The morning was still pale, but people were already getting ready for their days. I wasn't really used to seeing so many people out and about. To be honest it made me a little nervous... You see, those who were born with, or engineered with BIO were often looked down upon.

Considering some of the others I've seen, my case was mild. My veins glowed with a briliant neon blue, both day and night. While I personally liked it, many others didn't. Having said that, I didn't find much tolerance where I used to live. Sad really, especially for such a "civilized" age.

Eventually it drove me to move. On the road, I met a friendly dingo that mentioned Queen City. I thought about it for a while. It was noted on several occassions and by several countries for being th most tolerant and cultured city on the continent. So, I headed east and never looked back. After a few days of hitchhiking, I found myself at the west gate of the city, greeted by a sign that said "Queen City, Welcome Home".

Now I find myself in the Northgate distrcit of the city. Wasn't really sure where else to go. i had heard the dingo mention that this is where he was headed. Suprisingly it didn't have the big city feel I thought it would...

"Hello there!" A grizzly says loudly to me as I walk by. Nearly makes me jump out my fur.

"H-hello..." I said as my heart pounded in my chest. He smiled and continued walking.

That was wierd. He didn't even know who I was... For all he knew I could've been an axe murderer, not that I was. This wasn't the first time this had happened either. Ever since I was admited to the city, I noticed that all of it's inhabitants were friendly and happy. Where as I tried to avoid conversation with them and rushed on by them.

I wasn't off to a good start, but I guess I needed to change my attitude if I was going to get anywhere. I noticed a somewhat older vixen setting up an apple stand in the plaza and decided to approach her.

"Um, hello ma'am." I said in a low tone.

"Oh, hello there dear!" She said as she looked up. "If you give me a few more moments I'll have the stand set up."

"Oh, i'm sorry ma'am." I said in embarassment, "I actually wan't shopping. I'm new to the city and was hoping maybe you could help."

"Oh another newcomer." She said with wide eyes, "I'd be glad to help, what can I do for ya'?"

"Well, I'm looking for work and a place to stay..." I said with a shrug, "unfortunately I kind of moved without making any arrangements first."

"Ohhh," She said with ears perked up. "Adventureous."

"No... Just got tired of feeling..." I stopped. I was just tired of thinking it, saying it...

"Say no more." She said as she raised a paw. "I used to live in Mojave with my husband. When the War broke out between Mojave and California. We were chased away. We couldn't go to California because I was a desert fox."

"Just you?" I asked with curiousity.

"My husband is a Bear." She said with a smirk. "A native of California too. When the war started he did everything to make sure we got out safe. Eventually we ended up in the Central Alliance. But they have a very conservative outlook on life. Interspecies marriages aren't recognized or performed in the country. I told that old Grizzly that it didn't matter. we were married no matter what anyone said, but he wouldn't stop growling until we moved here."

"Wow... sounds like you've been more adventerous then I have." I said with a sigh, "But if you found a place here maybe I can too."

"Of course you will." she said as she grabbed my arm. "Northgate is technically the district where the gay community decided to set up."

"Oh... i'm not gay..." I said as I shifted a little.

"Didn't think you were." She said with a chukle. "No offense, but you kind of stick out here."

"I suppose I do." I laughed a little, "Still, I'm in desperate need of a job and a place... Know anyone that wouldn't mind hiring a BIO?"

"Well, If you're looking for a place, I believe I know something." She said as she lifted a basket up in her arms, "Go speak to Jeffery, he's the sheep that owns the Wool Top Cafe. If I remember right, the apartment above it is for rent. You could probably work out a deal with him until you find a job. But I passed Brooke's River Books on the way here this morning and noticed she had help wanted sign up in the window. Go in and talk to her, she has a soft spot for fox boys." she gave me a nudge and a wink.

"That's extremely helpful. thank you very much ma'am." I said with a smile.

"Please, call me Maggie. She smiled back, "Oh, two more things. First, would you mind taking this basket over with you to Jeffery? He want's them for some fresh apple cider. Mr. uhh..."

"Oh, sorry. I'm Dashed, and sure." I said as I took the apples, "No problem."

"And second," she said as she locked her gaze with mine. "No one is going to judge you in this city. BIO or not... That's the great thing about Queen City, when people look at you they don't judge you. They treat you like a friend from day one. 23 years ago, my husband and i walked into this same district not far from this very spot. We meet two very friendly stags that helped us in those first few, hard months. They told me the exact same thing I'm about to tell you. 'This is Queen City... Welcome home.'"

I smiled at her and she at me. She continued setting up her stand and i started to turn around. I stopped for a moment and set the apples down. I looked up at the rising sun and smiled a genuine smile for the first time in what seemed like ages. Maybe... just maybe... This wasn't such a bad idea after all.


** Comission drawing and added story for  dashofweak featuring his Fursona Dashed! Hope you all enjoy the Pic and the story and I hope Dashed enjoys Queen City!**