Máscara De Los Lobos De Fuego

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.