FSE

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"That was quite the experience," I mutter to myself as I lay beneath a literal dogpile.

After being introduced to the entire clan, they held a massive celebration with an abundance of food, drinks, and head pats. I've never felt so overwhelmed yet welcomed in my life. All the dogs would sniff me, wanting pets and eager to please me in any way they could. On the other hand, the wolves were more reserved, watching from a distance, but a few came by to receive some pets as well.

But the most surprising thing was the children. I met many canine children of various ages, and what amazed me was that each one appeared to be in different stages of evolution. It was as if they were following a chart, starting off as little puppies before gradually transforming into a more humanoid shape like Princess before refining into what the rest of the clan looks like today. It was a heartwarming sight, and we all eventually fell asleep cuddled together in a pile of fur.

Now I make my way out of the pile to get some fresh air, wanting to speak to Princess about a few things. As I make my way up to Princess's den, I notice the two wolves guarding it bowing deeply, a sign of respect that was not lost on me.

“Friend." They say in unison.

“Is Princess awake?"

“She's instructed us to let you enter as you please."

"Thank you," I say as I make my way inside. However, Princess is nowhere to be seen.

"Is that you, Alex?" a voice calls out from a nearby doorway.

“It is."

As Princess enters the room, I'm taken aback by her youthful appearance. Her heavy wrinkles were faded, and the brindle patches were less muted than before. While not significant, it's clear as day that she's gotten younger.

"I'm as surprised as you are," Princess states. "It's like meeting you has lifted some years away."

I wonder if my divine power has anything to do with this transformation... No, that's not possible. Could my love for canines be inadvertently buffing them? I have no prior knowledge of this, as it has never happened before, but I cast a spell to check if anything is out of the ordinary. To my surprise, her stats are on par with Azure, and it had nothing to do with me buffing her.

Looking past that, it appears that Princess is actually recovering to some degree, albeit slowly. Aging has stopped, jumped back half a century, and appears to be going backward gradually.

"It could be due to my powers," I say, but I know I must confirm with her before anyone considers it a blessing. "If that's the case, is this something you want?"

Princess doesn't say anything but instead approaches me and takes me into her arms.

"As I said, Alex. We take things one day at a time. I will not fuss over living a longer life so long as you wish me to be there."

Having her this close again just confirmed my immense feelings. I had seen a nice and old dog like her lose to time itself before, and it was a pain that never faded. It brought me back to memories of my dog and the longing for her to always be by my side. However, all I could do was be there for her in the end. Perhaps the sorrow I felt back then was the catalyst for the blessing I had imparted on Princess.

"I realize it may seem selfish of me to do this," I said. "You reminded me of a dog I lost, so please don't feel obligated to stand by my side just because of what I am."

“I am honored to have the privilege of feeling even a fraction of the love you have for my ancestor. For that, I must accept it with all my heart."

I knew it was a losing battle to try and resist unconditional love.

"Very well," I said, stepping away from her and summoning a stone on a necklace, which I offered to her. "This is a calling stone. No matter the distance, you may use it to summon me. I'll be there to help your kind, no matter the issue."

She took the stone and put it on, then offered her arm to me. "I haven't felt this good in years. Would it be too much to ask for you to accompany me on a walk?"

“You need not ask."

We walked arm in arm to the entrance, where the two wolves were waiting in shock.

"Princess!" they exclaimed, kneeling. "You've come out?"

"Since meeting our friend, I'm feeling rather spry," she giggled. "We're going for a short walk. You two are dismissed for the time being."

"Thank you, and enjoy your walk!" the wolves said.

“I certainly will."

---

Princess and I strolled in peaceful silence, taking pleasure in each other's company as she guided me around. The nearby dogs gazed at her, surprised but pleased to see her out and about; their tails wagging happily. Eventually, she led me to a small pond, the surface still and tranquil.

"I used to come here often when I was younger," she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "It's been a long time since I've been able to make the trip."

"I hope your recovery brings back more of these cherished memories," I replied, offering her support as she leaned against me.

"You're even better than the stories I've heard," she murmured with a contented sigh.

I chuckled. "Well, I've always been on the extreme side when it comes to dogs. Returning love in kind is without question for me. Though perhaps it wasn't just returned."

“You truly loved your dog, didn't you?" Princess asks.

I sigh, closing my eyes. “I did."

"I know the heartache of having to say goodbye, and I can't speak for your loved one, but if you're any indication of how she was cared for, I'm sure she lived a wonderful life with no regrets," Princess reassured me, nuzzling me affectionately.

“I'm not perfect." I bite my lip. “There's so much that I could've done right. Times were I got mad at her over trivial things or how I locked myself away because of my own fears when we could've been outside. Just thinking about it. I was the worst-"

Princess made me meet her gaze and frowned, saying, “I never said you were perfect. No living being is. To burden yourself with such thoughts isn't a fate I'd wish on my worst enemy. What matters, in the end, is that you loved her, and she loved you. That's the only truth that counts." She traces my jawline before looking off towards the pond. “Being beside you fills my heart with joy. Knowing one of my ancestors had you every waking moment... That's a gift, Alex. Don't taint it with bitter thoughts. I truly know how plagued one's thoughts become when losing someone close, but it must never blind you to the love you shared."

It's strange how hearing such obvious things from someone can lift a weight from your shoulders. I take a deep breath and gaze at the still pond, exhaling slowly.

"You're right. Thank you," I said, leaning in to kiss Princess on the nose.

She licked my cheek in response. "Any time."

Her ears twitched as she smirked. "Looks like Shadow is coming."

I turned to see Shadow approaching, panting and surprised to see Princess there. He bowed low.

"I heard from your guard that you were out with Alex... Are you feeling well?"

Princess moved away and walked over to Shadow, nuzzling him. "Better than ever. Alex and I were just getting some fresh air."

He straightened up. "Sorry for interrupting!"

"No worries. I was just heading back," Princess said, barking lightly. Soon, one of her guards appeared. "Can you show me back to my room?"

"Of course, Princess," the guard replied.

Princess glanced at me before departing. "I had a wonderful time. Enjoy the rest of the day."

"You too," I called out as they left.

Now it was only Shadow and me, alone. He still seemed stunned by the Princess's appearance and looked at me in complete disbelief.

“How?"

"I believe it was due to my divine power. It's highly likely that she'll continue to grow younger with each passing day," I explained.

Shadow doesn't hesitate to close the gap and take me in his arms.

“Thank you." He whispers but as I pat his back, I can feel something fall on my shoulders.

When I pull Shadow back, tears are flowing down his muzzle. It's not that he's sad either, his smile is as large as can be as he openly weeps.

“You ok?"

He nods, desperately trying to clear his tears but more keep pouring out.

"No matter how hard we try to follow her teachings, she's still like a mother to all of us. Knowing that we're powerless to stop time has weighed heavily on our hearts," he explained, smiling at me through his tears. "You have no idea how much this means to our clan... She's been the driving force behind ending this blood feud, and without her, it would have all been for nothing."

I pet his head to try and calm him down.

“Don't sell yourself short," I say honestly. “I'm sure you could've figured something out."

He laughs. “Maybe, but having her here will help greatly." Once he clears his tears he's back to his old self. “Your presence was requested by the wolf alpha. I hope this is no trouble."

“No trouble at all." I wave for Shadow to lead as I follow him.

---

Shadow led me to another cave entrance, confirming my findings that most demons make their homes by hollowing out mountainsides. A few wolves stood guard, bowing to me before snarling at the sight of Shadow.

"The alpha is expecting you," one of them said.

"I've brought our friend, as requested," Shadow replied.

As we attempted to enter the cave, one of the wolves stopped Shadow.

"She requested him alone," the wolf said, gesturing towards me.

Shadow bared his teeth and began to growl, but I intervened by placing a hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

"I'll be okay," I assured him.

He appeared uncertain but gave a curt nod. "I'll wait here for your return."

One of the wolves escorted me inside. I noticed that many of them had the same gray fur color, making them blend together aside from their unique eye colors. The room we entered was well-decorated with several seats arranged around it, but my attention was drawn to the all-white wolfess waiting for me.

She scrutinized me from head to toe. "I heard the commotion from here. So, you're supposed to be our ancestors' so-called 'best friend'? Doesn't look like much to me."

"And you're exactly as I remember," I retorted.

She frowned. "What does that mean?"

“You wolves used to be quite shy, but despite that, we eventually became friends. Although I must admit, you've grown up a lot since then."

She laughs under her breath. “Cocky. I like that." She leans back into her couch, waving to the empty seat beside her. “Get comfortable."

Without hesitation, I settle down next to her. She glances at me before leaning in and sniffing me.

"Hmm, your scent is certainly unique compared to other humans. So, how has my son been treating you?"

“Son?" Wait, she doesn't mean, “Shadow?"

“Indeed. He has a rather short fuze. It gets him into trouble often. I'd hate if he was causing our friend any undue stress."

“He's been great so far."

“That's good to hear."

When I look at her closely, I can tell there's a far off look in her eye. A certain motherly worry that she can't hide.

"He's a powerful necromancer. Frankly, if I wasn't the hero, I doubt many could face him on equal footing." My thoughts drift to Azure. "Except perhaps for the Demon Queen."

She scoffs in agreement. "Few can compare to her. So my son has been doing well for himself? He hasn't spoken to us much since he joined the army. I don't blame him, though. Not many were willing to give him a chance, and I feel partially responsible."

It's clear that she needs someone to talk to, and I am more than willing to listen.

“You asked me to be here alone. I'll listen for as long as you're willing to talk."

She meets my gaze for a moment before letting out a defeated sigh.

“Well, that settles it. No matter how hard I try to resist, my heart keeps yearning for you." She shakes her head in disbelief. "It's incredible how just being in your presence can make me feel like a pup. I suppose you truly are our best friend." As she gazes into my eyes, I can see that she has grown much more at ease, although her smile is tinged with exhaustion. "Would you be willing to lend an ear to the troubles of an old wolf?"

“I'm ready whenever you are."

---

I've gained a wealth of insight into Shadow's life through his mother, Snow. She's confided in me about all the highs and lows of his journey as a crossbreed, and how she regrets not having been a better mother to him. As the alpha, Snow's authority was absolute, and she feared that showing her son affection would only cause him more pain.

It's disheartening to hear how toxic the breed culture has become, to the point where Shadow was effectively made a martyr for change. Despite this, I can sense the deep love she has for him, and how long these thoughts have weighed heavily on her. She giggles softly to herself as she takes a sip of her wine.

"Shadow was always an inquisitive young pup. He had his father's curiosity and wasn't afraid to express his affection," she reminisces, her smile fading. "I sometimes wonder if his life would have turned out differently had he been raised by a female of his breed. Perhaps he wouldn't be as reserved as he is now? A Shepherd in Wolf's clothing."

“The Shadow I know is just as you described: curious and unafraid to show his affection." I interrupted the silence that had ensued since she began speaking. “Maybe I've seen this side of him because of what I am, but I think that's insulting to who he is. He is not a wolf, nor is he a shepherd. He is simply himself." I rest a hand on Snow's hand. “The dogs and wolves I knew never lived with regret... So maybe it's time for you to be honest with him and lift this burden off your shoulders."

Snow directs her gaze toward me before swiftly finishing her glass of wine.

"I suppose I shouldn't dishonor my ancestors," she says before getting up and letting out a bark. Soon after, Shadow walks in. "Thank you for bringing Alex to see me," she adds.

Shadow bows to Snow. “It was a request from the alpha; I couldn't refuse."

This should be a private moment for these two. I rise from my seat and give Snow my attention.

“Have a good day, Snow. I'm sure we'll see each other again soon."

“Have a good day, Alex." She responds.

I walk over and catch a glimps of Shadow looks at me surprised. Probably because I used her name. I just pat him on the head briefly.

“I'll be at Princesses when you're done."

“I won't keep you waiting."

Walking out of the cave, I'm left with many questions about the canines and the world as a whole. I'll make my way to the center and start talking to the locals. This will help with my plans moving forward.