Brian Newall pushed through the thick vines before him, his guide right beside him. He could barely contain his excitement. His mind drifted back to the rumors he had heard back in the small coastal village just a few days prior.
The villagers had told him of an Aztec temple that supposedly had been left untouched for centuries. His mind raced with all the secrets that were locked within its stone walls, the knowledge it contained.
“Indiana, eat your heart out,” he muttered to himself, wiping a few drops of sweat off his forehead. Resting on a tree, he sipped at his canteen, wondering if he was just being crazy. Mid-life crisis came to mind a few times.
He had dismissed the idea though. He had always had a passion for archaeology and other cultures. For years he had kicked himself for playing it safe and simply teaching the subject. This was a chance to change that. He just hoped he could keep exploring for years to come.
Besides, his kids were grown anyway, no reason not to spend his time doing what he wanted to do for once. He pulled out a photo of his pocket, his two daughters smiling at him. He smiled back, remembering his promise to tell them the instant he found something.
The moment passed, and he put the photo away. “Time to get back to it.” He took one last sip of water, resuming his trek through the jungle.
His guide pointed him in the right direction, leading him through an overgrown path. Along the way, Brian asked him about the area and any local legends. He thanked his lucky stars that his guide was knowledgeable, the trek passing quickly as they talked.
“Think we’re getting close?” Brian asked, stepping over a fallen tree.
“The tales say that the temple lies in the heart of the jungle,” the guide answered, wiping his brow. “If we don’t see it before nightfall, then I’m sure we’ll find it tomorrow.”
“Great!” Brian beamed, trying to keep the heat from dragging his spirits down. The two continued walking until the sun started to set, pulling apart some foliage in search of a place to set up camp. When they did, their eyes widened as they saw a vine covered stone wall.
“This is it!” Brian proclaimed, his heart beating in his ears. Unable to contain his excitement, he rushed towards the structure in search of an entrance. Ignoring the calls of his guide, he found a rather nice hole in the wall. He slipped inside, pulling out his flashlight and turning it on to get a better look at the derelict temple. His heart nearly skipped a beat when he saw murals all along the walls, depicting a wide array of scenes.
Whipping out his camera, he snapped away, not missing a single image. He grinned like a madman, venturing further into the temple. The walls depicted scenes of warriors locked in conflict, farmers tilling their fields and rituals being conducted at an altar.
He wound his way further in, eventually finding a central chamber. At the center stood the previously seen pedestal, a stone mask resting on it. He snapped a picture of it, stepping closer to it.
It was a simple thing that covered one’s face and looked like a dog’s head. He picked it up, not seeing any way for it to stay on a person’s face. He placed it against his face, looking around the room and picturing what the temple was like when it was in use. Before he could dwell on it, several spikes shot out from the mask, digging into the back of his head.
He cried out in pain, reaching up, trying to wrench it from his face. This only served to make the spikes dig in deeper. He collapsed in a heap, the pain overwhelming him. He groaned, feeling an unearthly itch spread across his body.
“Oh god...” he muttered, scratching at his arms. He all but tore his backpack off, tearing at his shirt. Once his chest was bared, he scratched his body furiously, almost forgetting about the mask stuck to his face. He sighed in relief, digging his nails into his skin.
His relief was short lived when he felt something on his fingers that definitely wasn’t skin. He looked down at his arm, unable to see what was happening between the lack of light and the narrow eye openings in the mask.
“The hell is happening?” he whimpered softly, running his hands over the texture. It felt like his arm hair had grown much thicker and softer. “What, how can a mask do this?”
The mask sent another shock of pain through him. He let out a cry, it felt like it was burning his skin off. He panted, putting his hands on his shoulders and shuddering. He groaned, a sharp, stabbing pain shooting through his waist.
He reached down, patting at his body frantically. “What the hell is happening to me?!” His mind went back to his daughters, and suddenly, he realized, he should have listened to them. A tear fell down his eye as he thought back to them. “I’m sorry, girls. Will you even recognize me when I come home?” A dark thought shot through him. “If I get home.”
A sudden pressure built up in his feet, and he scrambled to get his boots off. He tossed them away, cringing as a series of sickening pops filled the air. When the sounds stopped he gulped and reached down to feel his legs. He had to stop himself from screaming when he felt his legs’ joints had been rearranged and were bent in odd ways. Not only that, but his feet seemed to be replaced by paws.
“Jesus, I’m turning into a dog!” he scrambled to his... paws, flailing his arms out in front of him. If he could find his way back to the village, he could get help. He fell flat on his stomach after a few steps, unable to find his center of gravity with his paws. “Oh come on, please, have some mercy.”
He grit his teeth, pulling himself forward on his hands and knees. He felt his way forward, doing his best to retrace his steps through the temple. His hips grew out, stretching his pants to their limits. He winced, listening as the fabric started to rip.
“Is this mask just fucking with me at this point?” he grumbled, ignoring the chilly air hitting his exposed fur as he continued his slow crawl.
Brian’s fingers thickened, becoming paw-like. “I don’t want to be a dog...” he whimpered, choking back a sob. Before he could continue speaking, he started coughing, an unknown force irritating his throat.
“What now?” he asked, half expecting to start barking. Instead, he was graced with a young woman’s voice. He gulped, remembering his other changes. “Oh shit, the tightened waist, the large hips and now the voice,” he muttered to himself, his eyes widening. “I’m becoming a female dog-thing!”
His hands shot up to the mask again, renewing his attempt to get it off. He cried in pain as he rolled around and pulled at the mask. It held fast, the spikes not even budging from their resting place in his skull.
“Come on!” he growled in frustration. “Get off me!” He continued pulling on the mask, growling as he felt a sharp pain in his lower back. Then there was a tingle and more popping sounds from his lower back. “What now!?” he pushed through the pain, reaching down to investigate. He cursed, feeling as a furry protrusion was steadily growing out. “A tail, of course it’s a tail,” he growled.
Deciding to let it be for now, he resumed his crawl back out of the ruin. At least, he hoped that's where he was going. He cursed, having crawled into a wall.
“Goddamit! I can’t see!!” He growled, balling his hands into fists. He called out for his guide at the top of his lungs, switching between English and Spanish.
A tingling on his chest grabbed his attention. “Please no...” he whined, sounding very much like a dog. He put his hands on his chest, feeling it slowly expand. He whimpered, hefting them and finding them to be rather hefty, and rather sensitive. He shuddered, unbidden pleasure spreading out from his chest. “And now I’ve got tits,” he whined, releasing his grip on them. “Some adventure this turned out to be.”
‘Only one change away…’ he thought bitterly, squeezing his legs together. He let out a long sigh, pulling himself up into a sitting position against the wall. ‘I guess there is one bright side to all this. This mask is a major discovery,’ he continued, trying to raise his spirits. ‘Bringing it back home to study could change how we see the world.’
Suddenly, he felt a tingling in his crotch, shuddering as he placed a hand on it. Through the tattered remnants of his pants, he could feel his dick retracting into his body. The tingling ramped up into a surge of pain, as it felt like a blender was taken to his insides. He threw his head back and howled in pain, clutching his pelvic area.
He clawed at the rest of his clothes, ripping the last of the fabric away. Then, as quickly as the pain had come, it was gone, and the mask fell from his face and onto his lap. Brian growled at it, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. He grabbed it, tossing it as far as he could. He heard the sound of it bouncing against stone, but not it shattering. He looked around, his eyes widening. Where there once had been an overgrown temple, a fully intact structure was laid out before him.
“Oh this is not happening.” A whine escaped his throat, his tail tucked between his legs. He examined his surroundings, finding one other major difference between it and the temple he had been in. Instead of the murals depicting people, they portrayed dog-creatures like himself.
“Okay, just... calm down...” he reached his hand out, feeling around for the mask. “Maybe if I put it back on, it’ll undo everything?”
He nodded to himself, crawling in the direction he had thrown the mask. With his vision restored, he quickly found it.
“Please take me home,” he begged, slipping it back on. He waited for a moment, frowning as the spikes from earlier didn’t activate. “Come on! Work damnit!”
The mask remained inactive, causing him to growl in frustration. He was just about to throw the mask again when his ears twitched.
“H-hello?” he called out gingerly, pulling the mask away.
His response came in the form of far off sounds. He couldn’t quite make them out, but it was almost like footsteps from multiple people. Perking up a little, he braced himself on the wall, hauling himself up to his feet.
“I’m over here!” he called out, pushing himself along the wall.
The sounds started to get louder, and he rushed to meet them. Then, he started seeing silhouettes in the distance, spurring him on. He slowed down, noting that the silhouettes weren’t exactly... human. A few moments later, and he was able to make out basic features. They were dog-creatures like him with lupine snouts, ears and tails. The group coming to meet him was all male if the lack of breasts was anything to go by.
“N-nevermind...” Brian mumbled, starting to backpedal as fast as he could. “I-I can find my own way home.”
Unfortunately, there was a loose stone that he didn’t see, causing him to trip and fall on his ass. He grunted in pain, looking down at the stone in question. When he looked back up, the dog-creatures were right in front of him.
Brian gulped, looking between them. “H-hi guys.” He gave them a weak smile. “H-how are you doing?”
He looked them over, they seemed to be dressed in traditional Aztec clothes. Each of them had a sort of cloth poncho, woven from multicolor thread. Though the lead dog’s seemed to be more of a cape than a poncho. And they all had a loincloth of sorts covering their crotches.
“Who are you, Female?” the lead dog asked, staring at him with icy blue eyes. “You are not of our clan.”
“I-I’m Brian Newall,” Brian began. “I-I was exploring some ruins and I found this.” He shakily held up the mask. “I-I’m not supposed to be a dog.”
“Muzen,” the smallest of the dogs spoke up, getting the leader’s attention. “She’s in hysterics, perhaps we should take her to the healer?”
“I’m not hysterical!” Brian growled. “I put this damn mask on and now I’m a dog woman!”
Muzen got down to one knee, taking the mask from him and looking it over. “This appears to be nothing more than a mask used in ceremony to the gods,” he informed. “However, there are many objects with strange magics in this world.” He rose to his paws and held out a hand to Brian. “Come, the elder may be able to look at the mask better than I can.”
“R-right.” Brian took his hand, hauling himself to his feet. Muzen removed his cape, draping it over Brian. “Thanks...” Brian muttered, clutching it close.
“Think nothing of it,” Muzen replied, motioning for the dogs to move out. They started walking in the direction they had come from, Muzen staying in the back of the group to keep an eye on Brian. “You looked uncomfortable so I merely tried to fix that.”
“Yeah well, becoming a female dog can do that to you...” Brian joked, or at least tried to.
“I can only imagine,” Muzen said, chuckling and flashing her a smile. “What were you before your transformation, a pony, griffin, a dragon perhaps?”
“Human.”
Muzen tilted his head. “I have never heard of that species,” he said. “But the world is vast so there is much I am sure to know nothing of.”
Brian nodded, looking at him. “What are we anyway?”
“We are Diamond Dogs,” Muzen replied. “Though we apparently look different from other members of our kind. A pony explorer that was healing from a broken wing among us took to calling us “Diamond Wolves” because of this. The elder and I were amused by this name.”
Brian snorted, chuckling slightly. “There's a pretty famous human song called ‘Diamond Dogs.’”
“I take it the song is not actually about our kind?” Muzen asked, the group stepping out of the temple and onto a trail in the jungle.
“Not that I’m aware.” Brian shook his head.
Muzen nodded and the group fell into silence. They continued down the trail for a few minutes before coming to a village along a river. There were Diamond Wolves of all colors walking around or tilling a large field along with pups running around playing.
Brian stopped along the bank of the river, looking down into the water. “That’s me...?” he asked himself, raising his hand to touch his face.
His hazel eyes remained unchanged in color, but now they were much larger. His muzzle and ears were shaped like the other wolves’, though his fur was a faded red with some grey blended in and the tips of his ears were black.
“Rather beautiful if you ask me,” Muzen spoke up from behind him.
Brian was snapped out of his thoughts and looked back to the wolf. He then shook his head and let out a dark chuckle. “Thanks, I guess. But that doesn’t exactly help right now. I was a middle-aged man before this. One with two grown daughters. Now,” he pointed to his reflection, “I look like I’m my youngest’s age.” A thought occurred to him. “I-I left their picture back there.” He looked back to the path. “Can we go back for it?”
“I promise, once we talk to the elder, we can go and get it for you,” Muzen assured. “It will be safe there for now. No one visits the temple this time of year, and animals stay away thanks to the incense we burn around and within it.”
“Thanks.” Brian gave a slight smile, letting Muzen lead him on.
The homes all seemed to be made of sun dried clay, though Brian could see hints of wooden beams to further support the walls. All in all, the village looked bright and happy. The group led to one of the larger buildings and opened a door. Inside there was a fire burning in the center with an old, grey female wolf sitting beside it.
“Hello,” Brian greeted, shuffling on his paws.
“There is no need to be nervous, child,” the wolf assured, looking up from the sewing she was doing. “Muzen, who is this you have brought here?”
“She calls herself Brian Newall,” Muzen began, bowing his head slightly. “She claims that she was a human. We found her in the temple.” He held out the mask. “Brian claims that she placed this mask on and became one of us.”
The elder took the mask and looked it over. She hummed to herself, running her fingers along it. “Nothing seems out of the ordinary with it,” she finally said. “I may have to consult the gods for the secrets of the mask. Hopefully I can give you the answers you seek by the rising of the sun.”
“Thank you.” Brian gave her a weak smile. “I hope it's something good.”
“Until then, you are free to borrow some clothes.” The elder pointed to a pile of clothes. “And you may stay in our village for as long as you want.”
“Thank you.” Brian bowed his head, quickly snagging the clothes. He took a moment, examining them. They were very similar to the clothes that the group escorting him wore, only there was a white skirt of sorts to go with the loincloth. It was soft in his hands and had a hole in it for his tail.
He looked between them and Muzen. Thankfully, the other dogs got the hint, turning away respectfully. Gingerly, Brian let the cape fall, giving his body a more thorough look over. While he was rather curvy, there was a sturdiness to his body. There was muscle hidden under all the fur, particularly in his arms and legs.
He pulled the loin cloth on, careful not to touch his new bits just yet. It took him a little longer to get the skirt on, weaving his tail through the hole. After that, the poncho was much easier to pull on. When he was done, he looked himself over, satisfied with the outfit. He picked up Muzen’s cape again.
“Okay, it’s safe to look,” he said.
Muzen turned, giving him a smile. “No matter what you were before, you make for a ravishing maiden.”
Brian snorted, “If I had a picture of what I looked like before to show you, I bet you’d change your tune pretty quick.” He held out the cape for Muzen to take.
Muzen took it, placing it back over his shoulders. “Now, I believe I promised to take you back to the temple.” He smiled, offering a hand.
“That you did,” Brian replied, walking over to the door. “Then you’ll get to see what a human looks like.”
Muzen chuckled, leading Brian back through the village. The villagers took notice this time, many of them waving at him. He gave them a weak smile and waved back.
He leaned toward Muzen and whispered, “I take it the village doesn’t get a lot of visitors?”
“Not many,” Muzen agreed. “You are the first in a year.”
“Well, it’s a nice place,” he complimented, the two walking back towards the trail. “And what do you do around here? I noticed you’re the only one that has a cape. Is that a signifier of a leadership position?”
“An observant one,” Muzen complimented. “I am the village chief. I lay down the law and lead the village. The elder keeps us close to the gods and tradition.”
“So she leads you all spiritually while you lead the other day to day goings-on as well as military matters,” Brian guessed, his tail starting to wag. “Fascinating.”
Muzen chuckled, seemingly pleased. “I take it you are a scholar?”
“I’m an archaeologist,” Brian replied, smiling at him. “Learning about other civilizations and sharing that knowledge is what I live for. It’s why I was in the ruins in the first place.”
“You sound just like our pegasus visitor,” Muzen remarked. He grabbed an unlit torch, using one of the fire pits on either side of the temple entrance to light it. “I think you would get along well.”
“Not to be rude, but I’m kinda hoping the elder figures out how to send me home before I have a chance to meet this pegasus,” Brian said, walking along the stone floors and staring into the shadows.
Muzen stopped him with a gentle paw on his shoulder. “You have to accept that there might not be a way back. Or, a return to what you once were.”
Brian frowned, staring into Muzen’s eyes. “I know you're right, but I have to get back home. I don’t even want to think about how my daughters would react to me disappearing.”
Muzen sighed, looking back into Brian’s. “If you cannot go back, know that you can have a place in the village. You said it yourself, you have had your youth restored. Would it be so bad to start a new life?”
Brian’s look hardened. “Would you want to start a new life when you knew your family was worried sick about you?”
Muzen squeezed his shoulder gently. “I never said it wouldn’t be hard.”
Brian sighed, “Look, I’m grateful to you for everything you’re doing for me. But I can’t give up hope.”
Muzen patted his shoulder, starting to walk again. “I just don’t want you to be crushed if you can’t go back.”
Brian chuckled darkly, “I was already having a hope for the best, expect the worst attitude about all this. But I think heartbreak is unavoidable with that kinda news.” Brian matched Muzen’s pace, staying close to him.
After a few silent minutes, they came to Brian’s discarded clothes. Muzen held up the torch, giving Brian as much light as possible. He thanked Muzen and got onto his knees to look for the picture. After a few minutes of combing through the tattered pieces of cloth, he pulled out the undamaged photo. He smiled, his tail wagging as he held it close to his chest.
“I take it you found it?” Muzen asked, amusement in his voice.
“Yeah,” Brian smiled and nodded, getting back up, “thank you for leading me back here.”
“Is there anything else you wish to grab before we head back?”
“Not really,” Brian replied, holding the picture out so Muzen could look at it. “This was the only personal item I brought with me on my trip.”
Muzen reached out, taking it from him. “You were right, humans are strange.”
“Watch what you say, buddy,” Brian warned with a grin, cracking his knuckles. “Those are my precious little girls you’re talking about.”
“Of course.” Muzen returned the photo, leading them back into the village. “You must be hungry. Let us get some food.”
“I wouldn’t be opposed to some food,” Brian said, walking at Muzen’s side. “So what do Diamond Wolves eat?”
“What the jungle gives us.” Muzen put the torch out, placing it in a pile of sticks. “Meat, fruit, the occasional fish.”
“Not gonna lie, that all sounds pretty good,” Brian told him, licking his lips. “Then again, I was never a picky eater.”
“Excellent.” Muzen slapped him on the shoulder. “Then, let us eat!”
Muzen entered into a rather large building, bustling with other wolves. A large table was laid out, covered in food. Brian’s nose twitched and he had to keep himself from drooling.
“Oh man, this all smells amazing!” Brian enthused, his tail wagging in a blur of motion.
Muzen gave him a little shove. “Then go on, eat!”
Brian laughed and grabbed himself a plate, rushing around the table to take a little bit of everything he saw. Afterwards, he grabbed an empty seat, nearly shoving his meal into his maw. Muzen laughed with him and grabbed the seat next to him, taking a bite off a bird leg of some kind.
“I take it our food agrees with you?” Muzen asked, flashing him a toothy grin. Brian nodded, eagerly. “Good. We keep the hall open throughout the day. Everyone takes a turn in the kitchen.”
“I’d recommend you stay out of here when it’s my turn,” Brian said, picking up a purple fruit he didn’t recognize. “I’m so bad at cooking that I’ve managed to burn juice.”
Muzen chuckled. “A few shifts with someone more experienced can change that.”
“You said everyone takes turns in the kitchen,” Brian noted, biting into the fruit. “Does that include you, Mr. Chief?”
“Aye, even me.”
Brian leaned back in his seat a little, looking up at the ceiling. “Huh, and here I thought you’d try to pull rank and say you’re above kitchen duty.” He chuckled a little. “I know I would.”
Muzen scoffed, a light growl coming from his throat. “What right does a chief have to lead if he won’t get his paws dirty?”
“Heh, that’s a pretty good attitude to have,” Brian complemented, looking over at Muzen. “Leaders like you are rare back home.”
“We try to keep them common here.” Muzen poured them both a drink. “I hope you don’t mind having a little wine early.”
“Muzen, I just changed species and gender today,” Brian pointed out, taking the cup with a mischievous smile. “Alcohol is something that’ll do me a lot of good right now.”
Muzen raised his own glass. “To a happy future.”
“To a happy future,” Brian parroted, tapping Muzen’s glass with his own.
The two then took a long sip. They chatted the day away, the hours whittling away rather quickly. Brian could feel his face flush, sipping at the last of his fifth or sixth cup of wine. He looked around the room, smiling, watching as wolves started to get up and head home.
“You’ve got good people here, Muzen,” Brian said. “This village is a little slice of paradise.”
“I hope, if the worst comes to pass, you can be one of them.” Muzen reached over, placing his hand over Brian’s.
Brian threw his head back and groaned, though did nothing about the physical contact. “Ugh, did you have to be a buzzkill, Muzen? I was drinking to get my mind off the heavy shit.” He gave the larger wolf a pout.
Muzen pat Brian’s hand. “At the end of the day, we all have to face our troubles.”
“I’m just glad I don’t have to face ‘em sober right now,” Brian joked, shaking his cup with a cheeky grin.
Muzen shared his grin, draining the rest of his cup. “Come, the moon is high in the sky, and you have drank enough.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Brian replied, sighing and getting up on swaying paws. “Don’t wanna go on a drunken rampage on my first night here.”
Muzen put his arm around Brian’s shoulders, steadying him. “You may stay in my home tonight.”
Brian chuckled as Muzen led him through the village. He smirked up at him. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d accuse you of ulterior motives with that idea.”
Muzen shook his head. “I admit, you are a very lovely female, but, you are drunk, and trying to get home. I would be a poor host to try and court you now.”
“I was teasing you, big guy,” Brian replied, chuckling. “Besides, I have no interest in you like that. I was a straight guy before being turned into this.”
Muzen inclined his head. “I will respect your wishes, Brian.”
“I know you will,” Brian replied, patting Muzen’s side. “Besides, you’re the chief, you can do way better than me.” He chuckled. “Hell, those two dancers in the dining hall couldn’t take their eyes off you.”
Muzen smiled, helping Brian into his above average home. The entire was decorated with statues and tapestries, a pair of sleeping mats tucked into a corner.
“And here I was hoping to get away from sleeping mats,” Brian said, laying down on one of the mats. He then craned his head, taking in the decor. “Man, I’m gonna have to ask you all about this stuff when I’m sober,” he muttered. “There’s so much here.”
Muzen took his cape off, placing it on a rack. “I look forward to it.” He moved over to the other mat, laying down on it. After a moment he heard Brain snoring and chuckled to himself. The village had an interesting visitor indeed.
Brian sighed as he sat by the edge of the river with a fishing pole in his hands. A few days had passed since he had first arrived and the elder had made no progress with the stone mask. Every time he asked her she would tell him that she was still conversing with the gods about it. It was looking more and more like he would be stuck in his new body. He closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the river erase the rest of the world as he waited for a bite.
“Catch anything?” Muzen called. Brian looked over his shoulder, seeing his new friend walking over. “It would make a nice teaching tool for you tomorrow.”
Brian pointed to a basket close to him where a few fish were laying. “Yeah, I caught a few keepers, Muzen. Gotta make myself useful somehow, right?”
Muzen sat next to him, wearing a smile. “You don’t have to you know. You’re still getting used to your changes.”
“I want to do things around the village,” Brian insisted. “Otherwise I’d be stuck with my thoughts all day and drowning my sorrows in your village’s wine. While it would be fun, is not a good idea.” Brian pulled on the rod, trying to entice a fish towards the baited hook.
Muzen watched for a moment. “You said you were an archaeologist?”
“That’s right,” Brian replied with a nod. “Though I spent more time teaching it rather than going out on excavations. My wife got pregnant with our first daughter right after college and I didn’t want to be an absent father.”
Muzen beamed. “You’re a teacher? The village could use one of those.”
“If you let me study the materials you want me to teach, I’d be happy to teach the pups of the village,” Brian replied with a small smile, feeling a small hit on his line. “Aha!” He pulled back, dragging the fish back to shore. He hefted the thrashing fish up, being careful of the sharp teeth in its mouth. Its color was a dull grey, though the scales did reflect the light in ways that sent off more vibrant colors. Brian grinned. “Nice, this ugly bastard is the biggest thing I’ve caught today.”
“We’ll have our work cut out for us.” Muzen helped get it off the hook and away from the river. “Good job.”
“Ah, this wasn’t that impressive,” Brian waved off, putting it with the rest of his haul. “Fishing was a bit of a hobby of mine for a while. The toughest thing I’ve caught was a marlin that nearly tore the hook off the line.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” Muzen observed. “You’re more talented than myself, either way.”
Brian laughed, “Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. I’m sorry, but aren’t you the chief who puts in as much grunt work in this village as everyone else?” He raised an eyebrow and smirked at Muzen.
Muzed blushed. “I’m not exactly good at all that ‘grunt work’.”
“There you go again,” Brian teased, poking Muzen’s side with his elbow as he recast his line. “Way to take modesty to new heights.”
Muzen scrunched up his muzzle. “I thought humbleness was my best quality.”
“Nah, the other girls all say it’s your abs,” Brian told him with a laugh.
Muzen raised his eyebrow. “And what would you know what the girls say?”
“What? I do talk to people besides you.” Brian shot back with a huff. “I got pulled into joining a sewing circle by the elder yesterday.” He held up his bandaged fingers in demonstration and rolled his eyes. “She said I’d need to know how to do it when my pups need clothes. That old lady does not take no for an answer by the way.”
A chuckled escaped Muzen’s lips. “That is why she got the position. She’s a stubborn old dog, perfect for keeping tradition.”
“You’re telling me,” Brian agreed with a snort. “You should’ve heard the way she scoffed and waved me off when I insisted I didn’t want to have pups. It was like my mom had turned into a dog person in front of me.”
Muzon let out a barking laugh. “That's the elder alright. You should have seen her when I suggested everyone start taking sewing lessons.”
“Let me guess, she whacked you upside the head and told you that it was the woman’s place to sew?” Brian asked with a grin.
Muzen rubbed his neck. “Something like that. I think it’s a skill everyone should have, like cooking.”
“I could teach you in secret if you want,” Brian offered, watching his line. “She made it abundantly clear that I have to keep going to that sewing circle. I can pass on what I learn to you.”
“I’d like that.” Muzen smiled. “So, no pups huh?”
“Yeah, I already had kids back home,” Brian stated, shifting the pole in his grasp so he could scratch his ear. “Plus, I was in the room when my wife was screaming bloody murder in the hospital during our first daughter’s birth. There is no way in hell I’m putting myself through that.”
Muzen nodded. “Though, I wonder if you will say that when you go into heat?”
“Oh, I’ve thought of that,” Brian told him with a grin. “I’m just gonna grab a few days worth of food and water and hide out in the temple as soon as I feel the symptoms start. You said it yourself, no one goes there this time of year.”
“Not a bad plan.” Muzen tilted his head. “But, the first heat is always the worst.”
“I’ll manage,” Brian assured. “I may not know what heat feels like, but I’ve got great self-control.”
“We can only hope.”
“What about you?” Brian questioned. “Thinking about snagging yourself a mate during heat season?” Muzen didn’t answer, choosing instead to watch the lure bob in the current. Brian quirked a brow. “Uh, Muzen, jaguar got your tongue?”
“You made your wishes clear, and I said I would honor them.”
Brian sighed. “Come on, Muzen, I already told you you can do better than me. You can have any girl in this village. Why would you even want me?”
“Why does anyone fall in love? I feel a connection with you.” Muzen gestured with a hand. “I enjoy spending time with you, talking, making jokes.”
Brian blushed a bit, watching the line. “Yeesh, tossing the love word around already. Diamond Wolves don’t waste any time with these things, do they?” He let out a quick, nervous chuckle.
“I suppose we don’t.”
The pair fell into an awkward silence, broken only by the sounds of nature. Brian let out a sigh, pulling in his line.
“Looks like they’re done biting today.” He bent down and picked up the basket of fish. “Let’s get these to the kitchen, I bet they’ll make something good with these.”
“I would hope so.” Muzen got to his paws, hefting the basket up. “They look rather delicious.”
“Yeah,” Brian agreed, walking through the village. “Then again, I’ve yet to eat anything bad here.”
“Hopefully, we can keep that up.” Muzen carried the basket past rather curious villagers. He smiled gesturing with his head towards Brian. The villagers returned his smile and went back to what they were doing. Brian and Muzen continued through the village, though their silence was less awkward. They walked into the dining hall, leaving the fish with the kitchen workers.
“Shall we get something to tide us over?” Muzen asked, looking at the table.
Brian looked over at the table, licking his lips. “Hmm, that soup does smell amazing.”
“I believe it's rabbit stew,” Muzen elaborated. He poured a bowl, passing it to Brian.
“Thanks, Muzen,” Brian said, sitting down at the nearest seat. He then took a sip, letting out a hum of delight. “Mmm, good idea on grabbing a bite, this stew tastes even better than it smells.”
Muzen poured himself a bowl, sitting down next to him. “The streak continues,” he joked, tail wagging slightly.
“May it remain forever unbroken,” Brian added, raising his bowl over his head while his own tail wagged.
They both broke into laughter, sharing a smile. A pair of younger females giggled at the display. The two ignored the females, continuing their meal while they talked.
Brian had to admit, there was a charm to this kind of life. Everyone seemed so close, so friendly. It almost seemed too good to be true. The only downside to it all seemed to be that he couldn’t share it with his daughters. Even being a woman wasn’t the utter nightmare it had been the first
day.
Which begged the question, if he was able to go back, did he want to? His answer wasn’t a definite yes, at least, not yet. He cleared his head of those kinds of thoughts and went back to enjoying his meal.
“So, Muzen, got any interesting stories?” he asked, getting himself a second bowl of stew.
“A few. Any particular subject?”
“I dunno, pick one of your favorites,” Brian said with a shrug. “I’ll tell you one of my own when you’re done.”
“Hm...” Muzen leaned back in his seat. “Well, there was this one time we found a strange female in the temple. Stark naked too.”
Brian snorted, socking Muzen in the arm. “Very funny, smartass. Now pick a story that I’m not the subject of.”
Rubbing his arm, Muzen nodded. “Alright, alright. No need to start throwing punches.”
“Oh suck it up ya big baby,” Brian said. “How did such a big softie become a chief?” he teased, sticking his tongue out at him.
Muzen poured them both a cup of wine, passing one to him. “That, goes back to the pegasus explorer that visited us a few years back.”
“Okay, that sounds like a pretty interesting story,” Brian said, taking the cup of wine and taking a small sip.
Muzen got comfy, sipping at his drink. “Some strange cat creature was looking for an artifact in our territory. Ojos del Lupine, a treasure from one of our gods, el Sabio Lobo.”
“Sounds like gems of some kind,” Brian commented. “Why was this cat thing looking for them?”
“The Eyes are said to grant the wielder all knowing sight.” Muzen closed his eyes, resting his hands in his lap. “The explorer offered to help us locate and protect them. I volunteered to go with her.”
“Yeah, that sounds like you,” Brian commented with a chuckle. “So what happened next?”
Muzen moved his cape and spread some fur on his chest, revealing several scars. “That cat creature sicked his pack of cats on us. The striped one got me rather good. I had to spend a week in the healer’s hut.”
“Whoa,” Brian said, unthinkingly reaching out and putting his hand on the largest of the scars. “You fought a tiger and lived? You’re a lucky sonuvabitch, Muzen.”
Muzen tilted his head. “What else would I be the son of?”
Brian blinked for a few moments before bursting out laughing. He continued for a little while, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. “Sorry about that, sonuvabitch is just a turn of phrase back home, buddy.”
“Ah.” Muzen nodded his head. “Anyway, I helped get the Eyes. The pegasus and I got a feast for our efforts.”
“Yeah, and you said you’re not as talented as me,” Brian said with a smirk.
“I only did what I needed to keep the village safe.” Muzen rubbed his neck, looking away bashfully.
“God, you’re way too modest,” Brian said with a roll of his eyes. “It’s okay to take some pride in your accomplishments.”
“Well, I’m proud that I’ve made you comfortable,” Muzen replied cheekily.
Brian let out an exaggerated sigh. “You’re lucky I need a place to stay, otherwise I wouldn’t put up with all your crap.”
“Is that why you I catch you sneaking looks at me?” Muzen questioned, smirking at him.
Brian let out a quick laugh. “Yeah, in your dreams, Muzen. I’ve got about as much interest in guys as I do about sea slugs. You’re the one who’s constantly looking at my ass from the corner of your eye every time I bend over.” He returned Muzen’s smirk and pointed at the larger dog’s chest.
Muzen blushed, looking away. “You saw?” he let out a low whine, ears pinning to his head.
“I did, I just didn’t say anything about it because I didn’t see any harm in you looking,” Brian replied, finishing his cup of wine with a long gulp.
“It is a nice ass...” Muzen muttered, looking down into his drink.
Brian chuckled and shook his head. “Well, you can look but touch and I break your fingers,” he warned with a playful grin.
Muzen put his hands up. “Not even if you come beg me during your heat.”
“I know, you’re way too much of a gentleman to try anything funny,” Brian replied, flashing him a warm smile. “Just one of the reasons you could be with any single girl in this village at the drop of a hat. Ya know, like ones that didn’t used to be dudes.”
Muzen shrugged. “It doesn’t bother me. I didn’t know you as you were, after all.”
Brian nodded. “I guess that does make sense,” he admitted. “Kinda hard to find it weird about me when all you’ve ever seen, smelled and known me as is female.”
Muzen smiled, patting his hand. “Exactly.”
Brian let out a huff and pouted. “Well great, my plan to get you to move on to someone else by constantly reminding you I used to have male genitals is a total wash.”
“If it bothered you that much, you wouldn’t let me tease you,” Muzen pointed out. He gave Brian’s hand a squeeze, turning his focus to his stew.
Brian chuckled, picking up his bowl and drinking a bit of the stew. “Like I said, I need you for a place to stay. If entertaining your teasing means I don’t have to rough it in the jungle, then I’ll do it.”
“Of course.” Muzen drained the last bit of soup, pushing his bowl away. “And you wonder why you’re so alluring.”
Brian quirked a brow and looked up at the larger dog. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re still you,” Muzen explained. “You didn’t let your changes, well, change you. I like that. It shows you have a strong character.”
Brian let out a small laugh. “Well, it’s not like the mask changed me on the inside. My body might be completely different, but my mind, or my spirit if you want to get poetic, is still the same. Don’t get me wrong, the changes have been a lot to take in, but keeping myself immersed in studying and taking part in your culture helps keep me stable mentally.”
“That is something I have been meaning to talk to you about.” Muzen turned, giving Brian his full attention. “If you are to stay, you will have to undertake the joining ceremony.”
“What does this ceremony entail?” Brian asked, a smile spreading across his face. “Is some sort of blood pact involved? Or is there some sort of task I have to complete?”
Muzen tilted his head. “You have strange ideas sometimes. It’s more of a spiritual ceremony. You’ll be accepted into the village. Your ancestors become ours, and ours yours. We will be family, in heart, if not in blood.”
“My ideas come from other cultures that I’ve studied,” Brian told him. “In fact, the Aztecs, the civilization from my world that is closest to yours in terms of aesthetics if nothing else, was very blood centric. This stems from their sun god, Huitzilopochtli, being powered by blood in order to prevent him from being killed by the forces of darkness.”
Muzen frowned. “What a horrible god.” He shock his head. “None of our guardians are... bloodthirsty.” Finishing off his cup, he put it on his now empty plate. “The gods play a large role in the ceremony.”
“You’re making it very hard for me to say no in taking part in this ceremony,” Brian said with a laugh, putting his elbow on the table and leaning his cheek on his hand while his tail wagged steadily behind him. “This all sounds incredibly interesting.”
“You would be bound by our laws,” Muzen added, putting his hands in his lap. “And, you would be asking the gods to embrace your soul, when the time comes.”
“Are there any laws you think I should be aware of?” Brian asked. “I mean, aside from not murdering or stealing from someone in the village.”
“Nothing too important.” He waved the concern off. “Well, besides public coupling. Things can get pretty intense during heat season.”
“Wait, as in public coupling is or isn’t allowed?” Brian questioned, raising a brow. “Not that I plan on doing any coupling, I just want to know if I need to be on the lookout for that kind of thing.”
“It is in fact, not allowed.”
Brian nodded and chuckled. “Okay, I thought as much. Though you can never be too sure with a foreign culture.”
“You seem to like it.” Muzen smiled. “I hope you do.”
“If the elder tells me there's no way for me to go back home and to what I used to be, then I’d jump at the chance to be a part of this village,” Brian told him, returning the smile. He then looked down and sighed. “And if I’m being completely honest, I might still stay here even if there is a way for me to go back.”
Muzen blinked. “Really? But, what about your daughters? Didn’t you promise to go back to them?”
“I know,” Brian replied sighing again and looking down at his hands. “But both of them are grown and have their own lives. One of the reasons I started travelling was because they don’t need me anymore.”
“Perhaps then, that's why you came here?” Muzen offered. “The gods work in strange ways.”
Brian shook his head. “We have a similar saying back home. Though, I usually saw it as a lame platitude.”
“I assure you, it is no platitude here.” Muzen got up, straightening up his cape. “Now, is there anything else you wanted to do today?”
Brian got up, tapping his chin with a finger. “I can’t really think of anything. What about you, Muzen? We’re always doing things I want.”
“I have a few things in mind. None you would like.” Muzen smiled a little. “Unless you wanted to court.”
Brian snorted. “I gotta give you credit, you’ve got a dogged determination,” he said with a cheesy grin. “You don’t give up no matter how many times I turn you down.”
“No, I just like teasing you. It’s good to know your friend’s boundaries.”
“Seriously, Muzen, you can pick what we do,” Brian repeated, giving him a playful shove. “Ya know, beside courting and coupling.”
The two chuckled, spending the rest of the day in high spirits.
“Alright, pups, you can all stop pretending to pay attention now,” Brian joked, closing the book he had been reading from.
A few of them giggled as they sprang up to rush out the school building. Brian couldn’t help but smile as he watched them leave, their cheer infectious. A little over a year had passed since he had first arrived in the village, and he had become a full fledged member. After learning enough about their history and culture, he had taken to teaching the pups. It was a rewarding job, one that in his opinion, he was making great strides in.
Brian rose up from his seat, brushing his skirt off. He certainly enjoyed teaching children more than college students. For one thing, the children seemed much more interested, despite his jokes. He strode out of the school and into the village. He took in a deep breath, enjoying the smells that had become all too familiar to him. With no clear goal in mind, he decided to just take a stroll around the village.
Eventually, he found himself sitting next to the river. It was a rather peaceful spot, with birds chirping away in the trees. A few fish lazily mingled in the water. He debated on whether or not he should try to grab one or two of the fish, but after a few moments he decided to let them be and lied down in the grass to enjoy the refreshing breeze.
The sound of footsteps pricked her ears. “May I join you?” Muzen asked, stopping when he reached Brian.
“Do you even have to ask at this point?” Brian retorted, not opening his eyes.
“Only so I know if you want to be alone.” Muzen laid down next to him. “Anything on your mind?”
“I was just thinking about how much I enjoy my job here,” Brian told him. “It’s been pretty fun teaching the pups. And they’ve been eating up all the lessons.”
“Kickstart your maternal instincts yet?” Muzen teased, nudging his side.
Brian snickered and turned his head to flutter his eyelashes at Muzen. “Oh yes, I just can’t wait any longer. Muzen, please give me a litter of pups!” He swooned, laying it on as thick as he possibly could.
Muzen let out a barking laugh. “For making me wait this long? Only if you beg during heat.”
“Oh please,” Brian replied with a roll of his eyes. “If I genuinely asked you’d jump at the chance. The fact that you still haven’t taken a mate after a year of me turning you down is proof enough of that.”
“Well, you did say you liked my determination,” Muzen pointed out. “I have to keep it up.”
“I’ll admit, I have considered letting you take me on a date just to put an end to the endless teasing,” Brian told him. “But then we’d lose half of our conversation material.”
“I think that's a worthy trade off, don’t you?” Muzen grinned, his tail wagging.
“I dunno, get a couple cups of wine in me and then see what my answer is,” Brian said with a chuckle
Muzen raised his eyebrow. “Is that an invitation?”
“You think I’d joke about drinking with my number one drinking buddy?” Brian retorted with a raised brow.
“Just making sure.” Muzen shifted, laying on his side. “It is still a little early for drinking though.”
“Hey, you make the rules so we can drink whenever we feel like,” Brian pointed out with a mischievous grin, turning his head to look at Muzen. “Besides, it’s not like either of us has any responsibilities for the rest of the day.”
“True enough.” Muzen got off, offering his hand. “Do you want to go to the hall, or somewhere more secluded?”
“I say we go somewhere more secluded,” Brian replied, taking the offered hand and standing up. “That way you don’t have to be worried about others judging us for our early drinking.” Brian’s eyes lit up and his tail started to wag. “Ooh, and let’s grab a skin of that star fruit wine, I love that stuff.”
“Your wish is my command.” Muzen gave a mock bow, marching towards the dining hall.
The two of them chatted as they headed into the building and grabbed the skin of wine along with two cups. Muzen then led Brian to the path outside the village. He brought them to a small cliff, overlooking the village.
“Nice view,” Brian commented, plopping down on a stump.
“It is why I chose it,” Muzen replied, taking a seat on a log next to the stump. He then opened the wine skin and poured them both a cup. He handed one to Brian before taking a sip of his own.
“And here I thought we’d be passing it back and forth.” Brian took his cup, downing a long sip. “Mmm... This stuff burns just right.”
“That it does,” Muzen agreed with a smile, taking another sip. “I shudder to imagine what life would be like without the discovery of wines like this.”
“Makes up for not having any of the harder stuff.” Brian chuckled. “You guys might not be able to handle vodka.”
“The pegasus explorer said something similar,” Muzen commented, looking into his cup. “Perhaps we could try and come into contact with ponies like her and get our paws on their exotic spirits.”
“Do you even know where to look for them?” Brian asked, raising his eyebrow.
“The explorer said she had come from the north,” Muzen said with a shrug. “It would have to be an expedition when we have plenty of resources and people to spare for such a thing.”
Brian nodded. “Who knows, maybe they’ll find us?”
“Stranger things have happened,” Muzen commented, finishing his cup of wine with a sigh of content.
Brian looked down into his cup, swirling the contents around. Here he was, with his best friend. What exactly did he want out of this? He couldn’t deny that he was at his happiest with Muzen. The two of them had shared a home for over a year. And when they fought, they never stayed mad at each other for longer than a day. He frowned, thinking of all the times he had turned down the wolf’s advances. Was there really any harm in giving it a shot? Their friendship could go back to normal if things didn’t work between them, couldn’t they?
Brian shock his head, slamming the rest of his drink. Perhaps alcohol would be the solution? He poured himself another cup and smiled. Of course it would be, it was the cause and solution to all of life’s problems after all. He took another long sip, the familiar burn offering him some comfort.
He licked his lips, turning to Muzen. “So, how do you plan to court me, oh great chief?”
Muzen chuckled and looked at him with a smile. “To be honest, it would be very similar to what we already do together, but with more intimate contact.”
“How much more intimate contact?”
“That would depend on what you’re comfortable with,” Muzen answered. “Obviously I’m not saying that we’d couple right away. But perhaps kissing or leaning against one another while we relax would not be out of the question?” The larger wolf blushed and stared at his cup.
Brian giggled, a smirk working across his face. “You know, you’re pretty cute when you blush.”
Muzen blinked for a few moments before looking at him with a smirk of his own. “You know, that is the first time you’ve directly complimented my looks. Seems you’re not as much of a “straight guy” as you thought, hmm?”
“Maybe not.” Brian grabbed the skin, pouring himself another drink. “Besides, like you said, why does anyone fall in love?”
Muzen’s eyes widened and his ears twitched. “Did you just say that you loved me?” he asked, his tail wagging slowly.
A burst of laughter escaped Brian’s muzzle. “Relax there, horn dog. I was just quoting you.” He got up, sitting down next to him. “What I meant was, I guess being here, changed my perspective.”
Muzen blushed and chuckled nervously as his ears pinned to his head. “Of course you were.” He coughed into his hand and collected himself. “So, does this mean you wish to court me?”
Brian gave him a sincere smile. “Yes, Muzen, this means I wish to court you.”
A wide smile spread across Muzen’s face and he pulled Brian into a hug. “Fantastic!” Brian blinked, processing the gesture. After a moment, he returned Muzen’s hug. The two stayed like that for a little while before Muzen pulled away with a chuckle. “It took me a year to get you to agree to court me. I can only hope it doesn’t take another for us to progress further.”
“Nah, this time you just gotta wait half that.”
Muzen let out a barking laugh and Brian joined him. “I think I’ve shown that I have quite a bit of patience.” He smiled and gave Brian’s shoulder a squeeze. “I can wait as long as you ask me to.”
“Luckily for you, I don’t think it’ll take that long.” Brian craned his neck, nuzzling the bottom of Muzen’s jaw.
Muzen’s smile grew and he returned the nuzzle. “I won’t lie, patience and eagerness are not two mutually exclusive feelings,” he said. “I’ll accept whatever pace you wish to take this, no matter how fast or slow.”
Brian giggled, leaning against him. “You know, they say dog is man’s best friend.”
Muzen laughed with him, his thumb rubbing Brian’s shoulder in small circles. “I take it you’re inclined to agree with that sentiment?”
“What do you think?” Brian reached up, scratching Muzen’s ear.
Muzen let out a hum of approval and his leg started to twitch. “I think that best friend is going to be slightly inaccurate pretty soon.” Muzen smiled and his leg kept twitching.
Brian closed his eyes, pulling himself into Muzen’s lap. “I would agree with that.”
Muzen held Brian close, looking down at the village while they fell into a comfortable silence. Muzen couldn’t keep from smiling or his tail from wagging.
“Good to see you excited.” Brian cracked an eye open, gazing up at him.
“Can you blame me? The most beautiful female I will ever meet has just agreed to court me,” Muzen teased, looking down into his eyes.
Brian blushed, feeling his tail start to wag. “I’m not that beautiful...”
Muzen smiled and gave him a quick squeeze. “You are, inside and out.”
“Alright then.” Brian shifted so they were face to face. “Tell me what makes me so much more beautiful than all the others.”
“There are many reasons,” Muzen told him, stroking his cheek with the back of his hand. “Your love of sharing knowledge with others, they way your eyes shine brighter than any jewel when you’re encountering new knowledge, how you’ve taken every day in stride when you could’ve just as easily fallen into despair and so much more.”
“Oi, lay it on thick why don’t ya?” Brian joked, his blush deepening.
Muzen smirked, leaning in so their noses were touching. “You asked me why I consider you so beautiful, and I answered. It’s not my fault that it left you flustered.”
“Yeah, but that's only mental stuff. You didn’t list anything physical.”
“Then let me correct that,” Muzen replied, his smirk growing. “You already know that I find your ass irresistible, but I also find your chest to be bewitching as well. If I were a weaker dog, I’d have been unable to keep my hands off you.”
“Oh yeah?” Brian raised his eyebrow. “What's so great about it?”
“The way it looks like It’s a perfect blend of jiggle and tone,” Muzen replied. “Soft enough to squeeze, but with enough muscle to keep it the perfect shape.”
“Muzen, have you been peeping on me?”
“I’ll admit, I’ve accidentally caught glimpses when you get dressed in the morning,” Muzen said. “But no, I’ve never intentionally peeped on you.”
Brian slapped Muzen’s chest. “You're lucky you’ve already seen me naked. Otherwise, I’d be a little upset.”
“Oh come on, as if you can’t say that you haven’t caught glimpses of me as well,” Muzen said with a chuckle. “This sort of thing is inevitable seeing as we live together.”
“I suppose it is,” Brian conceded. “But come on, there has to be more than just my boobs.”
“There is,” Muzen replied. “Your fur is unique and lovely as well.” Muzen then chuckled. “To be honest, I could spend all day listing off your good qualities.”
“Give me the short list,” Brian podded, poking his nose.
“Fine then,” Muzen said. “I find everything about you physically attractive. There, shortest list I could make.”
Brian rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his drink. “Not much of a list.”
“What about you?” Muzen poked Brian’s nose. “What do you like about me?”
“Well, you’ve been really understanding about my situation,” Brian started. “And you’ve always told me what I needed to hear, not just what I want to hear. Especially when it came to making me face the possibility of never going back to my home world. Then there’s your kindness and willingness to work just as hard as everyone else in the village.”
Muzen couldn’t keep the smirk off his face. “And on the physical side?”
“Hmm,” Brian looked him over and tapped his chin in thought. “I guess you have nice eyes,” he said, flashing the larger wolf a teasing smile.
Muzen pouted. “Come on, there has to be something. You do have a female’s instincts after all.”
“Alright ya big softie.” Brian giggled. “You’ve got a pretty good set of muscles on you.” Muzen moved his arms, striking a pose. Brian rolled his eyes and giggled again. “Yes, yes, very nice, Muzen. You’re a big, strong wolf.”
Muzen lowered his arms, wrapping them around Brian’s neck. He locked eyes, starting to lean in. Brian blushed, remaining frozen for a moment before slowly leaning in towards Muzen. Their lips met, and the two melted into a kiss. For a brief moment, Brian noted how odd it was to kiss with a snout, but that thought died even quicker than it occurred as he wrapped his arms around Muzen’s back.
Muzen broke the kiss, giving Brian’s muzzle a lick. “You’re a pretty good kisser.”
Brian smiled and mirrored the gesture. “You’re not too bad yourself. I might even let you do it again.”
Muzen slid his hand down Brian’s side, resting it on a hip.
Brian then smiled. “And if you’re a good boy, I might let you push the sleeping mats together.” he said with a wink.
“Really?” Muzen let himself fall back, so that Brian was on top of him.
“Slow down, horndog,” Brian said with a chuckle, patting Muzen on the chest. “I meant so we could cuddle, not for sex yet.”
“When did I say I thought that?” Muzen countered. He took a risk, placing his hands above Brian’s rear.
“You didn’t, but I could see it in your eyes,” Brian told him, putting his head down on Muzen’s chest. “I mean, I have been blue balling you for a year now.”
“It’ll be worth it,” Muzen assured, gazing up at the sky. “It’ll be sundown soon.”
Brian sighed. “Guess we’d better get going soon. That sucks though, I’m pretty comfy right here.”
Muzen snorted. “What are we? Pups? We don’t have to bed times.”
Brian chuckled. “Yeah, you make a good point.” He looked around, a smile working on his face. “You know, we could probably make a small building at this spot, make it our private getaway.”
“That would be nice.” Muzen smiled, placing a hand on Brian’s head. “Our special drinking spot.”
Brian let out a hum at the contact, leaning into Muzen’s hand. “I like that idea a lot. That way I don’t have to worry about my students seeing me drunk.”
“Or our drunken groping,” Muzen added cheekily.
Brian let out a snort. “Yeah, I’d rather their sex ed classes be done more professionally than that.”
Muzen blinked. “The what classes?”
“Sexual education,” Brian repeated. “On my world we teach adolescents about their reproductive systems when they start puberty. These courses also can talk about the dangers of drugs and promote safe sex to prevent unwanted pregnancy and the spread of sexual diseases.”
Muzen blinked owlishly, looking a little lost.
“In short, we teach them about the changes their bodies are going through, not how to actually have sex,” Brian explained, giggling at Muzen’s expression.
“Oh.” Muzen nodded. They fell into another pleasant silence, at least, until Muzen moved his hands onto Brian’s ass.
Brian chuckled, looking up at Muzen. “Seems like you’re feeling bold today. I did threaten to break your hands for touching before.”
“That you did,” Muzen agreed. “But, you seem to like it, so.” He gave the mounds a squeeze.
Brian shuddered, his tail wagging slowly. “My body’s kinda sensitive,” he admitted. “Found that out when I was first changing.”
Emboldened, Muzen began to grope and massage Brian’s sensitive flesh. “Ooh, you shouldn’t have told me that.”
Brian let out a small coo, gripping onto Muzen’s shoulders. “You’da found out eventually,” he replied, releasing his hold on the larger wolf’s shoulders. He let his hands slide down, rubbing Muzen’s chest and stomach.
“It’s lucky we’re alone,” Muzen pointed out, moving his hands under Brian’s skirt.
“Hmm, that it is.” Brian planted a kiss on Muzen’s neck.
Muzen tilted his head, allowing Brian better access. He continued his ministrations, grinning as Brian cooed and squirmed.
“Okay, this is way better than I thought it would be,” Brian admitted, blushing and burying his face in the crook of Muzen’s neck.
“I could do more, if you’d like.”
Brian thought it over for a moment before nodding. “You might as well, we’ve already gone this far.”
“Hm...” Muzen removed his hands, amused by Brian’s resultant pout. “Then, we should return home. We won’t be able to separate for a bit after we couple.”
Brian nodded and got to his feet, helping Muzen up. He gave the larger wolf a small smile and the two walked back to the village hand in hand. It didn’t take long for the other villagers to see them. The gossip started almost immediately. Brian blushed, doing his best to try and ignore them. He started walking a bit faster, practically dragging Muzen back to their home.
Muzen rolled his eyes, effortlessly scooping Brian up. He chuckled at Brian’s yelp, carrying him bridal style.
“You jerk,” Brian growled, blushing furiously as his ears twitched from the increased gossip.
“What?” Muzen asked innocently. “I thought we were official?”
“That doesn’t mean I want to be a public spectacle,” Brian huffed, staring down at the ground. Muzen licked Brian’s head, crossing the threshold into their home. “You’re lucky you’re a good drinking buddy,” he huffed as Muzen set him down on one of the sleeping mats.
“Who else would you drink with?” Muzen asked, putting up the curtain that served as their door. He put his cape on the rack, slowly undressing himself.
“The girls from the sewing circle, obviously,” Brian replied, watching as Muzen pulled off his loincloth slowly. “I’m sure I could get at least one of them to join me.”
“But, the conversation wouldn’t be nearly as good,” Muzen countered. He tossed his loincloth away, giving Brian a first hand look at his sheath.
“Yeah, they’d probably get annoyed with the endless teasing,” Brian replied with a snicker. “Guess I’m stuck with ya, big guy.” Brian couldn’t help looking at Muzen’s crotch. Some tiny, bitter, part of his mind remarked that it was bigger than his long, long gone package. And that was just the sheath, which left him wondering how large the genuine article was. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he barely noticed Muzen walking towards him.
“Enjoying the view?” Muzen asked, stopping when his crotch was inches from Brian’s face.
Brian blushed a bit, turning his head away. “I uh, was just thinking about how much bigger you are than I ever was.”
Muzen smiled, patting Brian’s head. “That must certainly be a blow to your ego.”
“Maybe a little,” Brian admitted. “But kinda hard to dwell on that when it hasn’t been a part of my anatomy for so long. Honestly, the only thing male about me is my headspace at this point. And with what we’re about to do, even that’s kinda tenuous.”
“I highly doubt us coupling is going to change who you are,” Muzen assured. “You’re too strong willed for that.”
“I dunno, I kinda think it’d be good for me to embrace my new body in that way,” Brian countered. “Maybe we could even give me a new name, one that’s a traditional name around here. A kinda way to fully begin my life as a villager. I wouldn’t be changing who I am, just how I see myself.”
“If that's what you want.” Muzen smiled, licking Brian’s nose. “Now, why don’t you get me ready?”
Brian nodded and got to his knees. He put one hand on Muzen’s hip and the other on his sheath. He took a deep breath to steady himself and gave it an experimental stroke. Muzen let out an encouraging moan, putting his hands on Brian’s head. Feeling a little brave, Brian stuck his tongue out and gave the tip of the sheath a quick lick. Muzen moved his hips, pressing his sheath against Brian’s lips. Brian opened his mouth, letting the sheath slip inside. He wrapped his lips around it, batting his tongue at its tip.
Surprisingly, it didn’t taste too bad. Brian closed his eyes, giving it a suck. He took the soft moan from Muzen as a sign of encouragement and kept up his ministrations. Before long, he felt something poking out from the sheath. He closed his mouth around the tip, sucking on it. The taste was similar to the sheath’s, but much stronger. He pulled his head back as the length continued to leave the sheath.
“Mmm...” Muzen grabbed Brian’s ears, giving them a tug. “You sure you haven’t done this before?”
With his mouth as full as it was, Brian’s only reply was a series of gurgles. He shuddered as Muzen tugged his ears, closing his eyes and bracing himself on Muzen’s hips. Muzen gave them another tug, fully emerging from his sheath. Brian let out a quick gag, Muzen’s length pressing against his throat.
Muzen pulled out, letting Brian catch his breath. “How was that?”
Brian shifted on his knees, blushing. “I uh, could be persuaded to do that more often. You did seem to enjoy it a lot after all.”
“I’d like that.” Muzen grabbed the hem of Brian’s poncho, pulling it off.
Brian looked up at Muzen, his heartbeat echoing in his ears. He took a moment to look at his full length. Somehow, it was even bigger than the sheath had made it out to be.
“Do you like it?” Muzen asked, striking a pose.
“It’s a little intimidating,” Brian replied. “I mean, I’ve got no experience with my female parts.”
Muzen cupped Brian’s chin. “I promise, I won’t do anything to hurt you.”
Brian smiled. “I know you won’t.” He took a deep breath, calming his erratic heartbeat. “Okay, I’m ready for whatever you want.”
“Good.” Muzen gave him a shove, putting Brian on his back. He reached up, giving his rather large breasts a squeeze. Brian shuddered, squirming slightly in Muzen’s grasp. He bit his lip, holding back a moan. “No need to hold it in,” Muzen soothed, pinching Brian’s nipples. Brian’s mouth opened and he let out a whimpering moan, his legs twitching. Muzen caught Brian’s lips, invading his mouth with his tongue. Brian moaned into the kiss, closing his eyes and coaxing Muzen’s tongue to explore his mouth with his own. He noted that he was being much more submissive than usual. He then chalked it up to a combination of nerves and his body's instincts.
Muzen hooked his fingers under Brian’s skirt sliding them down and off. Brian kicked his skirt off his ankles, sending it flying toward the rack and leaving him fully bared beneath the larger wolf. Muzen slowly moved his hand over Brian’s thigh, resting it on his lower lips. Brian trembled for a moment, though whether from nerves or arousal and excitement he couldn’t tell. Maybe a combination of the two?
“Seems only fair, if I get you ready.” Muzen licked Brian’s nose, gently rubbing away.
Brian moaned softly, screwing his eyes shut. “Mmm, fair is fair after all,” he replied. Muzen pinched Brian’s clit, giving it a slight tug. Brian let out a short howl of pleasure, his tail feebly trying to wag beneath him. “M-Muzen!” he cried, shuddering as the chief pinched the bud again.
“Yes?” Muzen asked, a smirk on his face. “Do you like that?” Brian nodded eagerly, cooing as Muzen slipped a finger past his folds. “Then, let's get you nice and ready.” Muzen slide in another finger, moving them in and out. Brian moaned, subconsciously moving his hips to push the fingers in deeper. Muzen went on for a few minutes before removing his fingers.
“Aww, why’d you stop?” Brian whined, pouting up at him. “That felt amazing.”
“I think you’re ready for the real thing.” Muzen moved his hips, rubbing the tip against Brian’s opening.
Brian nodded and looked into Muzen’s eyes with a smile. “Yeah, I can’t be the only one having fun. Just uh, start out slow, okay?”
“Of course.” Muzen lined them up, slowly pushing in. Brian let out a gasp, the unfamiliar sensations overwhelming him. He gripped tightly onto Muzen's arms as his knot drew ever closer. “Still okay?”
“Y-yeah,” Brian panted out. “Just need to get used to the monster between your legs.”
Muzen nodded, moving his hips, building up a rhythm. Brian moaned, feeling his inner walls stretch and grip around Muzen. His mind idled back to his wife, wondering if she felt the same things when they made love. Muzen nuzzled Brian’s chest, nipping and licking at them. Brian moaned, putting his hands on the back of Muzen’s head and rubbing his ears.
A happy growl emanated from Muzen’s throat. He pushed in, eventually stopping at his knot. Brian groaned, feeling as though he could make out every contour of Muzen’s dick as it stopped within him. He continued rubbing the chief’s ears, slowly feeling himself adjust.
“This. is well worth the wait,” Muzen informed, smiling at Brian.
“Glad you think so,” Brian replied, giving Muzen’s nose a lick. “I’m enjoying this too.”
“Ready?”
Brian nodded and smiled at Muzen. “Yeah, I’m ready.”
Muzen went in for another kiss, pushing his knot in. Brian winced a bit as the knot stretched him to his limits. He returned the kiss with fervor, attempting to push away the pain with pleasure. Muzen rocked his hips, moaning happily as the sensitive bulb of flesh tried and failed to push further into his new mate. Muzen let out a low growl, breaking away from the kiss to nip at his mate’s neck.
“T-that's so big...” Brian moaned, his tongue lolling out of his mouth.
“It has to be,” Muzen replied, licking the marks he left on Brian’s neck. “That way it can keep in every bit of my essence during heat season and ensure you carry my pups.”
“Getting ahead of ourselves are we?” Brian asked, tilting his head to the side.
“I was just pressing my luck a little further,” Muzen replied with a chuckle. “You have changed your mind about coupling with me after all.”
“Heat season is coming up soon, isn’t it?”
“It will be upon us in two moons,” Muzen replied. “Or months as you insisted I call them.”
“Months is a better way to keep time,” Brian repeated, putting his arms around Muzen’s waist.
“On that we can agree to disagree,” Muzen told him with a chuckle, letting his hands explore Brian’s body, teasing any spot he thought was sensitive. He was rewarded with a series of moans and groans from the smaller wolf. Muzen let out another low growl, starting to rock his hips quickly against Brian, stimulating his knot and causing him to moan as well.
“Oh, shut up and screw me,” Brian commanded, wrapping his legs around Muzen’s. Muzen chuckled and gripped Brian by the hips. He started to move his hips in a blur, growling as his mate cried out in pleasure. Brian squirmed under Muzen, digging his nails into his back. This spurred Muzen on, his fur standing on end while he claimed his mate. He leaned down, kissing Brian yet again.
Muzen leaned down, nipping at Brian’s breasts. “Mmm, I can see it now. Swollen with milk, nursing our pups.”
Brian let out a chuckle that turned into a moan partway through. “I think you and I need to have a talk. Sounds like you’ve got a fetish.”
“What is a ‘fetish’?”
Brian giggled. “I’ll tell you later. Right now, there’s more important matters at hand.” He rocked his hips in demonstration.
Muzen smirked, resuming his thrusts. “Hard to believe that you’re the same wolf that recoiled at the thought of coupling with me for a year.”
Brian giggled, giving a long moan. “What can I say? You charmed me.”
“A feat that I will cherish more than any test of strength or combat I have done,” Muzen replied, nipping where Brian’s neck and shoulder met.
“You’re just happy I decided to stay.”
“Of course I’m happy,” Muzen said, nipping and nuzzling Brian. “What would I do without my drinking buddy?”
“The same thing you were doing before I ever showed up,” Brian replied. “Not getting any action at all.”
Muzen let out a barking laugh. “You may have a point there. No other female has so utterly captivated me the way you have.” He kissed Brian’s neck.
“And to think, all I had to do was get a sex change,” Brian joked.
Muzen smiled before groaning, and his thrusts started to get jerky. He threw every bit of his strength into his hips, throwing his head back and howling as he came. Brian let out his own howl, his inner walls milking Muzen for all he had. Their mutual orgasm lasted for a few moments, leaving a warmth spreading through Brian. When he was spent, Muzen rolled the two of them over so they were laying on their sides.
“That was amazing...” Brian panted, planting a kiss on Muzen’s lips.
Muzen returned the kiss and stroked Brian’s back. “I couldn’t agree more. More than worth the wait.”
“So...” Brian got comfy, looking into Muzen’s eyes. “What happens now?”
“Now, we do what we always do,” Muzen replied, smiling. “We work, we drink, we laugh, but now we can add coupling to that list. I believe the phrase you’ve used is, “Why fix what isn’t broken?””
“That's not what I meant you goof.” Brian rolled his eyes. “Am I like, the chiefess or something now?”
“Oh,” Muzen replied with a chuckle, a quick look of realization spreading on his face. “Of course you’d ask about our culture at a time like this. To answer your question, the mate of the chief has no official title. But, you will be given a certain amount of respect and are seen as the primary confidant to me.”
“Aw, and here I was hoping for a fancy title.”
“You’re already the village teacher and archaeologist,” Muzen pointed out with a smile. “But if you’d like, I can make chiefess a thing.”
Brian giggled, shaking his head. “Nah, don’t worry about it. I’m fine with what I got.”
“Very well,” Muzen said, laying his head on Brian’s shoulder. Brian did the same, letting his eyes drift shut. Their breathing soon steadied out, and the two fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Brian grumbled as the elder came to take him to the sewing circle. He kept his eyes forward as the others still whispered as he walked by. The elder shot them a pointed look and the whispering stopped. This caused Brian to snicker and made the thought of sewing seem a lot better to him.
“What was that you said about not having pups?” the Elder asked, the smirk evident in her tone.
Brian had to suppress a groan, a blush blooming across his cheeks. “I’m still not sold on having children, Elder.”
The Elder laughed,clearly amused. “We’ll see about that, child.”
“What, plan on disciplining me for not following tradition?” Brian asked with a giggle.
“No. Just predicting your assimilation into the village,” the Elder explained, striding into her hut. The other members of the circle were already there, sitting with their tools.
“Hey everyone,” Brian greeted, waving.
The group gave their own greetings, moving around a bit so Brian could have his usual spot.
“So, how was Muzen last night?” One of the dancers asked, a smirk on her face. “The entire jungle heard your howls.”
“Uh...” Brian’s brain locked up, thoughts coming to a screeching halt. How the hell was he supposed to answer that?!
“I think you answered your own question,” the other dancer, the first’s sister, said. “It’s obvious the two enjoyed each other. Those weren’t howls of pain after all.”
The group started to giggle, peppering poor Brian with various questions. Brian let out a groan, burying his face in his hands.
The first dancer spoke up again. “How does it compare with doing it as a male?”
Brian’s ears pinned to his head and he groaned again. “Obviously it’s different,” he answered. He decided to play along to get it over with as quickly as possible. “And it’s kinda hard to describe. I mean, I guess the best way I can describe it is that it meant giving into a more submissive side of myself.”
“Oh, so you’re one of those bitches.”
A small growl escaped his throat. Brian had to remind himself that it wasn’t an insult.He looked over to the young, brown wolf that had said that. He recognized her from some of the fishing outings he had done. “And what do you mean by that?”
The brown wolf scratched her ear. “Well, some bitches like to be the one in charge.”
“Oh,” Brian replied, looking down at his sewing equipment. “I guess that’s because I’m used to taking the lead in bed since I was a guy up until a year ago.” He started to sew without a clear goal in mind.
“So, how big is he?” The second dancer asked, a mischievous grin on her face. “Is what’s between his legs as large as the rest of him?”
Brian kept in a scream, cursing whatever deity was screwing with him. “I’m not gonna answer that,” Brian replied, blushing.
This caused all the other members of the sewing circle to giggle, which only made Brian more embarrassed.
“Now, now, girls,” the elder spoke up. “Let’s not tease the poor dear too much. We are here to learn a craft after all.” The group fell in line, switching the topic to the upcoming summer festival.
“Will anything be different at this year’s festival?” Brian asked, perking up. “Or do the practices remain the same each year?”
The elder spoke up, “The festival will be the same, my dear.”
Brian nodded and settled down again. “Alright, guess that just means I can relax and not treat the festival as a learning experience this year.”
“Jeez, Brian, you’re like a big pup,” the first dancer teased.
“Maybe that’s why I’m so good at teaching them,” Brian said with a laugh. “And I’ll take that as a compliment and say I’m young at heart.”
The Elder smiled. “A good way to grow old.”
The group continued to chat, plans for the festival and other gossip being the primary topics. Brian hated to admit it, but he had come to enjoy the sewing circle. Not for the sewing, he still ended up jabbing himself in the fingers more than he did any actual sewing. But it helped him feel like a normal member of the village. It also felt good to have people besides Muzen to talk to. It was nothing against him, Brian just didn’t want them to feel smothered by each other. After an hour or two the elder called the lesson to an end. Brian got up and stretched, watching the other members mill around the home before leaving. He followed them out, wincing as his eyes adjusted to the sunlight.
He looked out over the village, wondering about what to do with the rest of his day. He knew that Muzen would be out hunting, so he’d be on his own for a while. Perhaps a little fishing wasn’t too out of the way? He nodded to himself and went back to his shared home to grab his fishing pole and basket. He hummed to himself as he walked through the village, noting that the gossip had slowed to next to nothing.
Sitting down at his regular spot, Brian placed some bait on his hook. Drawing back his arms, he cast the line as far as he could. He licked his lips at the thought of what he might catch. This was the perfect time of year to fish too, he might be able to outdo his biggest catch. Looking over, he noted the brown wolf from the sewing circle was in her own preferred spot. Smiling, he waved at her.
She returned his wave with one of her own. “Looks like we had the same idea!”
“Yup, couldn’t resist trying to beat my record!” Brian called back with a tooth filled grin. “The fish practically jump in your basket for you this time of year! I bet we can catch enough to feed the village for a week today!”
“I’ll catch the most!” She challenged.
“Oh yeah?!” Brian asked with a smirk. “You wanna bet on that?!”
“Loser has to do all the cooking!”
“You’re on! I’m looking forward to eating your cooking!” Brian smirked as he felt a nibble on his line. He tugged the line, feeling a hit. He pulled back, fighting to get the fish to shore. “I gotta fishy!” Brian pulled back, hauling the fish out of the water.
It was muted in color with its scales sending off very little reflection in the sun. Its body was long, at least a foot and a half in length and had a mouth full of teeth. He put it in his basket and recast his line, giving the brown wolf a look.
The brown wolf pouted, reeling in and recasting her line. He looked back to his own line, humming to himself as he watched the river churn gently. Time whittled on and the two pulled in several fish. In the end, Brian won their little game. He hefted his basket and pole and walked over to the brown wolf. He smiled and patted her shoulder.
“That was a good contest. It really made fishing more fun than usual.” He flashed her a bright smile. “But it looks like you’re the cook this time.”
“Hmmph, enjoy your victory now, next time you won’t be so lucky,” the brown wolf promised.
“I look forward to it.” Brian lifted up his basket. “Come on, let’s get these to the food hall.”
The brown wolf nodded, hefting her basket and the two started heading to the village proper. “So, what are your plans for the festival?” she asked, looking at him.
“To be honest, I kinda forgot it was coming up.” Brian gave a sheepish smile. “It’s not like we have calendars here.”
The brown wolf giggled. “You’ve mentioned those before in the sewing circle. Someone really does need to start making them. Of course, the elder would have to approve them.”
Brian didn’t exactly know how comfortable he was with altering the culture he had been adopted into. However, having calendars was definitely fine with him. He even had a compromise in mind. He already knew they kept track of time through lunar cycles. He could devise a calendar to accommodate that.
“I think I can give her an idea for one she’ll like,” Brian commented. His tail started to wag. “I can get Muzen to help me make one!”
The brown wolf smiled. “It is good for young lovers to engage in hobbies together.”
“What about you, Cocoa?” he asked, ignoring her teasing. “You got any big plans for the festival?”
“No, not yet,” Cocoa said with a shake of her head. “No one’s asked me to accompany them to the festival and I haven’t thought about someone I want to ask.” She gave a small smile. “We all can’t be as lucky with love as you are.”
“Give it time, Cocoa,” Brian told her, patting her back. “You’re a pretty wolf, you can get anyone you want.”
Cocoa gave him a slight shove. “Not as pretty as you. All the boys stare when you walk by.”
“Oh please, you’re just as pretty as I am, if not prettier.” Brian waved off. “I mean, just look at you.” He waved a hand over her to emphasize his point. “You got more curves than a race track. The biggest thing I’ve got going on is my rare fur color.”
“No wolf has ever had your colors!” Cocoa argued. “You’re one of a kind!”
Brian chuckled, trying not to blush. “You’re giving me way too much credit, Cocoa. Thanks though, I appreciate the compliment. You’re one of a kind too. By the way, is there something in Diamond Wolf culture against same sex relationships?” Brian questioned. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a same sex couple in my time here.”
Cocoa blinked, rubbing her cheek. “I’m not sure if I know what you're asking.”
Brian sighed. “Okay, for sake of argument let’s say I didn’t end up courting Muzen and instead decided to court another bitch. How would that be met here?”
Cocoa pouted. “I don’t think there's anything against that. It would be hard during heat season though.”
“I can only imagine,” Brian agreed. “Last heat season was rough for me.” He was chuckled at the memory. “I nearly ran out of the temple just to make it stop. This year I’m sure Muzen will be all but begging me to try and have pups with him.”
“Why wouldn’t you want to?” Cocoa asked. “Isn’t that what couples do?”
“Where I’m from, some couples choose not to have children,” Brian explained, carrying their haul into the food hall. “Plus, I was already a father, not sure I want to try my hand at motherhood.”
Cocoa frowned, not giving a response.
Brian kept going, taking the fish into the kitchen. “I mean, it could happen. I was pretty adamant about not courting Muzen at first too.” He frowned, noticing Cocoa’s continued silence. Turning back to her, he saw her expression matched his. “Cocoa, what’s with the silent treatment?”
“I’m sorry.” She shock her head. “I didn’t think your values were so different.”
“Well, one of the reasons my world stopped putting an emphasis on child birth was due to the fact that there’s so many of us. Or rather, them I guess seeing as I’m a wolf now,” Brian explained. “But most Earth cultures do have a base of putting high value on motherhood, childrearing and fertility.”
Cocoa nodded, perking up a little. “Here in the village, it’s a wife's duty to bear her husband's pups.”
“That’s a belief that was spread among a lot of human cultures too,” Brian replied. “I dunno, I think Muzen could be able to talk me into it. I do enjoy teaching the pups of the village, raising a couple more might not be so bad.”
Cocoa smiled, wagging her tail. “I’m sure any pup would be blessed to have you as a mother.”
“Thanks Cocoa,” Brian said, flashing her a smile. “You’re a good friend. Same goes to you, your future pups are going to be bragging that you’re their mom.”
Cocoa giggled. “I can only hope.”
“Trust me, you’ll have no trouble getting a guy. Hell, if that mask had kept me a guy, I’d be glad to have a bitch like you.” He nudged her in the side.
Cocoa blushed, nudging him back. “It seems to me, that the mask blessed Muzen with a perfect mate.”
Brian laughed a little. “Yeah, he was one of the ones to find me after all. I might not have believed an explanation like that before, but after experiencing magic firsthand, I’m way more open to the idea.”
Cocoa poked at Brian’s middle. “Then, I can’t imagine it would take that long for him to plant his seed.”
Brian rolled his eyes. “You’re starting to sound like the elder.” He then snickered a little. “Maybe you should ask the gods for someone else to find a mask? That way you can get your own perfect mate.” He poked her in the stomach.
“As if we’ll see a repeat of that,” she said with a giggle, grabbing a knife and fish. “The gods rarely like to repeat themselves. If you always use the same strategy, the prey will catch on.” Beginning to gut it, she glanced at Brian. “I’m sure I’ll find a good mate.”
Brian nodded, a smile on his face. “Well, if you don’t find someone to accompany you by then, I’m sure Muzen would be happy to let you join us for the festival.”
Cocoa shook her head vigorously. “Oh no, I couldn’t do that. You two should spend the festival alone. I’ll make do, I promise.”
“Cocoa, you’re my friend, it’s not any trouble,” Brian assured, watching her make quick work of the fish. “You don’t have to worry about imposing, Muzen and I get plenty of time together.” In his old life, Brian would have been put off by the sight, but after having done it so many times himself, it was just another part of life.
Cocoa then brought out a few spices and added them to the fish. She let them sit as she started a fire. “I heard Crabrak found a vein of gems.” Licking her lips, she almost seemed to purr. “You haven’t had gems before, have you?”
Brian made a face. “No, I haven’t had any gems. They weren’t part of my diet before.” Even after a year, Brian still had a hard time believing that Diamond Wolves actually ate gems. Then again, he didn’t think wolf people existed before either.
“Now come on.” Cocoa met his skepticism with a pout. “Gems are the food of the gods! You know, I’ve always been a little jealous of our kin up north. Their caves are said to be lined with gems!” A shudder ran through her at the thought of such a banquet, and she couldn’t stop herself from drooling a little.
Brian couldn’t help but giggle at her display. It was moments like these that a diamond wolf’s canine features became pronounced. “Alright, sounds like I have to at least try a taste,” he relented. “Food of the gods though?”
“Ah well, perhaps that’s not an adept description.” Cocoa wiped her mouth, busying herself with cutting some vegetables. “You already know how Iilizotech shaped the world and how Chihopotex gave birth to our people. What neither of them foresaw was that, us mortals would need food.”
“Our ancestors begged the gods for anything that would quell the hurt in their bellies. Quinvira, the god of jewels saw that the first mortals were starving, and placed gems in the ground for us to eat. Gems were our salvation, but even this boon came with a catch. Many of our kind become obsessed with gems, devoting their time to toiling away in the ground for more of them.”
Brian nodded, having heard the story before. “The diamond dogs that were lost to their greed also lost much of their intelligence as they ate more and more. The god of wisdom, Sabio Lobo told Chihopotex to fill the world with plants and animals. Then he came to us himself and led us into the jungle, and taught us how to live off the land.”
“Exactly!” Cocoa said with a smile, placing the vegetables in the cooking pot. “We owe our lives to Sabio Lobo, or else we’d have lost our minds to greed. Of course, our cousins have a different story but, you’d have to ask the Elder to tell you.”
“I’ll have to do that,” Brian said, grabbing a couple bowls for them. “Never could say no to learning more history.” Setting them down, he took a seat. “Is Cabrak going to share these gems?”
“She’d better, or else she won’t hear the end of it at the circle!” Cocoa said with a pout as she added the fish to the pot. “She might save them for the festival. There are young ones that haven’t had gems yet, what better way to introduce them to the taste?”
Brian nodded, a smile on his face. “I know they’d love that. We could ask her later. I’d be happy to help her gather gems if that’s the case.” Tapping his fingers on the counter, he mulled over an idea. “You know... I’ve been think of adding something to the festival.”
“What’s that?” she asked, looking up from the pot.
“Well, I know a lot of stories and songs from back home, it’s just...” Brian sighed, shaking his head. “You know what? Forget I said anything.”
“Oh come on, go ahead and share,” she encouraged, waving a ladle at him. “This obviously means a lot to you.”
“I don’t want to change anything here.” Brian got up, pacing around the kitchen. “It used to happen a lot back where I come from. There were a lot of unique cultures, unchanged for so long, only to contact the outside world and slowly that uniqueness would crumble away, and those people would abandon their traditions.”
Cocoa giggled, patting his hand. “The elder would never let us forget our ways, no matter what you shared with us. Why don’t you don’t talk to her, and see what she thinks about it?”
He gave her a small nod, and a slight smile. “I guess the worst she could do is say no. Thanks for the encouragement.” His troubles off his chest, Brian hummed to himself, his nose twitching at the smell of fish stew.
Cocoa quickly finished cooking and grabbed one of the bowls from Brian. Once it was completely full, she handed him back the steaming bowl. “There you go, the victor gets the first taste,” she said an expectant smile on her face as her tail slowly wagged behind her.
“Bottoms up!” Raising the bowl up to his mouth, he took a long sip. Brian hummed in delight, his own tail wagging. Setting it down, he gave her a thumbs up. “Damn good, girl!”
Cocoa’s tail wagged faster as she dished out her own bowl. “I’m glad you like it. Helps that we have some good, fresh fish, huh?” Sipping it, she took a seat next to Brian. “As far as I know, we’re the only clan that uses the river.”
“Their loss is our gain I guess,” Brian said, taking another sip of his stew. “The fish that live in it are tasty.” His ears perked as Muzen’s voice reached him. “Sounds like the hunt went well.”
“Oh good!” Cocoa said, putting her bowl down. “I hope they brought some capybara!” She licked her lips at the thought. “I wouldn’t mind some boar either.” Cupping her hands to her muzzle she called out. “Hey, Muzen! We’re in the kitchen!”
A moment later and Muzen walked into the kitchen, a bow and quiver slung on his back and a spear in his hand. There was also a layer of sweat on him and some spots of dirt marring his fur. “We managed to catch a jaguar and a cassowary.” A prideful smirk crossed his face. “The Elder wants them prepared for the festival.”
“Oooh!” Cocoa clapped her hands giddily. “Two rare catches and gems!? This years festival is going to be amazing~” she bounced on her paws, tail wagging furiously. “The gods must be pleased with us.”
“But of course,” Muzen said letting the butt of his spear touch the floor. “We have made good offerings to them and have followed the laws given to us by el Sabio Lobo.” Glancing at Brian, he continued. “Perhaps they are pleased with our local teacher?”
Brian made a dismissive sound and waved him off. “Yeah, I’m sure they’re real pleased with a drunk like me. I think they’re more pleased that the great chief made an honest woman out of me.”
“I bet they’d be even more pleased if you had a litter of pups~” Cocoa teased, smirking at Brian. “Heat seasons coming up too. If you give them a good offering, they’ll give you a big one.”
Muzen used his free hand to rub his chin. “We’d have to expand the hut if we had a large litter of pups. Maybe even fashion multiple rooms.”
Brian groaned, placing his head in his hands. “I’m never going to hear the end of this,am I?”
“Not until you’re swollen with young,” Cocoa said, poking Brian’s belly.
Brian snorted, returning the gesture. “Then why don’t you sub in for me and get preggers? I bet the gods would give us a good favor if you became a mommy.” Glancing into the dining hall, he decided to change the subject. “Perhaps we should start getting the catch prepared?”
Cocoa hopped to her feet and nodded vigorously. “Of course! We have to make sure the jaguar is fresh for the festival! I do believe it’s time Brian learned how to salt things!”
“Sounds like fun,” Brian said, going over to the other hunters to get the meat into the kitchen. He spent the rest of the afternoon skinning and salting the meat. It didn’t bother him when he absentmindedly licked at the blood on his paws. If anything it only made him want to sink his teeth into the meat more. By the time they had the meat stored away, he was covered in no small amount of blood, as were his clothes.
“Looks like I need a bath,” Brian commented, holding his arms out at his sides as he looked over his matted fur. Reaching out, he poked Muzen’s arm. “Looks like you could use one too. Shall we?”
Muzen smirked, letting his spear rest on his shoulder. “Is that an offer to take one together? Because I am not at all opposed to that.” He pulled Brian to his side, resting his hand on his hip. “Not in the slightest.”
Brian rolled his eyes but made no attempt to pull away from Muzen. “I guess taking a bath together wouldn’t be terrible.” He poked the larger wolf’s side. “Just try not to get too handsy.” Pulling away, he walked to the door, making a show of swaying his hips.
Muzen licked his lips and followed after his mate. “Are you looking forward to the festival?” Falling in line with him, Muzen took his hand. “I realize it won’t be new for you, but I know it’ll be just as entertaining. Maybe you could join in the performance?”
Brian nodded, giving Muzen’s hand a squeeze. “I’ll give that some thought. But I know I’ll enjoy the festival no matter what.” He smiled brightly. “I’ll have my best drinking buddy turned mate with me after all.”
The Festival of Knowledge was held every year, at the beginning of summer. As the name implied, it was a celebration of the Diamond Wolf god, el Sabio Lobo. Unlike the other gods in the pantheon, the god of Knowledge took his name from Spanish, rather than Aztec conventions. Normally depicted as a massive, blue furred wolf covered in ever changing writing, el Sabio lobo was said to visit the festival each year, to observe his wards.
Brian hadn’t actually seen such a thing at the last festival, but he wasn’t going to deny the god’s existence. Anything was possible in the world he had found himself in. He did wonder about the beliefs of the races of this world. There was just the matter of getting to said races. Maps weren’t a part of diamond wolf culture either.
Of course that would mean leaving his new home. It wasn’t something he thought he was ready for, not to mention he wouldn’t even know where to start when it came to navigating the world outside the village. It was still something he wanted to do though, no matter how comfortable his new life was.
“Brian? Are you alright?” Muzen asked, snapping him out of his thoughts.
He flashed Muzen a smile. “I’m fine, just got lost in thought about the other races you mentioned before.”
“Ah.” Muzen came to a stop as they came to a secluded bend in the river. “We haven’t seen hide nor hair of most in generations. There is the pony nation of Maretonia to the east. We have a complicated relationship with them.”
Brian nodded, pulling off his clothes and folding them up neatly. “I’d like to hear about it.” Slipping into the river, he felt a chill go up his spine. “What are ponies like? Are they tribal as well?”
Muzen quickly stripped and waded to Brian’s side. “Maretonians have buildings like ours, but the ones up north are more advanced if that adventurer is to be believed.” Leaning down, he cupped some water in his hands, splashing his face. “More than once, they have tried to take the jungle for themselves.”
Brian let out a soft sigh as he started to scrub the blood off his fur. “Unfortunately, two nations clashing is something my old world was all too familiar with. Guess it applies to this place too.” Stepping behind Muzen, he started to scrub the sweat from his fur. “When was the last time tensions got high?”
“A couple generations ago,” Muzen answered, leaning back into Brian’s hand. “Myself and the other chiefs are hopeful that the worst is over.”
Brian gave a quick nod in agreement, turning his focus on helping his mate get clean. Soap happened to be one of the things he missed the most from Earth, though considering they had fur, perhaps he should look into creating shampoo? He nodded to himself at the thought, already going over any ingredients he knew of.
Muzen turned, putting his hands on Brian’s shoulders. “You know, we’re all alone out here. I doubt anyone will bother us out here,” he spoke, a lustful look in his eyes. “It’d be a shame to not take advantage.”
Brian clicked his tongue, giving Muzen a teasing smile. “We have sex once and suddenly you can’t get enough. Bad dog,” he teased, poking Muzen on the nose. “What kind of a bitch do you think I am?”
Muzen leaned in close, their muzzles nearly touching. “The kind that wants me as much as much as I want her.” He closed the gap, pulling them into a deep kiss. Putting his hands on Brian’s hip, he led him towards a rock outcropping. Breaking the kiss, Muzen spun Brian around, bending him over the outcropping. Brian lifted his tail up, giving his hips a shake.
“Let’s try to keep it down this time,” Brian said, looking over his shoulders. “The last thing I need is more comments from the sewing circle.”
“As I recall, you were the loud one,” Muzen countered, lining their hips up.
Brian grumbled, bracing himself for what was coming “Good point,” he relented. He widened his stance and gripped onto the outcropping. A long, drawn out moan escaped his throat as Muzen gripped his sides and thrusted in.
“See? You’re already being loud,” Muzen teased, swatting Brian’s ass. “I like to think that’s because I’m a good partner.” Leaning down, he nipped at Brian’s neck, sliding his hands up to his breasts.
Brian groaned as Muzen gave his breasts a squeeze. “No complaints here,” he admitted, tilting his head up to expose more of his neck. A thrill passed through him, feeling Muzen’s fangs scraped across his neck. He had never considered himself to be submissive before, but it felt right to let Muzen take charge, to have the alpha wolf claim him. He chalked it up to his new body.
“I’m glad you agree....” Muzen bit down on Brian’s ear, giving it a tug. Moving his hips, he got into a rhythm, every so often pressing his knot against Brian’s slit.
Brian bit his lip in an attempt to keep himself from moaning too loudly as he moved his hips in tandem with his lover’s. ‘Gives new meaning to the term, doggy style’ he thought to himself, mentally snickering.
Muzen smirked, taking Brian’s newfound silence as a challenge. He started to pinch and tug at his mate’s nipples while he thrusted a little harder. “Let’s just see how long you can stay silent, shall we?”
Brian bit his lip a little harder, his body trembling as pain-tinted pleasure shot through him. He held fast though, not even a peep escaping his lips. He stuck his nose in the air, egging Muzen on further.
A predatory growl escaped Muzen’s lips as he gave brian’s nipples a sharp twist and began to move his hips with all the strength he could muster. Sinking his teeth ever so slightly into Brian’s neck, he pushed his knot in, tying them together.
Brian shuddered, his will nearly faltering as a moan threatened to escape him. ‘Damn, he’s going all out. If he gets like this now, what’s heat season going to be like?’ He shuddered at the mental picture, the two of them entwined in a mating frenzy brought on by the unbearable condition. This of course only made it harder to resist the urge to moan.
“Come on,” Muzen commanded, lacing his words in a growl. “Howl for me!”
Another thrill went along Brian’s body at the tone, the last of his will crumbling. He tilted his head back and howled in pleasure as he pushed against Muzen’s knot. He didn’t care if the village heard, he was going to let the world know what he felt.
Muzen let out another growl, tightly gripping Brian’s breast and hip as he came. “Heh, what was that about being quiet?”
Brian panted for a moment before shooting Muzen a pointed look over his shoulder. “That was the plan until a certain someone decided to take that as a challenge.”
“Was it not?” Muzen pressed, nuzzling Brian’s bite mark.
Brian rolled his eyes, sighing. “No, Muzen, it wasn’t.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Oh well, at least it felt good.” Tapping his fingers on the outcropping, he groaned. “And now we’re stuck like this.”
Muzen chuckled sheepishly, moving his hand from Brian’s chest to rub the back of his head. “I probably should’ve picked a more comfortable position for us. Still, it was worth it, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I’m gonna have to wear a scarf in front of the pups for a couple days because of your love bite,” Brian pointed out, looking over his shoulder again. “But yeah, that was pretty worth it. You become kind of a wild animal in the sack.”
Once the two were finally separated, they walked back to the village. Brian made sure to ignore the looks from the other wolves as they quickly returned to their hut. Night eventually fell and the pair settled in for a good night’s rest. At first, Brian was still and comfortable in Muzen’s arms, but after a while he started tossing and turning. Gripping the sheets, Brian whimpered, his eyes roving frantically under his eyelids.
Brian awoke with a groan, someone shaking him back into consciousness. He slowly cracked an eye open, taking in the familiar sight of the hut he shared with Muzen. His body felt like it was made of lead, an overwhelming desire to return to sleep filling his fuzzy thoughts. For whatever reason, he hadn’t slept well. Just as he was about to chance trying to sleep again, the hand that his groggy mind finally figured out was Muzen’s was not having any of that.
“Brian, wake up,” Muzen’s voice insisted. “We must prepare for the festival today.”
“Go away, Muzen...” Brian replied, pulling the covers over his head. “Lemme sleep...” he pleaded with a whine, hoping to get some sympathy points.
Even without looking, Brian could tell Muzen was rolling his eyes. “Fine, you can rest a little while longer.” There was a shuffling beneath the covers and Brian’s side suddenly felt much colder. “But no cuddles for you. I have to don ceremonial armor. You’ll have your own ceremonial garb to wear now.”
Brian grumbled a few incoherent words at him and curled up into a tight ball within the covers. “Sleep now, sacred dressup later,” he muttered. The sound of Muzen chuckling caught his ears, and soon Brian found himself alone. He settled in the best he could relaxing his mind and drifting towards the fringes of consciousness.
After he figured a few minutes passed, he rolled out from the blankets and stretched out to his feet. Once he felt a few satisfying pops in his joints he opened his eyes again. The hut greeted him, as it always did, the place he had come to know as home. The place had come to comfort him. Knowing that he had found someone to make him feel like one of the tribe helped make it feel like home. After one last look around and a deep breath, Brian stepped out of the hut to find Muzen.
Trying to ignore how tired his body was, Brian greeted the various wolves he came across. Most were wearing their finest clothes and jewelry, and all had painted their bodies for the day’s events. He knew he’d have to ask the elder help him paint the proper patterns into his fur. He wasn’t exactly looking forward to that part; any time spent around the elder usually devolved into getting urged to start having kids.
“She’s persistent, I’ll give her that...” Deciding to buck up and head there first, Brian made his way to the elders hut. His hunch paid off, as he found the elder and Muzen in an animated conversation.
“We can hold a proper festival at last,” the elder commented, helping Muzen adjust a headdress sitting atop Muzen’s head. When she was done, she swatted the larger wolf upside the head. “If you weren’t so picky about your mate, we could’ve done it sooner.”
“What’s this about a proper festival?” Brian asked, making his presence known. “Is the chief’s mate really that important for this kind of thing?”
Muzen turned to Brian, smiling brightly as his tail slowly started to wag. He stepped over to his mate, carefully giving him a hug to avoid smudging the paint patterns adorning his body. “Yes, there is a ceremony we hold at the end of the festival. The chief and his mate perform a dance of sorts, symbolizing the ushering in of the bright future of our tribe.”
Brian rolled his eyes, returning Muzen’s hug. “And I wasn’t informed of this dance before hand because...?”
“Because you’d try to weasel your way out of it,” the elder snapped, grabbing a bowl of white paint. “Nothing but excuses of nonsense like not being able to dance.” She dipped a small brush into the paint, motioning for Brian and Muzen to separate.
“Hey, I can dance,” Brian huffed as he pulled away from Muzen. Readying himself for more torment, Brian moved over to the elder. “I can dance really well, ya old bag.”
The elder let out a dry chuckle, carefully applying paint to Brian’s arm. “Good, then you should have no problem doing your part in the ceremony. It truly is an honor to take part in it; el Sabio Lobo will be watching you two. It’s even said that he offers blessings to couples that impress him.”
“Lemme guess; he gives them lots and lots of pups,” Brian responded, watching the elder work with gusto. “I’d be so appreciative if he granted me that.”
“That is one potential boon,” the elder admitted, humming softly as she created intricate patterns along Brian’s body. “Some have claimed long, happy relationships and others with greater wisdom.”
“Those sounds much better...” Brian muttered, keeping himself as still as possible. The patterns themselves were easy on the eyes, and if he stared at them too long, they'd almost seem to move.
“El Sabio Lobo will give you what you need,” the elder offered, slowly kneeling down to apply paint to Brian’s legs. “At least, that is my belief.” She let out a quick chuckle. “Just remember that what you need and what you want aren’t always one and the same.” Making sure to get under Brian’s skirt, the elder finally finished with her painting. “Now come, we need to get you dressed properly.”
Brian sighed, resigning himself to following the elder further into her hut. “Is the ceremonial outfit at least comfortable?”
“Must you complain about everything?” the elder asked, giving him an annoyed look. “You sound like an old dog. Perhaps we should be naming you elder, hm?”
Brian snorted, smiling down at the elder. “Of course I gotta complain about everything, it’s my other job beside teaching and fishing. And I am older at heart seeing as I was nearly fifty before getting turned into a young bitch.” He scratched his chin, being careful of the fresh paint. “Guess I had to trade my manly bits for youth.”
The elder rolled her eyes, raising to her paws. She flicked Brian on the nose. “Then perhaps you should leave the elderly behavior to me then?” Turning away, she lifted up a small box. “Now, disrobe so we can get you properly dressed.”
Brian nodded, carefully shimmying out of his skirt. He didn’t bother with modesty, it’s not like Muzen and the elder hadn’t seen him naked before. His shirt was next, continuing to be mindful of the body paint. Watching in interest, he let the elder ease him into the ceremonial clothing. Much of it was adorned with gems and other decorative stones. The material was a cream color, and actually felt rather nice against his fur. The skirt was more colorful, a deep green with a sash that sat around his waist. The sash had several colorful feathers hanging off of it.
Brian looked between Muzen and the elder. “How do I look?” He had to lean down some, trying not to twitch his ear too much as the elder began to attach earrings. They were fairly simple, polished obsidian hanging off short chains. “Pretty good, right?”
Muzen smiled brightly. “You look perfect. As always, you will be the most stunning bitch in attendance.” He stepped over, holding his arm out to Brian. “Ready to enjoy the festival?”
“Of course I am!” Brian smiled, stepping forward after the elder finished his look with his own headdress. “I’ve been waiting for a long time!”
The pair stepped out of the hut arm in arm, earning a few looks from the other villagers as they walked towards the rows of stalls that were set up. Various games and events had been set up, most having more than a few pups crowding them. Brian smiled when he saw one of his students win one of the games, the vendor handing him a sapphire as big as his head. The pup had to wrestle with his friends for a few moments before eventually coming to an agreement on how to split it.
“That gem vein couldn’t have come at a better time,” Muzen commented, watching the group of pups run off. “Makes the games that much more exciting for the young ones. What better price is there than some tasty gems, to share with your friends?”
Brian smiled and gave Muzen’s arm a squeeze. “Are you gonna try and win a prize for me?” He shot Muzen a pout. “I’ve never eaten a gem before.” His act was rewarded with a chuckle from Muzen.
“You don’t have to play up to me, Brian.” Muzen’s smile grew and he poked Brian’s nose. “Besides, you have arms don’t you? Maybe we should try and win each other prizes, hm?”
Brian’s smile widened and his tail started to wag slowly. “I think I like the sound of that, make a contest out of the games. Should we make some terms? Unless you’re too scared~?”
Muzen scoffed at Brian’s taunt, a smirk spreading across the larger wolf’s muzzle. “I am the farthest thing from scared. Go ahead, name whatever terms you like. Just don’t complain when you lose.”
“Alright there.” Looking up at Muzen, Brian held his hand out. “First one to win the other three prizes wins. Deal?”
Muzen took Brian’s hand and gave it a quick shake. “I hope you’re hungry, I’m about to win you a ton of gems.” He pulled away from Brian, striding over to one of the stalls. The game looked just like a ring toss that could be found at any fair, theme park or carnival. The vendor handed Muzen a few rings and he easily made his first throw. “Off to a good start.”
Brian huffed, quickly finding a stall of his own. This one looked like a shooting gallery, though one with a small bow and arrow instead of a rifle of some kind. He took the bow and nocked one of the arrows as he narrowed his eyes at the target. Pulling the arrow back, he let it go sending it at the target. The arrow sailed in the air for a split second before sinking into the second ring from the center. He nodded in slight satisfaction, a small smile spreading across his lips. He nocked the next arrow, taking careful aim in hopes of hitting the bullseye.
Letting the arrow fly, he let out a small cheer as the arrow embedded into the bullseye. “Alright, tied up with Muz, I can totally beat him.”
Brian took his prize, a large opal that sparkled with every color of the rainbow. He quickly found a place to stash his newfound prize and turned his attention to the rest of the stalls. His eyes darted around, knowing he’d have to be quick if he wanted to catch up to Muzen.
“What next?” he asked himself, moving down the row of stalls, biting his lip in thought.
He eventually found something that piqued his interest. One stall had a series of pots stacked up and offered a ball to knock them over. Nodding at the wolf running it, he grabbed a ball, taking aim the stack of pots. He squinted his eyes and let the tip of his tongue stick out of the corner of his mouth. He positioned himself like a pitcher and threw the ball at the stack of pots with everything he had. With a thunk, the stack of pots clattered to the ground. Brian pumped his fist, his tail wagging behind him as the stall runner handed him a ruby for his prize.
Brian stashed his second prize with the first and headed out to find a final game. He went down the row of stalls, frowning as nothing seemed to jump out at him.
“Come on, come on. I can’t let Muz beat me,” Brian mumbled to himself, glancing back and forth. “I gotta show him how good I am at festival games.”
His eyes lit up when he saw a stall running a dart game. He rubbed his hands together as he approached it, his confidence peaking. He then politely asked the stall runner for a few darts and took careful aim. Taking his arm back, he threw it forward, aiming at the bullseye. It only took a split second before the dart made its mark, landing just outside the center ring. He clicked his tongue in disappointment before taking aim with the next dart. He made sure to take his time and steady his breathing, doing everything he could to ensure a perfect shot. He let the dart fly, his eyes widening in surprise when it just barely made it into the bullseye. A giddy grin spread across his face as he was given his prize, a large sapphire.
Brian’s tail wagged a mile a minute as he turned from the stall and started to look for Muzen. After a few minutes of searching, he found Muzen attempting to land a ball into a sideways tub.
Brian couldn’t resist stepping up behind Muzen and stand on his tiptoes to get as close as he could to the larger wolf’s ear. “Guess who lost~?” he whispered, a wicked grin on his muzzle.
Muzen jumped, whirling around with wide eyes. “Damnit, Brian! Don’t sneak up on me like that!” After a moment, he relaxed. “Good job, Brian, we’ll figure out your winnings later.”
Brian laughed, pulling Muzen into a hug and pulled out one of the gems he had won. “Alright ya scaredy cat,” he teased. “But for now we’ve got some gems to share.” Opening his mouth, he tossed a gem in, gingerly biting down on it.
Muzen smiled, taking a bite of his own. “I cannot argue with that plan.”
Brian let the gem sit on his tongue, getting a good feeling for the taste. Somehow, it tasted sweet, almost like a naturally occurring candy. “Holy crap, that’s actually really good.” It didn’t take long for him to finish the rest.
His shoulders rising and falling in mirth, Muzen licked Brian's nose. "What? Did you think it was going to taste like dirt?"
“I dunno, never thought about eating these things back home,” Brian said, weakly trying to push the wolf off him. "Closest we got was rock candy."
“What’s rock candy?” Muzen questioned, tilting his head and pulling away from Brian’s nose. “Rocks and gems are very different. We only over licked rocks long ago when we lacked food.”
Shaking his head, Brian smiled. "Rock candy is just a crystalized sugar, usually just colored though it sometimes has flavor added to it."
Muzen looked at him with a quizzical expression. “What is ‘shu-gar’?” he asked, trying the word out.
Brian's ears folded to his head for a moment as he tried to think. "It's something harvested from some plants that you can add to foods to make them taste sweeter."
“Perhaps we can trade for some with one of the pony tribes?” Muzen suggested,
Scratching his chin, Brian hummed in thought. "I don't think sugarcane grows in this part of the world. Sorry to bring it up only to leave you high and dry."
Patting his head, Muzen began to steer Brian through the crowd. "Nonsense, Brian. You're scratching at fleas where there are none."
Rolling his eyes, Brian lightly slugged the wolf in the side. "Try raising two daughters, you learn to have your worry sense pushed to full throttle. And I do NOT have fleas, thank you very much."
Muzen grinned wide in response. "I'm quite aware, I check you thoroughly every night." Scratching Brian's ear, he no little amusement in his frown. "Come on, let us enjoy the festivities."
"Alright, jerk," Brian replied, pouting.
The pair continued to walk around the festival, watching others enjoy themselves and snacking on their gem haul. The day slowly wore on until the sun hung low in the sky. Brian caught himself almost referring to Muzen by his former wife's name. The nostalgia of taking his family to the fair weighed down on him, bringing forth a melancholy he always ignored. Trying to shake it off, he sidled up closer to Muzen.
"Something wrong?" Muzen scratched Brian's ear, his head cocked to the side.
Looking up, Brian gave a small smile. "Sorry, just thought about my old home is all."
"Thinking of leaving me, are you?" A soft growl passed Muzen's lips, even as he licked Brian's nose. "I don't think so. You're staying right here with me."
Brian chuckled, putting his arm around Muzen's side. "Oh no, I don't want to be the captive of such a brute!" Gasping dramatically, he put his free hand to his forehead. "Whatever shall I do?"
Somehow, Muzen kept a straight face and answered with, "There's nothing you can do but be my mate and bear my pups. Litter after litter until the village is too big for even the jungle to contain them all."
Snorting, Brian burst out laughing. "Oh come on! What is it with everyone and kids? Don't 5’5you know, kids kinda suck. So many needs and so much money. You sure you want them?"
"Kids suck, says the teacher to the village pups," Muzen pointed out, poking the smaller wolf's nose. "You'll have to explain the word usage." One of the more intriguing aspects of Brian were the phrases and idioms that happened to pass his lips.
Brian chuckled, amused by the reaction. “Sorry, forgot you don’t have the same slang and idioms as back home. You treat me so much like any other villager that it slips my mind sometimes. Sucks can be used in a few ways, though in this context it would mean unpleasant.”
"Speaking of pups, I heard the elder approved of your idea for the festival." Muzen started to guide him again, this time to the village center.
“I’m glad,” Brian replied, his smile growing. “It should be interesting to say the least. The pups were all really excited about it.”
While he had been hesitant to introduce the idea, it wasn’t that far off from some of the traditions they practiced. Brian wasn’t sure who liked the idea more, the mothers or the pups. Of course, the elder reigned in any outlandish suggestions, but the sewing circle took to the concept with gusto. Though that wasn't saying much, with gusto seemed to be the only way that group knew how to do things.
As they approached the center of the village, Brian could see a few wolves working on three unlit bonfires. One tall one in the middle with two smaller ones flanking it off to the side. Crude benches were carved from fallen trees and arranged around the fires. Wolves were already there, excited murmuring filling the air.
“We’ve got quite a crowd,” Muzen commented, taking a seat on the closest bench. “I hope the pups aren’t too anxious.”
"The elder and I worked with them," Brian assured, sidling up close to him. "All that's left is to hope they took our advice to heart." Resting his head on Muzen’s shoulder, Brian stared towards the bonfires and awaited the show.
It didn't take long for the fires to be lit and the rest of the village to file in. Once the flames rose up mightily into the evening air, the pups of the village marched out in front of them. They were a bit awkward, with only a few taking to the art of acting. Each of them were dressed in costumes depicting various heroes and gods that the tribes held and their fur was painted with various symbols.
Brian couldn't help but think about the school plays that his young daughters had been in long ago. He imagined them onstage now, perfectly congruent with the pups around them. A wistful smile cracked his lips and a silent prayer wished the two safety.
The fantasy kept him riveted, nostalgia hanging over him like a cozy blanket. The legend was one of the wolf hero that learned the techniques for hunting and trapping game from the gods. It wouldn’t win any awards back on Earth, but everyone in the village seemed to love it all the same.
As quickly as it came, the nostalgia left replaced by a strange detachment from the world. Sound muted into warbles and colors began to bleed together. A massive wolf rose up from behind the fire pits, eyes gleaming like sapphires. His first reaction was to think that something in the gems he ate was making him hallucinate. He shut his eyes tight, hoping to ride out the altered state without incident.
He didn’t have to open his eyes to know that the creature stood before him. Moments paused with nothing but the warped speech of the pups reaching his ears. “Just don’t look at it, don’t acknowledge it and this won’t be like Wayne’s bachelor party,” he muttered, his hands going to the back of his head.
“¿Por qué te cubres los ojos, rojo?”
Brian blinked, instantly recognizing that his hallucination was speaking Spanish. That didn’t put
his worries at ease, but he still snuck a glance at the imposing figure. The wolf towered over him, though their true height was hard to gauge due to everything else around him blurring together. It was as if the wolf was commanding him to look at them and them alone through their sheer presence.
It peered down at him quizzically but pleased that he had acknowledged him.
Getting a better look at the wolf, Brian could tell that they were indeed male, the shape of his snout and broad build giving him away. “Uh, hi hallucination wolf?” he said weakly.
“Te has adaptado bien, Rojo. Me complace que compartas tu visión con mi familia.”
“Okay, so this hallucination is patting me on the back, better than the last time I tripped for sure,” Brian noted, righting himself in his seat. “Um, gracias.”
“Te he visto desde que te pusiste la máscara, roja. Tu vida en el pueblo me llena de orgullo.” Lowering his head, the wolf stared into Brian’s eyes. “Un regalo para ti, Rojo. Mis ojos serán tus ojos. Mi conocimiento, tu conocimiento.”
Suddenly, visions flashed before Brian, images bleeding together at a breakneck pace. It was overwhelming and he could feel his brain strain from the ordeal.
“Úsalo bien, rojo. Te estaré viendo.”
As quickly as the wolf had appeared, he was gone and the sounds of the other villagers returned in full force. Brian fell back out of his seat, his body spasming. A cry from Muzen cut the play short, bringing most of the adults rushing to his side. He didn’t even feel himself being lifted as the world around him went dark.
