Trentshire was a bustling city, filled with all manner of Beast-Folk, ranging from the common cats and dogs to the lesser seen bear, wolf and sheep. They were living in peaceful harmony, predator living with prey, growing their city into something amazing. And Jake hated everything about it.

Why. Why. Why the fuck does this always fucking happen? This was supposed to be a fantasy world filled with elves and dwarves and shit. I would be perfectly happy if they had more feral looking beast-people, where the entire body was covered in fur and shit, but OH NO, they have to go with this amalgamation of ears and horns and tails coming out of regular fucking human asses. Giggles, why did you ruin my fantasy world?

I like those Japanese cartoons and comic books, so?

IT’S CALLED ANIME AND MANGA, YOU FUCKING HARLOT!

Hey! That’s not very nice. And why are you defending it if you hate what I added in?

Jake sighed, and when the Leopard-Man-Knight-Thing looked at him questioningly, Jake forced his smile back on his face.

“It’s good to be in a city again. I’ve been wandering for so long. Thank you for this.”

The Leopard-Knight nodded his head, and returned to his escort duty. Jake kept his smile on his face, while coldly speaking with the loli-goddess.

Japan has added to the entertainment industry immensely, and I love them for it. But it still does not mean that I can like everything that comes out of that place. If you are going to make some form of beast-humanoid hybrid, it should be like Lycans or the Indian Weretiger and things of that sort. What you have here looks like a preschooler cut bits and pieces off of animals that it liked and glued them to another human. I know that it’s part of their culture, but still. I grew up on Norse and Greek mythology, and seeing it butchered like this hurts me.

Oh, quit your bitching. This is my world, and I populate it the way I want to. You might want to wipe that stupid grin off your face, you’re starting to get weird looks from those amalgamations.

Jake’s face quickly lost the forced smile, and he looked around. They were just passing through what appeared to be a market district within the city, and most of the hustle and bustle of a city stopped around them. People stared at the troop of cavalry ushering in what appeared to be one of their own, without any distinguishing marks of race he had. Small children ran to their parents, who quickly grabbed them up and swiftly walked away.

Oh, come on. Am I really that terrifying?

“We apologize for this, Mage Jake.” The Leopard-Knights deep voice reverberated within his helmet. “You are the first outsider my people have seen. It is not common for someone besides Beast-Kin to walk these streets, but it happened on rare occasions in the past.” The knight looked up towards a tower in the distance, steadily growing as the group walked towards it. “We are almost at our destination, anyways. The Alpha requires all of the roving patrols to report any news of approaching strangers to them directly. I believe that you do qualify as that.” Jake could hear the grin through the helmet, and instead of calming him like the Leopard-Knight probably wanted, it just made him even more pissed.

Forcing back his anger, he shot a quick smile at the knight. “Thank you. Can you tell me anything of these Alpha? I am afraid that I am not well versed in the order of the Beast-Folk.”

The knight glanced at Jake, but before he could speak a knight to the right of Leopard-Guy spoke up first.

“How do you not know? You are well spoken in our tongue, even if your accent is atrocious. How did your teacher not give you the fundamentals to our society?” The voice was feminine, even if it was barely heard through her helmet. Jake looked at the speaker, and could see a long black tail softly swishing behind her in the saddle of her mount. Black cat or Jaguar, huh? And I bet she is agile like one too. I swear, if she starts going into heat I will fucking cry.

Jake scratches the back of his head, acting embarrassed. “I guess you could say my teacher doesn’t explain much? She taught me most languages, but other than that she pretty much left me to my own intuition. I don’t think that my teacher knew I would come here, and even if she did, I’m not too sure if she would have given me any information about your people.” Jake shrugged. “I apologize if I do anything to upset you, but I honestly have no idea the differences between our races.”

The leader of the knights nodded slightly to Jake, and continued to walk his mount forward, believing the conversation over. The cat-lady continued to stare at Jake for a few moments, light glinting off of slanted eyes peeking through her visor, but didn’t question him. Jake, confused, dropped the train of thought of the different lies and stories he could fabricate in case of heavy questioning. They seem pretty acceptable. Unless they’re just trying to get me comfortable before they kill me. And why didn’t they tell me about the Alpha? I need this information. Jake muttered some obscenities underneath his breath at the cats. Mizutsune glanced up at Jake from where he had been trotting at his side. Mimicking his master, the fox seemed to shrug, and continued to move his head back and forth, taking in the new sounds and smells of the city. The fox had been quiet since the arrival of the Beast-Kin, occasionally bumping into Jake to make him aware of his presence. Mizutsune made sure to ignore the stares that it received from the people around it, even the occasional exclamation of “So fluffy!” was ignored, although the beast did seem to flaunt a little bit more whenever it heard those words.

“We must hurry, the Alpha is expecting us.” The Lead-Cat-Knight-Guy, as Jake has taken to calling him, said while flicking the reins of his mount slightly, making the horse move faster. The party continued to stride towards the spire, which steadily grew into the form of a keep. While not large or as grand as something that Jake would expect, the façade was practical. Large stone walls, with arrow slits spread throughout, and four towers spread evenly on top of the wall. Soldiers manned the wall, patrolling between the towers, the sunlight glinting off of their armor. The wall boxed in a large building, more than likely the palace or whatever these Beast-Kin had as the center of their city. So, they don’t care to show off their wealth by making the place really grand, but instead focus on the military aspect. Easily defensible, and built to last. Smart, even if I don’t like them.

The group walked onwards, and barely heard calls of “Raise the gate!” could be heard from the tops of the towers. The group approached the gatehouse, a portcullis slowly crawling upwards. As soon as the mass of steel was snug in its resting point, the knights ushered Jake into the building. Murder holes dotted the sides of the gatehouse, with small openings at the top of the building, with another portcullis on the other side. If someone broke into the first gate, they would be under constant fire before they could break through the second one. I’m starting to think what I have planned is going to be a little more difficult… Jake glanced at one of the murder holes, torchlight glinting off of the steel tip of an arrow pointing at him. Yep, a little more challenging. A small grin creeps onto his face. Oh, this is going to be fun.

After exiting the gatehouse, the group found themselves on a stone walkway through a well-tended grass lawn, trees and flowers liberally planted around a large hedge. Nope, never mind. Of course they have to make the insides as expensive as fucking possible.

“We are here.” The sharp voice of Lead-Cat-Knight-Guy broke Jake from his inner ranting. “I will report your story to the Alpha, and then we will decide what to do with you. Please wait outside with the rest of my Detachment.” With that, all of the knights dismounted, and Lead-Cat-Knight-Guy walked into the keep. Servants rushed forward from their hiding places to take the horses from the knights, and walked them swiftly into a large building situated off to the sides, obviously the stable.

Jake sighed, placing his feet at shoulder length and placing his hands behind his back, resorting to his training without thinking. Hurry up and wait. Why does that not fucking surprise me? I definitely didn’t get this enough already. Please give me more, daddy. Jake continued to rant to himself, mostly in boredom. The knights began removing their helmets, letting an assortment of animal ears free from the confines of their metal shells. Oh goodie, let’s see here what the cat dragged in. God fucking damnit, why did I have to think that? Bad Jake, no puns. Jake looked around, seeing mostly predator features of large cats, a few with wolf or large dog ears, and one had small little bear ears poking out of his hair. The only prey Beast-Kin was a female Rabbit-Kin, whose long white ears sprang quickly into an upright position as soon as they were out of the helmet. How the fuck did she put them in there? Wouldn’t that hurt? I DON’T FUCKING UNDERSTAND! IF YOU HAVE ANIMAL FEATURES, MAKE YOUR FUCKING EQUIPMENT WORK FOR YOU. I think that would hurt like a mother fucker. The Rabbit-Lady saw Jake staring at her, eyes focused on her ears. She blushed shyly, her ears slightly drooping. Jake blinked, and began to look straight in front of him, eyes focusing onto nothing. Fuck. Now I made the bunny self-conscious. I’m a dick. The large double doors opened slightly, and what appeared to be a fox servant, based off of the black and white maid outfit she was wearing, stepped out into the open.

“Sir Jake, Magus of the State of Farme, the Alpha Lyrus Proudroar will see you know.” She gave a slight curtsy, her red tail with a white tip slowly waved back and forth. Mizutsune gave a small yip, and the maids eyes latched onto the white fox. Her eyes flashed, but Jake couldn’t tell what emotion they showed, before she quickly scampered back inside. Jake sighed again, and gestured to his knight escort.

“Please lead the way. I think that my companion startled the maid.” One of the knights grinned, the Bear-Knight specifically, showing off his large and impressive teeth. He lumbered into the castle, with Jake and Mizutsune following on his heels.

Proudroar. Please, for all that’s fucking holy, don’t let it be a god-damned, fucking…

__________________________________________________________

The throne room was opulent, exactly as Jake had imagined. A vaulted ceiling, reaching multiple stories into the sky, banners rustling and shifting in the vast emptiness of the space. A long red carpet stretched towards a single gold-encrusted throne raised above the floor, upon which sat the Alpha of Trentshire. Which, of course, was a…

It had to be a fucking Lion. Why are there all these shitty-ass clichés everywhere? Why have you cursed me with living in this fucking world, Giggles? I don’t want to be here anymore. Send me back.

Nope! Should have thought of that earlier! Have fun with Mr. Cuddles! ~Giggles

Jake almost cried. And she also calls him Mr. Cuddles. This is fucking stupid.

Mr. Cuddles was massive. A golden mane enshrouded his entire head, with his feline ears slightly poking above the fur. He was shirtless, and muscled rippled beneath his skin, giving off the impression of strength. Scars marred the tanned skin, crisscrossing over his taught abs and pecs. He looked like he was sculpted from marble, all taught muscle and no fat visible. A large two handed sword rested on the right side of his throne. Jake recognized the sword, the massive blade of a Bidenhänder, or more commonly called Zweihänder, easily recognizable. The Alpha rested a clawed finger on top of the hilt, gently rotating the massive sword. Golden eyes reflected the light of hundreds of torches burning in the room, as he scrutinized Jake.

“Sir Jake.” The Alpha rumbled in a low breath, voice reverberating through the hall. “Mage from the State of Farme, of which I have never heard.” Shit. The Alpha stands, grabbing his sword with one hand and resting it on one of his massive shoulders. “Your scent is foreign, filled with the stench of fire and death. Are you an assassin, sent to bring my city into chaos with my destruction?” The Alpha’s eyes flashed dangerously. Double shit. “Speak now, lest I separate your head from your shoulders myself.” He bared his large teeth.

Jake paled, thinking quickly of a way to save his ass from Mr. Cuddles. God damnit Giggles, I can’t get that stupid name out of my head. Now I can't think of anything.

What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?

NO SHUT UP.

“My lord.” Jake began with only a slight pause. “I am not from here, and my homeland is far away. I have journeyed for a long while, defending myself from vicious brigands and wild beasts. I am only here to find a way to break the curse from my sister. I have prayed to everything that I could think of, wasted my money on practitioners of the Light, hoping that they would have a cure. It was all for naught, and so I continued my search. This search has brought me to your city, and while beaten down, I still have some faint hope that I will be able to find some way to break her curse.” Jake bowed his head, almost choking on all of the bullshit coming out of his mouth. “I am no assassin coming in the middle of the night, my lord. I come only seeking knowledge, but if there is nothing that your city may offer me I will resume my travels.” As he finished, he kept his eyes on the floor, not raising his head. Fuck, that might have sounded a little bad at the end there. Hopefully he won’t react badly to it.

The hall was silent, so deep he could hear the pounding of blood through his veins. Fuck, he’s pissed. A deep chuckle came from in front of Jake, growing into full blown laughter. Jake continued to keep his head bowed. I can’t tell if that’s a good laugh. Will they kill me while laughing? Now that’s fucked up.

“Raise your head, Mage.” The Alpha said while still chuckling. Jake looked up, and saw Mr. Cuddles smiling at him. “It has been a while since someone has been so pretentious to me. It is refreshing.” The king sauntered back to his throne, placing his large sword back in its place. “I like you, Sir Jake. You remind me of my younger self. Fiery, forging a path to what they want through blood and steel.” The Alpha clapped his hands loudly, and a servant bustled into the hall. It was a Ram-Sheep-Person this time, horns spiraling along the sides of his head. He was dressed in a black and white butler suit, completely poised in his stance.

“Yes, my Alpha?” Goat-Butler said. His voice was smooth. Jake was surprised he didn’t bleat his response at the Alpha, but that would be stupid.

“Reginald.” Goat-Butlers name is Reginald? Seriously? That’s almost as bad as Alfred. “Take Sir Jake to a set of guest quarters, and prepare a place for him at the table. He shall be staying at the palace tonight, and in the morning we shall help him search for what he requires.” Wow, that was easy.

“Of course, my Alpha.” Reginald bows, placing his right fist against his heart. Rising again, he pivoted towards Jake. “Follow me, Master Jake.” The Goat-Butler moved off to one of the doors ringing the hallway, and Jake followed quickly at his heels. Mizutsune stared at the Alpha for a few second more, and the Mr. Cuddles stared back. The fox slowly turned towards Jake without taking his eyes off the Lion-Kin, and slowly started walking after the departing Ram-Kin and his master. Lyrus watched the departing fox, slowly stroking his chin. What a strange beast. I will have to ask where the mage acquired something so unique.

_____________________________________________________

“These are your rooms, Master Jake.” Reginald waved his hand grandly, displaying an impressive room. It was fancy, in a word. Expensive, in another. Too fucking gaudy, in Jake’s mind. It was a large room, furnished with flowing curtains, dressers, tables, rugs, vases, and a massive bed situated in the center of the far wall. An adjacent room had a copper tub in its center, surrounded by fresh smelling soaps, small candles and flowers nestled in vases around the outside. Jake opened one of the dressers, seeing different colored shirts, trousers and other assorted clothing of all sizes.

“I will have the other servants bring up some water for a bath.” Reginald scrunched up his nose as Jake passed him to further explore the room. “I hope Master Jake will accept our hospitality.”

Jake paused, raising an arm and sniffing. Grimacing, he nodded his head. “Yeah, I think I will.”

“Very good.” Reginald exited the room with a bow, closing the door behind him, leaving Jake alone in the room with Mizutsune. They looked at each other, before Mizutsune leapt nimbly into the bed, curled up into a ball and swiftly fell asleep.

“Lazy fucking fox.” Jake mumbled to himself, before taking off his cloak and shirt. After removing his leather boots that he had taken from a bandit, he began to unlace his pants when a knock came from the door, and a group of maids bustled in.

“Master Jake, we have brought the…” The lead maid, who was the fox one from before, stopped speaking as she saw Jake unlacing his trousers, completely naked except for that single cloth. She stared hard at his toned muscles, before catching herself and continuing, slightly blushing. “We have brought the water for your bath. Would you require anything else of us, Master Jake?”

Jake smiled at the maids, who were shuffling their feet behind the lead Fox-Maid. “No, thank you. Unless there is something specific I would need to get dressed into after my bath?” God fucking damn it, I thought they’d be men. Why would they send a group of maids into a room alone with a strange man? This is some fucking horse shit. He looked at the maids, seeing one with ears that reminded him of a horse. Holy shit, it’s a fucking horse-maid.

The Fox-Maid eyes were drawn back to his chest, before snapping back up at him. “No Master Jake, you may whatever you like that is stored within the chests. If you have nothing else, we will fill up your bath.”

He gestured to the bathing room, and sat down in one of the chairs. As he watched the maids fill up his tub, he kept noticing small glances towards him, but they quickly looked away, blushing slightly. Seriously, what the fuck. Are they all in heat or something? After they finished, they moved back outside the room quickly, with the Fox-Maid taking up the rear. She turned around, and curtsied. “If you have anything that you require, Master Jake, you may summon up the servants by pulling on that rope.” She gestured towards a silk rope dangling next to the bed. “We will be able to help you with anything that you require.” She kept her head bowed, and quickly exited the room, closing the door with her. Jake stared at the door, before turning around sharply and heading to the bath. “Not dealing with this shit. Nope, fuck that.”

He opened the window in the bathing room, and climbed into the copper tub. Sighing, he let the warm water relax his body and wipe of the grime and sweat that had accumulated over the weeks that he had been travelling. Reaching into his Inventory, he grabbed a cigarette and lit up, the toxic smoke relaxing him even further. He laid there for minutes, letting the warm water and nicotine do their work on his body. Sighing, he extinguished the cigarette in the water, and went about cleaning himself up.

“So, I’m now a guest of a castle, where the king has an instant feeling of friendship to me, the maids are interested in me, and they are all human-animal hybrids.” A slight shudder ran down his back. “Fucking Japan.”