FSE

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The time has finally come. Tonight will be the last time I'll stay with the canine demons. I've enjoyed my time here, and I've made so many memories I'll cherish. The talks I've had with the canines. Princess, Snow, and all the goofy stuff with Shadow. I felt the more time we spent together, the more he came out of his shell. He showed me all the great things his people have to offer.

Though admittedly, most of it was funny in a way the canines would never understand. Such as their favorite sport, which bore an awfully close resemblance to fetch. The children especially loved playing tug of war. Seeing little puppies pulling on two sides of a rope with their mouths was adorable. They also enjoyed the sport of hunting, chasing down local wildlife to be used for their meals.

It truly was as if all the memories of their life with us humans translated into traditions. Even bathing ended up being hilarious in its own way. Canines would just sit in a warm bath before then rolling in the dirt. But then I realized it was because there wasn't a human there to wash them properly. So they ended up falling back to the traditional dirt bath.

Shadow was surprised when I began to bathe him with the shampoo I had in my pocket dimension. I even helped Princess once, though admittedly, that was a bit different. Even though I know canine demons are on the same level as me, I couldn't help but fall back to seeing them as dogs.

So, when I grasped Princess' breasts, I felt reality sink in for me. She didn't seem to mind, and I can only attribute that to our dogs being used to how intimate our bathing process can be. Still, I was very aware of every curve she had, and despite having two prominent breasts, she had six other smaller breasts as well.

I didn't want to make it awkward and not wash her, but after finishing her top half, I told her I thought it might have been inappropriate, given she was ascended now. She was very understanding but seemed to enjoy the idea that I saw her as a female above all else. She became more affectionate after that, and I was fine with it.

Either way, it wasn't long until this spread and the tradition was updated. Thankfully I didn't have to wash all the dogs, but now they will wash themselves or each other. It helped a lot with bonding between breeds. As some areas were harder to reach, so others would help. I'm surprised the canines used to smell fine before, but now they smell better, and their fur shines.

I also met Shadow's father, Rusty. Despite his very stern appearance, it was comical how much he acted like Shadow. Snow was right; he wasn't afraid to show affection as he held Shadow and asked about what he's been up to. I also got the sense that Shadow wasn't as burdened anymore, and it was likely from his talk with Snow.

My morale before coming here was rather low. I wasn't sure if my plan would work or if it was even worth it. Now, after having experienced all this, I know I can't let these dogs down. So that's why I'll be giving them all a proper send-off for our last night together. I've been working hard, cooking since the crack of dawn, not allowing anyone to help.

Alone, I made something I would often make for my dogs and wasn't common here. They've mostly stuck to cooked meats to pay homage to humans, but there's a lack of complexity. So, that's why I've decided to go with beef stew. It's easy to make a giant pot of this stuff full of vegetables and meat. Obviously, I didn't add onion or garlic, as I'm certain canines can't eat it without getting sick.

Still, the sauce is thick and tastes rich. Dipping a spoon in, I try a little bit of everything to make sure it's all set. The meat is as tender as the veggies. I'm happy to have cast the isolation spell because this overwhelming scent would've brought all the dogs in town to me. I've made enough portions for them to rest tonight with full bellies.

My heart swells with joy I haven't felt since I was back on earth. Just cooking for someone else is different; even if they are a dog, it doesn't matter. Getting to see the joy on their faces, I hope the canine demons like it too. I glance at the hundreds upon hundreds of cauldrons that I've been cooking stew in. I suppose it's about that time. I cast a spell and place them in my time locked pocket dimension. That'll keep them nice and hot.

I take a deep breath before casting another spell to transport the air in the room thousands of miles away before replacing it with clean air. Once I'm sure everything is set, I drop my isolation spell and walk out into Princess' living room.

“Everything ready?" She asks. I nod. “Very well, the others are waiting."

She offers me her arm, and I wrap mine with hers as we walk out of her cave. The sun is already set as all of the canines have gathered in the center of town. A large circle has gathered with a hole in the middle, as I requested, so I could summon our meal. When Princess and I approach, the crowd separates as we make our way to the center.

All eyes are on us as we stand together and I can see Shadow at the front with the various den leaders. His parents, the foxes, so on and so forth. Princess unwrapped her arm and looked at me, knowing I had a few words to say. I look at the crowd once more before speaking up.

“It goes without saying that I don't need any introduction." Everyone lets out a chorus of howls. “You've all shown me great kindness and it has warmed my heart."

“We love you!" A voice shouts from the crowd.

“And I love you. I love all of you!" They once again howl. “And that's why I'm hurt." They all grow silent. “I love you all equally. No matter how big, how small, the length of your fur, or snubbiness of your snout. I care about all of you equally." I can see their ears pin back in guilt. “There is a reason why I've asked Princess to gather you all today. It's not to punish you or give a stern talking about what is right or wrong."

Their ears perk up as they listen intently. “Even if it's just for tonight. I wish for us to dine together. Not at wolves, shepherds, vixens, or any of that stuff. Simply as canine and man. For everyone, both young and old, until your stomach is full. I've made you a meal. I poured my entire being into this for you. With meat I've hunted, spices I've gathered, and above all, the love I feel for you."

The excitement is now palpable as all canines look at one another in disbelief.

“So please," I lift my hand and cast my summoning spell as all of the cauldrons appear around Princess and me, meeting perfectly with the circle that surrounds us. “Share my bounty with everyone and, for the first time, taste something only your ancestors knew."

As soon as the food appeared, they were all salivating. Even Princess couldn't help herself, but she shook from her stupor before stepping up.

“Do not disgrace our friend and the love he is showing." She speaks up. “Take a bowl and pass it down. The children and females come first. The food will not go cold and we all will enjoy our fill. So do not fear you will miss out. Now, what do you say when given something?"

“Thank you!" They all shout.

“You may eat." Princess finishes.

Since the leaders were at the front, they without delay begin filling bowls and passing them out. They don't even hesitate to hand full bowls to other breeds as a clear sign of respect for my words. It didn't take long for the woman and children to start eating, their joy echoing for all to hear as more and more began to eat.

I could see it here and there. They'd take a bite and a certain twinkle in their eye would appear before they continued to eat. I look over at Princess and she too is enjoying the sight before her. I reach over and fill a bowl and present it to her.

“Go ahead." I offer.

She takes the bowl with a smile, taking in the scent briefly. “This is the one thing I truly never understood when my mother talked about it." She says. “She'd bring up that our friend would often share a meal the likes of which she could never comprehend. Something special but filled with love." She takes a bite with her eyes closed and soon tears start to roll down her cheek. “Heh... So this is what she meant?"

I put my arm around her and pull her close. “I can't say for sure, but it's one of many dishes I'd share with my dog."

“Thank you." Princess continues to eat as tears pour down her muzzle.

As I look around, emotions are definitely high for all the canines. Some are laughing, others crying but it's all genuine. I even see a pug patting the leg of a mastiff as he bawls his eyes out. I catch Shadow and his family finally taking their first bite. They've never shared a meal together but I can tell this moment is what they've always wanted.

But why do I suddenly feel so lonely right now? I know the reason, even though I don't like the answer. It's Azure. Since I learned about her past, I couldn't get her out of my mind. So even though this moment is everything I ever could've asked for, I'm just imagining Azure all alone in that castle. Maybe that is just my weakness, when in reality she's happy I'm gone.

Not that I blame her... I've been treating the dating aspect as a game. It was just a part of my plan, nothing more. I swear, when I return, I'm going to genuinely get to know her. Having Princess there will help but she can't be there forever. Once she leaves, it'll be up to me to bring change. I get a big bowl and fill it with stew before putting it in my pocket dimension. It's not much, but I did put a lot of love in it. Hopefully Azure will like it.

“This is great?!" Rusty comes up to me. “What do you call it?"

“Meat stew." I answer. “We usually only use one type of meat in stews but I had a lot with me."

“I never knew food could be so complex." Snow speaks up next. “I can't deny how envious I am knowing our ancestors would partake in this."

“Not often but it's certainly a step up from the norm."

“What is this thing? I've never had this type of meat before." Shadow asks while holding a potato in his spoon.

“It's a potato. A vegetable."

All three looks surprised.

“Is this what the Equine were going on about?" Rusty asks Snow.

She looks inquisitive. Lifting a carrot next. “Is this not meat either?"

I shake my head. “That's a carrot. Also a vegetable."

“Strange, the vegetables we ate were bland and tough." Snow states.

“They tend to be when they're raw. I cut mine and let them soak in with the meat and sauce."

“Is sauce the liquid?" The vixen leader of the fox clans asks next.

I nod. “Yes. You can make it by boiling bones in water for a long time. Once it's done, to thicken it up, you need flour, which is ground grains." They all nod taking in this information. “If you didn't add any flour and just add vegetables and meat, you'd end up with soup. It's lighter but just as flavorful. Perfect for cold months and easy to make."

“Would you be willing to write down how to make these?" The Shiba leader asks.

“Of course."

Princess pushes herself between them all to get to me. “Give him some room. I'm sure our friend here will bring many things for us to enjoy but for now, this is a celebration. Enjoy yourselves."

They give Princess a bow before heading back for another serving. I look at her with a smile.

“Jealous?" I joke.

She smirks. “I wish to spend my night with you, nothing more."

“That's not too difficult."

She takes my hand and begins guiding me back to her cave. The roar of celebration begins to fade once we enter her home. She doesn't hesitate to bring me to her room.

“I know this will be a selfish request but there was one last thing my mother would tell me about our best friend."

“Go on."

“She'd tell me about how they'd lie in bed together. He'd hold her close, becoming one, as they drifted off to sleep. Would it be too much to ask for such a gift?"

I don't even say anything as I lie on her bed and pat the empty spot next to me.

“Get comfortable."

She disrobes and I'm once again hit by the realization that she's a female. Where I was calm before, I feel my nerves set in. She lies down with her back facing me but I push my thoughts away and try to enjoy this moment. So, without hesitation, I press my entire body against hers, reaching my left arm around and resting it between her breasts before pulling her close.

She let out a gasp of surprise before she adjusted herself here and there before settling in.

“So this is what it's like." She whispers. “So many blessings have come to me in what I believed to be my final days. I worried about my pups. How they would fair without me. Yet with each day since we've met, I've felt the weight of age lifting. I care not if I will suffer something unimaginable in the future. Knowing I can guide my pups, it's a debt I will happily accept."

“It's not a debt you'll be paying," I say with finality. “No matter what comes, we'll be together for as long as you wish it. If time becomes a burden, I will put you to rest, just as I did with my love before. So do not fear what the future holds. Just make the dogs better. I know it won't be easy but I hope they'll come to accept each other unconditionally as they do me."

“I promise to do my best but I believe what you've given them has already planted a seed." She turns in my hold, looking deep into my eyes before leaning in to kiss me. I return it with ease but when she pulls back, there's a smirk on her face. “I cannot hide that the day you admitted to seeing me as a female made my heart flutter. As I grow younger, I can feel primal urges I've long forgotten beginning to stir within me. So know that I am yours and should you wish to become tied, I will not deny you."

Well, considering the sultry look she's giving, and that she's a canine, getting 'tied' has nothing to do with marriage. I gulp heavily at that. While a tempting offer and one I'd only humor from Princess, I have a lot of other things I must achieve before I could afford to settle down. So despite her breasts pressing against me, and my own body becoming hot with excitement, I give Princess an apologetic smile.

“Perhaps that's something we could discuss later." I try my best to remain decent, despite my body telling me otherwise. “I'd like for things with the world to be more stable before something like that."

Her smirk hasn't left as she leans in once more for a kiss but this time she pushes her tongue into my mouth. I'm stunned for a moment before she pulls back and turns her back to me.

“Then I wait for the day peace is made." She says.

There's not much left to say. I return to being the big spoon as she lets out a sigh of contentment.

“Goodnight, Princess."

“Goodnight, Alex."

---

Princess and I are in cloaks as we sit in the carriage waiting for Shadow. I can't even hold back my laughter as I watch his father clutching to him from afar as he cries out.

“Don't be a stranger! Come by and visit every week!" He yells as Shadow drags him along while trying to get to us.

“I can't come back every week, Dad! I have a lot of things to do for the Demon Queen!"

“Then at least every month!"

His father digs his heels into the dirt so Shadow is stuck there. But before he can say anything, Snow rests a hand on Rusty's shoulder.

“He will return when it is time."

Rusty looks at Snow for a moment before letting go of Shadow and clearing his eyes, hugging his son once more.

“Stay safe."

Shadow lets out a sigh of relief before hugging his father back.

“No worries. I'm pretty strong you know?"

When Rusty pulls away, Snow takes his place.

“Alex is amazing but so are you." She whispers. “Take care."

“I will."

Pulling away, Shadow gives them a wave and all the dogs have gathered as we begin down the road. They let out a long howl that seems to echo for miles but soon the village and their voice would be out of reach.

“Next stop, the demon castle," I announce.