Chapter 2 A strange world

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As I stand here, atop the railing, I find myself in a small state of shock.

Mother can hardly hold it in and giggles slightly.

My ear twitches and a rather violent red light pulses through my tail.

Mother smiles and fearlessly puts a hand on my shoulder, “Let us congratulate Nox, Champion of the Goddess Freki.”

When she announced this, my mood didn’t keep me from noticing a few concerned, almost pained, expressions among the adults while the rest of the pack applauded harmlessly.

Mother then whispers, “Now move along Fuzzy, it’s your sister’s turn.”…twitch

I slowly descend the stairs. I spot my Lupa and quickly take my place beside her.

She can tell I’m upset, linking an arm with mine she begins to channel her aura. The relief is not mine alone, the few odd people behind me relax as my tail deflates from its static charged state and begins to calmly wag.

She whispers softly while pulling me even closer, “Pay them no mind, you’re an Alpha, a champion of a god and your mother looks quite happy, so stand tall Nox.”

Everything seems to fall by the wayside except this lovely girl next to me, at least until Mother calls for Red.

Sister is now carefully heading up the stairs, desperately trying not to trip on her dress and embarrass herself.

I’m sure she’s cursing mother under her breath for making her wear such a thing.

I must say however, if mother was trying to present her daughter to the gods she did a damn fine job of it. The tight layers of red silk with a black floral pattern complimented her lean figure nicely; I think she called it a kimono.

It seemed regal, but with sister’s short hair it wasn’t overly imposing. She almost looked approachable, though I pity the idiot male that tries to make a move on sister dearest.

Mother was actually dressed to match, though the silk robes did little to conceal her massive sacred mounds, I chuckled as I saw sister noticing this herself.

My mirth quickly faded when I saw the pained look my mother gave as sister used the stone.

Mother gave a lovely fake smile and announced… no, commanded, “Hail, Akane, future Empress and Chosen of Hoji.”

Again the ignorant applauded and the old cowered.

However I did also notice some confusion in the young, we had never been told if we actually held a kingdom.

Behind me I heard a whisper, “a second child blessed by a dark god, is the lady cursed?”

A twitch accompanied with a quick squeeze from Lupa and I refrained from frying whichever old bitch just claimed my mother to be cursed.

Akane, however, tightly hugged mother sensing her to be distraught. She then quickly skipped down the stairs and joined me, taking my other arm and looking worried for mother’s sake if something should happen with little brother as well.

Brother had already gone upstairs, he looked sharp in his white leather armor matching my own, the thick sleeveless vest, furred collar, and baggy plated greaves.

Mother kissed his cheek and ushered him to the pack stone. This time, thankfully, she didn’t seem upset, but it’s easy to see she isn’t exactly jumping for joy.

She hesitates this time, “Let us …praise, Walther, the favored of Vilia.”

More applause and whispers, “there it is, a third dark god, surely her pride has been punished.”

Now I turn around, it was the old, bitch instructor. “You talk too much old hag.”

Honestly, not quite something I would normally say, but I felt a point was to be made here. As the woman is about to say something no doubt impertinent, I grab her by the throat.

She is still slightly taller than me but with a single drop of blood dripping down her neck and the red sparks arcing in my black tail, I think the whole room got the message.

Mother is still the alpha however and can speak for herself, “Release her, son.”

I obey, slowly letting her down.

Mother addresses the old grey, “Madam, I do not enjoy the presence of gossiping mongrels, please step outside. You’ll be hearing from me later.”

Her deathly stare actually causes the old grey to wet herself a little as she runs somewhere into the mansion. While a tad scary, I didn’t think it was enough to piss yourself, whatever not my problem anymore.

Mother now continues the ceremony, only the fox girls and their brother where left. The mood lightened, they were all blessed by some goddess named Zenko which seemed to please mother and the other foxes.

The evening festivities carry on at dinner.

Akane looks to be boasting to her orange tail cronies. Walther is eating, happily escorted by the grey twins.

I could almost be jealous, the twins have grown out their bangs past their bare shoulders and it is an alluring ice white, it's cut short in the back in a sort of sleek even curve.

Their wearing what mother says is a traditional dress in the land where our father comes from. It has a line of white fur across the chest to the arms holding up the flowing white sleeves, their body is tightly wrapped in a white gown to their ankles.

Almost, because Lupa has no intention of releasing my arm as if to claim to the entire pack she’s mine.

She’s wearing her newly fitted ceremonial dress. Mother has warned me that Lupa’s tribe uses the same dress for their weddings.

Tonight she has her cream blonde hair in a wildly tall mohawk, with the sides in several braids that rest on her shoulders. Finally being a bit taller than her I can’t help but nip at her ears occasionally, we’ll definitely be sneaking to the barn tonight.

Or, I wanted to but Walther whispers to me as he passes out of the dining hall, the twins on each arm, “My turn tonight brother.”

To the side I hear Ptah laughing with mother, he seems to be comparing us to some human things called teenagers.

I roll my eyes; nothing about humans can be good.

It’s then an idea strikes me, I grab Lupa’s hand and quickly exit the hall and head for upstairs, tonight we’re graduating from the barn, I refuse to be shown up by little brother.

“Um, why are we at your mother’s private bath?” Lupa is constantly looking back towards the door as if expecting someone to enter at any moment.

No one outside our family is permitted in here.

As if to say it’s obvious, “To do what one does in a bath, only… for each other.”

Next day

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This morning we are having breakfast with mother.

She starts off, “Akane dear do you intend to find a man? That orange pup is nice to look at.”

Akane coughs up her eggs, “Mother?! I am not old enough for such things!”

Mother glances at her daughter’s chest, “perhaps you're right.”

Akane looks to be in tears yet Mother goes on, “Your brothers on the other hand… tell me Walther how are your cousins the twins doing? You treated them well in the barn I hope?”

Walther looks up from his eggs and gives his normal smile, “I have no idea what you're talking about Mother.”

She narrows her eyes but grins, “Hrmm, have it your way dear but don’t let your aunt find out.”

Now turning to look at me, “Now, Nox… be sure to clean up my bath when you’re done using it, but do tell, does the rug match the drapes?”

I give a rather telling grin, and without a shred of hesitation, “Dear mother, you must know the floor is polished bare?”

With that she finally seems to be cheered up from yesterday’s fiasco.

We have the next week to relax free of training.

I noticed the old grey bitch was refusing to leave her room this morning, by the people calling for her I finally learned her name is Ragna.

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A couple days before training is due to start Mother decides to teach anyone interested a little about the gods who’ve blessed us.

As classes are boring for young dogs it’s not surprising to see who is attending the lesson. It’s only my litter and our companions, the two fox sisters Chiyo and Kana, the grey twins Asta and Sassa, and Lupa.

With low attendance we gather in the parlor on the first floor. There’s a simple black stone fire place, brown furs spread about the floor, and soft leather couches. A smaller version of the grand hall antler chandelier hangs from the higher ceiling, there is no second floor over this part of the house as it extends from the front.

Mother begins while seated in a rather comfy looking leather chair near the fireplace, “We’ll proceed in order; Lupa is blessed by the goddess Silvia from her homeland. She is the adoptive mother of kings and as well as judge of vengeance. She represents bringing order to chaos hence her favor towards healers and guardsmen. Silvia frowns on those who sow unrest such as greedy nobles.”

She pauses and grins at Lupa, “Silvia was also known as a virgin saint.”

Lupa’s beautiful, clear, olive skin now as bright flush of pink, you just had to bring it up mother.

Mother carries on,“Next, Asta and Sassa.”

Walther straightens up; I guess he wants to seem responsible towards the twins.

“As common in twins and the like you are both blessed by the goddess Vasilisa. A rare blessing no doubt, she is one of the stronger in the northern pantheon. She represents strength of women and favors proud, loyal, wives. I, also, had to receive her blessing before I was permitted to marry my husband. I’m sure Walther’s father will be pleased to meet you both.”

Entertainingly it’s Walther’s turn to bury his nose to his chest as the twins state in unison, “Of course.”

As if there was never any doubt they would be presented to father at Walther’s side. He also didn’t tell them otherwise, ah, little brother is already set for marriage.

Akane is on the floor a fit of giggles.

“Nox,” I give a nervous smile, “I will say outright the goddess Freki is a dangerous north god. To be favored by her is ominous beyond a doubt. She is a moral less creature who was once worshiped by the black warg tribe, in an age long past they held the white wolves of your father’s tribe as slaves.”

“Mother,” Walther interrupts, “It may not be best to mention such things about such a goddess in front of her favored one.”

The twins nod in agreement, looking scared at a mist creeping through the parlor room window.

“A fair point, but I will not leave my eldest son unwarned. Besides, I say that but she really is a dear most the time.”

The hair on the back of my neck relaxes as the mist disperses into nothing.

“Freki simply does as she pleases; she is a goddess of all hunts, be they for food, fortune, or for pleasure.”

She pauses to look at Lupa again, “She is the deification of getting what you want by any means. Hence why many view her as a dark goddess.”

Somewhere in the back of my mind I can picture the visage of a woman nodding in approval, but it is like the mist, quickly lost and forgotten. I am unsure what to make of it, but a glance towards Lupa grinning is all it takes for me to decide that if I am blessed to get what I want then I won’t be one to complain.

I recall who came after me and look at Akane, she is once again a bundle of nerves.

Mother proceeds in a determined fashion, “Right Akane, I don’t know how you garnered the favor of the demonic fox goddess Hoji, but I suggest you don’t get on her bad side.”

“Hoji is a fox goddess who represents a near perfect empress, one that kills anyone who dares cross her. A brilliant, beautiful, and brutal ruler with a talent for manipulating others …oh you boys don’t look at me like I'm an idiot, I see how this happened now.”

Thinking of dear sister’s behavior thus far I don’t see this as having been that surprising. The way Walther is averting his eyes tells me he just had the same thought.

However, I had another thought, so I asked it, “Why are they all goddesses?”

Mother laughed, “Can’t believe we missed that in class, Male gods tend to be human in form. By tradition human males hunt beasts, therefor; the beastmen race is less likely to receive their blessing.”

“Anyway, next we have the Great Witch Vilia. In fact she is a patron goddess of female spirits called Vila. Be vigilant girls, don’t let my Walty be taken by some wispy seductress.”

The twins nod once again in determination to never leave Walther’s side.

“Vilia and the vila are indeed female spirits, white ones that are always dressed to impress. They are not to be taken lightly though, I'm told their as fierce in battle as they are in bed, wielding powerful wind and ice magic. Walther treat women with respect, honesty, and loyalty and you will receive powerful blessings from the Great Witch Vilia.”

Walt nods, the twins seem pleased.

Once more Mother gives a sly grin, “Who knows, you may also receive blessings for the battles that occur in said beds.”

The twins flush so red it clashes with their white dress.

“Last, Chiyo and Kana, Zenko is really quite simple dears. She is the protector of those in the fox tribe who endeavor to do good deeds in life. Follow your instincts and she will guide you towards making the lives of your friends and loved ones happy, including the odd prank.”

She’d no sooner said that then they ran and hugged Akane.

Ah, warm feelings….i'm leaving.

I get up giving recognition to the fact we covered everyone.

Look to Walt, “Wanna go hit somethin?”

He nods to the affirmative.

Mother is smiling warmly then remembers, “Ah, your father sent gifts other than the armors, go see Ptah.”

After lunch Walt and I head for the smithy. Ptah is banging away inside.

“Hail,” he greets “I guessed you be here about now after yet another class huh? Well let’s not waste time go look in the armory, I finished this morning.”

I race Walt to the guard tower, of course at this point I can't hope to match his speed.

Just inside the armory, sitting on the first rack was a new trident and a saber along with matching wooden mock ups for practice.

They look nice and all but I figure I’ll have plenty of time to check them out later. Right now I came out here with a mission to hit something and I have a perfectly good, not so little, brother on hand.

I grab my wooden trident from the rack and give Walt a good poke in the ribs.

He looks at me with an arched eyebrow as if asking if I'm sure I want to do this.

I proclaim, “Get outside pretty boy.”

He grabs the wood sword and leisurely steps outside. Being a tad surprised by his simple compliance it takes a second before I chase after him.

That was the wrong choice; I'm now face down in the dirt road with a boot print on my ass.

I hop up and shake the mud off like a proper dog, thinking at least my jacket armor isn’t white like his vest.

“Cheap shot Walty.”

He just shrugs.

I finally notice his new saber is much bigger than the old one, befitting his massive size for his age, I swear he looks cut from steel.

I dash towards him but he was still between me and the armory, he grabs the pole of the trident, ducks, and throws me over his back, I slam hard against the side of the building.

Ok I might be mad now.

He spends double the amount of time training everyday that I do, I’ll have to be tricky.

Again I charge stopping just short this time as he lifts the saber to block vertically.

I flip the pole forward and stab the butt in the ground sending myself flying in a front flip at him while releasing a pulse of blue sparks.

Walt isn’t completely immune like Akane so he has to dodge, and he does so in a blur.

Always so damn fast, I figure it has something to do with his blessing.

I duck low as he slashes for my head and try to sweep his legs.

He steps forward and kicks up my pole swatting it to the side with his saber as he spins to continue the slash, shifting into a downward strike where my head is.

Rolling past him in the dirt. No fair, why is he still so clean!?

I try spinning my trident horizontally in fast motions aimed at his gut, alternating left and right.

Each time he blocks. I can see a confident grin grow on his face.

I hear cheers from the side catching sight of our girls and some other pups.

Walt being the cold jerk, he is puts a boot forward while I'm distracted, this time I use the pole to back flip myself so I don’t eat more dirt, but he’s already stepped forward and uses his hilt clock my jaw.

Twitch, I’ll wipe that smile from his face at least.

I fire white sparks forward in a wave which he sweeps away with the wooden sword but I follow it up with a jab to his stomach and flipping the pole back I catch his chin with the butt end.

Id no sooner hit him then he blurred again, this time behind me as he brings the saber down with a solid crunch on my left shoulder.

“Ow.” that one was a big hit.

My left arm is in an incredible amount of pain, “Damn, ok you win.”

I'm pretty sure he dislocated my arm with that last hit.

He is as clean as when he dressed this morning, though he has a slight bit of blood dripping from his mouth.

Lupa rushes to our side looking cheery to practice what she’s learned.

Walt rubs his jaw and speaks, “you made me bite my lip brother.”

….. “I'm so sorry you hurt yourself while kicking my ass.”

Walt smiles and wanders towards the dining hall to have a snack and let the twins dote on him.

Akane heads off to find mother for fire practice with a few parting words, “I bet I can take him.”

I smile at Akane’s taunt as she leaves then look at Lupa who is now honestly fussing over what to do. She must not have reached the part of training for dislocations yet.

I take her hand in my right and head for the bath.

Once upstairs and in the water I instruct Lupa, “take my left arm and yank it hard back into place.”

She looks ready to cry, I kiss her cheek,“Don’t worry I’ll be fine, though you should probably get out of the water when you do it.”

I sit on the steps while she figures out a good position.

She did as I said and once my light show of pained induced sparks clears she joins me in the now thoroughly heated large bath.

She sat to my right as to not bother my injured left and leans on my shoulder while using her clawed fingers to comb the dirt out of my tail.

I try to get my mind past her ever growing boobs so I could chat with her, “Lupa, what do you want to do when your time is up here in the den?”

“I’ll wait the two months for you to finish, your mother already said its fine.”

Nice going, “but what after that, I’ll have to head to Yoden to finally meet father.”

She looks at me with a raised eyebrow and a smile, “I'm coming with you of course, don’t think your brother is the only one with girls meeting your father, whether you are prepared or not you’re stuck with me for life Fuzzy.”

At that moment when a stupid grin hit my face, despite being called that stupid name, I realized I loved it when my self-proclaimed mate decided things for me.

Someone I now have no intentions of letting leave my side.

Still…. Walther has twins.

Lupa interrupts my drifting thoughts.

“So those flips and stuff earlier, show me what else can you do.” She commands as she slides through the water onto my lap.

“Let’s find out.”

I dive forward with her under the water and kiss her. We’ll see who runs out of breath first.

Next day

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Today is our last day of free time and again mother has told me to meet her for lessons.

I let Lupa sleep in and quickly dressed to meet my mother waiting outside my room, giving a parting glance to the heavenly figure shifting in my sheets.

Mother gives me an interrogative once over with those familial dark red eyes as we head toward the parlor.

Her voice is stern, “So you forgot to clean up the bath again, once more and I’ll take your key.”

“Oops?”

“Whatever, how’s the shoulder?”

I rotate my arm with no issue, “Fine, and yes totally worth it. By the way, Lupa says you’ve planned her life for her?”

“Oh dear no, I simply didn’t say no when she declared she’ll be imposing on our family from now on.”

Mother smiles, that sounds like Lupa.

She asks me, “Are you fine with that girl proclaiming herself your future wife?”

Is that a bad thing?

I ask, “I’m happy with her, should I have told her to let me talk to you first?”

“My son, we are a goddess blessed culture. Sure your father signs all the heavy parchment but don’t mistake, within the beast clans the women are really in charge. One day when your sister leads all, you or your brother will be the faces the humans and other races will deal with… I get the feeling you intend to leave it to him? My poor Walty.”

How does this woman know all, bet it has something to do with those tails...and she didn’t answer my question!

We enter the parlor, with a wave of her hand the fireplace lights up in blue flames, damn that’s cool.

She then pulls a drink from a cabinet and takes a seat in a large leather chair.

She gives me another stare as I sit on the near couch, “So, why did you lose to your little brother?”

“You realize he’s not so little anymore?” that stare, shivers go down my spine, “He’s too fast, hits harder than I can, and near immune to my sparks, the wood sword helped with that, why is that any way?”

“Both your siblings already had lightning resistance built by the first reading, Akane with her blessing of resilience combines for complete immunity to your shocks.”

The first I’ve heard hinting to either of my siblings’ actual blessings.

“What about Walt? That speed isn’t natural either.”

“Darling Walty has very strong blood from your father’s tribe. You may have noticed lately his fur has become odd? It’s the bloodline of the cold steel wolves, a metal affinity. With his speed and if he develops his magic from his Vela blessing, Walty will grow to be a truly powerful and versatile warrior.”

“See, perfect face for the clan, father will be thrilled.” Same old twitch, a green spark this time.

“Speak your mind boy, not that your silly fuzzy tail leaves much to guess.” She has an impatient look.

“I’m eldest and the weakest, I’ve seen Akane throw kids twice her size, and I’ve neither father’s nor your traits. I'm sure you’ve told him who granted my blessing, I doubt he has any desire to meet me at this point.” Tail is positively glowing green during my little fit.

“If you think you are weak then get stronger, it is really that simple, you’re an alpha.”

Oh is that all there is?

“You’re wrong anyway, the lightning and black fur does indeed come from the tainted north wolves. With my blood and your bloodline there are many powerful magics you should be able to easily master. You have already proven yourself agile and adaptable… flexible too, according to Lupa.” There it is Mother’s warm smile as she totally talks about things she shouldn't know.

I know we’re already far ahead of the other pups in the den but I don’t plan on losing to Walt again, “You’ve been helping Akane with fire, what can you teach me?”

“I’m not sure honestly. Your bloodline is likely from some ancient rare breed of warg, possibly Freki herself. I can show you an ability Freki shares with my tribe, you’re smart you can figure it out from there.”

Her tail spreads into seven, she waves her hand and the candles all go out. As the fire is just flickering out she bursts into a mist that spreads about the room. Before I can put any thought into what just happened she is behind me, laying on the back rest of the couch, waving the fires to relight. She finishes her drink then walks toward the door.

“Good luck with your first outing tomorrow, my darling fuzzy.”

….How the … Come on give me a hint!

I spend the rest of the day preparing my gear for tomorrow; I refuse to be one of the ones that don’t make it back.

As I was exiting the food storage, in full serious mode prepping, I bump into Lupa’s mom.

She’s staring at me with the same cream colored features and yellow eyes her daughter has, as if expecting me to say something. My mind suddenly drifts towards last night and I meet her gaze, I try being assertive.

“Lupa will be meeting my father with me in Yoden.”

She actually rolls her eyes! “Yes she won’t shut up about it, I don’t really mind, in fact we're honored to have her join your family. Her father will certainly be thrilled. You two seem a good match, your lucky to choose your first mate considering how noble families usually do things. Do take care of her in the future. She’s not a toy to be tossed aside once you bore of it.”

“Yes, of course. Now tell me, will her boobs get as big as yours? They’re already impressive.” Lupa’s mother had bigger melons then mom.

Ow…. I was hit on the head, I hope violence isn’t hereditary.

4 Months Later

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As I head into the dining room tonight to join Lupa, I spot Akane waving me over. She seems stressed and makes a serious face, as she’s about to say something I feel her confidence is ruined by the fact she’s already reaching for my tail.

She asks, “Are you aware that tomorrow the outing will be done in groups of three?”

They had announced it at last night’s dinner that the yearlings would go on their first hunt tomorrow, apparently there wasn’t enough in the older pups groups and two pups never came back when they had their first hunt.

They were found later, actually having been impaled by a deer. I'm actually a tad nervous. It is hard to miss the enormous antlers that make up the chandeliers in this place.

I pat her head, “Ptah told me at lunch, do you want to join Lupa and I? Walt won’t leave his twins, the fox sisters will go with their shy brother, and I know you hate the brown tail pups.”

“Yes, most are little better than actual dogs. I will be pleased if you’ll let me join you brother.”

It’s hard to tell her no while she’s absent mindedly stroking my tail, her own wagging cheerfully now. She’s damned adorable despite her height. She is a bit taller than me, probably close to mother already, why am I the shortest.

We had taken a seat and finally I see Lupa walking over. I always enjoy the way she walks in her slightly heeled knee length sandals and that white tribal dress with its many openings. Akane grips my tail to snap me out of it.

This displeases Lupa as she greatly covets my attention.

Trying to grab her focus, “Lupa, Akane will be joining us tomorrow. Are you all prepared?”

“Yes dear, and that’s a shame I was hoping I’d have you all to myself.” She narrows her eyes at Akane.

Akane’s ear mimics my twitch, “yes, I'm sorry to impose.”

That night was actually terribly awkward. Akane was still nervous about tomorrow so she refused to sleep in her own room.

Lupa found it a fine time to tease me knowing I wouldn’t do anything while my sister was happily dozing, attached to my tail.

I’ll get revenge for this I swear it.

Morning arrived and I have a girl on each side, granted one was my innocent twin sister, Walt is a lucky bastard. I wake them up and shoo them to their own rooms to get ready.

In front of the gates I meet Walther, he’s in his usual get up, the sleeveless white leather armor, he’s had some steel plates added to the chest and abs, no doubt from me hitting him there repeatedly the other day. I bet he at least had some nasty bruises. I also added small plates onto my shoulders.

We have our real weapons this time. His new saber is apparently an orc styled weapon; it’s made from some sort of dark bone material and steel. I bet he could part the gate with it himself.

My new trident has a sharper arrowed head, the prongs are closer together and it has barbs on the outer prongs, the pole is a lightweight metal, the butt end is a small, slightly pointed bulb.

The grey twins arrive first, I should start calling them white, they’ve already lost their pup coat and with it most the grey. I look for any change in my fur only to find it dull, dark and frizzy as ever. The other groups start to gather, Lupa arrives in her usual Nico tribe attire.

She has a wood staff taller than her, I’ve seen it before, both using pole type weapons, I often train with her and her mother.

Finally the fox triplets and Akane arrive, the fox girls are wearing red and yellow robes, they’re fire magic specialists, and the brother has a bit of cheap chain mail and a small axe.

Akane is sporting a very fitting red mini kimono with matching eastern breastplate. Netting makes up the sleeves and leggings, however she has a comparatively massive set of gauntlets and matching boots. They are slotted red plates in layers up to her elbow, the fists look like large demon claws.

Mother comes out to wave us off as Ptah calls our attention from the guard tower.

“You are all to be careful in these woods. Split off in separate directions from the other groups and travel for at least 3 hours before setting camp, hunt tonight and in the morning, then tomorrow afternoon return early so we can have the hunt stocked by dinner. Remember it’s better to return empty handed then be carried home in a box or find yourself in the belly of some beast. The den is hidden here because these woods are too dangerous for the common traveler. Be on your guard and good hunting.”

With that the gates open up and we step out for the first time.

I don’t see how I’ll be hunting anything though with Lupa hanging off my arm and my sister holding my tail like a rope the whole time and humming like an idiot.

Maybe we’ll get lucky and find some rare animal whose meat will help Akane’s boobs grow.