Zephyron
By Tobi Bunnaroo

Chapter one
The Apothecary

Tobi returned from his daily task of collecting flowers and herbs outside in the woods close by his home. Placing his satchel bag down, almost landing on Ignis' paws, the Hyena jumped back a little and gave a low growl to warn his master.

    "Oops. Sorry pal. I didn't see you there but it is your fault for standing next to me all the time."
The bunnaroo giggled a little and pets Ignis on his warm head. Going back to his bag, Tobi emptied the contents on to the Apothecary table in front of him. Grabbing a handful of small vials, he starts crushing the blue herbs with his mortar and pestle. He reached over to grab the kettle then adds the hot water into a small bowl. His set up was very simple, yet incredibly effective. Flasks and containers scattered the very clean and tidy work bench, opening a little draw with small pink petals and adding them to his potion. Once the leaves were finely ground down, he adds them to the bowl of hot water and begins to stir slowly. The liquid turning into a bright blue, it also glowed in the dimly lit shed. The finely ground leaves and herbs dissolving in the water while he stirs. After several minutes, Tobi pours the bowl's contents into a measuring jug and slowly filling up ten vials of liquid. He steps over to his heavy book and flips it on to a new page. Drawing a quick doodle of the new herb he had discovered and writing down it's properties.

 "There. That should see me through tomorrow's round. What do you say boys?"
Azure nuzzled into Tobi's leg, the Wolf looking up to his master and practically begged Tobi for a treat.  Expecting some sort of dog biscuit for helping him carry all the herbs back as well. Both having bags hooked around their body, this made Tobi's expeditions to the woods more bountiful. Tobi chuckles and reaches to a cabinet, feeding them both some treats. The usual treat was a duck flavoured biscuit that Tobi buys for them at the local pet store. Seeming to go wild and would do anything for one which made the two very easy to train. After making several more batches of potions, the bunnaroo tidies up and locks his shed for the evening and walks across his garden, back into his parent's house.

     "Mum? When's dinner?"
    "In about twenty minutes dear. Did you get some of those vials ready like I asked?" Comes a sweet and soft voice from the kitchen.
    "Yeah. Did about thirty in the end. Are we seeing Mr.Raynold tomorrow?"
   "Of course dear. Now get ready for dinner. It's your favourite tonight, Carrot stew with curry sauce and Rice"
    "mmmm~ Thanks Mum" Tobi ran upstairs followed closely by his pets. Placing down the vials into a rack next to the window. Letting the liquid cool for the night, ready to be administered tomorrow morning. He places his book on the desk next to his computer before he flops on to his bed, Ignis and Azure quickly follow, leaping on top of the bunnaroo and licking his face.
    "Hey.... Boys get off haha. Stop! THAT TICKLES!" Tobi giggles and wraps one arm around each of them to pull them in for a cuddle pile. They nuzzle into his side and showing their master affection. But soon he was called for dinner by his mother, finally free after being pinned down, the three rush to the dining room for dinner. 

At the table, his mother stood putting the plates full of food. The steam coming off the mountain of carrots, rice and sauce smothering it all. His mother smiles, her little fluffy tail wagging to see her son so happy with his companions.

    "I still remember the day you wanted to adopt one Tobi." She says with a smile, one of her bunny ears flopped half way down. Turning to grab another plate of food for the male kangaroo sitting on the other side of the table.
    "Yes. I distinctly remember saying only ONE pet. Not two." Came a voice, almost growling a bit from the Kangaroo sitting on the opposite side of Tobi. Wearing his white collar around his neck and placing down the newspaper.
     "But look at them Dad, they were so cute when we adopted them. They're so big and strong and still very healthy for their age!"
   "Most dogs would have died of old age by now. I don't understand how those two keep breathing." Tobi's old man snapped back. He never did like the two. Claiming to leave little packages everywhere around the house although even Tobi's mother had yet to see one for herself.
     "Not at the dinner table Jared. Now, Tobi, would you like to lead tonight?"
    "Yeah, sure." He replies with a hint of sadness in his voice although his parents wouldn't pick it up. The religion dominated his life in every aspect. From the food on his plate to bed time stories, there was hardly a moment that went by when the big guy up stairs wasn't mentioned. Crosses scattered around with a man naked except for a loin cloth around to cover his parts. Quotes from the holy book Tobi's father devoted his entire life to written along the walls, in picture frames. It was hard to invite his friends over, well, if Tobi had any. Being a hybrid put you at the bottom of the food chain. Being seen as demons or monsters by the majority of society. At least that's what it felt like but in reality it was just kids being the cruel and mean spirited that some usually are usually grabbing at his roo tail or pulling his bunny ears. What made matters worse was there was no other hybrids in the entire school, leaving Tobi to get all the attention. Of course some kids did leave him alone. They didn't want to touch him in case they got some sort of nasty hybrid disease that would spread like a plague.

Tobi sighed, and placed his paws together, closing his eyes and saying a few quick words.
    "Umm, dear Lord, th... thanks for providing for the food we are about to eat. And please watch over those less fortunate than us, those who struggle day to day. Even unable to get fresh and clean water. We thank you for looking kindly on our small, but loving family. Who..." Tobi paused for a brief moment and opened his eyes to look at his parents, both still with their eyes closed and paws together. "Who would do anything for anyone. No matter who they are... Amen"
    "Amen" His parents said softly together before getting a smile from his mother. Ignis and Azure began eating in their bowls in the opposite corner of the dining room and stuffing their faces with some meat loaf leftovers from last nights' dinner. The pair were practically a garbage bin for food. Nothing would go to waste as long as those two were around.

    "How was church today then dear?"
    "Oh, this couple wanted a wedding for next month but I turned them away"
     "Why? The church doesn't have much going on next month does it dad?"
    "Oh, no I had space, but it was two women, a human and a fox no less. I told them that my church doesn't do gay weddings for those sorts of people. Its just... Not natural. I mean even a normal human and fur pairing is frowned upon across the world, not just the church but to be... like them? Oh their parents must be so disappointed. I know I would be."
Tobi looked down, gripping on to his fork hard and trying to hold back the tear that he felt coming along. His father not truly knowing how damaging his views were to Tobi.
    "But... They love each other right? Isn't that what god would want in the end? They're happy."
    "Oh you have so much to learn my son. You can only be truly happy when you let God into your life like we have. Look at us, the perfect example of a happy family."
     "Yeah. Happy..." Tobi mumbles and quickly finishing his dinner. Offering to wash up the plates for his mother with a smile before heading up to his room for the night. 
Tobi flops on to his bed, Ignis and Azure following him in and making their way to their own little bed in the corner of the room. Azure began licking Ignis on the face, grooming his partner of fourteen years. Ignis soon returning the sentiment while Tobi let out a long sigh, staring at his phone and seeing a message from his only friend, Jay. Jay a black furred wolf and had a piercing on his eye brow. The black wolf lived in the city quite close to Tobi but after a year of talking and playing games online together they had still yet to meet up.

"Hey bud, how's it going? Did you get that game I mentioned?"
"Yep. I got it downloading now so we can play tomorrow after I've done my rounds."
"SWEEEEET! Can't wait it's gonna be so cool! How long do you think you'll be?"
"I dunno, probably until after lunch I'm thinking. Gotta see this old wolf guy. He's pretty sick."
"Well by what you've told me I'm sure you'll have him up and jumping around fairly soon I'm sure.You do a lot of good Tobi. I can't wait to meet ya so I can give you a real kiss!"
"Heh. Shush you. You're making me blush. And yeah. I can't wait to meet you either. But I dunno how to tell my parents that.... I'd be dating a wolf, and that wolf is a guy..."
"Then that's their problem. Not yours. Do what makes ya happy bud. And if that's doing me then I'll let ya ;)"
"I know that but... It's dad. He's so religious it makes things so hard"
"Religion is bollocks. That book is full of hate and shit and you don't need that in your life. You and I both know there's so such thing as gods. We are smarter than that not to fall for those childish stories!"
"Yeah. I know but when it's dominated your life it's hard to just push to one side. When I get my paws on you though, I'll feel much better."
"Of course you will. Well I'm gonna play this and then I'll teach you when you get back tomorrow."
"Don't level up too much Jay."
"Nah, I'll make a new class. You gonna be the healer right?"
"No I think I'll go necromancer and deal with undead stuff :P Of course I'm gonna be the healer. It's what I do. Anyway, Ignis and Azure are piling on top of me. Ttyl Jay"
"Night bud!"

Tobi had this strange feeling stirring inside him, something he had never felt before. He rubbed his belly feeling it almost dance around as he thinks about the wolf. It had been nearly a year and they planned to meet on their "anniversary" as it were. Both looking for a guy to snuggle up with on those cold nights watching Pawflix and not feeling so alone as they usually do. For the first time in a while, Tobi felt like he was wanted by someone. Someone finally was going to love him for who he is and not what he is. He curled up into bed and very quickly, while having Ignis and Azure either side of him, fell asleep quickly and peacefully.

The sun tried to burn the curtains away. Beaming through finally waking the sleepy hybrid on his bed before his alarm could wake him. He shuffles around, trying to stretch but instead he pushes Ignis and Azure off the bed. They both came tumbling down with a loud thud, the floor boards squeaking under the pressure of the two big lumps either side. They wake with a bark of annoyance at Tobi, but soon calmed down again when a paw greeted the top of their heads followed by a soft voice.
  "Oops, sorry boys. But that's what you get when you don't sleep in your own bed."
Tobi flicked the blanket off of him. Stretching out, he stands and walks over to fling open the curtains. Greeting him was the warm sun on his fur, opening a window and letting in the fresh air, a cool breeze brushing through the hairs on his brown fur. His tail wagging and just missing Ignis who plopped his butt next to Tobi. He heads downstairs and into the kitchen and prepares breakfast for him, his pets, and his parents. Opting for the pancakes that were nearly out of date and grabbing the honey from the cupboard. Warming up the pancakes and giving each serving a generous amount of honey. He also grabs a carrot from the open bag on the kitchen table, crunching on one before tucking into his breakfast. The smell waking up his parents to join him.
      "Are you ready to go see Robby and his wife soon Tobes?"
      "Yeah. Let me shower and I'll grab the medicines and I'll drive us down."
      "You're a kind lad, driving your mother down for a change. I thought you didn't like driving."
    "Well I gotta keep practicing. How else am I supposed to make all the rounds? I can't keep relying on the post man either. Besides it's better to see them in person so I can tell how they really are doing." Tobi places his knife and fork on the empty plate in front of him.
       "Why don't you get ready and I'll do the washing up for a change sweetie?"
He nods and jumps out of his chair, running upstairs to change and gather his things. His satchel bag his mother bought for his 14th birthday, the vials of medicine and his loyal pets. They never let Tobi out of their sight, even waiting outside the school gates every single day for him, like they missed him more than Tobi would ever realise. They were like his guardian angels. Watching him and keeping trouble away from him. Although pets were never allowed in the school, which meant Tobi was suseptible to the bullies and hybrid haters which to Tobi, felt like everyone. Even teachers weren't at all very pleasant either. But, that's in the past. Tobi thought to himself. He places the vials into a safe container, undone the zip and gently places them into his bag. Zipping it back up and throwing it over his shoulder before running back down the stairs to see his mother standing at the front door. She was on the phone and looked a little distressed. After a moment, she hangs up and let's out a long sigh.
    "Mum? What's wrong? Is it Robby?"
    "No. It's another patient who's fallen ill. Why don't you take the car and head to see the old wolf and I'll whip something up for the call I just got. Okay?"
     "Sure thing. You can borrow my book in my room to follow a recipe if you need something in particular."
     "Thank you hun bun. Now run along."
She gives Tobi a quick kiss on the forehead. Leaving and walking to the car, he opens one of the back doors to let Ignis and Azure jump in. Getting in the front himself and pulls away from the house. Tobi's mother heads up to Tobi's room and finds the book resting on his desk and spotted Tobi's phone sitting next to the book. She picks up the phone and started to call Tobi's name when it lit up and buzzed in her paw.

"Can't wait to finally kiss you and hold you and tell you I love you Tobi. I'll see you tomorrow xx"

She smiled for a brief moment. But her smile turned into a confused look when she saw the name. Jay? She pondered to herself. Tobi had been talking about this friend he got online who lived close by. Her heart sank, but there must be an explanation for this. Her son would never... She got those thoughts out of her head. The only person who could explain was Tobi, so she decided to put it at the back of her mind for now and wait until he returned. There's no way her son was gay. He always told them how he had a crush on that popstar from that film they went to watch a couple of years ago. She shook her head, and went to the shed outside to start her own batch of medicines.

It wasn't a long journey, maybe twenty minutes at the most if it wasn't for that traffic jam he had to sit through for an hour. But eventually he pulls up at the old couples house. Beeping his horn to let them know he had arrived, a grey old wolf was looking out through the window. Tobi steps out along with his Wolf and Hyena, the door opens slowly and is warmly greeted by the old lady.
    "Welcome Tobi dear. Thank you for coming. He's upstairs in his room but he seems to be getting worse."
    "Good morning Mrs. Raynold. Sorry about me being late. Had to deal with a traffic jam on the way." Tobi smiled warmly and walks in followed by his two guardians.
    "He has been a little more wheezy lately, not very talkative, I'm not quite sure what's wrong. He... he seems to be dying, and I know everyone in town says you're the one to call if someone is gravely ill."
    "I'll do my best Ma'am. I have a few different vials here, I'm sure one will help."
Tobi walks into the room alone. The old man resting his eyes in his bed, his ears flicked when hearing different footsteps. Turning his head and opening his eyes, he sees Tobi already pulling up a chair and sitting down next to him. The red Hyena and blue Wolf bowed their heads to the old man in the bed. The old man let out a faint smile, nodding back to them ever so slightly.

    "Those are fine pets you have there. I had one myself. A white fox. She was so friendly, kept me safe wherever I went. She had this aura about her that everyone could feel when they walked into the room. A calming, soothing and peaceful aura."

    "Thank you sir. They both have something similar as well. I think they cancel each other out though because Ignis is very feisty and energetic but Azure, well he's calm most of the time. Preferring to sleep when he can. Now, what can I do for you, Robby?"
      "Oh, there's nothing you can do young man. It's just my time is all." Robby coughed a little, his paw resting on his chest while the over flopped to one side.
      "Please, let me help. It's what I came here for." Not taking no for an answer, Tobi reaches into his bag and grabs a vial of bright blue liquid.
      "Tobi, you've gone through so much. Haven't you. I can tell just by looking into your eyes." 
Tobi sighs a little. Popping off the cork on the vial trying to make the silly old man drink the liquid. After about a minute of pleading, the old Wolf finally does.
      "It's been up and down. But I'm not in school any more and things are looking up."
      "Tobi." The old man managed to sit up slightly. He reaches out and grabs both of the bunnaroo's paws. "What's about to happen, it's for the best. You'll go on to do great things, I can see it."
     "I'm trying to. It's what I am gonna do. I'm gonna go out there and heal the whole world with my skills!"
The old man started to laugh but turning into a wheezing cough. Tobi grabbing a pillow to help Robby sit up more, making him as comfortable as he could be.
    "You will, Tobi. You're life is about to take a turn you can't possibly expect. Life will kick you down, young hybrid. But you'll stand back up, taller than you ever have done before."
 Tobi's ears flopped a little.
    "Those are kind words but my life has never been better. I have so many things to look forward to now."
The old man chuckled a little. His eyes faintly glowed a little when staring into Tobi's eyes.
    "I see great kindness in you Tobi. Although not everyone has shown it back to you." The old man continues, it was like the old wolf was staring directly into Tobi's soul. "You will sleep under the stars tonight, when you will meet a blonde boy who falls from the heavens. He is part of your journey and you'll do well to befriend him. No matter how hard it seems. Trust you instincts young hybrid, for they will guide you to the dying kingdom. One that can yet still be saved."
    "Oh-kay, I didn't think my potions had that sort of effect on people." He let out a nervous chuckle, looking away and avoiding eye contact as the wolf was clearly speaking gibberish after downing that potion. Maybe Tobi added one too many Dragonsbane petals into the vial. A moment later, Robby's wife walks in with a tray full of tea and a variety of biscuits.
    "Here you go dears. How is he Tobi? Is he better?"
    "I told you, I'm not ill. It's just my time."
    "Don't be silly. You still got another five years left before you kick the bucket. What am I going to do without you? Sit here on my own watching Countdown? Not a chance. Tobi, can you please just do your magic and heal him please?"
He looked to the dying old man, even he knew there was nothing that could be done to help Robby. Except giving the poor wolf another potion to help ease the pain his body was in.
   "I'm so sorry Ma'am. But I'm afraid Robby speaks the truth. I have been told I have cured someone of stage four cancer with one vial, cured so many different types of diseases that scientists can't cure yet but... I can't... I can't cure old age. There's nothing wrong with your husband Ma'am. He's just... Old."
Tobi looked down, his ears flopping and covering his tears that rolled down his cheek.
    "But, you are the town's Apothecary. Surely there must be something you can do?"
    "I can only make him comfortable. I'm so sorry Ma'am."
She huffs and flings her arms in the air before storming out of the room, and burst into tears.
    "Don't worry about her lad. She knows deep down it's my time." Robby settles back down again. Closing his eyes and letting out a long sigh. "Give that dragon my regards, won't you?"
    "Dragon? I don't know any dragons. Robby? What are you on about?" Tobi shook the old man, but there was no response. He placed one of his ears to his chest, hearing nothing. The wolf had passed away.

Tobi placed Robby's paws on top of his chest, shedding a tear and slowly standing when Mrs.Raynold came back.
     "Is he...?" Was all she said, looking to Tobi who hung his head, both hugging each other as the frail, old woman cried on Tobi's shoulder. "Thank you... For trying Tobi. I just didn't want to believe it."
     "it's okay Ma'am. He was ready to go, and it was without pain. I can assure you, he died a happy man."
    "Thank you, young man." She sniffs and pulls away slowly, going to sit down next to her husband. "Do... do I owe you anything?"
    "No Ma'am. Nothing."
    "You're a kind one Tobi. He always told me he would die here, at this moment."
Tobi's ears perked up a little. Did she just say that Robby knew he would die at this moment?
   "Excuse me Ma'am, I know this is the worst possible time to ask but, how did he know that, exactly?"
She sniffled and held the paws of her loved one, her thumb rubbing the backhand. His fur still so warm and soft.
    "He was a fortune teller, and a very good one. He got all the lottery numbers right, every week."
Tobi's heart raced. He heard of people with crazy abilities but future sight was definitely a new one on him. Always thinking maybe he was blessed with one with his potion crafting. His healing ability. Could it be the same? A gift?
    "Well, I'll leave you to grieve Ma'am. If there's anything you need, please, don't hesitate to call me."
     "Thank you, Tobi"
Tobi grabbed his satchel bag, and headed back to the car. Ignis and Azure could sense the confusion in Tobi. His mind repeating what seemed like to be his fortune telling.
    "A blonde boy... A dying kingdom?" He shrugged, jumping into the car and slowly pulling away. Not realising that when he arrives at home, his life was about to change. Forever.