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Changing Places

Chapter Seven

By Roofles

The day was still young and Simeon found himself being guided around the palace by the jackal guard Sirius and his younger brother Rylis. The tour had started off well enough. Going through the central garden and over the history of how the palace had been built.

“The Five Traitor Gods turned on their parents in order to let mortals thrive." Sirius gestured to each of one of the four buildings around them. “They in turn helped build the kingdom you see before you. The palace is a sacred place where the gods first stepped onto the earth with us mortals."

The jackal was clearly proud of this, holding his head up high. In fact, anything to do with the Gods made Sirius smile from ear to ear. His tail even wagging as he went on.

“The sacred land was the first gift the Gods gave to us." Sirius gestured all around them, turning in a full circle before looking back at Simeon.

“Shouldn't he know this…" Rylis tried to butt in, beginning to question Simeon's creditability. Sirius either chose to ignore his younger brother or didn't hear him as he just continued on.

Simeon just gave the younger black fur jackal a shrug in turn.

“Each of the four buildings you see had been built in honor of the one of The Four that joined The Fifth who has the Great Hall above the others, becoming King even over the other Gods." Sirius pointed to each, naming them off for the Gods they represented. “The Three Brothers of course. And the two wives who joined them in overthrowing their parents. Only the eldest brother is still without a queen."

“Neat." Simeon just nodded along unsure if Sirius had heard him or not.

“Isn't it?" Sirius had and the jackal soon got right up in his face practically bouncing on his heels in excitement. “The Gods overthrew their own parents in order to keep us safe! The sacrifices they made for all of us." The jackal looked like a kid, bright eyed at the history lesson.

“Yeah…" Simeon chuckled uneasily as he took a step back. “How does the Emperor play into this…?"

“Well," Sirius went on happily not even seeming to mind the question Simeon had been afraid to ask. While Rylis seemed to question it, Sirius was just happy to go on. Walking around the large rectangular viewing pool in the garden, he gestured to the largest of the buildings for them to go in first.

“The Gods have other things to do. They can't just keep watch over us each and every day." Sirius shook his head as if having asked himself the very same question many times over. “Thus they chose to hold a competition, not only to allow us to pay honor and tribute to them… but to also pick one of us mere mortals to lead the others! Raised above all others to lead in their name."

“And the Emperor won the last games, I take it." Simeon nodded along though picking things up as they went.

“Yes…" Sirius seemed to take a pause at that, making even Simeon stop in his tracks waiting for the jackal to go on. “He won." Sirius just nodded before picking up his pace. “Here. Let me show you how he did it. It may be easier than explaining it…" The jackal ear batted and he didn't hold his head as high as he'd previously done.

Even Simeon could pick up that Sirius didn't hold his Imperial Majesty in such esteem as he did with the Gods. Even if the Emperor saw himself as such, none of his subjects held him in such honors.

The largest of the four buildings wasn't a temple or a shrine to the God it had been built for, Simeon soon found out. It looked more like a museum of sorts. And even at that, it wasn't honoring the Gods.

Taking up one of the entire four buildings positioned around the imperial palace was a showcase to Emperor Pernadis “glorious rise to power" Sirius tried to assure Simeon about. The jackal had to clear his throat, getting a glass of water from a nearby servant. Giving Simeon one before taking one for himself out of due respect for him.

“The famed war hero started off as a mere peasant boy." Sirius begun as if reading from a script. The regal jackal stood tall and proud once more before the portrait on the wall they stopped in front of. For such a mere peasant boy, Emperor Pernadis looked very regal even in his youth. The illustrator taking the liberty to add muscle to the shirtless teen; as well as a large luminously flowing mane. Something someone so young shouldn't have he assumed having seen younger lions without manes.

Simeon thought it wise not to point it out. Or the fact the boy was standing on the body of some sort of oversized bovine he had just slain to protect the cowering villagers in the back. He had to be ten years old, maybe younger. It was hard to tell; Simeon not familiar with what children looked like here in comparison to age. Still sure that lion's, like back home, had to grow up to grow a mane.

Even he could tell it had been greatly exaggerated. Let alone the pitchfork behind a sheet of glass on display next to it.

“The very one he used to slay the insane oxen that had rampaged through the wheat fields his parents grew." Sirius was indeed reading from the display at this point, glancing up at the pitchfork before back down at the bronze award plaque in front of it.

The three gave it a look before moving on.

“From there. Well…" Sirius just waved a hand over towards several other paintings that had been set up on the walls. A long line showing the Emperor growing up and all the great achievements he had done along the way.

Slaying monsters, saving villagers, stopping a storm somehow… until Simeon stopped in front of one of the last on the wall. It was of a lion leading several others into battle against people that looked like Ajax's kin. The hyena's on the other side looking far more barbaric than the noble lion's did or the ones Simeon had met earlier in the day.

Simeon just frowned at it, knowing that history was indeed written by the winners and there was no better showcasing of this than this very room they stood in. “The noble lion-guard verse the mud-walkers." The portrait read underneath.

“His Imperial Majesty fought off the invading hordes…" Simeon read the writing aloud. “The barbaric nomads never able to gain ground against the strength, tactical leadership and… beauty of the Emperor to be… Beauty?" Simeon glanced over at Sirius.

The jackal wasn't looking at him. Instead was facing the other way.

“Well, yes. He was rather… handsome. Wasn't he?" Sirius tried to offer turning back towards him. His tall sharp ears splayed out a bit as he gave Simeon the best smile he could muster.

“Wasn't this building built to honor the Gods and not… well…" Simeon rolled his hand not exactly wanting to bluntly just come out and say it. Afraid he might have too at this point. Sirius hadn't stopped ranting about the Gods but at this? The jackal began to falter at his own words and his confidence on the matter.

“He was chosen by the Gods…" Sirius just said as if in his own defense on the matter. His ears folded back and he looked to one side. The golden paint around his eyes only highlighted the black fur jackal's discomfort.

Sirius had taken off his helmet, carrying it under one arm during the tour giving Simeon a clear look at his face. The canine had a strong jaw and cheek bones. Though that might've been from the gold paint on them, highlighting each underneath at obsidian fur.

“So the gods chose him even knowing…" Simeon couldn't help himself asking in the moment as he glanced around them. “Seems…" He couldn't finish the thought however.

“There are plenty of others places we need to see!" Sirius cut him off, holding up a finger and then promptly turning on his heel and guiding them out of the building and towards another. “The Gods give us far more than just the gift of life, you see…" The jackal was back on it, going over the agricultural benefits there was to it all.

The two quickly followed after the older brother.

“And how even here, up amongst the clouds, plants can grow." Sirius gestured towards the flowers. “Truly a blessing." He nodded.

“Right." Simeon just added glancing over at Rylis who seemed to be even more bored than Simeon was. “Rylis, was it?" Simeon began in a low voice.

That startled the younger jackal; his brother still ranting on in front of them and seeming to miss their side conversation.

“Uh, yes? Honored guest?" Rylis stammered a bit as if trying to recall how to be polite and that Simeon was someone worth the respect.

“I'm getting hungry." Simeon just smiled at the look he got. “How about you run off and get us something to eat?" The human eyes sparkled knowingly. “You can take your time," he added though just to make sure Rylis got what he meant. “We both don't have to be here for this…" Simeon finished with a shrug.

The gears in Rylis's head slowly turned before the light bulb flicked on and he got what Simeon was trying to do.

“Well…" Rylis began.

“Your brother just started. We've already had a long day dealing with," Simeon thumbed over at the place they had come from. The main hall was on the tallest point of the mountain side the palace had been built on, overlooking even the four buildings. “We both don't have to suffer…"

“Well… True… Sirius can cover this…" Rylis thought over it all as if trying to see some hidden agenda in it all.

“Now. That was only the start! The agriculture couldn't start up without the aqueducts a key structural point in history that helped spread the kingdoms growth." Sirius gestured to one of the stone bridge like structures jutting out from the side of the mountainside and running down towards the city below.

“Dear Gods, not the aqueducts again!" Rylis eyes widen and without further ado left the two. Simeon just smiled as he watched the younger jackal head off.

“One down…" Simeon smiled at a job well done, turning back around to walk after Sirius. Unsure how he'd give the jackal the slip without using some otherworldly means.

The shawl on his arms seemed to glow faintly in the evening suns and Simeon just smiled at that.

“Well, if you insist." He shook his head, easily catching up to Sirius. The jackal going on about the trees now that had grown in the garden.

“Olive trees are a stable in the cities trade among the other realms." Sirius paused as Simeon stepped up next to him. The jackal's tail wagged once as the canine cleared his throat. “We create many different exports from the olives."

“We?" Simeon asked, more amused by how into this Sirius was about such a thing than the actual thing in question. “Do you belong to the kingdom too, then?" Simeon was curious about some things and with the shawl; he could escape at any moment. He just needed the right moment too.

“Well, yes. And no…" Sirius fumbled a bit after being cut off.

“Breathe. Relax. Just tell me, truthfully. I'll know otherwise." Simeon wanted to wiggle his fingers in the jackals face, mocking the idea that he was some sort of witness of the Gods as the Emperor had claimed him to be.

“Well…" Sirius ears folded back as he looked away from the human in front of him. “With the Emperor being, well, a lion… his people are lions… not jackals."

“Does that also apply to the others then?" Simeon gestured around them as if trying to point out all the other races.

“That is how things go, yes. Usually." Sirius nodded though. “With the Emperor winning The Games from the previous competition, the lion's have risen above the others. As did the horses did before them. And so on, and so forth."

“So whoever wins that person people are lifted up along with them?" Simeon felt like he was back in class and was worried this was going to be on some pop quiz in the future.

“Something like that, yes. While the Emperor himself is blessed with divine power, his people are just blessed by his winning and naturally, it benefits the people. They are able to move into the city," Sirius gesture down the steps towards the city below. “And even his people can be lifted up…" Sirius nodded to one of the lion-taurs walking by them.

Simeon wanted to ask a hundred questions after that, the look he gave Sirius seemed to ask the question in itself.

“Yes. The Emperor has the power to… bless his people with extra strength. Not all horses have wings." Sirius chuckled. “Such blessings change with the God they represent. And thus, who wins."

That raised even more questions than it answered.

“What about a jackal god. What kind of blessing would you get, then?" Simeon asked instead rather than the hundred other questions bouncing around his head.

“Well…" Sirius took a moment on that. “If I got such a blessing, I'm sure it would be wonderful. No matter what happened…" The jackal didn't sound confident and Simeon didn't dare ask him further. He wasn't sure how he'd feel himself if his body was altered by some divine being.

He didn't like the idea at all in fact.

“So they… play god." Simeon almost laughed at the notion, shaking his head. Sirius had said they had gifted the mortals the land but it seemed like this was just the Gods playground. Making him question how much the gods interfered with the mortals in this world as, in history, they had in his own.

“Yes, well let us continue the tour, shall we?" Sirius asked but didn't wait as he continued on, not even seeming to notice his brother's absence.

Simeon went along with it, for the most part. There was anything else to do. It wasn't like he could just message the others and see where they were at. Even if he could give Sirius the slip, that didn't exactly leave him in a favorable position. It just meant he'd be left alone.

And despite Sirius ramblings and obsession with the Gods, the jackal hadn't been poor company. The tall, muscular broad back jackal wore loose open clothing giving Simeon plenty to look at as they walked around to one of the four “pillars" of the palace.

“The four buildings are said to hold up the Gods realm above our own." Sirius went on with a nod. “This might be more metaphorical than physical…" The jackal did note seeing as how none of the buildings even rose that high up above the others around them. “Once temples, they have been repurposed by the previous Emperor's into more practical things."

The jackal lip twitched at the thought and Simeon once more felt the need not to pry, afraid the canine might snap at him if he did.

Sirius stopped at the opening of one of them to let Simeon get a look inside. The large open structure didn't have a roof like the other. It was a large rectangular with an open arena in the middle. Training dummies, equipment and several soldiers were practicing within.

Speaking of eye candy…

Amongst those training were a few familiar faces Simeon had been keeping an eye out for. Just glad they hadn't gone down to the city below. It looked far bigger than the previous city he'd been in. It would be nigh impossible to find anyone he knew down there.

“Moving on…" Sirius began, stepping to one side without glancing back.

“I need a break." Simeon interjected making the jackal look over at him. “Bathroom break." He explained with a shrug of one shoulder. “Even as a divine being, you know how it is. Taking mortal form…" Simeon was just making this up as he went at this point.

“Oh, well. Yes. I suppose you would… needing to use a mortal vessel and all." Sirius nodded as if trying to make sense of the request.

“Correct. You are very shrewd." Simeon complimented the jackal guard, making the canine wag his tail once. If Sirius had been shorter, Simeon might've pat him on the head calling him a good boy.

Led off to one side, Simeon excused himself slipping inside the room and shutting the door behind him. It wasn't exactly a lie, he did need to go and it would allow him to kill two birds with one stone.

“I hope… the tour isn't too boring." Sirius spoke up from the other side making Simeon frown a bit. No one liked being talked too when trying to take a piss. Clearly he needed to get away for more than one reason.

“What do you mean?" Simeon sighed, trying to stay as friendly as ever as he took a piss, holding his dick in one hand.

“I know most don't find this subject interesting." Sirius voice grew softer as he spoke, making the human feel bad for the nerdy jackal. If he was back in school, Sirius would've been the one picked on; then again, with that body Simeon doubted anyone would have the courage too.

“I find it very interesting." Simeon lied to spare Sirius feelings on the matter. “History is an important subject. We must know the past so we don't repeat it." He added on, recalling what one of his lit teachers had told him once.

Doomed to repeat the past.

That part, Simeon recalled too well. Something he wasn't planning to make again even as he slipped the shawl on over his head and slipped out past the jackal guard standing to one side. The jackal was going on about how much that was true. How they as a people needed to learn from the past to protect the future.

Sirius nose twitched and those piercing eyes looked directly at Simeon as if able to see him the next second. The human froze, waiting for Sirius to say something but the jackal just shook his head and continued to ramble on about history.

Simeon wanted to apologize but didn't as he looped around the jackal and back towards the courtyard they had walked past. Glancing back he could still see Sirius waiting for him outside the restroom he wasn't in any longer. He'd have to apologize later, but for now he needed this freedom and space to find the others.

Rounding the corner, Simeon decided it might be best to keep the shawl on. It was cool to the touch, almost cold like ice. It was a nice contrast in the afternoon heat of the day. This place, wherever this was, was far warmer than back home. Simeon wasn't used to it.

It had been winter where he'd come from. Ending up in this strange world was anything but winter time. It seemed to be the middle of Summer here. The heat was hot, though not oppressive. It made him sweat far more than he'd like though. The humidity wasn't like anything he was used too; sure he was underneath the equator here.

Wherever here was…

The thought kept rolling around in Simeon's head as he began looking around. He wanted to find some sort of map or maybe a library? The thought alone would be nice. Unable to just pull out his phone and browse the internet, he needed to go old school to find information. Knowing where he was might lead to how he got here and in turn how to get home.

Wandering as he was, he didn't even notice he looped around one building into the court where the soldiers had been training. Dozens of battle hardened men were still out and about. Wooden swords and shields used to practice with as they trained against one another, practicing their techniques and form against training dummies as well as several who looked as if they were just working out. Lifting up heavy weights as they sat around with each other, talking about the tournament coming up.

Unfortunately, he didn't spy the two he'd seen earlier. Both Ryder and Ajax were absent.

Watching the others, Simeon learned one thing. He wasn't even on par with any of them. Even the smallest soldier could hold their own against the human who had never picked up a weapon before. There was a mixture of races here, he noted as he took a seat on one of the benches making sure the shawl didn't fall off as he did.

He noticed the jackal running past them, peaking his head in to look around before quickly moving on. Simeon really would need to apologize to Sirius in the future about this as he turned his attention back to the others practicing.

Most were lions. Like the guards here, it seemed to be the case that the felines were in charge. Something to do with the emperor being a lion, as Sirius had said. Simeon just mused to himself looking over at the others before him. There were several hyena matching Ajax in a lot of ways. They were pushed to the side, in a small group lifting weights away from the others.

A few jackals were mixed among them. Unlike Sirius or his brother, these brown fur jackals had black marks running down their back, butts and tails. And the reason Simeon could see all this?

Nearly everyone here was naked. Save for a few protective loin cloth here or a girdle there, the hyena's choosing to wear leather strapping instead; everyone was exposed. Every curve, every bulging muscle, every sweaty back was open and bare in the warm afternoon air as the men continued to work out before him.

It was quite a show.

“Quite a show, huh?" A voice said his own thoughts aloud startling Simeon. The fox sitting down next to him as he surveyed the scene before them. He whistled softly, a sound that made even Simeon take notice.

The human looked around, but like himself under the shawl, no one seemed to notice the fox sitting directly next to him.

“Bunch of big, manly men working out. Grunting as they thrust their swords against one another…" Dollos went on, practically licking his lips as he rolled his whole muzzle with the tongue to look at the human he was sitting next too. “I see why you sat here. Plenty of things to watch…" The fox motioned with his eyes and the two got an eye full as several lions jogged past, the loin cloths hiding very little as they bounced by.

“Bounce, bounce, bounce." Dollos chuckled making Simeon blush.

“Can you read minds?" Simeon was afraid to ask.

“Oh, no. Nothing like that." The fox chuckled though, resting back. Holding the bench with both hands as he leaned even further back to look up at the sky above them. The suns were beginning to set and a twilight had fallen; the sky was ablaze with streaks of varying shades of red and orange. “So many sights to see at this time of day."

“It matches your fur." Simeon noted making the fox look back down at him. “I don't see any foxes here… I saw some small ones back in Hali but no… foxes, like you..." Simeon frowned unsure if that was the right word or not. If his species or race had a type of name for it.

“There wouldn't be any…" One of the large ears batted at that as the fox turned his gaze back towards those before them. “Especially not here of all places…"

“Do foxes not compete in the tournament?" Simeon asked, truly curious about the subject. Dollos tail swayed to one side, the bushy tail never stopped moving as it drifted back and forth. Like the wind around them.

“Not anymore." Dollos frowned a bit at that, chewing the thought over before shaking it away.

“Never?"

“Only once…" The fox shoulders sagged and he appeared far older than he did in that moment. Simeon was sure he could even see gray fur amongst the bright reddish orange and black markings on his face.

“I… I didn't know. Any of this. Anything here…" Simeon just frowned a bit at the thought. Ignorant of this place, this world. “I didn't mean to offend you."

“Oh, you didn't. If you did? You'd know…" Dollos said as if in warning. “It isn't wise to offend a god." He mused aloud. Speaking more to himself than to the human sitting next to him.

“Excuse me?" Simeon sat up at that.

“The others are coming. I can't keep you hidden for much longer from their sight." Dollos stood up looking around them. “Some may already be here now…" The fox looked over each and every soldier before them as if trying to see something Simeon couldn't. “Be careful, be mindful and above all else? Lie."

And with a gust of wind and the smell of fallen leaves the fox was gone.

Simeon figured something like this would happen. Though he wasn't expecting the news. Gods? Others? The thought made his stomach sour and he felt a bit sick. If others like Dollos showed up, what would that mean for him? Could he… possibly ask one of them to send him home? Would they? Could they?

He was sure that wasn't possible. Despite the fox's intentions being a mystery, Dollos had been the only one to at least somewhat help him in all this. The shawl alone was proof of that. Without it, Simeon feared what would've happened to him.

Keep hidden.

Keep away from others.

Lie.

That was something he was used to doing. It wasn't that much of a change in the end of things, even being in a place like this. All it meant was that he had to put his acting skills to the test. And at that, he took the shawl off. Standing up with a stretch.

He needed to be an actor, not a stage hand right now.

“All alone, I see?" A voice chimed up bringing him back to the present. Most the soldiers had vacated the area as Simeon sat there, thinking it over. Glancing back, he was welcomed to see a familiar face.

Ryder had his bow slung over one shoulder, quiver at his side. Twin straps crossed over his back, leaving his chest bare and exposed. A loose fitting cloth sash was around his waist with little else on or underneath it. Simeon made sure to keep his eyes above navel level.

“Yup. That does seem to be the case, huh?" Simeon got up, dusting himself off before he turned to greet the cheetah. Looking around he noted that no one else was here now.

“What about what's-his-face?" Ryder looked around as if trying to spy anyone else. His small round ears were standing at attention, eyes scanning the area around them.

“Which one?" Simeon just shrugged unsure who he was talking about in this case. “I've had a lot of people come and go in the past couple days."

“We have a word for people like you here..." Ryder rested back against one of the pillars, crossing his arms and legs as he looked the human over with a knowing smirk.

“We do too, back home." Simeon chuckled lightly at that though glad Ryder was in a good mood at least. Everyone else seemed to have a hair up their ass about something or other; not that Simeon was one to judge such a thing. He still rather not be alone in such this place.

“Right. Home." Ryder picked at his teeth with a clawed finger. “Anyone else know about that?"

“Other than you three? No." Simeon lied. “Though, I don't think Kamir believes me on that matter…"

Ryder nodded at that. “No, I doubt he would. He believes in destiny too much for such a thing." The cheetah shook his head on that, as if exhausted from the conversation he seemed to of had several times previously with the large lion.

“Unlike you." Simeon noted as the two exited the training room and walked around the outer perimeter of the palace, neither wanting to deal with people right now.

“Nope. Don't believe in that. Or fate. Or Gods." Ryder just shrugged.

“How… can you not believe in Gods, living here?" Simeon had to ask. Back home was another story. You didn't have to deal with a god or gods in your day to day life. Here on the other hand was a whole other story. They were practically rubbed in your face every step you took.

“Not like that." Ryder laughed though, to Simeon's surprise. It was nice to see him smile for a change. The spotted yellow face easing up as it was just the two of them. Simeon could only figure Ryder wasn't one to enjoy the company of others much.

“Then what? What do you mean exactly by that?" Simeon pressed as Ryder showed no sign of going on. The cheetah just chuckled once more.

“Just because the Gods are part of everyone else's lives doesn't mean they got to be a part of mine." Ryder stopped near the balcony, moving over to look down and over the city below. Simeon joined him. The twilight was beginning to darken but the two could make out the city below.

A rolling, descending city that ran down the mountainside like a rug someone had lain out. The buildings matched those back in Hali. Made of stone and mud, they differed in size and quality the further away from the palace they got. Getting worse and worse. Both reflecting the importance of those who lived in them as was as the wealth the household owned closer to the palace.

“They don't care about people like me. Or you." Ryder noted glancing over at the human. Simeon just leaned against the marble railing looking out. He closed his eyes, taking a breath of the fresh air. The air here really was nice. “They help those above," he gestured at the closest houses and then the palace itself, turning around in the motioning and resting back against the railing. “Not commoners. Not peasants. Not those who actually need the help…"

Simeon didn't say anything. He just let Ryder go on, getting this off his chest. The cheetah wasn't able to talk such slanderous things with the others. Only an outsider, like Simeon, allowed him to be truthful for a change.

“I didn't grow up rich. Or wealthy. Or even well off!" Ryder scoffed at that as he rested back, bending his body nearly over the railing in a stretch that only a feline could manage. “We made due with what we had. And when we didn't have it? We got it." The cheetah smiled devilishly a bit at that thought, though didn't elaborate further on it.

“What good are Gods if they don't even help the people…?" Simeon grimaced a bit as he thought that over.

“They have their uses, sure." Ryder offered with a shrug. “Keep the seasons going. Make sure the sun rises or some shit like that." The cheetah laughed. “Make sure people don't go mad." He continued to pick at his teeth.

“Doesn't the planet orbit a sun like…" Simeon stopped himself, clearing his throat and not about to add science into this conversation. Different planet, different rules? He doubted that. Instead, rather focus on the culture itself. If he said too much they might accuse him of being a witch and burn him at the stake.

“Phoebus pulls the suns around the world. Forever chasing Nox his lover or some such nonsense…" Ryder had to really push the gears in his head to move to recall what he had learned. “They taught us that much. Didn't teach us to read or write." The cheetah scoffed. “You know, useful things. Just how to praise the gods…"

“Is that how you knew I wasn't…" Simeon frowned a bit as he thought it over. Kamir had acted like Simeon wasn't anything special but he could tell. Simeon could see in those warm honey eyes the lion saw him as more than just that. Something Simeon could never live up too.

Ajax was just too dumb to know otherwise. Maybe that had been one reason why he'd taken a liking to the hyena.

“Yeah. Basically…" Ryder shrugged his shoulders, easing off his bow and setting it to one side. The heavy metal thing had to weigh a ton. “Unlike the others, I question it. Question things. It's how I stayed alive." Ryder said as if Simeon had asked him the question. “I noticed you aren't… well…" The cheetah frown now unsure how to just say it.

“That I'm a furless monkey?" Simeon offered with a laugh. “A human. That's what we call ourselves. Homo sapiens to be precise." Simeon wasn't sure why he was telling Ryder this, knowing he should keep his mouth shut. Still, it was nice to be able to talk to someone.

“Heh, homo…" Ryder couldn't let that pass however. The juvenile joke made Simeon roll his eyes.

“It means same. So, yeah. Homo." Simeon just nudged Ryder side with a laugh. “You guys don't seem to have an issue with that though…" Simeon wasn't about to mention the half naked, sweaty men working out in front of him earlier. They had been far closer to one another than anyone back home would be.

“Well…" Ryder paused at that, afraid to say more. “His majesty," Ryder rolled his eyes at the title. The cheetah made sure no guards were around as he went on. “Isn't too happy about that."

“Really?" Simeon almost laughed at the idea.

“Or woman…" Ryder nodded. Simeon did notice how the Emperor treated his own daughter. “He has many, of course. Wives and lovers alike." Ryder just said as if it were common knowledge. “Still doesn't trust any of them. Let alone a woman on the battlefield."

“But… I saw woman earlier," Simeon gestured towards the room they had introduced themselves to him in. “The great hall had dozens of woman. Warriors and soldiers and, well, fuck dude. They were big! They could snap me in half." He laughed a bit at that.

Ryder chuckled along. “Most could. The tournament is open to all, though. Even the Emperor can't stop someone from joining." The cheetah took a second at that. “No matter what he may say or do, the Gods in this case have the final say…"

Simeon thought that over, rubbing his chin. “That's why he's pushing his heirs so hard on the matter…" Ryder gave a single nod at that. “If one of the others…" Simeon looked at the cheetah and Ryder got what he meant. “Won, then the lions wouldn't be the ones in charge any longer."

“Exactly." Ryder just gave a single nod again. “You pick things up quick for someone who isn't from here…" The cheetah said suspiciously, eying the human. Noting just how small and weak looking Simeon was, he shook it off. Simeon would make a terrible spy and would break under any kind of torture if caught.

“I was going to school before this. It was sort of my job then to pay attention and learn." Simeon didn't add on he had some outside help in the matter. That was old world problems. He needed to get back before they kicked him out of college for his absence. Just glad it was winter break, for now.

“You did have the scholar look to you." Ryder chuckled. It was hard to tell if that was an insult or not. Simeon didn't ask.

“What about foxes?" Simeon asked the question that had been floating around in his head for a while now. “In the tournament, I mean." He pressed on.

“…Why do you ask?" Ryder looked away, not meeting his eyes.

“You said anyone can join the tournament. So, what about foxes?" Simeon pressed the issue at hand, unsure why no one could give him a proper answer about these things. “Or the other species! I mean I met a lot today! But, like, I've seen more…"

Ryder shoulders slouched.

“What about cheetah's? Are you… entering?"

“I'll be supporting, Kamir. That's all I can do." Ryder just frowned though not pushing the subject further.

“Because he has the best chance of winning or…" Simeon could feel the tension from the cheetah now. There was far more going on here than anyone was letting him in on. He decided to drop the subject for the time being, still not wanting to draw too much attention as it was.

Maybe he could ask Kamir about it? Look into this and figure out why things were the way they are… or maybe he should just drop it all together? It wasn't like he planned to stick around here.

“You hungry?" Ryder decided to change the subject for him. Simeon could go for some food and nodded along. “Good. We don't have to go to the great hall, though. I know a spot." The cheetah winked at him, motioning for him to tag along as he began to jog along the perimeter of the palace.

Simeon looked back down at the city, seeing the large circular coliseum where the games would be taking place at before joining him. Having to run a bit to catch up to the cheetah whose strides were one to every three of Simeon's.

Within five minutes Ryder stopped, motioning for him to be quiet as he wrapped a knuckle on a wooden panel in the wall. After a moment, the wooden slab opened up like a window and Simeon could see a kitchen on the other side. The smells coming from within made his mouth water.

“No." The lady said. The feline did not look happy to see Ryder at all. “Not again. Not after what you pulled, mister!" The cat actually hissed at the cheetah making Simeon want to laugh. She had to be half Ryder's sized and looked as if she were about to beat him to death with the wooden ladle she was carrying.

“Oh, come now Patricia. You know me." Ryder shrugged though, shaking his head. “It was someone else. I would never…"

“Not a word more or so help me…" Patricia warned before stopping in mid sentence. She had lifted the spoon up about to chuck it at Ryder's face before spying Simeon to the side. “Oh, honored guest… I didn't… I didn't see you there…" She stumbled with her words, bowing her head and gave him a courtesy in apology.

“No worries at all, please. Continue." Simeon just chuckled wanting to see her toss the spoon at his companion.

“He's just joking, of course." Ryder gave him a look. “I was showing his Majesty's guest around when he said he was hungry…" Simeon frowned at that.

So that was why Ryder had brought him along. Planning to use his title to get them both some free food. He'd have to keep an eye on the crafty cheetah from now on; though the idea of using his title to get himself some free things did make things a bit more interesting. Wondering if he could use it as well to figure some things out that others wanted to keep hidden.

Secrets.

A lie hidden from others.

That thought made Simeon pause. In the next second forgetting all about it as Ryder crawled his way inside through the panel, motioning with a hand for Simeon to follow him.

“Just keep quiet!" Patricia hissed far louder than either of the two had been. “If the head chef finds out I'll lose my job!" She said loudly.

“I won't let that happen." Simeon lied, reaching out to hold one of her hands. He gave her a warm smile. “I promise."

Patricia ears splayed out at that, blushing from one ear to the other. The sandy brown feline looked like some sort of desert cat, Simeon wasn't sure. She was half the size of Ryder with large golden hoop earrings along with several more looped around her neck. She wore a simple white robe and sandals, leaving her arms and hands free for cooking.

“What's on the menu tonight?" Ryder butted in, literally stepping between the two to separate them.

“Nothing for you!" Patricia bapped Ryder's forehead with the wooden spoon making the spotted feline pull back and rub between his ears with a hiss. “Honor guest, please…" She motioned for Simeon to follow, starry eyed as she just stared at him.

“Simeon, please. Names are always far nicer than titles, Patricia." Simeon just gave a smirk to Ryder before smiling once more at the desert cat, taking her arm in his as she led him further into the kitchen. The cheetah watched with a slack jaw, wondering if Simeon really was far better at being a spy than he thought. “I just love your gown. It's just so nice." He went on to compliment her earrings and jewelry.

The desert cat giggled like a school girl as she began showing him the kitchen.

It was far blander than Simeon thought it would be to feed an entire palace. Several large ceramic jugs with wooden lids had been set up near the door. Used to store grains and flour, he could only assume from the white substance on them. Wooden crates were stacked on shelves filled with fresh fruits and vegetables from the market. A large grill was pushed to one corner, coals still burning underneath it. An opening in the wall looked like a pizza oven, making Simeon wonder if they did in fact have pizza here.

“Fresh breads and fruits. Only." Patricia warned Ryder as he began digging through the crates. “So handsy, as ever." The desert feline went on, chastising the cheetah who seemed to be all but ignoring her at this point. Simeon could tell there was a history between the two and didn't get in their way as he looped around to look at some of the glass jars in the open window.

The honey color reminded him of Kamir and he wondered what the feline was up to in that moment.

“Honey bread for you, Simeon." Patricia handed Simeon a full loaf of bread. It was warm to the touch and smelled just as sweet.

“What about me!" Ryder spoke up from behind. Patricia only then seemed to notice the cheetah had stuck around.

“There's leftovers out back." Patricia snapped at him, giving another swing at the cheetah's face. Ryder was too quick and the spoon only met the air between them.

“Watch it!" Ryder warned.

“I should've watched it. Before I met you! How could you! With my own sister!" Patricia was beginning to shout now as the two argued about it.

“Baby, I thought it was you!" Ryder tried to defend himself. Even Simeon winced at just how weak that was, still staying out of the matter.

“What did she give you? Huh? I bet it was those… those fruit pies!" Patricia practically was crying at this point. “Is my honey bread not good enough!"

Simeon only frowned at that. Was she… more upset that Ryder had cheated on her or about the fact the cheetah had only done it to get to these fruit pies. Those must be some good pie…

“You know your honey buns are far better than her pie!" Ryder soothed the desert feline, holding her hands now. Simeon wanted to laugh at the tone Ryder was using. It was far more condescending than Patricia seemed to notice. The cheetah just putting on the sweetsy voice to calm her down. And she was falling for it. “Your honey buns are divine…"

Simeon wasn't sure if Ryder was talking about the bread anymore.

“I know, I know. It's just… she always brings it up now!" Patricia went on, still as loud as ever. The fact the otherwise silent cheetah would be dating someone as loud as this was something else. Opposites attract, Simeon guessed.

“Is it alright if I grabbed another couple?" Simeon asked. Though he didn't need too. Patricia lost in Ryder at the moment. He could have grabbed a crate of fruit and left and he doubted she would even have noticed. “You two have fun." He laughed though; shaking his head as he tucked a few more loafs under one arm and left.

Swinging the shawl around, he hid himself from view. Moving through the court under the shroud of darkness. The cool cloth felt nice even in the night. The air still as warm as ever. Simeon worried he'd have to wash the cloth, or afraid too. The fabric that matched the night sky above, still smelled clean and soft to the touch.

In fact, Simeon himself was far dirtier than the cloth was.

“Voodoo magic, got it." Simeon just nodded not about to begin question such things anymore. Those back home would have a field day with such a thing. Not just for its invisibility qualities but the fact this fabric seemed to be the cleanest thing he'd ever owned.

Having to skirt around a group of guards, who stopped to sniff at the air, Simeon made his way around looking for some sort of sign to point out the rooms he was looking for. Passing by something that looked like a library, he back tracked. Planning on trying to find Kamir or Ajax, Simeon ended up ducking inside instead. The two could wait. He wanted to figure things out now.

Walking past the attendant at the front desk, he began walking down the row of bookshelves. Stacked on top of each other all the way up to the ceiling Simeon couldn't even see. Unlike the other buildings, this one had a roof. Drapes were over every opening and inside was far cooler than the outside was. However they had built this place was done, most likely, to keep the parchment and books from deteriorating due to the weather.

“More voodoo magic, sure. Whatever." Simeon rolled his eyes. One of the buildings had been a shrine to the Emperor, another a training room, this was a library leaving only one of the four buildings left for him to explore.

“The dorms!" Simeon eyes widen figuring those had to be where everyone stayed or slept. “Fuck. I went in the opposite direction." He laughed with a shake of his head. At least this place was relatively empty. It left him room to browse the selection unmolested for a change.

Pulling a book down, he set the bread aside, and opened it. Only to find he didn't understand a single word within.

“You've got to be kidding me." Simeon pulled down another book. Then another. Just a bunch of chicken scratches as far as Simeon could tell were inside each. The words and letters, each and every one was beyond his understanding.

Despite his ability to speak the language, he couldn't read it, it seemed.

That made him stop, pondering that instead.

“Why can I understand the language but not the writing?" Simeon took a moment, recalling he could understand some letters and signs. But not books? That seemed far fishier than if he could or fully couldn't. It was as if someone had selected what he could and couldn't understand.

His train of thought was interrupted as someone nearby dropped several books. Looking around the corner, he quickly put the shawl back on.

“Have you seen him or not!" Sirius demanded to know, interrogating the steward now. The male cowered back from the black fur jackal. The jackal was breathing heavily having run around the palace a hundred times looking for Simeon.

“I have not. No one has come in or out. You know this. No one comes here." The steward tried to say, tried to defend themselves. Sirius was having none of it at this point having been looking for Simeon this whole time.

The jackal didn't so much punch as push the steward back, causing even more books to fall over. The force of the push might as well have been a punch, however. Sirius rubbed his large furry ears with both hands, cursing in his native tongue.

“I can't believe I lost him! The one task I had and I just… just…" Sirius closed his mouth, looking to the side and trying to think of something. Anything to explain this situation to his majesty as well as the others. “My position. They'll take it from me. Throw me in the dungeon?" His eyes widened slightly as he held his throat as if afraid it would be more.

Simeon mentally smacked himself in the face for that. He knew Sirius would get in trouble for losing him; he forgot where exactly he was. The form of punishment here was far harsher than it would be back home. And unless he did something quickly, Sirius was bound to end up in chains at this rate. Maybe put on display as punishment.

“There you are!" Simeon pulled the shawl off, wrapping it around his arm as he carried to loafs of bread over with him. “I've been looking everywhere for you." Simeon chuckled lightly as the black fur jackal large ears jumped up.

Those sandy eyes widened, softened in relief then scowled in anger as Sirius stomped his way over. A range of emotions crossing over the jackals face as he ignored the steward he'd been harassing a second ago; the jackal stepping over the man with one long, lithe leg with a muscular thigh. His glossy black fur seeming to shine in the torchlight.

“Where have you been?" Sirius demanded to know.

“I wanted to explore after you left." Simeon just said, lying his ass off. He gave the jackal a look. “I exited out and you were gone."

Sirius hesitated for a second as if second guessing himself now.

“And when you weren't, I figured something came up. So… logically speaking, I just continued the tour without you. Also," Simeon said loudly cutting Sirius off before the jackal put another word in. “I got you some bread!" He chuckled lightly, holding it out as a metaphorical olive branch in this situation hoping Sirius would take the bite and not question it further.

“You weren't…" Sirius paused though, ears folding back. Unsure if he should question such things. If this was the will of the Gods, who was he, a lowly servant, to question it. “Thank you." He bowed low, crossing an arm over his chest and practically knelt before Simeon.

Even the human had to admit, he had over done it a bit. Gaslighting the poor jackal like this. Instead, he was glad Sirius took him up on his olive branch and was able to offer him a warm treat this night.

“You weren't at dinner…" Sirius frowned now as the two sat out front of the library; though Simeon figured he could get away with eating inside, he didn't want to abuse his power too much. Not wanting to be figured out and worrying the consequences as it was.

If Sirius would be punished so harshly for just losing the human, what would happen to Simeon if someone figured out he wasn't who they thought he was? He should probably take Dollos's advice and lie his ass off from here on out. To save his own skin.

“Yes, well I got a hankering for something else." Simeon chuckled lightly after swallowing the bite he took. Covering his mouth even, to be polite. The jackal gave him a look. “I meant I was hungry for knowledge."

“Thus the library." The jackal nodded.

“After your detailed lesson on the history, I got curious." Simeon continued to lie as he went on, stroking the jackal's ego a bit at this point.

“Oh? I'm… I'm glad to hear that!" Sirius said forgetting all about the fact Simeon had abandoned him it seemed.

“I'm not sure how to ask this but are you able to… read?" Simeon frowned a bit, hoping to use the jackal once more. If Sirius could read then he was sure he'd be able to ask the jackal for the information he was looking for.

“I'm afraid, no." Sirius ears folded back at that. “I was trained at a young age, like my brothers, to be a warrior first. Everything else was second… I'm sorry I could not be of more use to you, your Excellency." Sirius once more, bowed his head as if apology.

Even Simeon wasn't feeling guilty before, he was now. That guilt just stacked on top of one another at this point. Unsure what to say or do, Simeon just placed a hand on the jackals. The canine looked down at that, his ears folding back unable to meet those eyes smiling at him.

“Thank you for today, Sirius. I greatly appreciate all you have done for me." Simeon wasn't sure why he was blushing at this point, looking away.

“I wish I could have done more for you today. I feel… like a poor host." Sirius tail wagged softly as Simeon hand touched his own. The larger canine feeling those small fingers against his own. There had been many things he'd been deprived of so he could focus on his training. A touch of another was at the top of the list.

“You have both been a delight as well as a good tour guide. Very knowledgeable." Simeon might've been pushing it at this point. Sirius tail only continued to wag, and although not familiar with his kind, Simeon could recognized a happy dog when he saw one. “Let's just enjoy the rest of the night then. I assume you will continue to be my guard…?"

“Yes. His majesty dictated the role to me." Sirius smiled with pride at the task.

“… So you couldn't train like the others?" Simeon pointed out.

“W-what?" Sirius ears folded back. He looked at Simeon agape, jaw slightly open with wide eyes. “No, no. His majesty trusts me…"

“I just mean, I saw everyone else in the courtyard training…" Simeon motioned to the side building. “There were several others trying to squeeze last minute practice in, I assume. And you are here keeping me company."

“Well that… I mean is… is also an important role in things!" Sirius stammered, trying to explain why he wasn't also training. “I have put great effort into this role. For if I were to win, I would be a worthy successor to his Imperial Majesty! The Gods willing…" Sirius added with a smile giving Simeon one of those looks.

Simeon figured the jackal was hoping to grease the wheels a bit, unknowing that Simeon would have no say at all in the end results. It was the same look Kamir had given him. Hope at the seemingly impossible.

“I don't doubt you, Sirius." Simeon only laughed though. “I was just wondering where Kamir and the others are then."

Sirius took a second on that, scratching his chin in thought. “I believe the young prince is in his room. The others are out in the city, collecting what they can on the up and coming games." The jackal nodded at that as if sure that was the case.

“Reconnaissance before The Games, huh? Does that help?" Simeon thought that over. Checking out what was to come or just scoping out your competition could be useful. Maybe in the days to come he could do so for Kamir and the others.

Then again, he really did have little say in all this. Unsure who he wanted to win at the end of the day… Whoever would benefit him the most, maybe? Still, he did want to help Kamir. If only to return the favor.

“Well, as you know," Sirius nodded politely before going on. “The Games change every time. Each of the Gods picks a game for us to do in their honor. Each game to honor the god who picked it." Sirius tail wagged as he explained things as he had done before. Even figuring if Simeon knew it, the canine seemed to be happy to go over the details as the history buff he was.

He would've made a wonderful history teacher back home.

“That makes sense…" Simeon thought that over. “Do you know who picks which game?"

“Us mortals? No, no. We do not know the will of the Gods. We just follow it." Sirius shook his head. “It is an honor in itself just to be able to speak to one such as you…" The jackal's ears folded back. “I had… had thought the day would never come where I would be graced by one such as you."

Simeon nearly snorted a laugh at that. He never once ever thought he could “Grace" someone with his presence.

“Well, I'm glad you are the one to be my guard and escort then, Sirius." Simeon did say truthfully. Though for different reasons than the jackal would think. Sirius ears jumped back up at that as the canine wagged once more.

“I will be by your side as long as you will have me," Sirius this time got up and knelt in front of Simeon. Lowering his head as he did so. “I will forever be in your service, oh servant of the Gods."

Simeon made sure in that moment to never reveal himself to the jackal. Sirius was a dedicated servant and if he knew the truth, that could mean death for the human who could only chuckle uneasily in thanks. As Sirius made such a pledge to him.

A good ten minutes later Sirius had shown Simeon to the exit of the palace. “Below is where Kamir is," he gestured down the stairs leading to the city below. However, the jackal stepped in his way to prevent him from heading down. Simeon had figured the last building would be the case. However it seemed Kamir did not have such a luxury as some others did. “It is growing late… it would be best if you retired to your room for the night…" Sirius didn't order him so much as try to guide the human back to his own lodgings.

It would be insulting to just show up at Kamir's door in the middle of the night holding bread. Still, Simeon did wish to check in on the others before he did retire. Normally he'd text such a thing. Unable to do so now. Wondering if they even saw him as a friend…

Their job had been to find and escort him to the Imperial Palace. It wouldn't be so far fetch to assume they would want to do anything with him afterwards. Or maybe to use him to help during these games.

Simeon would be a fool to think they actually cared for his well being…

The cold thought crept up his back and Simeon could feel the slithering hands crawling over him like spider legs once more. He shook his arms and turned away from the stairs. Sirius gave him a look as Simeon pushed such thoughts away before they could take hold.

“It is getting cold." Simeon just laughed, not making eye contact. “Maybe it would be wise to return to my room…" He paused though at that, seeing a servant walking by. Before Sirius could force him to return, Simeon broke off from the jackal and walked over to them.

The scrawny looking feline had been the one that had brought him food that very morning. The tabby cat looked more like a housecat than the others. He still had a collar around his neck.

“Excuse me," Simeon said catching the cat off guard. The feline stood up quickly, turning around to look at him. “Hi, yes. Are you able to leave the palace grounds?" He asked before asking what he had in mind. The cat gave him a single nod. “Would it be too much for you to deliver something for me?"

Sirius looked between the two before giving the feline a growl. “You heard him! Is that a yes or a no!" The canine clearly coming to Simeon's help. Something in that moment Simeon did not need.

“Easy, easy there." Simeon rolled his eyes pushing the jackal back with a hand. Thankfully Sirius obeyed, stepping back. All Simeon felt underneath that short black glossy fur was pure muscle. Simeon turned back towards the servant. “Hi, I'm The Witness. It would be great if you could help me out on this. If you aren't able too, please don't feel obliged to do so." He smiled at the feline.

The tabby eased up after glaring at the jackal.

“What's your name?" Simeon asked to be friendly.

“He doesn't have one." Sirius growled, still glaring at the feline. “Names are taken from those that become such as he." Sirius didn't say it directly but Simeon knew what he meant.

Simeon could only frown at that, unsure what to say. He never had been in a situation like this and even with his silver tongue; the human found it hard to come up with something to say in front of the jackal. Was this just how things were here? The thought made Simeon want to return home all the more.

“I can deliver it for you." The tabby spoke in a soft, broken voice as if he hadn't drank water in several days. The scratchy sound made Simeon wince, just as it had made the tabby wince speaking. The feline nodded at him instead of saying more.

“Thank you…" Simeon smiled as he handed the loafs of bread over. “One is for Kamir, the young prince." The tabby nodded in turn. “The other is for the hyena Ajax."

“The mud-walker?" Sirius asked confused. Even the servant seemed surprised by this.

“Well, yes. He helped bring me to the palace just as Kamir had." Simeon chuckled lightly looking over at Sirius. “Should I not return such a favor?"

“Well, no… it's just… Ajax," Sirius growled just saying the name. “Belongs to Kamir. If Kamir wishes to share his gift, that is his choosing." The jackal went on as if trying to explain something that was common knowledge once more. “It is not like you gave something to the cheetah." The canine laughed at the notion.

“I suppose, in a way, I did?" Simeon just shrugged at the look he got. “It is rude to refuse a gift." Simeon noted recalling what Dollos had said. “They assisted me, as you have." He noted at the bread he'd given Sirius. “Or are you saying I should not have done so…?"

“I do not question your will." Sirius said almost robotically, bowing his head. Simeon only frowned at that. They really had beaten that into this poor dog.

“Well then… good. I will be returning to my room," Simeon turned to go as the tabby cat left to deliver the gifts. Wrapping each in a linen cloth. Sirius followed after Simeon. With a look, the jackal explained.

“I will be by your side from this day henceforth." Sirius nodded at that.

“Where will you sleep?" Simeon frowned at the idea of having such a tag long.

“Wherever you let me." Sirius almost said with a smile. “At your feet? On the floor? In…" The jackal seemed to want to add more but didn't.

First a horny 'yeen and now this.

“I don't have much of a say on this, do I?"

“It is for your protection, I swear." Sirius did and Simeon knew he did mean what he said despite his forwardness just a second before. “With the Syliss rising up in recent days, it would be too risky to leave you unguarded."

And the jackal cut him off, once more stepping in his way. Sirius knelt down, reaching out for Simeon's hand to hold with both of his own. The black fur jackal looked up at him.

“Please, let me stay with you. I will die to protect you. This is why I was born." Sirius bowed his head once more, placing his forehead against the back of Simeon's hand.

The human wasn't sure how to refuse such an offer. He didn't like keeping up the lie as it was and was now finding himself with a new tag along to be mindful of. At least Ryder seemed to get the picture that Simeon wasn't some divine being sent from above. This guy, however, would kiss the very ground he walked on.

“Well then… I suppose you should sleep close then…" Simeon regretted saying it even before he finished. The jackal was practically skipping next to him.

“We should bathe first, yes? Sleep nice and clean. I will scrub your back." Sirius said professionally as if this too were part of his job. Though he seemed far more eager in the idea than Simeon was.

If the Syliss don't sneak in the middle of the knife to stick him, Simeon was sure this jackal was planning to stick him with something…