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Finding instead that family is where the heart is. Rated M for mention of nudity.", "description_bbcode_parsed": "The result of the Holiday YCH for \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t		\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJohnzaloog\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
and \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCaelThunderwing\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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The lawyer and paralegal team are looking to spend some time with their families. Finding instead that family is where the heart is. Rated M for mention of nudity.", "writing": "Yearning for Yore by Pent Ghelsburg\n\nDisclaimer: The characters depicted in this work are purely fictional. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is purely coincidental. They are the original and rightful intellectual property of their creators. I use them with permission and respect. This work involves underaged characters and transformational content. You have been warned.\t\t\n\nA large building sits in the sprawling city of Galand. Cars, buses, and all sorts of transportation sprint back and forth through the streets. Lights of various colors are strung up around the building, in the same pattern of blue, red, yellow, orange, and green. They flicker on and off as people look up at the building, admiring the festive spirit of the season. It is the week before the holiday and many of the businesses are planning to close up shop, at least for a few days leading up to the holiday itself.\n\n\tThe parking lot of the building is covered in snow. White blankets of powder as far as the eye could see. The weather has stopped, for the time being, giving people a chance to go about their lives more normally. It is rather cold outside and people are bundled up in the thickest clothing and coats available to them. However, in terms of winter for the region is a rather mild one in terms of temperature as it had not yet dropped below zero.\n\n\tInside the building itself, the people are busily working. The several-story tall office building is home to well over a hundred businesses. At the penthouse of the building, a law firm well known for handling personal injury and family law sits. The many lawyers and paralegals inside each have their own office. The firm is successful enough that every person has their own space. The offices themselves are decorated in various degrees.\n\n\tNay was a middle-aged horse who was well past the prime of his life. As an attorney who specialized in divorce, the man had seen more than his fair share of family separations. He had more than enough cases to keep him busy. As such his life had never allowed him to have a family of his own and his elderly parents lived far away. The brown horse looked out the window at the street below, eyeing some random families passing by hoping that he would never see them in his office or hear from them otherwise.\n\n\"Finding yourself longing again, sir?\" The horse's paralegal beckoned to him from behind.\n\nNay turned around and looked at his longtime assistant. \"Not quite.\"\n\nCael was a blue mana dragon who was just as invested in the field as her boss was. The dragon eased her feet on the desk, obviously being comfortable around her superior.\n\n\"Then what ails you? You don't normally look out the window for so long.\" Cael eased back in the chair making it recline a bit.\n\nThe horse sighed. \"Nothing. Just tired of being alone, I suppose.\"\n\n\"Ah, I see. I feel your pain. Distant families can be a pain to keep up with. Well, sit down and relax and we can enjoy ourselves. Today is slow anyways.\" The blue dragon reached under her chair to grab a small box with her claw.\n\nNay brushed off the dust from his sports coat and took it off before hanging it up on a hanger. He soon joined his assistant sitting down idly in his chair. He knew that neither of them had seen their family in some time as work, finances, and distance often got in the way of things. Both of their parents had grown distant in the past. The woman in front of him soon passed him a small gift.\n\n\"I got you something.\" She said putting it on the desk in front of her.\n\nNay twiddled his fingers and grunted. \"I told you last year not to bother…\"\n\n\"Yes, well. It's the thought that counts and besides…I figured you would like it because I bought myself one as well.\" She hadn't shown him what she spoke of as she still had her own in her pocket.\n\nThe horse looked at the blue dragon but saw nothing new on her. Nay looked back at the box and examined it a moment. It was wrapped in colorful paper to match the season.\n\n\"Thanks, but I didn't get you anything…sorry.\" The horse blushed a bit as he was embarrassed.\n\nThe dragon shrugged. \"No big deal, boss. What you got me for my birthday was big enough for both anyways. Go ahead and open it so I can put it on my own as well.\"\n\nNay finally sat down and took the box in his hand. He shook it a bit and then began to unwrap it. The box inside was a simple white box with but a single snowflake on the top. He peeled back open the box and looked inside. Gazing into it he saw what appeared to be a watch.\n\n\"Oh, wow. This looks expensive.\" He said upon bringing the timepiece out of its carton.\n\nCael shook her head. \"Nah, you know I can't afford expensive things. Don't worry about how much it costs. I assure you it wasn't that bad.\"\n\nNay took it out of the package and looked at it closer. The hands of the watch weren't moving.\n\n\"Does it need a battery? It doesn't appear to be working.\" The horse began to unloosen the straps of the band.\n\nThe dragon reached into her pocket to get her own out. \"Oh, Nah. It's powered by your body heat.\"\n\n\"Oh, that's neat. Is it a new thing?\" The man began fastening it on his wrist.\n\nCael did the same, buckling it underneath to secure it. \"I suppose. I saw it and just thought the design on the face was cute.\"\n\nNay looked at the face of the watch and examined it a moment. Sure enough, there was a little gavel and hammer inscribed on the thing.\n\n\"That's thoughtful of you. Thanks!\" The horse was tempted to hug the woman but knew she didn't like to show affection.\n\nCael smiled at him. \"No problem. Think we could kick off early? No one else came in the office today and it's dead.\"\n\n\"Probably. We were supposed to have a call 20 minutes ago but they never got through. We will have to follow up after the weekend.\" The horse said after thinking about it a moment.\n\nCael picked herself up from the chair and dusted herself off. Her boss soon joined her in standing up.\n\n\"How'd you like to come to my place for dinner?\" He suggested it as a way for him to show gratitude for the gift.\n\nShe hummed a moment. \"Sure, I don't see why not.\"\n\nThe two grabbed their briefcases before heading out of their office.\n\n\"You can follow me to my place. It's not a long drive.\" The horse said figuring it would save her some time in getting home later.\n\nShe gave him a thumbs-up before they went locked the door and went down the elevator together. A strange warm feeling had started to emanate from their wrists but both of them assumed it was the watch. Once at the cars, they went their own separate way. Nay waited until he saw Cael's car behind him. Heading out once he saw it in his rearview mirror. Looking at himself in the mirror he could have sworn he had less gray fur than he remembered but panned it off as the product he had been using.\n\nThey made their way down the empty streets. Traffic wasn't as crazy as it usually was. Many of the people were home already. Eventually, the traffic came to a complete stop. Cars lined up one after the other on the side of the road. Nay didn't bother honking as he knew it would do him no good to get upset about it. Looking behind him he saw Cael's car still in tow. He got out of his car to see what the deal was.\n\nCael decided to get out of her car as well. Walking up to her boss to see if he had figured anything out. In front of them, the road had been blocked off by yellow tape. The sound of yelling and cheering could be heard in the distance. On the other side of the taped-off area were people lined up.\n\n\"What's going on?\" The dragon asked as the crowd didn't make it obvious.\n\nNay motioned for her to join him. \"Come on, let's find out. It's now like we can get through without going back anyways.\"\n\nThe horse and dragon made their way into the crowd. The yelling and screaming all around them made it difficult to hear anything else. They looked at each other. The feeling in their arms began to pulsate with warmth again as they experienced a sense of helplessness. Nay and Cael's minds blurred a bit. They hesitated a second as their bodies stood there stunned and unable to act.\n\nWhen they recovered, they suddenly remembered where they were. A holiday parade that was supposed to be giving out free stuff. The two of them walked forward. Both of them crawled their way through the crowd, finding their clothing to be a bit baggy. Soon making their way to the front of it all. They hunched down underneath people's legs to not be in people's way. No one seemed to mind their presence.\n\nThe parade was already in full procession. Floats and large balloons made their way down the road. Each of them is decorated with garland, lights, and another holiday décor. Many of the people in front of them were playing instruments. The calamity of noise and celebration was rather loud. Nay and Cael watched with interest as the parade continued down the street. Line after line of displays is presented in front of them.\n\nThe largest float soon came into sight. A huge platform of red surrounded by pine trees. On top, a singular red fabric had been draped overtop of it. Smaller furs had been assigned to play as elves, wearing all different shades of green and red with pointed caps that slopped over to one side or the other. At the top of it all, an older fur sitting atop his thrown. There he was the famed Polar bear of the North in his all too familiar red garb, Santa Paws.\n\nLooking at him gave a sense of nostalgia to both Nay and Cael. They hadn't thought about the enigmatic figure in so long and yet…Their minds began to wash over again. Blurring out as they lost their focus. The sensation of warmth coursing from their wrist and throughout their bodies. Pulsating twice and following by a few throbbing fevers of heat. And yet they still knew not the experience…it alienated them entirely from its thrall.\n\nWhen they came around again, they felt a sense of excitement. The thrill of the moment had become all too real for them. They watched with huge grins on their face as the big bear in red made it right past them. The polar bear waved to and fro, looking right their way or so they thought. Neither could take it anymore, all they wanted was to see the famed bear and get a chance to sit on his lap so they might tell him what they want.\n\nBoth Nay and Cael exploded from\n their spot. Leaving their clothing behind as they had shed the now much too large clothing they had been wearing only seconds ago. The guards that separated the crowd from the parade itself, sprung to action as they saw the two youngsters run into the procession ground. One guard taking each of them, not having many issues with taking either of them by the neck.\n\nThe guards examined them. The two kids couldn't have been more than 9 or 10. Running stark naked without a care in the world. Looking at them, the only things on their bodies were some oversized analog watches. The two cubs were shaking against the wind as the cold of the night had gotten to it. The guards looked at each other, seeming confused about why kids were streaking around without their parents. Yet, looking around there were no signs of concerned guardians.\n\n\"Where are your parents?\" The two police officer dogs asked the two young cubs.\n\nThe horse and dragon looked at each other and shrugged. \"Where's Santa Paws?\"\n\n\"Santa Paws is….taking care of getting ready for Christmas. Come on with us…\" The two guards guided them out of the parade procession lane.\n\nThe guards took them over to the police station and explained what had happened. When questioned why the children were naked, neither knew an answer. The police took over from there, leading the boy and girl inside the police station.\n\n\"Oh, neat. I've never been in a police station before!\" The boy chirped as he had always been interested in the law.\n\nOne of the women at the front desk got up and handed over each of them a blanket. \"Are you two brother and sister?\"\n\nThe horse looked over at the dragon who looked back at him, both of them shaking their heads.\n\n\"I see. Well then…Do you know your parents' names at least? So we can help you find them?\" The cheetah woman got down on her knees to try to be of support to them.\n\nBoth of the kids hummed and looked at each other again. They seem confused and at a loss for words.\n\n\"Don't be afraid. We're just here to help. Can you tell me your names at least?\" She figured it would be better than nothing to try and start a search.\n\n\"My name is Cael and this is my friend, Nay.\" The girl said in a high-pitched voice.\n\nThe cheetah rolled her eyes. \"And….your last names?\"\n\nBoth cubs shared their last name with the officer before she picked herself up and went behind the desk to begin the search. Nay offered to hold hands with the girl.\n\n\"Don't be afraid. They will find our mom and dad for sure.\" The horse had confidence in the system.\n\nThe cheetah had begun looking in the birth records for the county. The names she ran for both of them didn't query many results but she still needed to narrow it down.\"\n\n\"How old are you two?\" She asked while panning through the results.\n\nBoth of the cubs answered. \"10.\"\n\n\"You guys can go sit down on the couch. I'll have someone bring you some milk and cookies. Just hang tight.\" One of the officers guided them over to a small waiting area near the entrance to the station.\n\nThey were eased up onto the bench, sitting right next to each other. Nay looked around the station as he was somewhat enamored by it all. The dragon girl tried to show that she wasn't afraid but still was uneasy about the situation. Yet, she remained perky and upright as if nothing bothered her about it.\n\nThe receptionist continued working through the birth records of the 10-year-olds that came up under both of their names. Yet the only ones who matched were a dog and a cat. They were not the same kids. Perhaps the two cubs had been outside the state. She couldn't be sure but she knew she couldn't give up. Continuing to dive more into it by using the National database for missing children to see what she could find.\n\nAnother member of the police crew soon showed up to give the two cubs some milk and cookies. A large black bear was burly and chewing on some gum.\n\n\"Ay, kiddos. Want some cookies?\" He offered each of them a pick from a small platter he was holding.\n\nBoth of them reached outward from the blanket that was covering them. The brown bear could see the oversized watch in their hands. Why was a pair of mostly naked cubs wearing a wristwatch of all things? He couldn't help but be curious about it.\n\nCael's eyes lit up. \"Are you Santa Paws brother?\"\n\n\"Oy, sure.\" The man couldn't help but force a smile, playing along to see if he could help them feel more comfortable.\n\nThe girl's tail twitched a bit. \"Really? What's he like?\"\n\n\"Mmm well, he's rather busy with his sleigh of magical beavers. Word has it if you leave bark under the tree, they may come inside for a treat.\" The bear chuckled a bit as he couldn't quite remember the tale from his youth.\n\n\"Cool, I wanna meet Randolf!\" The boy blurted out as he knew about the red-nosed beaver of legend.\n\n\"Well, if you promise to be good today I will pass along you wanna meet them. Sound good kiddos?\" He poked both of their noses to be playful.\n\nBoth of them nodded, seeming rather enamored by him. The bear sighed, glad that they had bought into the ploy. The man walked away.\n\n\"This is boring....\" The girl complained as she sat nibbling on the cookie she had been given.\n\nNay rolled his eyes. \"Are you crazy? We're in a police station. This is so neat.\"\n\n\"But...we're just sitting here...doing nothing.\" The girl frowned and sighed, looking down at the floor.\n\nNay moved closer to her and put his arm around her. The two had known each other for as long as they could remember. Cael didn't mind the attention of her best friend. She couldn't help but smile. She eased her shoulder into his. It wasn't much longer before the bear cop returned with some clothing for them.\n\n\"So, we haven't had much luck in finding your parents but we have found you a place to stay for the time being. So I'm going to take you there now. So how would you two like a ride in my car?\" The bear kneeled in an attempt to be closer to eye level with them. Nay jumped and nearly burst out of the blanket he was covered by.\n\n\"Heck, yeah! I'm not missing out on this.\" The horse's tail swished back and forth excitedly.\n\nThe bear smirked at the small boy. \"And what about you, young lady?\"\n\n\"Only if you tell Santa Paws I was a good girl this year.\" She said folding her arms expectantly.\n\nThe man nodded and handed them the clothing that he had found to the two cubs.\n\n\"Alright, follow me. You all can change in the car.\" The bear held the door open for them waiting for them to exit before him.\n\nThey exited the building and bounded towards the nearest police car. The door was already opened by another member of the force who had been told to get the vehicle ready for them. The boy wasted no time in running into the back seat of the car. Cael wasn't quite as eager and lagged behind a bit.\n\n\"Can you...put on the siren?\" The boy begged from the back seat.\n\nThe bear entered before long and had heard the boy's request. \"Sure, kiddo.\"\n\nHe sounded the siren and the doors were soon shut behind them. The car began to speed off into the distance. Passing through the packed streets of the city with ease. The boy was kept at the edge of his seat as they zoomed through the city streets. Weaving in and out of traffic as the expert driver made his way to wherever he was going. It wasn't much longer before they arrived at a home that was a short distance from the city itself.\n\nThe two cubs had changed into the clothing they were given by the police officer while in the car. The watches they were wearing had finally fallen from their wrists, seemingly vanishing. The vehicle came to an abrupt stop at the front of a home. The bear threw off the signal. Both Cael and Nay looked out the window, seeing an unfamiliar pair of adults standing in front of a small home.\n\n\"Come on, cubbies.\" The man got out of the car and let them out of the rear seat.\n\nThey arrived at the front door before long. Two feline adults stood there waiting for them. Kneeling to greet them. Neither cub seemed unwilling to hug the bear officer who had just helped them. He waved to them, seeing himself off promising that he'd share their plight with Santa Paws before he left.\n\n\"Welcome home.\" They were greeted by the husband and wife who owned their home.\n\nMaking their way inside, the two cubs looked around to see a well-decorated home. It was warm inside thick with the heat generated by the lights of the place and a small furnace in the corner. They were shown to the large tree at the center of the home. A plethora of presents had already been placed there. The place was a foster home but they needn't know that. After all, they had found what they had been yearning for. A loving family that they could cherish and adore.", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "Yearning for Yore by Pent Ghelsburg

Disclaimer: The characters depicted in this work are purely fictional. Any resemblance to persons alive or dead is purely coincidental. They are the original and rightful intellectual property of their creators. I use them with permission and respect. This work involves underaged characters and transformational content. You have been warned.\t\t

A large building sits in the sprawling city of Galand. Cars, buses, and all sorts of transportation sprint back and forth through the streets. Lights of various colors are strung up around the building, in the same pattern of blue, red, yellow, orange, and green. They flicker on and off as people look up at the building, admiring the festive spirit of the season. It is the week before the holiday and many of the businesses are planning to close up shop, at least for a few days leading up to the holiday itself.

\tThe parking lot of the building is covered in snow. White blankets of powder as far as the eye could see. The weather has stopped, for the time being, giving people a chance to go about their lives more normally. It is rather cold outside and people are bundled up in the thickest clothing and coats available to them. However, in terms of winter for the region is a rather mild one in terms of temperature as it had not yet dropped below zero.

\tInside the building itself, the people are busily working. The several-story tall office building is home to well over a hundred businesses. At the penthouse of the building, a law firm well known for handling personal injury and family law sits. The many lawyers and paralegals inside each have their own office. The firm is successful enough that every person has their own space. The offices themselves are decorated in various degrees.

\tNay was a middle-aged horse who was well past the prime of his life.  As an attorney who specialized in divorce, the man had seen more than his fair share of family separations. He had more than enough cases to keep him busy. As such his life had never allowed him to have a family of his own and his elderly parents lived far away. The brown horse looked out the window at the street below, eyeing some random families passing by hoping that he would never see them in his office or hear from them otherwise.

"Finding yourself longing again, sir?" The horse's paralegal beckoned to him from behind.

Nay turned around and looked at his longtime assistant. "Not quite."

Cael was a blue mana dragon who was just as invested in the field as her boss was. The dragon eased her feet on the desk, obviously being comfortable around her superior.

"Then what ails you? You don't normally look out the window for so long."  Cael eased back in the chair making it recline a bit.

The horse sighed. "Nothing. Just tired of being alone, I suppose."

"Ah, I see. I feel your pain. Distant families can be a pain to keep up with. Well, sit down and relax and we can enjoy ourselves. Today is slow anyways." The blue dragon reached under her chair to grab a small box with her claw.

Nay brushed off the dust from his sports coat and took it off before hanging it up on a hanger. He soon joined his assistant sitting down idly in his chair. He knew that neither of them had seen their family in some time as work, finances, and distance often got in the way of things. Both of their parents had grown distant in the past. The woman in front of him soon passed him a small gift.

"I got you something." She said putting it on the desk in front of her.

Nay twiddled his fingers and grunted. "I told you last year not to bother…"

"Yes, well. It's the thought that counts and besides…I figured you would like it because I bought myself one as well." She hadn't shown him what she spoke of as she still had her own in her pocket.

The horse looked at the blue dragon but saw nothing new on her. Nay looked back at the box and examined it a moment. It was wrapped in colorful paper to match the season.

"Thanks, but I didn't get you anything…sorry." The horse blushed a bit as he was embarrassed.

The dragon shrugged. "No big deal, boss. What you got me for my birthday was big enough for both anyways. Go ahead and open it so I can put it on my own as well."

Nay finally sat down and took the box in his hand. He shook it a bit and then began to unwrap it. The box inside was a simple white box with but a single snowflake on the top. He peeled back open the box and looked inside. Gazing into it he saw what appeared to be a watch.

"Oh, wow. This looks expensive." He said upon bringing the timepiece out of its carton.

Cael shook her head. "Nah, you know I can't afford expensive things. Don't worry about how much it costs. I assure you it wasn't that bad."

Nay took it out of the package and looked at it closer. The hands of the watch weren't moving.

"Does it need a battery? It doesn't appear to be working." The horse began to unloosen the straps of the band.

The dragon reached into her pocket to get her own out. "Oh, Nah. It's powered by your body heat."

"Oh, that's neat. Is it a new thing?" The man began fastening it on his wrist.

Cael did the same, buckling it underneath to secure it. "I suppose. I saw it and just thought the design on the face was cute."

Nay looked at the face of the watch and examined it a moment. Sure enough, there was a little gavel and hammer inscribed on the thing.

"That's thoughtful of you. Thanks!" The horse was tempted to hug the woman but knew she didn't like to show affection.

Cael smiled at him. "No problem. Think we could kick off early? No one else came in the office today and it's dead."

"Probably. We were supposed to have a call 20 minutes ago but they never got through. We will have to follow up after the weekend." The horse said after thinking about it a moment.

Cael picked herself up from the chair and dusted herself off. Her boss soon joined her in standing up.

"How'd you like to come to my place for dinner?" He suggested it as a way for him to show gratitude for the gift.

She hummed a moment. "Sure, I don't see why not."

The two grabbed their briefcases before heading out of their office.

"You can follow me to my place. It's not a long drive." The horse said figuring it would save her some time in getting home later.

She gave him a thumbs-up before they went locked the door and went down the elevator together. A strange warm feeling had started to emanate from their wrists but both of them assumed it was the watch. Once at the cars, they went their own separate way. Nay waited until he saw Cael's car behind him. Heading out once he saw it in his rearview mirror. Looking at himself in the mirror he could have sworn he had less gray fur than he remembered but panned it off as the product he had been using.

They made their way down the empty streets. Traffic wasn't as crazy as it usually was. Many of the people were home already. Eventually, the traffic came to a complete stop. Cars lined up one after the other on the side of the road. Nay didn't bother honking as he knew it would do him no good to get upset about it. Looking behind him he saw Cael's car still in tow. He got out of his car to see what the deal was.

Cael decided to get out of her car as well. Walking up to her boss to see if he had figured anything out. In front of them, the road had been blocked off by yellow tape. The sound of yelling and cheering could be heard in the distance. On the other side of the taped-off area were people lined up.

"What's going on?" The dragon asked as the crowd didn't make it obvious.

Nay motioned for her to join him. "Come on, let's find out. It's now like we can get through without going back anyways."

The horse and dragon made their way into the crowd. The yelling and screaming all around them made it difficult to hear anything else. They looked at each other.  The feeling in their arms began to pulsate with warmth again as they experienced a sense of helplessness. Nay and Cael's minds blurred a bit. They hesitated a second as their bodies stood there stunned and unable to act.

When they recovered, they suddenly remembered where they were. A holiday parade that was supposed to be giving out free stuff. The two of them walked forward. Both of them crawled their way through the crowd, finding their clothing to be a bit baggy. Soon making their way to the front of it all. They hunched down underneath people's legs to not be in people's way. No one seemed to mind their presence.

The parade was already in full procession. Floats and large balloons made their way down the road. Each of them is decorated with garland, lights, and another holiday décor. Many of the people in front of them were playing instruments. The calamity of noise and celebration was rather loud. Nay and Cael watched with interest as the parade continued down the street. Line after line of displays is presented in front of them.

The largest float soon came into sight. A huge platform of red surrounded by pine trees. On top, a singular red fabric had been draped overtop of it. Smaller furs had been assigned to play as elves, wearing all different shades of green and red with pointed caps that slopped over to one side or the other. At the top of it all, an older fur sitting atop his thrown. There he was the famed Polar bear of the North in his all too familiar red garb, Santa Paws.

Looking at him gave a sense of nostalgia to both Nay and Cael. They hadn't thought about the enigmatic figure in so long and yet…Their minds began to wash over again. Blurring out as they lost their focus. The sensation of warmth coursing from their wrist and throughout their bodies. Pulsating twice and following by a few throbbing fevers of heat. And yet they still knew not the experience…it alienated them entirely from its thrall.

When they came around again, they felt a sense of excitement. The thrill of the moment had become all too real for them. They watched with huge grins on their face as the big bear in red made it right past them. The polar bear waved to and fro, looking right their way or so they thought. Neither could take it anymore, all they wanted was to see the famed bear and get a chance to sit on his lap so they might tell him what they want.

Both Nay and Cael exploded from
 their spot. Leaving their clothing behind as they had shed the now much too large clothing they had been wearing only seconds ago. The guards that separated the crowd from the parade itself, sprung to action as they saw the two youngsters run into the procession ground. One guard taking each of them, not having many issues with taking either of them by the neck.

The guards examined them. The two kids couldn't have been more than 9 or 10. Running stark naked without a care in the world. Looking at them, the only things on their bodies were some oversized analog watches. The two cubs were shaking against the wind as the cold of the night had gotten to it. The guards looked at each other, seeming confused about why kids were streaking around without their parents. Yet, looking around there were no signs of concerned guardians.

"Where are your parents?" The two police officer dogs asked the two young cubs.

The horse and dragon looked at each other and shrugged. "Where's Santa Paws?"

"Santa Paws is….taking care of getting ready for Christmas. Come on with us…" The two guards guided them out of the parade procession lane.

The guards took them over to the police station and explained what had happened. When questioned why the children were naked, neither knew an answer. The police took over from there, leading the boy and girl inside the police station.

"Oh, neat. I've never been in a police station before!" The boy chirped as he had always been interested in the law.

One of the women at the front desk got up and handed over each of them a blanket. "Are you two brother and sister?"

The horse looked over at the dragon who looked back at him, both of them shaking their heads.

"I see. Well then…Do you know your parents' names at least? So we can help you find them?" The cheetah woman got down on her knees to try to be of support to them.

Both of the kids hummed and looked at each other again. They seem confused and at a loss for words.

"Don't be afraid. We're just here to help. Can you tell me your names at least?" She figured it would be better than nothing to try and start a search.

"My name is Cael and this is my friend, Nay." The girl said in a high-pitched voice.

The cheetah rolled her eyes. "And….your last names?"

Both cubs shared their last name with the officer before she picked herself up and went behind the desk to begin the search. Nay offered to hold hands with the girl.

"Don't be afraid. They will find our mom and dad for sure." The horse had confidence in the system.

The cheetah had begun looking in the birth records for the county. The names she ran for both of them didn't query many results but she still needed to narrow it down."

"How old are you two?" She asked while panning through the results.

Both of the cubs answered. "10."

"You guys can go sit down on the couch. I'll have someone bring you some milk and cookies. Just hang tight." One of the officers guided them over to a small waiting area near the entrance to the station.

They were eased up onto the bench, sitting right next to each other. Nay looked around the station as he was somewhat enamored by it all. The dragon girl tried to show that she wasn't afraid but still was uneasy about the situation. Yet, she remained perky and upright as if nothing bothered her about it.

The receptionist continued working through the birth records of the 10-year-olds that came up under both of their names. Yet the only ones who matched were a dog and a cat. They were not the same kids. Perhaps the two cubs had been outside the state. She couldn't be sure but she knew she couldn't give up. Continuing to dive more into it by using the National database for missing children to see what she could find.

Another member of the police crew soon showed up to give the two cubs some milk and cookies. A large black bear was burly and chewing on some gum.

"Ay, kiddos. Want some cookies?" He offered each of them a pick from a small platter he was holding.

Both of them reached outward from the blanket that was covering them. The brown bear could see the oversized watch in their hands. Why was a pair of mostly naked cubs wearing a wristwatch of all things? He couldn't help but be curious about it.

Cael's eyes lit up. "Are you Santa Paws brother?"

"Oy, sure." The man couldn't help but force a smile, playing along to see if he could help them feel more comfortable.

The girl's tail twitched a bit. "Really? What's he like?"

"Mmm well, he's rather busy with his sleigh of magical beavers. Word has it if you leave bark under the tree, they may come inside for a treat." The bear chuckled a bit as he couldn't quite remember the tale from his youth.

"Cool, I wanna meet Randolf!" The boy blurted out as he knew about the red-nosed beaver of legend.

"Well, if you promise to be good today I will pass along you wanna meet them. Sound good kiddos?" He poked both of their noses to be playful.

Both of them nodded, seeming rather enamored by him. The bear sighed, glad that they had bought into the ploy. The man walked away.

"This is boring...." The girl complained as she sat nibbling on the cookie she had been given.

Nay rolled his eyes. "Are you crazy? We're in a police station. This is so neat."

"But...we're just sitting here...doing nothing." The girl frowned and sighed, looking down at the floor.

Nay moved closer to her and put his arm around her. The two had known each other for as long as they could remember. Cael didn't mind the attention of her best friend. She couldn't help but smile. She eased her shoulder into his. It wasn't much longer before the bear cop returned with some clothing for them.

"So, we haven't had much luck in finding your parents but we have found you a place to stay for the time being. So I'm going to take you there now. So how would you two like a ride in my car?" The bear kneeled in an attempt to be closer to eye level with them. Nay jumped and nearly burst out of the blanket he was covered by.

"Heck, yeah! I'm not missing out on this." The horse's tail swished back and forth excitedly.

The bear smirked at the small boy. "And what about you, young lady?"

"Only if you tell Santa Paws I was a good girl this year." She said folding her arms expectantly.

The man nodded and handed them the clothing that he had found to the two cubs.

"Alright, follow me. You all can change in the car." The bear held the door open for them waiting for them to exit before him.

They exited the building and bounded towards the nearest police car. The door was already opened by another member of the force who had been told to get the vehicle ready for them. The boy wasted no time in running into the back seat of the car. Cael wasn't quite as eager and lagged behind a bit.

"Can you...put on the siren?" The boy begged from the back seat.

The bear entered before long and had heard the boy's request. "Sure, kiddo."

He sounded the siren and the doors were soon shut behind them. The car began to speed off into the distance. Passing through the packed streets of the city with ease. The boy was kept at the edge of his seat as they zoomed through the city streets. Weaving in and out of traffic as the expert driver made his way to wherever he was going. It wasn't much longer before they arrived at a home that was a short distance from the city itself.

The two cubs had changed into the clothing they were given by the police officer while in the car. The watches they were wearing had finally fallen from their wrists, seemingly vanishing. The vehicle came to an abrupt stop at the front of a home. The bear threw off the signal. Both Cael and Nay looked out the window, seeing an unfamiliar pair of adults standing in front of a small home.

"Come on, cubbies." The man got out of the car and let them out of the rear seat.

They arrived at the front door before long. Two feline adults stood there waiting for them. Kneeling to greet them. Neither cub seemed unwilling to hug the bear officer who had just helped them. He waved to them, seeing himself off promising that he'd share their plight with Santa Paws before he left.

"Welcome home." They were greeted by the husband and wife who owned their home.

Making their way inside, the two cubs looked around to see a well-decorated home. It was warm inside thick with the heat generated by the lights of the place and a small furnace in the corner. They were shown to the large tree at the center of the home. A plethora of presents had already been placed there. The place was a foster home but they needn't know that. After all, they had found what they had been yearning for. A loving family that they could cherish and adore.", "pools_count": 1, "title": "Yearning for Yore", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "1", "rating_name": "Mature", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "2", "name": "Nudity", "description": "Nonsexual nudity exposing breasts or genitals (must not show arousal)", "rating_id": "1" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "0", "views": "289" }