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Changing Places

Chapter Eight

By Roofles

Elsewhere down in the city below where those that worked for the palace lived; those closest to the royal palace were assigned such living situations. Able to trek up the mile long stairs to the palace every morning to report in. In one such building, a multi story home near the stairs themselves, a group began to gather. Kamir and Ajax were hashing out their plans of attack together while waiting for the others; Ryder shortly joining them through the open window as the two talked it over.

Still, they waited for the others to arrive before going into anything specific.

“How’s the cub?” Ajax was the first one to ask, dropping what he was doing to come over to inquire about Simeon from the cheetah. The hyena wore the war kilt and little else; practically shoving Ryder against the wall as if about to pull the information out of the black spotted, yellow feline.

Ryder had stayed behind in the palace to keep an eye on things. Not just on Simeon but others that would be competing in The Games. Ajax and Kamir had headed down below to investigate what they could before the day came to an end and the coliseum would be locked off. The two already forced to live outside the palace as it was. Ryder had his ways of coming and going and thus would be the only right choice to scout inside the palace.

He hadn’t the authority to remain within it without escorting Kamir who in turn only had permission for escorting Simeon.

“He seems to be adjusting to the royal life well enough.” Ryder chuckled with a shake of his head, slipping underneath the hyena’s arm and shutting the window behind him.

“That bad, huh?” Kamir chuckled looking up from the map they had laid out on the table. Several markers indicated where all those competing were staying, among other things. Anything he thought might be useful. Supplies, the areas of the Gods shrines and temples were positioned at. Anything that might help them figure out what these games were going to be. Whatever they could do to gain an advantage.

Whoever won this would change everything. Something each and every one of them knew. And every God that was joining in would have a game to represent themselves in some way or form.

“He’s probably so lonely without me.” Ajax eyes widened at that, pouting now.

“I highly doubt that.” Ryder rolled his eyes with a laugh at the idea Simeon would be lonely having spied a certain jackal catching up with the poor human before the cheetah left to tell the others.

“As long as he is safe for the time being… we will worry about him after we figure out the game plan.” Kamir brought the other two attention back to the matter at hand. “We need to remove Achell from the group.” Kamir tapped a claw at the figure on the palace now. Pointing out the lion figurine there.

His oldest brother Achell had been the chosen patron to represent his people, not Kamir. The patron of the sun god Phoebus. The second youngest brother, Kamir, had been tossed aside like many of his other siblings. Only the biggest, strongest had been chosen. Something even Nadia, his sister, thought was foolish of their father.

“Strength alone doesn’t win these games, he does know that right?” Nadia had pointed out just the other night. “How father won is beyond me! Does he even want us to win again?” His sister had been livid, forced to wait on Achell hand and foot for all his most basic of needs.

She had learned far too much as it was about his bathing habits or lack thereof.

“As the runner up, you’d take his place…” Ryder nodded at that looking the map over and what the other two had added to it, quickly putting everything together. “We could ask the cub for help.” He offered. “He’s already in the palace…” The cheetah stuck a finger in one ear, wiggling it around as he continued to look at the map.

Kamir just shook his head. “No. This is unsavory business and I rather not involve the human,”

“Simeon.” Ajax corrected walking over to join the two.

“Right, Simeon in this.” Kamir scrunched up his nose. “I do not know why I keep forgetting his name!” The lion growled to himself with a frown.

“Don’t worry about it. I forget things all the time.” Ajax just shrugged. The other two just looked at the shirtless hyena and then went back to work without commenting on that.

“I doubt you want me to assassinate your own brother…” Ryder said though it sounded like an offer instead. Kamir was familiar with Ryder’s past and knew it was a possibility that Ryder had been offering such things.

Kamir shook his head. “I doubt the Gods would smile on such actions, brother.” Kamir smiled at the cheetah though as Ryder backed down. The lion had recruited the cheetah even knowing his unsavory past. If someone like Ryder could change, then they all could. He would make this world a better place.

Not just for the lions. But for everyone.

It was just another reason why he must win.

At that the door opened and two others quickly joined them. Nadia and a cloaked figure that soon enough revealed himself to be none other than Loffe, the oracle from Hali. The jaguar nodded at the others.

“I see we’ve all gathered for some fun.” Loffe chuffed looking around the room with a smile. “So many big, strong men…”

Nadia clicked her tongue at that, moving past to place something on the table. The large scroll was bound tightly. “I brought what I could.” She said to her brother, ignoring the others.

“Thank you, Nadia. This will be a great help, I’m sure.” Kamir nodded at his sister already taking the scroll and unraveling it. He read over the news on it quickly. “Interesting… this is far more detailed than I thought it would be.” He said.

The scroll had various detailed reports of previous games that had been done over the past centuries. Even when the Gods had warred with one another, The Games had continued. The people forced to put on the show despite the world crumbling around them. When gods fought, everything and everyone else were the things to lose.

“Yes, well, I have my means.” Nadia just inspected her nails still addressing no one else there. “We have to win this.” She just stated as a fact. “I can’t go another Emperorship under someone like father.” Her lip twitched at that.

The very idea of serving Achell for the rest of her life made her fur stand on end. She rather throw herself off the palace than deal with any of that.

“Females will be due honored under my rule, Nadia. I promise you.” Kamir put the scroll down to walk over to his sister. The large lion placed an arm on hers to steady her, calming her down. “Trust me on this. I want what is best for everyone. Not just myself.” He added looking around the room at the others.

They each in turn gave their nod of approval to Kamir, knowing why he was the one that needed to compete for the rest of them. Not just because of his noble views on how things should be done but the circumstance they found themselves in.

“I know, brother.” Nadia wiped a hand over her face, looking away. The lioness looked on the verge of tears from the exhaustion this had placed on her. Serving their father had been far crueler than anyone would have foreseen.

It wasn’t that he was a tyrant, no. Emperor Pernadis was nothing close. He was a man that was nothing more than a fat cat, lazing around on a throne letting everyone else do the work for him. He kept a strict list of rules that he forced his most loyal guards to assert over the populace and then… nothing. The Emperor had taken the throne and had done nothing in all his years as if just assuming everything would just be magically done for him.

Nadia and others had made that so. Making sure the kingdom itself didn’t crumble around them. Getting Pernadis to sign off on anything had been a chore in and of itself; just another list of things Nadia wasn’t going to miss.

“The city is rotting.” Ryder was the one to bring up, peeking out the window. Though they had done their best, they could only do so much.

“With The Emperor in place,” Kamir paused at that. “The land itself is healing… the harvests are bountiful and the skys have been kind to us. There hasn’t been a drought or famine in many, many years…” He tried to reason out.

“Just because we have the blessing of the Gods doesn’t mean we can slack off!” Nadia was the one to pipe in, getting angry about it all over again. She looked exhausted. Her arms were far scrawnier than her sisters and her face was almost gaunt from the lack of sleep. “I have done everything for that… that man!” She hissed the word as a feline would. “I can’t keep up much longer with this…”

“I know.” Kamir quickly cut in, giving her a hug. Her brother holding her for the moment until she took a steady breath and pushed him back, calming down.

“I’m fine. Fine… Just… we have to win.” Nadia turned away from the others. She hadn’t been ignoring them, no. She didn’t want anyone to see the stress getting to her. Forever forced to be the strong one, her mask was beginning to crack and the wear and tear were beginning to show.

“We aren’t alone in this.” Loffe brought in, offering her a cup of wine. The jaguar taking the assumption the wine was up for grabs. He carried the jug in one hand, goblet in the other as he poured the cup for her. Then drank out of the jug.

“There are many that want change.” Kamir assured her. “We even have the Gods blessing on this.”

Nadia gave him a look, with a scoff she shook her head. “If the Gods had wanted change they wouldn’t put an oaf of a man like father on the throne…” She quickly continued before her zealous brother could come to their defense. “I must return. I can’t be gone for long. It’ll be too suspicious.”

Kamir just gave her a soft smile at that. “Ok, Nadia. Thank you. For everything. I promise, I will win this… for you. For us. For everyone.” He declared for the room.

His voice held strength to it. They all knew he had the presence needed to be an Emperor and with that smile; they were sure, the people would love him too.

There were little other options than the lion in front of her to take on such a task. Hyena’s weren’t treated as equal and would be looked down on. Cheetah’s were no better. Females could compete but with the Emperor in charge, they were at a disadvantage. As a lion had won last time, it was clear the Gods had no issue with another lion ruling.

However, they seemed to have an issue with either a cheetah or hyena winning these things. It was the Emperor himself that prevented someone like Nadia, one of his own, to take up arms and compete. After all, he was the one to choose who would be pick.

Kamir was no means a small man. However, even he was dwarfed by his brother Achell who seemed to inherent all of their fathers genes. And little else.

They can only hope, and pray, that Kamir would win this. The noble lion had spent many years perfecting the role he claimed he was destined to be; the future Emperor. He had listened to the others blights and helped all in the room before him.

Helping Nadia get a position in the palace. Assisting Ajax into the role of captain back in the day and even helping Ryder out with his sketchy past. Each and every person there owed a debt to Kamir and this was the time for them to repay the lion who had asked for nothing in return or than a hand in friendship. Even now, Kamir didn’t demand their help. Only, once more, offering to help them in turn if he won.

Everyone save for Loffe who was a whole other story.

The group stayed late into the night going over the game plan. They still had several days before The Games would start. Ajax would spend the time scouting out the arena; though the hyena complained, wanting to spend time with someone else. Kamir would scout the temples once more, planning to ask the attendants and stewards about the Gods beliefs and choices. It was the logical conclusion to make. Kamir wanted to make the trip for more than one reason and was the best suited for dealing with the more religious aspect of The Games.

Nadia would stay in the palace to gather intel while Ryder kept an eye on Simeon as well as the others within.

Loffe stayed to the side only offering snide inputs or lewd innuendos when it seemed appropriate. They all tolerated his presence.

“Well, with that all said and done we should retire for the night.” Loffe clapped his hands together, smiling at the others by the end. He was the only one that didn’t look tire. His piercing eyes stopping, focusing on Kamir at the end. The look alone made Kamir know he wanted words with him, alone, in private.

It was why he suggested ending things so early; knowing Kamir would be the one to have the final say.

“Yes. I think that would be best.” Kamir rolled up the scroll, tying it and pocketed it for safe keeping. He would need to go over the information later during his trips to the temples. “We still have a couple days before The Games.” The words didn’t need explaining to anyone other than Ajax.

The other two knowing what Kamir had meant. Gather as much intel as they could before The Games to give him the best advantage he could get. He wasn’t going up just against the brawn of his brother but the other clans as well. Achell was one of many stepping stones to come.

The others departed one after another, leaving only Loffe and Kamir alone in the room. The two took a moment, waiting to make sure they were gone before Kamir turned away from the jaguar. The lion walking over to pour himself some much needed wine for this.

He hated dealing with Loffe alone…

“My Prince,” Loffe practically purred the words. His voice was softer, far more feminine than it had been a moment before. “Don’t look away.”

“You know this makes me uncomfortable…” Kamir muttered, possibly blushing as the large lion grew flustered.

“Why do you say that?” Loffe chuffed a laugh, walking closer to press his chest against Kamir’s back. Arms wrapped around the lion as he continued to purr into Kamir’s ear. “Do you not like the way I look, maybe?” Loffe teased.

“No, no… I love it. Everyone does. No one could question your beauty and splendor…” Kamir stammered out the best he could, trying to be respectful.

Loffe laughed at that. The very sound seemed to shake the room they were in. Things were changing. Loffe was changing, shifting and the curves of his body began to alter from the strong male he had been to the feminine panther she became.

With sleek black fur that ran over her body, Loffe was no longer who he appeared to be anymore.

“Oh, my sweet dear handsome prince.” Loffe moved as if floating on air, looping around the lion to hold his face with both of her paws lifting it up for him to look straight at the naked wonder that was beauty incarnate. “I said, look at me.”

And he did. The tension of his shoulders began to ease as he lost the feeling in his fingers and toes, lost in those eyes.

Cypris the goddess of love, of desire, of want and need of heart and soul and the one who weaves the fate floated before Kamir; holding the lions face in such a tender touch, it was hard to distinguish it from a mother’s love for a child or a lover’s wanting need.

“Look at me.” She said with a purr, her sleek black fur flowing down her naked form like a black river. Her long hair running over her chest just enough to hide her nipples from view, entwining between her legs to cover that too.

She still was butt naked before him and the flustered lion’s eyes couldn’t meet hers for long.

“Oh, my silly prince.” She laughed. A sing song voice like birds singing as she pushed back, away from him. Spinning in the air as if swimming through water she landed delicately on one single foot to look at him. “Have I been nothing but kind to you?”

“Yes, my goddess…” Kamir answered instantly.

“Have I given you all that you desired and wanted?” Cypris went on, teasing the lion now. She could tell. She always knew what someone wanted. What they desired. If they got it or not. Every virgin was her friend after all.

“Yes…” Kamir still couldn’t look at her. A Venus like Cypris was too much for mortal eyes to directly behold. Every curve and form was perfect. Every strand of fur silky, glossy and soft to the touch. Her smile alone could break hearts or make another fall madly in love.

Even the torchlight seemed dim and lifeless before her glowing beauty.

“You don’t need to lie to me.” She laughed softly taking a single step closer. Even smaller than Kamir, the large lion took a hesitant step away. Her smile only grew at that. “Is it this form?” She asked looking down at her naked splendor before glancing back up at the lion before her. “Would you prefer…”

And with the groping strokes of her hand, her body began to shift and change once more. As if pressing her own breast in, her shoulders broaden with her chest as her curves became rougher as her shape changed once more.

Cypris took a single step closer to Kamir, his smile could’ve put even the sun to shame.

“How is this then?” The naked panther asked. His body was strong yet lean, firm yet soft. Every movement he made only seemed to insinuate what was between his legs now still hidden with hair too long. Every strand glowed a soft pink as if dipped in some sort of dye, still wet to the touch. “That’s right. You prefer the male touch over…” And he pet Kamir’s chest with one strong hand. “The more feminine one...”

“Cypris, please…” Kamir still couldn’t look at him. His full face was flushed a bright red at this point and he was hiding himself with one hand now, covering his groin from the panther’s prying eyes with the other.

Cypris laughed at that finally withdrawing. “Oh, you mortals are so fun to tease.” He spun around and in the single gesture was female once more. “You truly are my delight.” Cypris seemed to glow with a soft pink light as she threw out her arms, no shame standing before the flustered lion butt naked like this.

Kamir had to take a moment to collect himself from the harassment and teasing. Cypris just smiled at that. How easy it was to spin mortals around on her pinky, guiding them as she so chose. Those she favored would be blessed with long lives, love like no other and the touches they desired. Those she despised on the other hand...

“No need to fret, darling.” Cypris smiled at the lion. “I am on your side, after all.” She reminded the lion as to why she was even here. “Once you rule,” she spun around once more and there was an almost floral scent in the air like perfume. “My touch can spread throughout the kingdom! Everyone will know love. Every heart’s desire granted. Unlike my stuffy brother, I cherish all. No matter the woman or man, lion or hyena they love! Love, the most wondrous of things… isn’t it?”

And in that motion Cypris body changed once more going through several different races. One after another. Each as beautiful and majestic as the last. From a cheetah to a lion to a hyena or a rhino until she was once more a panther before him, bent over slowing off the cleavage that had little affect on the male before her; still, she always loved to tease.

“I love all!” Cypris claimed as she had done the very day she had appeared before Kamir.

Wanting change, the lion had gone to the Temple of Suns to pray to the sun god for guidance. He had never heard a reply and instead ran into Loffe outside the temple as if the jaguar had been waiting for him. There and then, Loffe guided him to the small shrine at the top of the hill to read his fortune and to tell him his wants and desires…

And the price to pay to get them.

“The human,” Kamir began. “He is uh… not what I expected, when you said you would offer me true love…”

“Simeon.” Cypris chuckled with a smile, having favored Kamir from the very beginning. There was something about the lion. Maybe it was the fact her brother ignored such a handsome, wondrous man like Kamir that Cypris had taken such an interested in the noble prince. Scooping him up before another could.

“Right, yes. He is here because…” The lion started up, asking the question he had since meeting this goddess. “He is to help me? To be… to be… with me…” Kamir couldn’t fully finish the sentence.

He stood there not embarrassed, but in shame. Shame knowing he had come to the temple that day not to ask for the path to lead, to become emperor but for one thing and one thing alone. Love.

And that was why Cypris, the god and goddess of love, heard his desperate plea. Hearing the sound of his heart like no one else could.

“Correct. He is here for you and you alone. I have blessed him as I have you with the lover’s touch…” Though Cypris paused at that. Her face faltering, if only for a moment. “Though…” She shook the thought away not about to show doubt in front of the lion as her glowing eyes looking back at the feline before her.

Her blessing should’ve made the two fall madly in love with each other. That had been Kamir’s agreement in all this. With Cypris help he was to win The Games and in turn allow her to be the patron god of the kingdom. Letting her love spread over the lands they ruled to touch every person here…

But that day, when she met Simeon for the first time there was something… off. Her love could not touch him or sway his heart like it had done so many others. It was why Kamir had brought Simeon there, unwittingly knowing what Cypris had planned to do. A plan that didn’t work.

“Love takes time.” She lied to the lion then. “The story hasn’t finished yet,” she chided him like a mother would a child. Floating up above him to tap him on his nose with a finger. “After all, I’ve already started to help you…”

“What… do you mean by that?” Kamir asked, uncertain now about this arrangement. It had been the darker time of his life that he had agreed to accept the goddess’s help. In his weakest moment she had come to him to offer him help, to soothe his lonely heart.

As if waiting for that moment…

All Kamir wanted, was not to be alone anymore…

“The Syliss attacking your carriage? You coming to save him in front of all the others? Swooping in like the hero you are! Then there was the Skyterror!” Cypris laughed in delight, clapping her hands as if watching the show play out before her again like a play. All the actors she had set up, every string she had pulled.

“You…” The lion looked at her stunned. How many lives had been lost for her little ploy to be pulled off?

“They would’ve done so anyways.” She waved his concerns off. “I just helped guide them in the right direction. You took care of the rest. And that is only the first,” she added taking a moment to pause. At that, she disappeared. Just fading away before him like a streak being wiped away from a window pane.

Kamir blinked several times, rubbing his eyes as he looked around.

The next second someone knocked at the door. Kamir took a second, looking around before answering it. Before him stood a servant, out of breath, holding up a linen cloth covering a loaf of bread.

“From… honored… guest…” The tabby cat said, his words as scratchy and painful to say as before.

“From Simeon?” Kamir warm honey eyes widened at that as he looked back at where Cypris had been. He instead turned back to the servant, offering him a glass of wine. “Please, as thanks. For what you have done.”

The servant didn’t even wait to grab the drink and hungrily drain the glass away.

“Thank…” The tabby didn’t finish, just bowing before Kamir and heading out to deliver the other loaf of bread. Kamir shut the door and no sooner did Cypris pop up behind him, floating like she’d done before.

“Bread? Not very romantic. I’ll have to help him as well,” Cypris rested back as if floating on water. Drifting further into the room. “You men. Can’t even woo each other properly.” She laughed, giggling in delight at the game this all seemed to be for her, spinning over to look at Kamir once more. Resting her chin on her hands, floating there. “What did I tell you?”

“To trust you, my goddess…” Kamir bowed his head looked down at the still warm, honey bread. It smelled nice. It warmed and touched his heart. Though Cypris might not see the gift as anything special, it was the first time someone had given Kamir such a gift.

“True love takes time.” Cypris landed on one foot in front of him, taking Kamir’s hand in hers and pulling him back into the room, spinning him around as if in dance. “It isn’t just some game! It is an art form unlike any other. It isn’t brash like a hurricane, or monotonous like tending to the harvest.” She mocked the other gods. “The pieces need to be placed very specifically, carefully. Everybody has a role to play after all.” She smiled up at him and before Kamir could stop her, kissed him on the muzzle.

The simple gesture of affection might’ve just been that if Cypris was anyone other than who she was. Holding Kamir’s face, she slowly drifted towards the ceiling until she was looking down at him. Holding that face as Kamir’s eyes glazed over.

She was larger in that moment. Larger than even the lion before her. Staring down at him with eyes that seemed to swirl and move, her pink glow thrumming loudly around her.

“You will do as I say.” Cypris commanded.

“Yes, my goddess…” Kamir could barely stand, lost in the spell placed over his mind and body alike.

“I will grant you your heart’s desire…” She pet over his face, tracing a nail along his jaw and then over his neck. More threatening than lovingly.

“Yes, my goddess…” Kamir muttered the words once more as if hypnotized by Cypris eyes and voice, her very body and being. Everything she was, was his world.

“Trust in me. Need me. Want me. Worship me. Look at me. Hear me and know, I will grant you your heart’s desire.” And with a twisted, wicked smile she laughed letting go and drifting away vanishing as quickly as she had come into his life to begin with.

Kamir fell to one need, gasping for breath. So captivated by the goddess, his body had forgotten how to breathe. The lion didn’t like this. Knowing just how dangerous someone like Cypris could be. Still, the pact had already been made and there was little a mere mortal like him could do about it...

So long as she held up to her end of the bargain, he could do little else but obey.

Drifting upwards to the roof, Cypris stretched her arms, alighting on top of the building looking out over the city. Over every home and building, every light in the window with a smile. Every one of them would be her people soon enough. Every man and woman, elder and child alike would be hers to play with as she saw fit.

“Love truly is the most powerful thing.”

They would love her, want her, desire her and worship her. The sun god would be forgotten; not that was something to brag about. Her brother was nothing like her. She was gorgeous, wonderful, beautifully stunning. Captivating and above all else, they loved her…

“Pulling strings again, I see.” A voice spoke up behind her making the panther freeze, if only for a split second. Spinning around she looked down at the fox resting against the railing. Her pink halo seemed to falter, darkening in color as her eyes narrowed on the fox.

“Trickster…” She said, showing her fangs.

“Easy, easy.” Dollos just laughed holding up both hands in a peaceful gesture. “I just came by to see how many favorite puppet master was doing.”

She laughed at that. “Puppet master? Me? No, no. I don’t do such things…” She smiled knowingly as she tried to hide it from the fox. “I only help the lost, wayward souls find happiness. Of course…”

“Always pulling strings. Manipulating fate.” The fox chuckled with a shake of his head as if not even hearing her. “It really is something else… if the others ever found out,” he added giving her a knowing look. “Oh, I could only just imagine what they would say about this. Or do… What your brother would do, knowing you were interfering in his game.”

That made Cypris stop. The panther stood there regarding this minor god before her with nothing but contempt. That a lowly thing like this would dare to threaten her? One of the supreme gods was almost laughable. However, Cypris wasn’t just known for bringing lovers together.

She was also feared for what she did to those who angered her. Able to mend or break hearts with a simple pluck of her bow. The Heartseeker; also known as Cupid’s arrow. Most held it in the best of regards thinking it only an arrow of love and nothing more. The gods knew however just how dangerous The Heartseeker was…

“What’s to stop me from silencing you where you stand?” Cypris asked. With a flick of her wrist and a weave of her hand, a bow appeared from thin air. She took hold of it, doing the same for an arrow with other hand, notching it to the bow and pointing it at the forked tongue fox. The colorful pink, heart shaped arrow tip was very misleading in that morning.

The fox just smiled at that.

“Going to make me fall in love?” Dollos laughed looking at the heart shaped arrow.

“I can break hearts just as easily as I can captivate them.” Cypris let go. The arrow fired without a sound; the arrow all but invisible to mortal eyes. Dollos was no mortal though.

The arrow struck Dollos in the chest; only for the fox to fade away like smoke. Smoke that reformed next to where he’d been standing. The fox holding the arrow with one hand. He spun it around to tap the feather end on his lips a couple of times.

“I’ll be taking this…” Dollos smirked as another arrow was let loose. Just like before, it struck exactly where his heart would have been. If the fox had still been standing there.

In a wisp of smoke, Dollos the minor god of trickery, lies and smoke was gone.

“What a cockroach.” Cypris just sighed letting the bow fade away as she headed out herself, losing interest in the matter. There was too much to do this night than to be bothered chasing some minor god.

A minor god she had already forgotten about, not even worth remembering. One who was doomed to die alone… The greatest of punishments, as far as Cypris was concerned.

Dollos watched her go, unable to just come and go as he pleased unlike the other gods. However, the trickster could be all but invisible even before the eyes of a god. A master of smoke and lies, the fox known as Dollos reappeared holding the heart tipped arrow still in one hand.

“First the hyena. Then the cheetah. Now the jackal boy.” Dollos thought it over as he pocketed the arrow he had stolen away in the satchel at his side. The arrow sunk into the bag as if it had no bottom. “Who else do I make fall in love with the human?” The fox teased the idea. “Whatever to give him some sort of a fighting chance in all this…”

The fox mused aloud; unaware his plan was working far too well up above in the palace…

In the baths, Simeon had stripped down once more to bathe in the crystal clear, mineral water. It was warm to the touch, feeling almost rough against his skin as it washed over his aching, sore body. It was a welcome, soothing embrace from the cold he’d been feeling earlier. It also left him refreshed as he washed under each arm.

This world was far warmer than he thought it would be. It was humid and that heat seemed to crawl right under his skin, making him perspire in the late night or early morning. It did not matter when the time of day was. Those twin suns burned seemingly even at night. Being able to come to a bath like this every day was worth the effort however.

The human unaware that with the sun god Phoebus in charge, his rays of sunlight burned bright even in the coldest, darkest of nights.

Simeon just sighed with a stretch unaware of the jackal disrobing behind him.

Sirius took a timid step into the pool, watching the man he idolized before him. Simeon had left him in the room, stripping down and going to the bathes without even inviting Sirius along… or telling him to stay. Daring to take the chance the black fur jackal could hear his own shuddering breath, feel his throat grow parched as he craved the sweetest of things…

“Let me wash your back,” Sirius spoke up softly. His deep voice however seemed to echo around the two in the room as with long, powerful strides he closed the distance between them. The black fur jackal hesitated before reaching out, touching the man before him with one hand.

Those strong, coarse paw pads rubbed over Simeon’s back making the human shudder.

“Was that too rough.” Sirius stopped, though he didn’t dare pull his hand away. Enjoying the touch too much. Despite the furless thing before him, Sirius felt a need unlike any other that built in his chest and swelled between his legs.

If this is the will of the gods, Sirius thought licking his lips at this man; the human looked back at him. Sirius offered a gentle, compassion smile in turn at that.

“Sorry, just not used… to this…” Simeon admitted. He blamed the warm, steaming water around them for the flush taking over his face. Not those strong, rough paw pads still rubbing, kneading over his shoulder. It felt so nice…

“I see…” Sirius’s large furred ears folded back as he looked down at the human before him. The gold markings on the black fur jackal began to wash away revealing the obsidian color fur underneath. In the torchlight, that fur seemed to have a sheen to it as if polished.

“Public baths are common among mortals…” Sirius explained as if Simeon wouldn’t be aware of the affairs of mere mortals like him would do with one another. In a way, Simeon’s ignorance only helped sell his otherworldly origins. “Men bathe together.” The jackal just stated flatly. “It is very common place here.”

“’I’ve… heard of something like that, yeah.” Simeon thought about his ancient history class. Several different cultures bathed together. It was a bonding experiencing, in a way. And seeing the jackal before him, he could imagine why.

Simeon felt no affects of the arrow of Cypris, unlike the others had. The arrow didn’t so much as make you fall in love as it did awaken the feelings deep inside. It was said even the king of the gods wasn’t immune to its spell. While Simeon was like Sirius, who had the aching crave for another; the arrow would have little affect turning a gay man interested in a woman.

However an aphrodisiac was just that. The temptation of lust that helped with that one last final push some needed to give in. The lover’s touch was such a blessing bestowed on those who worshipped and praised the goddess Cypris.

And in that moment, Sirius might’ve never needed a gods touch to help him with the aching need building inside.

“It isn’t… uncommon… for two men, like us, to share a bed either.” Sirius continued to look down at the smaller male before him. So small, fragile… yet beautiful and strong, like a masterpiece someone had crafted just for him. Sirius feared breaking such a work of art between his strong fingers that continued to roam over Simeon’s chest and over his shoulders. Rubbing, kneading them with his strong digits as the jackal knelt down before Simeon.

Never truly letting the human go, unable to as the lover’s touch took hold of his mind, body and heart.

Simeon wasn’t used to someone being so forward like this. Though, Ajax had come close.

“Let me service you, my god.” The jackal only went on as he pressed that black button nose against Simeon’s chest. The tall jackal strong hands held the human still as he sniffed him over, slowly taking him all in with closed eyes.

“Let me worship you.” His hot breath exhaled over Simeon’s bare skin, blowing the hair on it.

Sirius didn’t stop there as his sharp snout opened and a burning hot tongue licked out, tasting the human before him making Simeon shudder.

“Let me clean you.” Sirius only went on with a lustful growl.

“I…” Simeon wasn’t exactly sure what was happening, though it felt damn nice and it was hard to stop.

The jackal just continued. That wet, engorged grooved dog tongue lapped up his chest to tease over one his nipples. Sirius closed his muzzle around the fleshy stub, suckling on it as his eyes, like burning sand pits, looked up at the humans face. Simeon gasped, hoping his arousal wasn’t too evident.

Sirius noticed. He noticed the way this other man quivered in his touch. How soft he was. The subble skin underneath his paw pads were a delight he’d never experience, or would be able too again. Maybe it was a morbid curiosity or a sexual desire, Sirius had wanted to touch this furless creature ever since he met him. The smooth feel of his flesh underneath his fingers sent electricity up his digits.

The Lover’s touch only increasing the sexual pleasure the two were beginning to feel.

With everyone else, Sirius had to worry about their fur or feathers, scales or tails. Watch out for their horns and claws. With this man? He didn’t need to worry. He didn’t need to fret or fear as he took hold of the human’s length in one full hand, giving it a stroke. The whimpering pleasure of the human was more than enough to make his large ears stand up once more, training in on him. Listening to him. As the black fur jackal felt this man he craved for reasons he didn’t even begin to question or understand.

Sirius didn’t care.

He didn’t need more of a reason than the one he already felt between his legs and in his heart. Having wanting this all his life, able now, in this moment, to take it. The love and worship such a god as he thought Simeon to be. Take hold of Simeon and never let the human go this night. Praying to the gods that they would make the night longer, just for the two of them.

Those fingers didn’t let Simeon go. Each digit curling around Simeon’s erect shaft; those coarse paw pads rubbing underneath along its length; furred clawed fingers teased his sack, slipping between his legs roughly to explore him more.

More, that’s what Sirius wanted in this moment. More of this man, more of these feelings. More pleasure than he had ever experienced before.

“That’s right. Let me worship you.” Sirius would continue, panting hotly now. Groaning out as Simeon touched him finally. Feeling the human’s hands over his face and down his long muscular neck.

Sirius pushed into it. Pushed against the smaller male. Nothing but putty for Simeon to play with as he so desired.

“I give you my everything.” Sirius whimpered in pure undiluted pleasure as it continued to pump through his very veins and throb between his legs.

The jackal’s fur was almost greasy to the touch. The musky jackal having been running around the palace looking for Simeon most the day working up quite a sweat. The smell of Sirius was strong here, this close to him. Simeon rubbed over those broad shoulders, feeling the muscle even there, underneath that short black fur. Letting his fingers slide underneath it, let it slide between them as he felt a canine for the first time.

“You bless me with your touch.” Sirius only groaned louder, not wanting this moment to end as he finally let Simeon go. Only in turn to press his face against Simeon’s chest and nuzzle against it, holding the human with both arms as he savored the touch and feel of this strange, furless creature before him. “Praise the gods you have come…”

Simeon wasn’t sure about the whole worshipping part. That was until he found that touch, that tongue lapping over his neck once more. The jackal held no reserve for his touch now. His groping, probing fingers continued to explore Simeon’s body as the jackal nuzzled his face against Simeon’s. Nipping playfully at one ear as he slowly slid his body back up, against Simeon so he could stand before him once more. Compressing the two of them even closer, in a rough embrace. Simeon could feel Sirius grind against his stomach, the taller male having to look down at him.

“I hope I am worthy.” Sirius held Simeon’s arms with both hands as he took a small step back. At first Simeon wasn’t sure what he meant until the jackal dipped his muzzle down between his own legs.

“Oh,” Simeon only said as his eyes widened. The furry sheath had filled at this point, the black tip of Sirius’s obelisk showed. Glistening in the light with pre. “Uh… I don’t think you’ll be a problem…” Simeon hesitated both at the strange dog like dong before him and the size of him.

“Have you never…” Sirius ears splayed out. Those large almost fan like ears looked almost like black plane wings on his head. It made the human chuckle lightly.

“I have never been with a uh… you, before.” Simeon admitted, trying to be respectful for the canine man before him. It wasn’t like Simeon was a virgin. This was a different story however. Sirius was tall and broad at the same time, covered in dense yet short black fur with a package to match.

The jackal clearly worked out and it showed with a simple touch of one of those large hands against his exposed, naked body. It was somewhat intimidating. Sirius sheer devotion to him was another story.

“Ah, of course. My apologies.” Sirius said as if to stop his advances, lowing his head in a semi-bow. “Explore me as you wish then,” and the jackal opened his arms up, tipping his muzzle towards the ceiling. “Let me be your canvas to paint.”

Simeon mouth opened at that. Then closed. Then opened. Then closed once more.

“Sure, why not.” He ended up just saying already in the moment and feeling a tingle in the back of his thoughts, as well as between his legs as if he were buzzed. It had been a long time since he felt the touch of another. So what if they were covered in fur and had a strange package between their legs? At least he was male and willing and interested.

That at least is what his libido was telling him. What his lust was guiding him to do and what the lover’s touch blessing only reinforced.

“Is this common?” Simeon asked running a hand over Sirius’s chest, teasing over one of the gray ashen nipples underneath. The jackal’s skin was the same color as his paw pads were. It was warm to the touch though that could’ve been due to the water around them. Simeon could feel the jackal’s heart pounding underneath his fingers as he pressed a palm over it.

It was soothing. The sound of it, the feel of this man before him.

“It isn’t uncommon for a god to bed a mortal, no.” Sirius said as if having thought about it for some time. Or maybe hoped for such a chance to arise. “It allows one, such as I, to show you true worship…” Sirius lowered his arms, smiling down at the human. “And I do, worship you, oh holy one.”

“I am not a god though.” Simeon just stated still just staring at the chest before him. Letting his fingers run through that fur. Curiosity only outweighed by the aching erection between his legs now.

Sirius was so very human at the same time as not; underneath the fur and fangs that was. His body was lean yet firm to the touch. Lithe and yet somehow still broad. It reminded the human of a very muscular running dog. Sirius biceps were large, powerful as those thighs were only confirming his thoughts.

Simeon might’ve been the one wanting to worship the jackal before him at this point. Putting the fur aside, Sirius was defiantly Simeon’s type.

“You are to me.” Sirius smiled when Simeon looked back up to him. “I know it may sound blasphemous, but…” The jackals lowered his ears as he knelt once more before the human. Murring loudly as Simeon continued to pet and rub over his upper body now; Sirius nuzzling his face against Simeon’s palm. “I want nothing more than to praise you. Be my temple tonight. Let me be your worshipper.” The dog almost begged at this point, looking up at him with large, puppy dog eyes.

“This is just that… right?” Simeon had to asked as Sirius looked at him. “I mean… we just met…” Simeon was getting flustered now. This man before him, this warrior was down on one knee wanting to worship him. He wasn’t sure how to approach this unfamiliar situation.

While his lust just told his brain to shut up and accept what was to happen this night.

“Tonight. Tomorrow. Any time you will have me, I am willing.” Sirius tail wagged in the warm water around them. “If I am not enough?” The jackal thought that might be an issue, only being a mortal as far as he knew. “I can get my brother to join us…”

“What?” Simeon voice almost squeaked, blushing.

“Would that still not be enough for you?” Sirius ears folded back as he stood up looking around as if hoping to spy someone else to join them. “I can bring a few of my men too, then…” Simeon defiantly was blushing at this point.

“Is that… common?” Simeon voice did squeak. He wasn’t sure if he could handle the jackal let alone more jackals if they were of the same size!

“Pleasure circles?” Sirius tilted his head to one side. “Ah, do you prefer solo then?” Sirius wagged his tail at the thought. “I promise not to disappoint you, my master.” The canine crouched back down before him.

Sirius didn’t wait this time for permission and was already opening his muzzle before Simeon could form a word of protest. Sharp fangs glistened in the light as that red carpet of a tongue rolled out once more, scooping down underneath Simeon’s erection and pulling it up and into that muzzle. Sirius lips closed around Simeon and the human had to hold the jackal’s shoulders as Sirius tasted him for the first time.

That thick, grooved, wet tongue lapped hungrily underneath his shaft. Covering it in the jackal’s drool as the quivering tongue rolled its way up to the tip; pressing its thick girth against Simeon’s slit as Sirius teased the man he praised so. Simeon nearly buckled as that tongue lapped at him so. The teasing tip, teasing his own tip as Sirius made out with it. Licking, lapping, suckling and wrapping his tongue around Simeon as he hungrily tried to pull more of his length into that steaming muzzle.

Sirius’s button nose pressed against the trimmed curly hair of Simeon’s groin, his furry chin rubbing over the human’s sack as the canine just groaned in pleasure. Sirius seemed to be enjoying this more than Simeon was and that alone was saying something. The jackal taking several lung filling breaths of the human’s scent. Wanting to remember it, and this moment, forever.

Simeon had been worried seeing those canine fangs but the way Sirius maneuvered his muzzle, the startled human didn’t even feel them touch as the jackal turned his head to one side then the other as he sucked the man off. A hand groped his ass making Simeon hump forward, much to the canine’s delight.

Another hand slipped between Simeon’s crack, running those coarse wet paw pads over the sensitive flesh there as if to clean him. Clean and bathe him as he worshipped here and now in these baths. One finger teasing at Simeon’s hole before slipping inside him. Simeon groaned out at that, grabbing Sirius face. The lustful growl coming from the canine only grew as he felt the human tighten around his finger as Simeon humped into his snout once more.

The jackals fingers never stopped. One finger inside Simeon as the human began to rock his hips against that furry face between his legs, still needing to hold Sirius for support. The jackal other hand rubbed over his ass, over his thigh and between his legs to feel and play with the human’s sack. One finger gliding between his legs, letting the dull nail trail along the human’s taint and then back.

Gripping Simeon’s thigh, Sirius pulled his snout back until only the end of Simeon was still trapped inside his drooling muzzle. Then the canine pushed back, sliding his length all the way in. Letting it grind against his tongue as the canine taste buds danced in delight. That warm flesh only made him hunger more as he began bobbing his head between the human’s legs in the bath.

The water around them rippled and moved from the motion. Sirius head half submerged. Only the top of his black fur muzzle and his button nose was free, his eyes and ears still looking up at the human he wished to please so.

The panting groan of his breath. The shake of his body. The smell growing from this groin Sirius nose was pressed against; all of it told the canine just how close Simeon was. That pleased the jackal, knowing he’d be enough for him.

Simeon gritted his teeth, feeling himself tense as he held Sirius’s head with both hands as he quickened his humps. Face fucking the jackal was far easier than he thought it would be. The snout was long enough for him not to worry about gagging the canine and with his nose, Sirius didn’t seem to have to stop to catch his breath. Simeon could go at his own speed, picking it up as he went without having to stop the pleasure building up inside him.

Inside his sack.

Inside his body.

As Simeon finally shuddered a groan, nearly keeling over onto the Jackal who support him as he emptied himself into that hungry snout. Sirius didn’t even hesitate to lap up the creamy fluid, drinking it hungrily down. Gulp after gulp, swallowing the human with closed eyes as a deep murr filled the jackal’s chest. Only when Simeon tapped out did Sirius let his softened dick free of his still hungry muzzle.

Craving more.

“I…. wow… that…” Simeon was about to say something or other but found his world turning on its side as Sirius lifted him up in the next motion. The jackal nuzzled down at the smaller male in his hands, carrying him out of the bath as he stood up and exited the room.

The night was still young after all.

Sirius didn’t so much as say a word as he carried the soaking wet man in his arms back into the room Simeon had slept in before.

Another bed had been provided for the jackal to stay at, Sirius having told him he’d be staying here from now on. Sirius ignored it, laying Simeon down on his bed before crawling over the man laid on it.

Simeon didn’t have a chance to say more as those thin black lips pressed against his own. Sirius using the same motion to open his lips and slide his tongue into Simeon’s mouth. He could still taste himself on the jackals lips as, lost in pleasure, he wrapped his arms around the jackal’s neck pulling him roughly on him.

Sirius tail wagged as he crouched over the human on all fours, having to turn his muzzle to one side to seal their lips together. Locking them in place as their tongue met and danced together in a lover’s tango. This night was theirs and Sirius didn’t want it to end.

The jackals hands continued to roam over Simeon’s body. Petting, feeling him, touching him as if afraid when he’d wake up this man would be gone. His dreams having come true, the jackal didn’t want them to end as he teased Simeon’s nipple. Getting a response in return.

It made his ears perk up. Hearing him. Feeling him. Knowing him like this, this night. It was all the jackal could’ve hoped for and still his hungry touched craved more. Wanting more.

“Life is so short…” Sirius pulled back, huffing and panting. “Each day I go out, I may not return… It is so short for us mortals.”

Simeon was laying on the bed, breathing heavily from the intense make out session. He looked up at the jackal who just smiled down at him, sitting at his side as he laid his upper chest down over Simeon. Sirius pet the side of his face as he smiled softly.

“We try to get as much pleasure as we can, each and every day… for it may be our last.”

“Sirius.”

“I am not asking for some blessing, no.” Sirius chuckled softly. “All I ask for you, my master, is for you to be here this night… for this lonely dog…” And before Simeon could reply, Sirius kissed him once more. Petting, holding his face with one large, strong hand. It held him firmly in his embrace as the jackal pulled back. “You will be my strength for every battle to come. I will win wars for you and die, to serve you.”

Looking at him, pining for him with needy, wanting eyes the jackal rubbed his nose down between Simeon’s chest, over his belly and down to his groin once more. The jackal sniffed it, nosing further down to bounce his sack like a pair of balls on his nose; and even further. Along his taint, between his legs until those warm lips found his hole.

Sirius crawled between Simeon’s legs, holding them up as that large, grooved canine tongue found him once more in a kiss of wanting pleasure and desire. Slipping in just enough to make the human tense.

“Be my temple tonight.” Sirius panted, letting Simeon ease up before trying once more. Licking, lapping hungrily at him as if thirsty for water that only Simeon could provide for him. “Let me fill you with my praise and worship.” The jackal went on, licking rougher this time. Probing deeper. Easing Simeon more as Sirius shifted on the bed, practically whining for this moment as he pulled back once more panting open maw at the human.

“You going to be my good boy?” Simeon tried to play along, seeing this as more as roleplay than anything more. The jackal wagged at that. Simeon sat up just enough to reach out and pet Sirius’s face. “Then worship me. Let me be your temple. Praise me, love me, need me…” Simeon said the words as lust filled his own body.

“Yes, master.” Sirius wagged happily.

“Such a good follower.” Simeon went on, feeling the jackal press his whole face into the palm of his hand now. The canine whined in pleasure at the praise. “Is there… uh… anything I showed know about this?”

The canine looked up at him taking a second to figure out what he meant. “Oh, right. Canines, like myself, are knotted.” The look Simeon gave him made the jackal explain further. “In other words, it’s like being fucked. Twice.” The canine ears folded back and Simeon he was blushing at the remark.

“That means…”

“I promise it’ll feel good.” Sirius whined softly, not wanting to stop this. Not now. Not when he was so close, already beginning to drip with pre. His shaft bobbed as he sucked in his gut, holding back the shaking breath as he got riled up like this. It made his sheath sag as he let it out, hanging low between his legs like his sack.

“You make your own uh… lubricant too, right?” Simeon recalled his previous conversation with Ajax. The canine wagged at that.

“That will not be a problem, I promise.” Sirius was already moving back between his legs, positioning himself with his own body over the human’s as he pressed his groin against Simeon’s rear with a growl. “Just let me… position…” The jackal had to adjust himself.

It wasn’t just the fact the canine was larger than Simeon. It was the fact the human was so willing, submissive before him that Sirius was having troubles keeping himself in check. He figured Simeon would be the one to take charge and yet, this made him want the smaller male all the more.

That this man he saw as a god was willing to let him, let him take him this night. To let Sirius fill him with his all his devotion made the canine’s dick jump once more in pure utter ecstasy that was fueled more than just a god’s blessing.

Sirius’s lustful neediness only made his shaft swell painfully tight, still trapped in his sheath as it was. With two fingers, Sirius guided the thick length out. The pre coating it made it slick to the touch, warm as ever as the jackal rubbed it down Simeon’s taint and against his hole. The jackal held back a groan. Just feeling that ass against his tip made him leak, squirting another dose of his semi-clear fluid over that hole.

Simeon gasped at the feel of the warm over him. The sound made the jackal’s ears perk up. The two exchanged a look and that was all it took for the jackal to press further against him, pressing against the tightness of his body. Fighting through that resistance to claim him, to love him, to know him as a true worshipper should.

Simeon winced as the canine spread him. Feeling that length pushing its way deeper inside him. His body squeezed against Sirius in protest, trying to resist the hungry canine’s aching, throbbing member. It did little good as Sirius placed both hands on the bed and humped further inside.

It was a tight fit. It hurt. It was warm and with another dose of pre pulsing down that length, spreading him just a little more, Simeon felt that warmth ease the tenderness of it. Then there was another. And another dose of thick pre and Simeon thought for a second Sirius had already finished; the canine had only started however. Sirius continuing to leak inside him as the jackal pressed himself down on the smaller male, wrapping him up in both arms as he began to rock his hips forward before easing them back.

Whining, panting, breathing against the smaller male as the jackal continued to mate with him so. Praising and worshipping Simeon all night as he licked and touched, kissed and sniffed at the smaller male under him. Petting over him with one hand as he thrust once more into that loosening hole.

Simeon returned the favor. Touching, petting, feeling this powerful, strong male over him. Knowing him. Talking to him. Whispering sweet nothings in the warm night as the two connected and bonded as only lover’s could.

The jackal’s length only expanded from the constant praise, growing as that hot ashen gray flesh pulsed with his heartbeat. Beating with him. In him. A part of him. Simeon could feel every pump of that cock, every pump of the jackal’s heart as the two stayed together all night.

Fingers ran down Simeon’s chest as he panted, sweating at this point as the jackal took him roughly in the night. He felt the swelling knot at the end and didn’t question it as Sirius grinded it against his body, groaning out louder than ever before as the core of the canine’s body was teased and played with like this. That tight hole as unyielding as it had been before at the beginning.

Sirius would not be denied this. This was why he was born. To love and praise, worship and protect the gods. If he couldn’t do it on some battlefield, then he would do it here this night in Simeon’s bedroom.

“Yes. More. Let me give you more!” Sirius growled practically howling out as he pulled back once more.

With strong hands, Sirius turned Simeon around on all fours as he crawled back on top the smaller male.

“My people invented this position.” Sirius bragged. Simeon let him have his moment, finding it far more amusing than not. The playful panting muzzle breathing hotly against his ear as the canine began to thrust and hump against him once more.

Shaking the bed as his knot pressed against Simeon’s rear time and time again. It felt like the size of a tennis ball and though Simeon was rather worldy in the bedroom, this was a first. The canine continued to leak, easing up his body as he pounded that ass. Growling as he nipped at one of his ears, licking over his back before pressing his forehead between his shoulder blades and just…

Groooaning out as pushed that knot inside Simeon’s tight hole. The human had to bite the pillow from crying out, first in pain then pleasure as that knot swelled inside his body. Tying the two together as the jackal picked up his speed.

Looping an arm around Simeon’s belly, the jackal arched his back as he pumped himself into the man underneath him. Letting his fat, hanging sack slap against Simeon’s own as he thrust time and time again into the human, growling out as his body began to tense. Tightening. Holding his breath. Gasping out as the glory and pleasure filled him then and there…

And Sirius gave it all to the man underneath him as he emptied out every drop he had stored up and coveted to give to the human underneath him. His shaft pulsed thick, hot ribbons. Each and everyone Simeon could feel as the knot sealed inside him pulsed as Sirius came. It made the human groan against the pillow, grabbing and clawing at the bed as he was filled more than he ever had in his entire life.

The knot only seemed to expand, not letting a single drop of the canine’s seed spill out. It throbbed, pulsing with the jackal’s released. It thumped and pounded with the canine’s strong heart beat and the hot touch of it inside his body made Simeon wish for nothing more than for this moment to last forever.

Simeon couldn’t keep himself up and soon found himself sinking into the pillow he was tightly holding, just as the jackal had sunk into him. Laying on top of the human as he still held him with one arm, nuzzling against his back as he pulled him closer for the night. Not a sliver of light was between their bodies.

And all night, Sirius would be tied to the human as he shared not only his body, his devotion but also a part of his soul with the man he coveted into the night.

The warm weather was welcoming. The warm body behind him was enough. Simeon didn’t need clothes. He didn’t need blankets. He just needed the arms and body of this man behind him to keep him warm and safe as the night began to come to an end.

A pair of smoky eyes watched the end of their love making as the fox gave a smirk, turning on his heel and left the two lover’s for the night. With a flick of his tail and a snap of his fingers he could only pat himself on the back for a job well done.

“Best wingman there ever was…” Dollos smiled as he left to continue his plans for The Games.