."

After a moment of silence, Luke finally stirred on top of the groaning husky and stood. Shielding his eyes with a paw against the low sun, he spied towards their destination. "Hm, it's still a mile or so till the river," he mused, then looked down at the prostrate canine. Nudging Coal with a paw, he asked, "Can you even still walk?"

Coal took a few deep breaths, relieved to be finally freed of his burden. "I'll manage... somehow."

"Tell you what..." Luke said with that sly, cocky cat grin on his face. "I'll let you walk the rest. But in return, you'll let me ride you into camp all proper."

Almost unbelieving, Coal sighed. The mere thought of having this lion on his back once more today was insane. "I-I don't... I'll try." He agreed depleted, eager to accept the first sign of mercy from the feline.

"That was neither a proposal, nor a question," Luke clarified. "There's no way I'm not going to sit on your back when we arrive at this river! You should consider yourself lucky I even grant you this relief. Now come!" With a tug on the leash, the lion walked off, pulling Coal along behind him.


***


The walk was anything but pleasant, really. Coal just wanted to lay down on a soft, warm bed and rest his sore bones already. At least he was allowed to go upright. Stretching his back again after, over two hours of having these two gentleman ride him to ruin felt incredibly relieving. The prospect of having to endure this for a full week was daunting.

Still rested, Luke walked ahead at a swift stride that was hard for the husky to keep up with. But the lion's favorite tool provided a remedy and thus Coal was led through the half-desert like cattle dying of thirst. Under the overbearing feline's perpetual taunting, of course!

Eventually they reached what looked like the edge of a forest. A thriving line of green that followed the river's course through the otherwise harsh territory like a snake. Quickly the desert shrubs gave way to slightly larger vegetation, even tall trees closer to the water. The provided shadow was greatly appreciated by the overheated husky in his black pelt!

"Alright, that's close enough," Luke announced and came to a sudden stop. When he turned around, he was faced by a terribly looking Coal, tired and exhausted. The lion only smirked. "Get back down on the ground, mutt. It's time for you to reciprocate my forbearance and let me ride your sorry ass into camp for all to see!"

Slouching, Coal came to a stop under the merciful shade of a small tree. He'd had a hundred butts sit on his back already, but during his whole career as carrier, including his time under Hollard, the husky rarely, if ever, encountered a passenger as demanding and imperious as Luke Pierce. "I..." Considering Coal's line of work, his career path and current boss, it was hard to imagine that this dog would ever decline an eager rider, willing to push his limits. But today Coal was taught that his limits could not only be met, but also exceeded. "I don't know if I have enough strength left to continue, Mr. Pierce."

The lion rose an eyebrow, readily showing a hint of anger. "You accept my garciousness and when it's time to repay the favor, you deny me? Don't you mangy dogs know any honor at all?!"

Sensing in what direction this conversation was already heading, Coal quickly back-paddled. With tipped ears he held his hands up in an apologetic gesture and knuckled under to the mighty feline. "No, no! I didn't mean it like that! It's just... sir, please..." In an attempt to appeal to Mr. Pierce's mercy, the husky tucked his tail and fidgeted like a lost puppy, bedroom eyes and all. "I'm at the end of my rope." Coal's desperate tone seemed to intrigue the lion enough to listen, so he went on and tried to stroke this man's already bloated ego, "I'm just a puny dog. Not nearly as strong and powerful as a feline. I'm nothing compared to you, sir!" The cat was still listening and in a final attempt to spare himself another torturous riding session, Coal added, "Please... wouldn't there be a different way for me to repay your kindness, sir? Any way?!"

Sternly Luke stared the begging husky down. Then a feisty grin crept over his muzzle. "Any way...?"

Glad the cat took his bait and absolutely aware of what he was getting himself into, Coal nodded, "Yes, Mr. Pierce."

"Hmm..." Still wearing that devilish smile, Luke pondered for a moment. And while he let the canine sweat, his green, piercing eyes traveled up and down Coal's slender form. "Maybe... maybe I'll consider it. If you ask me properly..." Imperiously the tall lion pointed his index finger to the ground. "On your knees!"

Hesitating, Coal looked at the overbearing cat. His smile was wider than ever and it was quite obvious that Luke Pierce wouldn't accept a no as answer. "O-of course, sir..." Coal muttered softly, eras flushing with embarrassment as he was forced to genuflect to a man he only got to know this very day. The earth was colder here and felt nice under his knees. Actually it just felt nice to be off his paws. Submissively the husky lowered his head. "Please, Mr. Pierce, allow me to reciprocate your compassion in a way that doesn't require me to carry you on my back. I promise, you will not regret it!"

A moment of silence followed during which Luke held the kneeling husky in suspense. He enjoyed the boy's show of devotion. And while he examined the groveling dog closely, Luke managed to come up with quite a few amusing ideas for Coal's atonement. Such a young and eager mutt... There were many ways to serve a cat!

"Fine..." Mr. Pierce eventually stated authoritative. Coal's leash still in hand, he came a few steps closer and stopped right beside the canine. "I'll find a different way for you to show your gratitude, dog. But first..."

"Huh?" Coal flinched when one of Luke's thick legs moved over his head. "OURRRGH!" Then the lion suddenly sat down on Coal's shoulders, nearly making him topple over. At the last moment he was able to slam his palms to the ground to spare himself a forced and probably very painful kiss with the dirt. "Hurrrgh..."

"... let's ride you to the others!"

Shaking once again under the unbearable weight of the proud lion, Coal remained where he was. "B-but..." he groaned between labored breaths, while Luke's heavy ass bent his spine. "Y-you said I wouldn't, hrmph-h-have to carry yo--"

"Did I?!" Luke interrupted the confused canine, rude as ever. "If I'm not mistaken, I merely allowed you to express your gratitude in a different manner. I never agreed not to ride you the remaining distance!"

"But... t-thats..."

"What? Unfair? Cruel? Speak your mind, dog!" Luke laughed, holding his leash a bit shorter to let his mount feel some strain on his collar.

Coal wanted to. He grit his teeth and was ready to give this cocky snob a piece of his mind, but... in the end Coal didn't say anything. What use would it have anyway, except to anger the lion?! All this man had to do, was to remain seated and sooner rather than later, Coal would hug the ground again. Luke had readily assumed total control over him and he apparently enjoyed to let Coal feel it.

With a soft sigh, Coal let his anger escape. And when he inhaled again, the battered husky pushed himself up onto his hands and paws again, groaning pathetically under the immense load that shifted on his back. Once he fully managed to pick himself up, the husky took deep breaths to calm his wobbling limbs for the last stage of his trip. "Huff, huff... you're o-off course right, sir. Argh!" Slowly Coal took his first step forward, his voice a hoarse cry of exertion by now. "I'll... I'll gladly carry you, hmphf, hfff... t-to your destination. Gha! That's, hmmrrgh... the reason I'm here after all. Thank you fo-o-rrr c-considering my request, master Pierce... Urgh!"

Gleeful Luke watched as the knackered husky below his ass trudged on with the utmost effort. The poor lad staggered so much. It was fantastic! Having this dog slave away for him was indeed a great pleasure and a more than welcome change from his everyday life in the office. He ought to thank James for lending Coal to him. Luke wouldn't give the old codger the satisfaction, of course, but he really ought to.

"That's a good dog," the lion chuckled patronizingly and ruffled his carrier's head fur. Dang, his black-furred head felt hot! Not the good kind of hot (okay, maybe that too), but actually overheated. "You're finally starting to learn how to serve a feline properly. Aren't you happy that I'm putting you in your rightful place?"

Panting and wheezing Coal stumbled through the sparse forest, barely able to keep himself and the big cat on his back upright. "Augh! Y-yes, sir..." Would this torture ever end...?


***


"Are you kidding me?!" Limon nagged at the horse who just offered him the keys. "You make me carry all of your stuff here by hand and now you want me to walk all the way back and fetch the truck?!"

Unable to deliver a valid explanation and just as unable to gratuitously push Limon around like his two guests seemed so readily able to, Crawford awkwardly smiled down at the tiny, blustered fennec apologetically. Thankfully the fox's boss, still standing in the middle of the river in wait for his next haul, was happy to fill in the blanks in the stallion's stead, "We just thought you needed something to do – preferably far away from here – while we fish in peace and silence. An unsupervised fox only means trouble, after all." Swirling his fishing rod in a wide circle above his head, Hollard cast it anew. "That and your big mouth is scaring off all the damn fish..." he added mostly to himself, though was well aware that the fennec could hear him just fine with his giant ears.

"Besides," Carwford continued, "The truck is loaded with everything we need to grill the fish--"

"And the beer!" Hollard called from the river.

"Yeah, that too... And we'd really like to cool it down a bit in the water before we eat."

Crossing his arms, Limon stared the towering horse down. "I could've gotten everything here already with the truck in the first place!"

Clumsily Ash tried to laugh his embarrassment away. "Oh, well, heh... that wasn't my idea exactly." But of course the fox remained stubborn. "Look..." Scratching his long neck awkwardly as he tried to find the appropriate words, he spoke a bit softer so the Rottweiler wouldn't butt in again. "This retreat is supposed to be fun. And I'm aware that Luke and... James in particular are doing quite a number on you, so, uh... I thought that maybe I could make it up to you a bit? Later tonight, when we're back at the house? If you could put up a bit longer with my other guests' shenanigans."

With suddenly raised ears Limon looked up at the now slightly blushing horse and cracked a cheeky smile. "Oh~ And here I thought you had planned for a proper reunion with the kitten?!" he mocked, jerking his head into Perry's direction, who was sitting with Samuel a bit down the river, talking and watching the fly fishing dog.

Crawford's blush deepened. "I, uh was... am..." he admitted, sneaking a peek at the happily chatting tabby cat. "But your boss apparently called dibs on him."

"Of course he did," the fox responded with an eye-roll.

"Yeah. So... I thought... maybe you wouldn't mind to--"

"Be your consolation prize?" the fox finished with a sharp tongue and a tilted head, feigning indignation.

Of course Ash was too easy to lure and nearly recoiled from the feisty fox. "No! N-no!" the massive stallion affirmed with raised hands. "That's not what... I didn't mean it like that at all! I just thought... our last encounter was quite exciting and, and... given the opportunity I thought..."

With a cheeky laugh, Limon cleared the mood again. "Come one, I was just messing with you! These big wigs ain't the only ones who can do a number! But..." The small fox's soft voice got dead serious suddenly as he stepped even closer to the horse, eyes up and ears cocked forward. Then his tiny, velvet hands found their way between Crawford's thighs, daringly feeling up the flaccid, but nonetheless more than impressive tool hidden behind the thin fabric of his Bermuda shorts. "...you'll have to make up a lot for all the bullshit I'm taking here!"

"Ah~!" Shocked, Ash tensed up and looked left and right as if there was anyone here who'd give a fuck on who grabbed what, or whom. Despite the sudden weakness in his sturdy legs and the growing bulge in his pants, Ash didn't dare to remove Limon's perky hands. This damned fox! Instead he promised, "I... I'll do my best..."

After getting the stallion's shorts uncomfortably tight, Limon eventually removed his kneading hands, lest his host would suffer an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. Having to hide a lil stiffy would surely be enough to fluster Ash already, but with his equine virility, things could easily escalate beyond that! Limon was a tease, yes, but he wouldn't put the horse on the spot. Even though that would be a sight to behold! Instead, the short fox snagged the dangling keys from Crawford's hand and declared, "I'll stop by at your room later tonight then, to continue this. Be sure not to waste your time with that cow boy of yours until then. Your first release will be mine!" When the horse remained oddly silent, Limon continued with a snappy, "Cat got your tongue?" before he looked up and eventually followed Ashton's flabbergasted stare. "Hah! Oh god! Oh my god! What a glorious sight. This trip was already worth it coming along!"

A bit down the trail, the last two missing members of their little get-together finally arrived. And the sight was indeed... well, maybe not exactly a glorious one, but definitively one to remember! Proud as a peacock, with a wide grin on his chiseled, maned face and his paws dragging through the sand, Luke Pierce rode his designated mount into camp. The real looker, though (and probably also the reason for Crawford's consternation) was not the imperious lion, however, but rather his battered - if not outright destroyed – carrier.

Poor Coal was literally on his last legs, basically crawling towards the river on his knees and elbows, while the colossal big cat riding on him made his back sag so far that his belly almost dragged over the ground. He was wheezing, gasping, panting and obviously in quite a bit of pain as he hauled his far too heavy passenger the remaining distance into camp. Towards their destination. To the end of Coal's cruel desert ordeal. Where a fox bursting with laughter and half a dozen staggered eyes awaited him.

"Wudchu lookit dis," Limon cooed as he toddled over to his overtaxed friend, walking the husky's last few steps alongside him with the biggest grin on his tiny face. "Did you finally come upon someone who's too heavy for you? Awww! Tell me, how does that feel, hm?"

"Igh duhd, hff-hff, munughh..." Coal tried to defend his honor and today's achievement by stating that he, in fact, reached his destination. But of course Limon wouldn't wait for an answer.

"Anyway, did you have a good ride?" the fennec asked Luke, deliberately ignoring the suffering husky. "Was he a satisfying mount?"

The lion's judgement was brief and withering, "Barely."

And under this ignominy, Coal finally surrendered. "Aurrgh!" With a pitiful groan the enfeebled husky collapsed and let the mountainously lion crush him to the rough earth. "Urgh... p-pwease, hrm... geddoff now, ough..."

But of course Luke took his time and Limon as well couldn't contain another jab. "Hm? What's wrong, Coal? Are you hitting the wall already?" he sneered and planted one of his tiny paws triumphantly upon the beaten dog's head, before dishing out some of his friend's own medicine, "What was it you always told me? Ah right: Play up! You can't fail just yet! It's not that hard, I'm doing this for a living, after all! And one of my favorites: Stop pretending already, it can't be that difficult to carry someone trice your size!"

Normally Limon would be getting hell for something like this (and he probably would, at a later time), but right now Coal was just glad he was still alive.

"Luke!" a gentle, but upset voice admonished the lion. "Didn't I tell you to go easy on him?!"

The feline shrugged innocently. "I asked whether he wanted a break, he said no." Slowly Luke rose from his prostrated ride and in doing so, the mean lion made sure to trample Coal's popping back until he stood on him at full height. The poor husky groaned terribly under the cat's murderous paws. "If nothing else, the mutt was at least intent to finish the job."

Finally, under Ashton's continuing reproach and Limon's mockery, Luke stepped off of his attendant and dismissed him like an old rug. "Uhffff..." A long sigh of relieve escaped the dog. Closing his eyes for a moment, Coal took in a few deep breaths, but eventually opened them again, for he knew if he wouldn't pull himself together now with whatever bit of strength he had left, he would simply pass out right here in the dirt. He couldn't let that happen. And more importantly he couldn't give Limon the satisfaction! "Hmmrph..." Slowly the canine pulled himself together and chased the fennec's offending paw off his head in the process. Dang, his knees felt like rusty hinges!

"And where do you think you're going, hm?" Luke sneered down at the raising dog and then put one paw on the leash he still held in his hand. With a firm kick the leather shoved Coal right back into the dirt. "You stay where you belong, dog. At my feet!"

"Yeah, that's right, don't go easy on him!" Limon cheered, while Crawford was just about to start a rescue mission.

Hero horse, or not, the only thing Coal wanted – needed – right now was just a few steps away. "Ugh, sir... just a little..." the dog panted and urged into the direction of the river. Just a little cooling! Some cold water for his rough pads and to dip in his throbbing head!

"Oh, does the dog need watering?" Luke chuckled amused. Coal only nodded yearningly. "Well, I guess you've earned at least that. Heel!" In a swift stride the crawling husky was led to the river bank.

Eagerly Coal stumbled into the chill water, felt the frigid sand trickle through his fingers, splashed his burning face and gulped down a few hasty sips of the crystal clear water to quench his thirst. "Good Lord!" Hollard chuckled from the midle of the river, not bothering to interrupt his fishing at all. "Kindheartedly I lend you my precious boy, because you lack one, and this is how you return my property?"

"Who said I'm returning him just yet?" Luke countered and possessively brought one of his huge, heavy paws down on Coal's maltreated back to remind this miserable cur of its new master's menacing presence. "I might even decide to keep this one entirely!"

"Hah! Don't forget that I've got a say in that, too," the Rottweiler scoffed drily, then took a moment before reeling in his line to inspect his ruined houseboy. "Jeeze, grant him a break at least. Haven't seen the pup this busted in like... ever."


***


The evening continued a lot more relaxed for the husky. Of course Luke never ceased to pick on him in particular, but under Hollard and especially Crawford's watchful eyes, Coal found enough peace to recuperate from the day's stresses and strains. At least somewhat!

After Limon returned with the pick up (which was a real comical sight, because barely more than his giant, yellow ears poked out from behind the truck's steering wheel), the otherwise empty campsite, basically only consisting of one of those big picnic tables and a fancy, brick built grill that indicated the spot's designated purpose, quickly became a lot more appealing. Samuel started a bonfire to keep the approaching night's cold and darkness at bay. Crawford set up a few folding chairs and additional lights, before assisting Perry with laying the table for dinner. And Luke was getting the grill going, while Hollard prepared the catch he and the horse had hauled in earlier. Luke was quite irked about missing out on that and continuously reminded Coal that it was his fault, but the evening's mood was light and joyous to say the least.

After a rich and filling dinner and a little vengeance from Coal, who somehow managed to press-gang Limon into serving beer and drinks to everyone throughout the entire evening, the group eventually returned to Ashton's ranch house. Considering the late hour, they all took the truck, of course. But seeing that the vehicle was short of two seats, a little debate of who would have to ride back – and on whom – quickly erupted. Naturally Luke Pierce was the first to reclaim his mount and, in fact, already managed to usher Coal back down to all fours with the help of his leash, which (much to the husky's chagrin) never came off during the night, but instead developed into a running gag for the rest of the group to laugh at. Eventually, though, Samuel opted to ride on the truck bed, since the bull was one of the bulkier passengers. And Limon quickly was democratically voted to accompany him because neither of the higher-ups wanted to give up their rightful seat, Coal still stood under Crawford's protection and no one dared to expel cute, little Perry from his spot in the middle of the rear bench seat.

Back at the house, the day was concluded with a round of drinks, after which everyone split up to get ready for the night. Or for whatever was to come before that. Hollard at least was quite quick to abduct Perry, who naturally didn't object much (or at all) to become his boss's nightly entertainment.

"Fuck, that was good!" Coal sighed as he returned to his allotted guest room, rubbing the last bit of dampness out of his neck fur with a towel. That hot shower really did wonders for his aching bones! The bath was even directly adjacent to the guest room. This place was a small palace, really.

"I'd guess so, considering how long you was in there," Limon remarked, bent over his open suitcase while he went through some clothing. He and Coal would share a nice, little double room during their stay. "You should try out the sauna while we're here."

Exhausted and with nothing on but the towel around his waist, the husky flopped down on his bed and stretched his sore muscles. Sweating even more didn't sound too appealing to him right now, but the possibility was a surprise. "This place has a sauna?"

"Yep. A dry sauna, downstairs. It's real good," the fox explained standing up from the edge of the bed to smooth out his shirt. He wore it open and bare chested, Coal could see when his friend turned around. That slim, white torso was a real eyecatcher, put in the limelight like this. "I'd gladly invite you along, but I seriously doubt you'd be able to keep up with the temperatures I'm used to, sled dog. Ask Ash, or Samuel if you want to give it a go."

"Tsk. You're just scared to be alone with me, after that show you put on today!"

The sly fox grinned unapologetic. "Two hundred five degree say something else!"

Coal blinked surprised. But, then again, Limon was a desert fox, so this probably only felt like a spring day for him. Anyway, the comparison might be unfair, but Coal certainly wouldn't let this turn into a victory for his bunkmate. "Try to evade it all you want, but I WILL get back at you!"

"What are you gonna do? Put me on a leash like some dog?" the fennec jeered and yanked on an invisible version of said tool.

"I'll do a whole lot worse than that!" Coal promised, but eventually let the subject drop. For today he's had more than enough excitement and the week was till young. "Anyway, what's with the flirty getup? You not going to bed?"

Finally ready and content with his look, Limon sauntered over to the door and gave Coal a cheeky smile on his way out. "Nah, I got a date with a giant slab of horse meat~!"

"Bad fox!"the husky chuckled, now alone on the unfamiliar room. Or so he thought! It took a moment until Coal noticed that Limon didn't fully close the door on his way out. And when he looked over, he quickly realized why. "Ah! Mr. Pierce?"

Standing in the doorframe, clad in a long, burgundy dressing gown with blue and gold trimming, was indeed the towering lion with a cunning grin on his mane-encircled face. "May I come in?" he asked, smooth as silk, but didn't wait for an answer.

Awkwardly, Coal scooted up on his bed, suddenly feeling less comfortable and much more exposed and vulnerable in his towel. Fuck! He didn't see his bits, did he?! "Wh-wha... how may I help you, sir?"

"Well, I just thought it a bit unjust that apparently everyone else in this house gets to have some fun tonight," the feline began to explain as he pulled the door closed behind him. With sharp, green eyes he pinned the blindsided husky to the mattress. "Despite your... shortcomings today, I must admit that I indeed relished my time with you, dog. So I thought, why shouldn't I enjoy you some more?"

Swallowing hard, Coal felt like he was in sauna with Limon all of a sudden. "I... Sir, I a-actually was about to get some rest," he stammered, completely overwhelmed by the unprompted visitor and his very questionable intentions. "Surely you will understand tha--"

The dog trailed off when the lion in front of him began to untie the lose knot of the cord that held his dressing gown closed. Softly the two flaps slid aside and revealed what lay beneath them: A completely naked lion!

Flabbergasted Coal stared at the exposed man. He didn't lie when he said that he was all muscle. Or, well, he at least didn't overstate much. This lion was buff! In all the right places! A strong, well-defined body stood on a pair of sturdy legs. The contours of a six-pack were visible under his dense, creamy fur, yet Luke's overall form wasn't exactly athletic. He was stout, beefy, powerful. A real big cat! And of course Coal could also see this hunk's proudly displayed private parts. A nice, plump sheath with a set of heavy orbs dangling freely below it. A patch of darker, brown fur, matching the color of his pompous mane, accentuated his genitalia.

Coal's heart skipped a beat and for a moment he didn't find the appropriate words. Luckily, Mr. Pierce was not shy to take over, "Of course I know that today must have been... a bit tiring for you. But I'd like to remind you of our little 'deal', according to which you still have to express your gratitude for my kind forbearance in a fashion of my choosing, which, true to my word, will not involve me sitting on your back." Limberly the giant hunk slid out of his only piece of garment and let it fall to the floor. "I'd be rather disappointed to find out that you're not a dog of your word, honestly. Loyalty is one of your kind's terribly few admirable traits, after all. But..." Casually the lion leaned a bit away from Coal, as if he was about to leave. "...of course I would understand and take no offense whatsoever should you decide to favor a night of sleep just by yourself."

The dog let out a silent breath. "I..." but nothing more.

"Perfect!" Luke smirked, closing the distance between himself and the lying husky. "I knew I could trust in James' underling's reliability." Then he rather boldly grabbed Coal by his ankle and simply pulled him down further towards the end of the bed into a flat position. The motion seemed so easy for the lion, as if the dog weighed nothing. "Oh, looks like you're even eager to be of further service to me..."

With a shudder Coal felt where Luke's finger touched him: Right on the tip of his very hard cock that was now only still covered by the very edge of his towel. Embarrassed the husky looked up and blushed when that last bit of modesty was removed by the lion's clawed finger.

"Please me well tonight," Luke offered in his usual, commanding voice, "and I might grant you release. But before that..." he continued as he suddenly climbed onto the bed beside the dog. Quickly he had his toy straddled and offered Coal a magnificent view on his backside under his happily flicking, tufted tail. "...it's my turn!"

"Hrmmf..." With a meek whine Coal saw the looming ass above his face, though he didn't have much time to admire the sight. With the same attitude and demeanor of proprietary with which the lion's butt had readily settled on the canine's back, he now claimed Coal's face. Completely! "Hmph-mrrff..." With a mix of excitement and dread the husky felt Luke's large, supple and warm cheeks spread over his face like a batch of fuzzy dough – only heavier. Much, much heavier! And while the big cat's entire weight began to crush Coal's head deep into the mattress, the poor husky quickly came to realize that his occupant, contrary to himself, had forwent a shower yet. "Mrrghf!" the husky groaned under his musky prison.

"What?" Luke shrugged innocently as he enjoyed the feeling of the struggling mutt beneath himself. "I agreed that you wouldn't have to carry me on your back. I never said I wouldn't sit on any other part of you!"