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Changing Places

Chapter Four

By Roofles

The wind began to settle down and Simeon found his feet meet solid ground again. Kamir held him firmly with both hands, shielding him from the gale with his body. The lion eased up after another minute, making sure there wasn't a backdraft before letting Simeon go.

The human could've kissed the lion.

“Well that was terrifying!" Simeon said trying to look up to what had flown over.

The others had begun to bicker about what to do while Simeon investigated the nearby stone fence. It had crumbled apart like the land around them had. Picking up the large midnight blue feather, Simeon held it up towards one of the suns above trying to make it out. The color seemed to shift and move in the light.

“Neat…" Simeon found himself saying despite the welling fear he held inside for whatever creature could've dropped such a thing. “Monsters, huh?" He said the word as if for the very first time.

Looking around, he could see the destruction it had caused just by flying over head. It was unnerving to think a single thing could have done so much damaged. The nearby hut had been destroyed, the fences used to keep the cattle contained were all but ruined. The cattle were half missing or tossed around, some bleating in pain from the fall, others just went back to grazing.

A monster, huh? Simeon frowned down at the feather now.

Back home, Simeon knew of such things. Those he had called monsters. But that was for who they were, not what they were. These things were monsters then? Because their bodies weren't right? That was the only way Simeon could think about it. They were monsters because of what they were and what they did. It was just an animal hunting, right? A very large, destructive animal at that but still one, right?

“Aren't they just oversized animals then?" He thought aloud.

“Not exactly." A voice chimed in behind him, making him jolt. Spinning around Simeon found he wasn't the only one near the fence.

The red fox bowed its head in greeting. “My apologies, I didn't mean to startle you." He said, brushing back his orange bangs from his eyes. The lean fox was resting against the fence next to him, far closer than Simeon even realized. The human took a step back.

The fox was shorter than the others, lean but fit. He wore a brown tunic that hid what hung between his legs and very little else. There was a small satchel slung over one side.

“Uh… who?" He asked before quickly wrapping his face with the shawl he'd tucked into his toga not wanting the fox to see his face.

The fox laughed though, a giggling sound that sounded almost like a squeaky toy being squeezed over and over again.

“No need for that." The fox took a step forward before giving an elegant bow. “I just wanted to say hello, not to startle you."

“Uh…. Ok? Hi?" Simeon just said letting the wrap slip from his face. “You aren't… bothered by me?"

“You aren't bothered by monsters, so why would I be bothered by you?" The fox asked with a sly smile looking him over now for the first time. “You're smaller than I thought you'd be..." Even this shorter fox was somehow taller than he was.

“I get that a lot." Simeon just frowned, glancing over at his companions. They still seemed to be discussing what to do about the thing that had flown over. “About the monster…" Simeon asked turning back to the fox. “Oh, sorry." The human stopped himself, brushing the twig and grass from his toga before offering a hand. “I'm Simeon."

The fox's face twisted in a smile as he took the hand with a furred black glove one. “A pleasure to meet you, Simeon. I am Dolos, though you can call me Dole. All my friends do." The fox didn't let go, taking a closer step to him. Simeon pulled back as that sharp snout moved closer, the black nose sniffing him those whiskers twitching with the action. “This is how we greet each other, here in this world."

“Right…" Simeon just paused at that, uncomfortable with how close the fox was to him now.

“Were you the one on the hillside?" Simeon asked, his gaze slowly drifting behind Dole and up to the hill they had come from.

“Hillside?" The fox asked, quirking its head to one side following Simeon's gaze to where he had come from. “No, I was here before you were." The fox finally let go, taking a seat on the wall next to him.

“Right…" Simeon didn't believe that but couldn't verify it either. Something about the fox didn't seem right, though Simeon wasn't too worried either. It was an odd feeling. As if knowing the fox wasn't one to be trusted and yet knowing he didn't mean him any harm at the same time.

Whoever had been watching them before on the other hand left him feeling cold inside.

“You were saying about monsters." Simeon decided to focus on that.

“Well, monster is such a strong yet loose term." Dole shrugged his shoulder. “You could call even a god a monster, given the right situation."

“True." Simeon agreed with him making the fox tail twitch in delight. Dole's face slowly turned back towards the human as he showed his teeth in a smile.

“Not many would dare to call a god a monster though." The fox only smiled as he watched the human next to him with his cat like eyes.

“Not many have been through hell and back." Simeon just shrugged it off. “Would you like to join my companions and I?" Simeon offered.

“No, no. I just wanted to say hello. To see how things were going…" Dole smile never faded from his face. “But of course! It would be rude of me to just come say hello to a visitor without a gift in turn." Dole skipped backwards, rummaging a hand in his pouch as he did so.

Simeon frowned at just how deep the small brown satchel seemed to be, more than half the foxes arm vanishing inside it before he finally pulled something out.

“A gift, for a friend." Dole offered the silken cloth to him. At first he thought it was black until the light of the sun hit it, making it look closer akin to the feather he had found instead. Small bright lights danced in the cloth, looking the stars in a night sky.

“Oh, I don't know if I could accept such a thing…" Simeon tried to refuse.

“It's rude. To refuse a gift." Dole warned, his face darkening in the moment as that playful façade slipped away. The air around them seemed to crackle with energy, making the hair on Simeon's neck stand on end.

Simeon took the cloth quickly and in turn, the fox lightened back up with a smile. “See. We can be good friends." The fox just smiled at him.

“If I blindly listen and obey you mean." Simeon just said frankly making one of the fox's ears twitch.

“Now, now. I know it might've seemed rude but it is customary to accept a gift from a… a friend." The fox stopped himself before letting it slip, just shrugging it off. “It'll help in your journey, I promise. Oh, and do keep in mind. Do not refuse a gift…" The fox warned with that fake, playful smile.

“Would you… like something in turn?" Simeon dared to ask, eying the fox carefully. The vulpine didn't seem to have an issue with him being human, which in itself was an issue.

“No, no. I just want to watch and see how things play out. The shawl will help protect you. Can't let the game end so soon…" Dole just took another backwards skip, distancing himself even further. “Wear it and only those who know, will see. And those who don't see, won't know." The fox chuckled in delight as if he had just said something witty, proud with himself.

“Sure." Simeon just nodded as he wrapped the shawl around his neck. “Like this, huh? I uh, never worn something like this before. How will this help, again?"

“Though shrouded, eyes are still always watching." Dole tapped a finger to his nose. “Those have seen you will be watching, but those who haven't will have to wait until the time is right."

“Thank you, Dole. I uh… appreciate it." Simeon tried to offer a smile in return; it didn't meet his face though.

“No thanks needed. After all, I'll be enjoying watching where things go from here. I'd advice heading to a village soon, night will fall shortly." Dole spun on his heel before walking down the road leaving Simeon to rejoin the others.

“Kamir." Simeon spoke up making the lion stop to look at him.

“Yes, Simeon?" The lion asked looking down at the human.

“Where are we staying for the night?" He asked, looking back at the fox that he'd been talking too. He didn't see him. Unsure how Dole had been able to vanish so quickly, he turned back to the others. He needed a good rest.

“There is a village near the ridge." Ryder was the one to say, the cheetah eying the human carefully before shaking it off. “We'll be staying there for the night."

“Will we be safe?" Simeon frowned a bit, glancing towards the sky.

“We will, I promise." Kamir assured him before guiding him forward. “We still have a ways to go."

“If you weren't off talking to yourself we'd have been there already." Ryder rolled his eyes.

“Right…" Simeon touched the shawl around his neck. For a reason he didn't fully understand, Simeon didn't tell the others what had transpired. Some part of him told him it wouldn't have been wise too.

As if he still couldn't trust them…

We're all hiding secrets here; Simeon just nodded to himself without a word as they began their trek up the mountain side and towards an opening in the sharp mountain side. The “yawning maw" as Kamir told him it was called, was a gap in the sharp shards of rocks jutting from the earth like spines of the earth itself.

“The sharp rock formation will keep the Sky Terror from being able to reach us." Kamir smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder. “You have nothing to worry about tonight."

“Well other than the villagers freaking out seeing him." Ryder said in front of them. The cheetah would constantly run ahead, scouting out before back tracking to them. And every time he did, he would make a snide comment at one of them.

“I think he's warming up to you." Ajax chuckled, shifting the brown leather strap on his chest. “He usually doesn't talk so much."

“Yay me." Simeon rolled his eyes. He rather have the cheetah keep his comments to himself rather than being liked to the point of constant insults or jabs at his expense. That was his job!

“It is rare to see." Kamir nodded. “It took me months to get him to say more than two words to me." The lion chuckled in embarrassment, his smile still as soft and sweet as honey.

“It's 'cause your such a stick in the mud." Ajax rolled his eyes. “Got to loosen you up a bit!" The way the hyena said that made Simeon know exactly how Ajax planned to loosen Kamir up.

“How do you manage that?" Kamir frowned though missing the innuendo.

“By pulling the stick out of your ass." Simeon chuckled along with the hyena. The laugh echoed around them in the sharp canyon they were transferring through.

“That's not very princely." Kamir only frowned in turn. “I have to be tall, regal before my people if I plan to lead them!" The lion took a pose, holding his head up high and sticking out his chest placing a closed fist over his chest. “For an emperor to be, I must always appear as such."

“There might be more than one stick up his ass…" Simeon just muttered to Ajax, nudging his side.

“I can give you my stick up your ass." Ajax suggested with another fit of giggling laughter. It was hard which of the two he had been talking too.

“We're trying to remove sticks, not add them." Simeon rolled his eyes as the hyena wrapped an arm over his shoulder, resting down a bit against him. That strong, burly chest was warm and the slight tinge of musk coming from Ajax was far stronger up close like this.

The hyena just continued to smile seemingly having the time of his life among the others.

“You wouldn't want to remove my stick." Ajax winked down at Simeon as Kamir rolled his eyes now.

“I think we are getting off, track. Again." He noted looking around.

The ground was as hard as stone. Chips of the mountain littered the path making it hard for Simeon to find his footing on the treacherous terrain. The walls were covered in sharp spikes of earth and Simeon wasn't stupid enough to test their sharpness; able to see animal bones among the spikes. There was even a rather large bird still skewered on one of the spikes above them.

“Easy there." Kamir chuckled catching Simeon for the umpteenth time. The human foot landing on a sheet of stone and slipping away from underneath him causing him to almost fall over. If Kamir hadn't been there, he would've.

“Thanks." Simeon could only blush in embarrassment, mumbling the words without looking at the lion. Kamir was having a far better time climbing the steep incline than either of the two.

Ajax fell over again, cursing as he hit the ground hard enough to shaking the chips of broken rock around them. The pieces of shale rattled breaking apart further, sliding down the mountainside they had been climbing up for the past hour.

“Son of a…" Ajax could only curse as he pushed himself up again. “Where's my helping hand?" The hyena whined up at them, sticking his lower lip out and shaking it several times as his eyes grew large. He wasn't no puppy though and Simeon just laughed at the expression instead of feeling any sort of pity for him.

“Dude, I think you'd pull me down with you if I tried." Simeon just apologized without really apologizing. He found himself mostly clinging to Kamir's arm at this point as the lion took another careful step forward.

“Hurry up, kittens. Going to be dark before long." Ryder called from the top of the slope, crouching down on muscular, yellow fur black spotted legs as he looked down at the others with a smug smile.

“Patience is a virtue!" Simeon called back up to him.

“That may be true, it would be wise to hurry." Kamir paused at that, bending down a bit. Glancing over at the human now. “It is unwise to be out during the night. Hop on." Kamir nodded towards his back. “We should hurry." The lion noted without even to look up at the twin suns above.

“Oh, uh. I think I can make it." Simeon looked away blushing a bit.

“Simeon, I am trying to… relax. And offer aide." Kamir was the one looking away now. “It is not princely to give people rides…"

“Ride the kitty!" Ajax shouted from behind them, the hyena having slid down the steep slope a ways.

“Shut up!" Simeon just called back, unsure why this was so difficult. He'd gotten and given plenty of piggy back rides to friends. It was different trying to climb atop a lion however.

“We should really hurry!" Ryder called up from above, his friendly tone shifting to one far more serious now. Notching an arrow, he took aim and shot it.

It whizzed past Simeon and Kamir, down near Ajax. The blunt arrow head bounced off the hard stone and slid down in front of the hyena. There was a rope tied to the end of it, allowing Ajax to grab onto it to help guide his way to the top.

“Why didn't he just do that from the start?" Simeon frowned at the cheetah. Ryder just smirked in reply, turning away as he found something to tie the other end too.

“Simeon." Kamir muttered a bit now, ears splaying out. “Please, climb on me. I do not want to risk putting you in any danger." The lion didn't meet his eyes. “You are so very… small." And the fur underneath those sandy cheeks burned hotly as he chuffed softly.

“Why do people keep saying that!" Simeon wanted to shout but lost the will to put up any more of a fight and conceded, climbing on top of Kamir's back. A hand gripped his leg as the lion hurried the rest of the way to the top crawling up.

Kamir's mane was soft. It was the first thing Simeon noticed as he laid against the lion. It was warm like a summer's breeze and had a strange mixture of smells to it. The sweet honey from the Sun Blossom's they had walked through. As well as something more raw, primal smelling of the earth. Kamir's musk. Simeon had to resist the urge to bury his face into that mane.

“What happens at night?" Simeon dared to ask looking around.

Since they had reached the mountainside, he had seen no sign of life. No birds, no animals, not even insects. Other than corpses… It was devoid of life, this place. It sent a shiver down his spine wondering what kind of horrors would lurk in such a dark lifeless place.

“These mountains aren't natural." Kamir explained. He really should've been a teacher, Simeon smiled at the thought. If the lion had been teaching his class back home, he'd have defiantly paid it far more attention than he had. “The blood of the titan giant seeped into the earth forming The Spine." Kamir gestured around them. “That is why this place is so cruel and cold. It is a grave…"

“Wait, giant? As in like super duper tall giant?" Simeon shuddered at the idea.

“Well, yes." Kamir nodded glancing back at him. “Though, not many are left in the world. There are still giants. The Sky Terror is in fact one such monster."

“Oh, ok." Simeon chuckled, blushing a bit now feeling foolish. “I thought…" He didn't finish that. The idea of a giant lion walking around was far more worrisome than a monster, for reasons he wasn't sure why.

“What's the difference between a giant bird and a… monster?" Simeon asked, seeing as how the fox from before hadn't answered the question. Interestingly, Dole had peaced out before Simeon could get any kind of clear answer from him.

“Many. The simplest though would be sentience. It is what separates us from the animals and monsters of the world." Kamir just nodded sagely as if having put deep thought into the answer. “Empathy, pity, remorse for our actions." The lion face softened as he spoke. Kamir was very sagely when it was like this. Simeon figured he might have been in some way, wanting to be emperor someday Kamir would've had to study a many different subjects.

Maybe that was one thing he liked about the lion. In this strange medieval world he found himself in, he could have a somewhat intellectual conversation with him. Kamir insight and knowledge of this world as well had been helpful and was sure it would continue to be. He enjoyed these talks even if they weren't under the best of circumstances.

The group managed to get to the top of the slope, taking a much needed breather outside the closed gates.

Twin pillars stood tall before them. A massive door blocked the way making Simeon worry who would need such a large door. What were they trying to keep out? Or in? The second thought made him shiver again, he'd been doing that a lot lately.

“This is Dragon Rise." Kamir stood proudly nearby. “It is one of the only settlements that can survive in The Spine." He gestured at the cold, unforgiving sharp stone around them.

“How?" Simeon was about to ask when a voice called out from above.

“Who goes there!" A voice shouted from one of the two pillars. “State your business here, travelers."

“I am Prince Kamir, second youngest son of the Emperor." Kamir saluted, placing a closed fist against his chest and standing tall. “We seek sanctuary for the night within your walls."

The guard looked over, giving Simeon a clear view of a white horse's face wearing some sort of helmet. Then a pair of wings making his jaw drop as the Pegasus took flight, leaping from the pillar before plummeting downwards; stopping at the last minute with a large flap of his white wings and landed on hoofed feet.

“Prince Kamir." The guard saluted back in turn. “What brings you to these parts?" The guard exchanged a firm handshake with the lion.

“We have a uh… visitor." Kamir stepped aside, showing Simeon to the large Pegasus. The horse snorted in his direction, bowing his head.

“I am Bellor, captain of the watch. It is my pleasure, to meet you." The Pegasus bowed. “Pray I ask more?" Bellor turned to look at Kamir. The lion shook his head once. “Understood. I will not pry further. You are, of course, welcome in our walls."

And if waiting for the Pegasus to gesture behind him, the gates opened. And once more, Simeon found his jaw dropping a bit as he stared at all the winged horses within.

Large stone buildings had been carved seemingly out of the very earth they were on. The ground forming upwards into walls and ceilings with open square windows and doors as if it had naturally formed this way. The only building that looked as if it had been built was the massive wooden iron bound one directly across from the gate.

Looking like a giant Trojan horse. Simeon could only frown at that, hoping an invading army wasn't about to burst out of it.

The massive building rose taller than any of the others. Much like the temple back in Hali had. Simeon could only figure it was a similar structure instead of an actual Trojan horse, though made of wood and bound in iron instead of the stone pillars as the sun god's had been made him question it.

“We welcome you with open arms, prince." Bellor bowed once more to Kamir. “However, you come at troubling times."

“We saw the Sky Terror in the fields." Kamir nodded understanding the blight even before Bellor mentioned it further.

“Ah, I am glad to see you safe and well then." The Pegasus gestured to a large stone structure and the group headed within. Like the others, it had no door or window panes. Just a stone structure jutting up from the ground itself.

Just as strange as the building had been, Simeon found the tables and chair within to be made of the very same stone. Forming up from the ground itself to shape into circular chairs for them to sit on and crude makeshift tables to rest on. They all took a seat promptly before continuing.

“It came a fortnight ago." Bellor explained quickly. “It has kept us grounded ever since it appeared."

“Grounded?" Kamir gasped as if the Pegasus had just cursed. “That is dreadful to hear, friend."

“Yes. Our people are not meant to live on the ground for so long." He shook his head. “We sent out a raiding party out, of course. None have returned…" He paused at that. “Any foolish to take flight beyond our walls are soon snatch from the air. The wind… it is against us."

They took a moment on that. A waitress came over to place down several bowls filled with pears and apples for the group. As well as a jug and several wooden cups, looking more like bowls than the ones Simeon was used too.

“How does it create the hurricanes?" Simeon asked, looking over at Kamir. He was usually the one to ask about such things.

“By manipulating its six wings it can control the winds." Ryder spoke up, stabbing one of the pears that had been brought over with a small knife. He spun it around, taking the skin off before slicing it into several clean pieces and dropped them off on a plate before even taking a bite.

Simeon would've laughed at him if it hadn't been so impressive. Ryder was far more skilled with a bow or knife than Simeon would ever be. It made him wonder, in a situation like this… what use could he ever be?

The others began talking about their plans for the monster, leaving Simeon alone with his thoughts.

Simeon knew that it would be physically impossible to create the kind of wind currents he had felt just by flapping a couple of wings. There was more to this world than that. He didn't want to believe in such a thing as magic but it was hard to argue with after seeing it firsthand.

Touching the shawl around his neck, he knew that much. The black material reminded him of the endless depth, devoid of light itself. Stars seemed to dance in the material like the night sky easing his worries. This thing, he knew just by feeling it, wasn't what it appeared to be. Bellor didn't freak out seeing him for starts.

Maybe the fox had been onto something.

Maybe…

“We'll just find it when it's sleeping then and." Ajax punched a hand into the other grinning widely at the others waiting for them to agree with his crude tactics.

“Yes. It will be that simple." Ryder snorted with a laugh. “I bet no one has thought of that before."

“This Sky Terror doesn't seem to have a nest that we know of. As if it sleeps on the clouds themselves." Bellor shook his head. “We have tried to track the creature but it all but vanishes and appears out of thin air. There is little we can do without sacrifices more. We have lost so many."

“Too bad you can't just tag it." Simeon said snagging a pear, tossing it to his other hand and grabbing an apple. Even before he took a bite he noticed they were looking at him. “Uh, this is free food, right?"

“Tagging it?" Kamir asked, slicing a pear up. He set it neatly on a plate and slid it over to Simeon before offering to do the same for the ones Simeon had grabbed. The human returned them both, watching the feline cut the pear and apple into bite size pieces.

“Well, I mean you don't got the technology for that… but like, usually it's leaving a sort of… beacon? To follow. In the movie Jaws, they used buoys." Simeon shrugged though. “Or maybe something like a crop trail to see in the sky, follow it back to its nest." He gestured with a hand. “Then cut off those wings when it lands." He shrugged.

“You make it sound so easy." Ryder rolled his eyes.

“You're the one with the bow." Simeon pointed out. “I figured if anyone could get a clean shot, it'd be you."

That took the cheetah a second to reply. He just grumbled, ears folding back as he looked away. “Even I'm not that good of a shot."

“You'd probably need something bigger than an arrow, Simeon." Kamir tried to explain. Kamir never sounded as if he were talking down to the human, something Simeon appreciated.

“What about a ballista bolt?" Simeon scratched his chin, resting back. “You guys are kind of limited by your tech. So unless you got magic arrows, I figured something ten times its size would work."

“And what would we tie to it?" Kamir asked honestly valuing his input into the matter despite him not being from here. It took Simeon a second to reply to that.

“Well, originally I was thinking of something like flour… but with your noses, I'm sure you could do something equally stinky instead." Simeon chuckled more to himself.

“You'd be one to sniff it out, fox." Bellor frowned at that. Simeon didn't even ask. The others gave the Pegasus a look though. It was clear the horse wasn't taking anything he said to heart. Maybe just humoring him for the fact Kamir was here.

“Tracking the smell could work. It would be useless until it landed though…" Kamir thought it over.

“Why not all the above?" Ajax just shrugged. “If one thing doesn't work, then what if we just use ALL of them?" The hyena bit into an apple, chomping it in two large bites. Core and all, chewing on it before swallowing large enough to bring a tear to his eye. He sighed after, grabbing another.

“You're going to choke one of these days." Simeon just shook his head.

“Then you could give me mouth to mouth." Ajax just smirked as if the prospect of dying would be worth it as long as he got some lip action.

“That's not how," Simeon just laughed though. “I don't think I could do the heimlich maneuver on you either." Ajax quirked an eyebrow at that, scratching his own chin now. “You're a bit too big for me."

“I don't know that position… yet." Ajax added giving Simeon a wink.

“It has nothing to do with sex!" The human laughed. “Though, some people could get off on choking I guess…" Simeon shook the thoughts away. “Where's the bed anyways? It's getting late." He tactfully tried to change the subject while also giving himself an out. Only to walk right into Ajax's hands.

“Good idea! You can show me the hamlack maneuver then!" Ajax just wagged the hyena got up with him.

“It wouldn't be wise for any of us to sleep alone tonight." Kamir did nod, though he gave Ajax a warning look. “We were ambushed by a squad of Syliss this afternoon. It is why we ended up here, in fact." The lion told the Pegasus.

“Scaly bastards getting bolder by the day." Bellor snorted angrily at that. The horse had seen his fair share of action. One of his eyes had a nasty cut over it. Simeon wasn't even sure the horse could see out of it. “Too close to the tournament to send out a platoon to wipe them out of our lands."

Simeon chose not to get involved in any of this. Talking about wiping out a race of people, even if they were the very same that had attacked them this afternoon left a bad taste in his mouth. They had called them people once. Did that mean the Syliss were monsters now? Simeon couldn't be sure. He didn't want to lump them together with the bird they were hunting no matter what they had done to them.

“Then it is decided." Kamir clapped his paws together standing up drawing every eye in the room.

“What is?" Ryder spoke up, having mostly stayed out of things. He preferred it that way.

“The plan for tomorrow, of course!" Kamir just grinned, showing off his fangs.

“And that would be?" Bellor crossed his arms giving the feline a look; he didn't like it when the royals came by, it always stripped him of his command.

“Every single idea at once!" Kamir chuckled as the others groaned. “If one does not work, then surely another would."

“It's a desperate task…" Bellor frowned at the thought of risking his people's lives any more than he already had.

“You won't be able to hold up here forever. Supply runs aren't what they used to be with the Syliss running around. Once the tournament starts, no one will care for some settlement in The Spine." Kamir explained his thought process for the captain. Coming off cruel, his logic was sound and no one could argue with the cold harsh facts. “If we only have one more chance to clip this birds wings," he winked at Simeon adding the human's input in as well. “Then we can't afford risking it on one plan."

“And so you're going to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks, huh?" Simeon chuckled.

“It's crazy enough to work." Ryder shrugged. “We can't hole up here forever. We have to get back before The Games start or we won't be able to participate." If it was up to Ryder, he'd have left everyone here to rot while they got back to the palace.

“If we can take down the Sky Terror then my people and I can assist you back to the capital." Bellor stood up at that. “It would be the least we can do for you all after saving us from this threat!"

“We are going to save ourselves." Kamir smiled at the horse, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Together." He nodded towards the others and no one could say no to that face.

“This is why people try to kill him." Ryder sighed as they followed behind Bellor outside and towards the inn.

“Who? Wait, what? People try to kill Kamir?" Simeon piped up, squeaking a bit at the end. “This is a common thing?"

Ryder chuckled at the sound. “Well, yeah. He is a prince."

“A prince that wants to unify the people together under one banner instead of…" Ajax trailed off, frowning a bit. The hyena walked close to the human's side, keeping an eye on him and those around. The other winged horses kept to themselves as the party went by.

“Instead of under each god, huh?" Simeon pieced it together relatively quick. It wasn't too far off from home in its ways after all. Different gods, different religions and beliefs. Each having their own and against those who aren't.

Ryder nodded at that. “Not all of us belong to The Pantheon…" The cheetah frowned at that. Simeon didn't ask, he didn't need too. Understanding Ryder's people, like himself, were in that category. Simeon could only imagine what it would be like to be under a god that wasn't part of the Pantheon. If it even was a god.

“A demi-god?" Simeon was the one to ask, surprising himself with his own question. Ryder didn't respond.

“Not all races were molded from their gods. Some gods have children that in turn mold races, though they are not as respected as the others." Ajax placed a hand on Simeon's shoulder. “Don't worry. With me? You get the genuine, real, thick, meaty thing." The hyena just grinned.

“I'm not sleeping in the same room as you!" Ryder huffed, parting ways with the others as they reached the inn. “Dibs!" He said loudly grabbing the first empty room and slamming it shut behind him.

“Each room only has a single bed." Bellor gestured at the other empty rooms.

“Oh…" Simeon frowned at that. Ajax seemed perfectly fine with it. “I guess I don't mind sharing one…" He thought it over. Though he might be safer in Kamir's hands than Ajax, the hyena scooting closer. It would be hard to choose between the two if he was forced to stay with one of them.

On one hand, Ajax was by far the friendliest of the group. Maybe to a fault. Kamir however had been respectful the entire time and he wouldn't have to keep an eye on the lion while trying to sleep.

“I doubt you would." Bellor snorted, sneering at Simeon.

“The hell is that supposed to mean." Simeon shot back glaring at the horse.

“Now, now." Kamir tried to play peace maker but the Pegasus just continued.

“Your kind always trying to coax your way into other beds. Others homes. Like you belong." Bellor snorted once more, giving a whinny of a laugh as he looked down at Simeon. The human took a second on that before looking down at the shawl he was wearing.

Did he really look like someone else? Did that mean the horse disliked whatever race he appeared as to this stranger? It still didn't make it ok, at least he wasn't mad that Simeon was a human. If Bellor even knew what that was.

Simeon was about to say something when Ajax spoke up.

“Like your any better?" Ajax growled pulling Simeon back before taking a step forward. “I've heard plenty of stories and rumors about the winged whores of the sky." The hyena just laughed in turn as Bellor stomped a hoof against the ground. “What? Big dick so you got to act like one too? Can give it but can't take it." The hyena laughed at that.

“I let you into my village and-," Bellor started up his wings opening up as his hand strayed down to the sword at his side.

“Your village?" Ajax just laughed in his face, they hyena more than happy to accept the challenge. “This village belongs to the Emperor, not you."

“Just like you people belong to him?" Bellor said snidely making the hyena's ears fold back. “I can't believe Kamir even puts up with a stinky, mud walker like you." The horse gave him a once over. Ajax finger twitched towards the hatchet at his side.

The two glaring daggers at each other.

Once more, Kamir voice cut through the room silencing everyone. A roar that broke apart the two and nearly shook the room itself. Simeon took a step back, covering his ears. “Enough! I will not have us fighting against each other while a monster roams the skys above us!" The lion jabbed a clawed finger towards the open window. “You both will have to set aside your differences while we handle the real threat here!"

The other two backed down, bowing their heads.

“Very well. I will get the supplies ready for the 'morrow." Bellor saluted Kamir, ignoring the other two as he stomped his way outside. For a second it looked like he wanted to take flight but stopped himself, instead walking like the rest of the winged horses.

“My apologies." Kamir sighed heavily shaking his head as he brushed one hand through his chestnut color mane. “It is clear what is happening here has been troubling Bellor greatly. They need the skys. They need to be free, not trapped in some city."

“Doesn't excuse his attitude!" Ajax grumbled, folding his arms.

“Still…" Kamir tried to say but didn't have it in him. “It is late. We should be heading to bed." Kamir stopped Ajax with a hand. “After a bath." The lion's nose wrinkled as if he had been trying to hide it this entire time.

“Right…" The hyena frowned, grumbling as he stomped off towards the back side room where Simeon assumed some sort of bath was.

“Now then." Kamir rolled one shoulder, tail flicking to the other side as he clapped his heavy paws together and smiled back down at Simeon. “Which room would you like to stay at?"

“That was uncomfortable." Simeon just said watching where Ajax went. “I'm going to make sure he's ok." He added heading over without giving Kamir a chance to say anything else. The lion's face faltered at that, reaching a hand out before stopping.

“Oh. Right. Well if you need anything… I will be in this room." He motioned to a nearby door. The lion stood out front watching Simeon go around the corner without looking back. “Good job, Kamir." The lion groaned resting his forehead against the door. “Yelling in front of him like that." His hand clenched tightly in a fist before he shook his head, pushing the door open and closing it behind him.

“Need a hand?" Simeon asked rounding the corner before promptly turning back around at the naked hyena standing there with his back to him.

The brown fur, black stripes hyena was waiting for a vase to fill with water from a nearby spout. Ajax glanced back over one shoulder at him, the tension in his shoulders fading away as that familiar smile spread over his face.

“Oh, hey there cub." Ajax turned to face him with a wave. “Come to help your buddy out, huh?" The hyena winked at him. “I could use two hands," he gestured down wards over his naked body.

“I meant on your back you idiot." Simeon laughed though, rolling his eyes as he turned back around to face him having been caught off guard at first. Of course Ajax would be naked in the bath.

The small room was nothing more than a square with a smooth stone floor and walls like the rest of the building. There were two spouts installed into the walls, one of which was pushed down and water was pouring out of it. Some sort of pump system, Simeon figured not bothering to ask about it as he stood there facing the naked hyena.

It was just like the first time they met, though Simeon had clothes on this time.

“Get my back, I get yours." Ajax thumbed over his shoulder at his own back as he moved over to sit back down on a wooden stool in front of the spout.

“Sure." Simeon could really use a refreshing shower after the day he had. Working up a sweat from the trek they had endured, let alone the assassination attempt on their lives. “As long as you behave." The human warned though it didn't even sound convincing to his own ears.

Ajax just laughed at that. “I promise you, I won't do anything… you don't want." The hyena winked at him as he set a nearby stool down for Simeon. The human took a seat after stripping off his clothes, neatly folding the starry shawl and placing it on top of it and close by.

Not wanting to lose that.

“Sure you won't." Simeon rolled his eyes.

“I promise on the War-Matron!" Ajax crossed his chest with a dull claw holding his head up.

“War-Matron?" Simeon asked keeping the conversation going as the wooden spout of water in front of them was pushed up by Ajax's paw, the water stopped as it was cut off. The vase in front of it full of water. It was steaming and touching it with his fingers, Simeon found it to be very warm as if it had come from a hot spring.

“Our Matron mother." Ajax placed a hand on his chest before grabbing a rag nearby and putting it in the water. He began rubbing it over his arms and legs.

“Is she a god too then?" Simeon asked as he mimicked what the hyena was doing. The rough cloth felt more like a luffa after it was wet, using it to rub down his arms and legs. The two shared the same vase of water making Ajax tail wag.

Simeon didn't notice but the hyena did. Unlike the others, Simeon didn't seem bothered to be in some close proximity to him. Even using the same water to bathe with. Sometimes the simplest of things meant the most.

“Yup. She's the matron of war and wisdom and like commerce I think…" Ajax paused taking a moment to wrack his brain. He shrugged. “She's a beast. You do NOT want to get on her bad side. Truly a mother." He chuckled as he motioned with a finger for Simeon to turn to his side so he could get the humans' back for him. “I'm sure she'd watch over you too, if you asked."

Simeon did and felt that warm cloth rubbing over his back now as he thought about it. He didn't pray to a god back home, would he do so here? “It feels rather nice, actually." He rolled a shoulder as Ajax washed his back. It was the first time someone had offered too; though it might be customary here, it defiantly wasn't back in the dorms. “This water isn't what I was expecting. It's kind of… coarse. Like is there sand in it or something?"

“Mineral water. It's very good for the skin." Ajax nodded.

“I don't think we'll need the whole jug." Simeon nodded at the vase still full of the steaming water.

“We'll use the water at the end to rinse off." Ajax nodded as he took his time. One hand dipped into the water as he slung the rag over his shoulder. Using both hands, he began rubbing the human's back. Feeling the strange, smooth furless creature with his finger pads making Simeon shiver.

Ajax was curious how he'd feel. Unlike the others, Simeon didn't have any fur other than on his head and a few other spots on his body. It wasn't thick like his own. Feeling sparse, but soft if nothing else. Ajax's couldn't help where his fingers roamed as they explored the man in front of him.

“Hey now." Simeon blushed looking back at the hyena as those strong, hardy fingers brushed over his side making him squirm a bit. Ajax paw pads were coarse to the touch; of a hard working warrior than the soft flesh of the human who'd never seen combat before.

“I am washing you." Ajax just chuckled lightly, ears splaying out as he pulled back a bit. “Do you want me to stop…?" The hyena asked, even if he kept doing the deed.

“No, your fine. It's just… I don't want to lead you on…" Simeon frowned a bit at that. “I'm not used to this."

“Oh?" Ajax asked dipping his hands back in the water before scooting closer. Simeon could feel the hyena's fur brush against his back as Ajax rubbed his shoulders now. The water was almost as coarse as the rag had been. Instead of spring water it felt more like mineral water. Ajax advised was not to drink it.

He'd done that before and regretting it the rest of the night.

“Well I mean…" Simeon paused for a second. “I don't know how things work here…" He just said truthfully, bowing his head a bit. “This all is so… strange to me." Ajax was the only one he felt he understood.

Like many of the guys back home, being driven by his libido was an easy enough thing to read. As well to understand. Ajax wanted what most men wanted and that was something Simeon could handle. It wasn't complicated with underlining meanings or hidden desires.

Sex was easy. It was simple and straight forward.

“You are from another land." Ajax just nodded, still rubbing Simeon's shoulders. They were tense and the hyena was sure there was far more to it this than just that. Even Ajax could pick up on such a thing.

“Something like that." Simeon nodded. “I mean, like. Do you guys just sort of… do it? With anyone? Or do you need to date? Or marriage?" Simeon tried to think about every culture he knew about and how things sort of panned out. “I rather not be blacklisted, just getting here."

Simeon chuckled though Ajax faltered a bit at that, his ears folding back again as his tail drooped.

“Oh, you put FAR more thought into this than I have!" Ajax just chuckled shaking the dark thoughts away, turning around. “Do my back first." Simeon made sure Ajax was facing the other way before turning around. He pulled the stool a bit closer before grabbing his own rag and beginning to rub over the hyena's back.

Like the rest of him, somehow Ajax back was pure muscle underneath that shaggy fur. Simeon didn't even know you could get these kind of muscles on your back.

“Well? I mean…" The human blushed a bit though. Maybe he was thinking about this far more than he needed too. He wet the rag before rubbing it over those muscles once more, unaware he was tracing them out as he did so making the hyena smile softly in front of him.

Being felt and touched like this, so gentle as the human explored him much as he had done to Simeon just a moment ago.

“Are you interested?" Ajax asked leaning his head back enough to look at Simeon's face. The human chuckled at that.

“It is hard to resist your charm." Simeon rolled his eyes but his smile didn't fade off his face. “Let's just say I've never done this before, with someone like you." He added quickly.

“So you do think of me that way?" Ajax smiled his wet tail wagging. “Will I be your first beastman?" The hyena grinned. It was a bit more intimidating than friendly as close as the two were to each other in the small side room. Ajax showing not only his sharp teeth but also his black gums.

“Well…" Simeon chuckled once more, his cheeks flushing. “I won't lie to say I didn't think about it…"

Ajax rolled his shoulders facing forward again, bowing his head so Simeon could stand up to do his neck. Working that warm mineral water through his mane as he rubbed is fingers through it. Ajax hide was thick underneath his pelt of fur. It was warm to the touch, solid and firm like the ground beneath him.

“Does it bother you that I'm… me?" Ajax voice was soft as he asked the question. The hyena was staring down at his large, oversized paws. He wiggled his toes trying to smile at himself but couldn't.

“I'm not sure what you mean, honestly." Simeon said wetting the rag again before standing back up to continue. The human touch was soft and gentle, something Ajax hadn't felt before as Simeon pet over his back with a hand to feel that fur underneath his palm.

“I mean…" Ajax turned around making Simeon take a step back. The soaking wet hyena looked up at him with large emerald eyes. “A hyena, like me. Not some fancy lion or some big horse, who is clearly compensating for a lack of a personality." The hyena grumbled bitterly before looking back up at him with those large eyes.

Simeon took a seat rather than stand in front of Ajax butt naked as he was. Ajax followed him with those eyes as Simeon looked at him.

“Well, I mean no. Not that I can think of. I just…" Simeon faltered a bit as his eyes wandered lower, stopping at Ajax's stomach before shooting back up. He gave an embarrassed smile. “I just never been with a beastman before. It has nothing to do with, well, you. More so, me?" Simeon tried to explain.

He didn't want to give Ajax the whole “it's not you it's me" spiel and sort of ended up doing just that. Thankfully it seemed such a thing didn't exist here yet or Ajax ignored it.

Ajax snorted at that, that large black nose huffing out hot air over Simeon's face. “Oh, I see. I'm just a body to you then." The hyena smiled though, laughing again making his whole body shook with the sound. That smile was back on his face and Ajax didn't seem to be concerned in the least by it. He even flexed a bit for the human, showing off his body.

“If I had to test it out with anyone, why not be with a friend? One I… well, trust. Yeah." Simeon admitted more to himself than to the hyena. Ajax gave him a look at that. Simeon pulled back a bit. “Sorry, that must seem weird to just up and say. I mean I don't even know if you think of me as a friend or-"

“I do, Simeon." Ajax just chuckled at that, his face softening as he just looked at the strange furless creature before him. As foreign as Simeon was, he had been the only one not to look at him with the eyes Bellor had given him. One of disgust and misunderstanding. “I wasn't expecting it, though…" The hyena took a moment, frowning slightly as if thinking of something else. “Heh, to think I was the one to find you first, huh?" The hyena shook his head at the thought.

“Why do you say that?" Simeon asked draping the rag over his own shoulders as if the two were in a sauna just chatting away.

“Well, I thought it would be Kamir to find you. He's sort of the one who gets this kind of thing. Being a prince or whatever?" Ajax shrugged. “And here I am, some mud walker that…" He trailed off, resting his arms on his knees looking down.

Ajax didn't right frowning like this. The hyena needed to be all laughs and smiles. Even during the ambush he'd been laughing about it, fighting to his heart's content. And here he was now, looking miserable. Soaking wet in some small bathroom sitting butt naked on a stool.

“I'm not really sure what's all going on here…" Simeon frowned a bit before reaching out and touching one of Ajax's hands. “But I'm the lucky one here." Ajax looked up at him, his scruffy fur soaking wet, his bangs falling over his eyes. “You're the one who found me, not Kamir. You sort of well, saved me from prison or whatever would've happened to me. Whatever the reason, I still owe you for that. And I don't think I ever properly thanked you. So, thank you. Ajax. For finding me." He tried to smile past the embarrassment burning in his cheeks.

It had been many years since he had a heart to heart with anyone before. And here he was doing just that with a beastman of all people.

Ajax ears splayed out a bit as the hyena chuckled at that.

“Ok, ok. Fine. Sheesh. I'll sleep with you; don't get all sappy on me." Ajax rolled his eyes, looking away now. His tail swayed behind him as he scratched over his thick neck with dull claws. Looking everyone but at the human sitting directly in front of him.

“I would prefer some privacy. And I'm not saying I will just up and sleep with you! But, like… I'm interested?" Simeon offered a bit weakly even for his own taste. “I don't know how things work here. And I don't… want to lose you as a friend, Ajax."

Simeon wasn't sure how'd he manage in such a world if he didn't at least have one friend to rely on.

The hyena snorted at that. “Sleeping with me would only help our friendship, I think!" The hyena gave a toothy grin at the human sitting here with him in the small bath.

Simeon rolled his eyes at that. “That's what they all say!" He just laughed along with the hyena. “Look. So, uh yeah. I want too. But not here… I need some privacy. To well," Simeon blushed a little. “See if I'd be interested in what you're packing."

Ajax chuckled at that standing up, Simeon averted his eyes. It didn't help the fact the naked hyena was standing so close to him. Ajax dumped the water over Simeon making the human gasp and hold out his arms, dripping wet.

The hyena just smiled down at the glare he got for that.

“Deal." Ajax said, offering a hand and helping him to his feet. “You need to explore this big man, to see if you can handle everything…" Ajax looped an arm around him, pulling Simeon closer. “He's packing." The hyena licked over his jowls, wiggling his eyebrows after. Simeon was far too aware of the fact he was touching the hyenas chest, side, leg and what was between his legs as Ajax held him like this.

“Well, yeah." Simeon just played it off though, poking the hyena in to nose lightly with a finger. Ajax wiggled his snoot and let him go at that. “Let's do a rain check then on this and see how things go, when we got a bit more privacy, kay?"

Ajax rubbed his chin. “Well, ok. I would be fine though with it, if you want to come back to my room now." The horny hyena still offering him the chance. “You never know what tomorrow holds. We might both end up dead." The hyena chuckled loudly at that.

“I think it best if I didn't." Simeon chuckled, having to face away from the hyena feeling himself getting hard from all this. “I don't want to risk accidentally…"

“Accidentally what? Falling onto my lap? Then off. Then on. Then off. Then I turn you around and-," Ajax began miming it. His dark brown sheath full by this time, sack sway with his humping movements.

“Yes. Exactly! You don't have to spell it out." Simeon only laughed though, smiling as he pushed the hyena roughly back. Ajax chuckled at that.

“You can though, sleep with me, if you want." Ajax offered. “I won't try anything, if you choose too. Unless you want me to try something." The hyena tried once more. The look he got told him that wasn't happening tonight.

Simeon was more worried by the fact he might take Ajax up on his offer than the hyena trying to do anything first.

“OK, well the boss said you got to sleep with someone. Why not me?" Ajax went on, not letting the subject just slip away. “It'll give you a good chance to, you know, feel me out." The hyena took a step back to show off all his naked glory.

“I'm sure you'd just love that." Simeon rolled his eyes as he shook himself off. There wasn't a towel here. The warm weather helped though and he could wipe himself off far better than Ajax could.

“We both know I would." Ajax just chuckled trying to wring his fur out as if it were a damp towel. He shook himself like a wet dog, forcing Simeon to cover his face with an arm.

“Ass."

“You love it." Ajax just chuckled and the two headed back to his room.

“It's a small fit." Simeon frowned at the bed, Ajax standing behind him. The hyena closed the door behind them.

“I'll make it fit." And with that Ajax scooped the human up making Simeon squeak. Neither of the two had bothered putting their clothes back on, still damp as they were.

“Hey, hey! You said you'd be good!" Simeon kept his voice down, though he was laughing to much too. He covered his mouth as he hyena easily carried him over, setting him down on the bed.

“Relax. I'm just messing with you…" Ajax smirked told Simeon he'd only have to give the word to change that. Maybe this hadn't been a good idea. The hyena on the other hand turned around and took a seat next to the bed instead of beside Simeon.

“And here I thought we'd have to rock, paper, scissor for the bed." Simeon sat up to put his legs down beside Ajax. The hyena looked at him. “It's a game. I'll show you another time," Simeon yawned. Deciding it was best to sleep naked, he still grabbed the starry shawl and put it around his shoulders.

The cloth didn't seem to absorb any of the water leaving it the only article of clothing he had dry. Not that he was complaining.

“Are you sure you'll be ok?" Simeon asked resting back and crossing his legs, looking up at the ugly stone ceiling.

“Not the first time, cub." Ajax just crossed his arms, bowing his head and keeping watch for the night.

Simeon took a moment on that, thinking it over. “Hey, Ajax?"

“What's up?"

“Thanks…"

“Anytime, cub. Anytime." The hyena smiled as sleep took them, knowing tomorrow would be one hell of a ride.