Kiessu was excited. He hadn't seen Laporkra in weeks. Not since that first night. The boy was skipping about the bedroom, holding up different outfits in front of the dressing mirror, trying to decide on what he should wear to meet the wolf he called friend. 
	Now some might find it odd that Kie would feel so fondly towards a man who had paid to rape him, but Kiessu wasn't one to hold a grudge. He had learned more than one thing about himself that day, and didn't begrudge Lappy his part in it. In fact, he was hoping that Aiki would let him play with the big wolf again. 
	Aikidu had told him the night before that they would be going to the city in the morning. He hadn't been to the city since his family had been sold at auction, and he had no real recollection of the event.  
	The boy had heard from his master about the wonders of the city, and he wanted to see them. 
	He wanted to see the ships in the harbour and smell the sea air, walk through the gardens in the High District. He wanted to eat in a cafe and have someone serve him for once. Above all else though, he wondered what kind of place Lappy lived in.
	He thought that it must be big, probably bigger than House Ven. Kie wondered if Lappy had servants, and what they'd be like. 
	Aiki came in to see what had taken the boy so long getting ready. 
	“Kie, when I asked you to get ready I meant before I grew old. What is taking so long?”
	Crossing his arms and resting against the doorway, he surveyed the clothes spread all over the room.
	Kiessu spun around, blushing that he had been caught holding up a sun dress. “Hey! You scared me!” 
	Aiki laughed at him warmly. “Oh I see, you were trying to dress up for Laporkra weren't you?” 
	The kitten blushed again, feeling the heat rise up in his face. “Sh-shut up!” Pausing a moment before looking sheepishly at Aiki. “Is that okay? What do you think I should wear?”
	Aiki walked over and picked up the dropped dress, handing it to Kie. 
	“I already know what you are going to wear when we meet him. But for now you're going to wear the dress.”
	Kie was flustered a bit. “Why do you even have this? I mean, did you have another servant?”
 	Aiki cocked his head and stared just long enough to make the boy feel a little bit ashamed of himself. “I have that because a guest left it here. I have had other servants, but they are no longer with me, and you are going to wear that, right now. It will look great on you, and since you are being such a bitch today, I think it suits you.”
	Kie opened his mouth to protest but thought better of it. Slipping the dress on, he felt a bit out of place. He really had wanted to try it on, and had since he found it weeks ago, but being ordered to made him feel embarrassed. The boy whined as he noticed Aiki's gaze going up and down his body.
 	Giving an approving smile and nod, Aiki said in a rather loud and voice, “Well! Now that you are dressed, we should hurry. The coach is here.”
	He looked about the room for a moment before adding, “You can clean up your mess later.”
	Kiessu whined again, rather loudly this time. 
	The pair went down to the front hall and met the coachman, a funny looking little ermine that was even smaller than Kie. 
	He led the boy to the coach while Aiki locked up. 
	The coach itself was a simple thing, no intricate carvings or plush cushions, just dark stained wood and slightly musty smelling bench seats filled with down. 
	Aiki trotted over to the driver and handed him a few coins before climbing into the passenger compartment. 
	“Are you excited Kie?” He said putting on his favourite deer scrotum gloves. 
 	Kiessu was looking out the window as they passed the stone wall to the drive, he looked to Aiki  with an anxious expression. 
	“Yes I am, but should I really be wearing this? Lappy will tease me.”
 	Aikidu smiled wide, looking every bit as cunning as foxes were known to be. “Lappy eh? Well aren't we familiar?”
	Kie had a shiver run up his spine. “I uh.... I mean Laporkra.” he managed to say, looking at his feet now.
	Aiki sat for a moment, watching the boy squirm and fidget nervously. “Oh you meant it exactly as you said it Kie. You mean to be familiar with Laporkra. Well, more familiar.”
	They both thought about that night not so long ago. Aiki had listened to Kie describe the events, and had been rather aroused by the recounting. The fox had tied Kie up that night and the boy came alive in a different way. They had played for hours, and when all was said and done, Aiki decided that he'd pay Laporkra a visit to thank him properly. 
	Kie on the other hand put his paws across his lap, trying to hide the erection the thought of that night combined with wearing the dress gave him.
	Aiki broke the silence now, thinking the boy had suffered enough. 
	“Kiessu, I want you to look at me when I tell you this. I am not angry nor upset with you. You are your own person, so if you want to be friends with Laporkra, so be it. Also, if you are fretting over the erection you are hiding, I wouldn't. Had I issue with you fucking the big bad wolf, I wouldn't have let it happen in the first place. Though I would remain at least a little discreet about it, gossip travels fast in the city. It's one of the reasons I moved away.”
	Kiessu tilted his head in that inquisitive way he sometimes had. “Why would I have to worry about gossip? A slave has no need of reputation.”
	Aiki sighed and took out his traveller's flask, taking a nip before speaking. 
	“It's not your reputation that could be marred, but Lappy's.”
	Aiki blinked for a second. “Oh bloody Hell, now you have me saying it.”
	The kitten mewed in agreement before moving on to his next question. 
	“I didn't know you lived in the city. When was it?”
	The white fox stretched himself out on the bench seat, patting the spot next to him so Kie would come to his side. Aiki then proceeded to reach into the pocket of his vest and remove an emblem made of gold. 
	“Here Kie, look at this.” He said, handing the kitten the shiny etched metal shield. “I lived in the city when I studied with the Adepts Noctem, to learn the ways of Elementary magic. I had a talent for water magics, so they fostered it at my father's expense.”
	The leopard turned it over in his paws, looking at the crest of the Adepts Noctem, his master's House crest, and Aikidu's personal rune, that adorned the gilt surface. 
	Aiki watched Kie's fascination with the object for a minute before continuing. 
	“Well I had nearly earned that when I had a run in with a petty noble who thought to use me in every way possible. I guess she thought that since I was from the countryside that I was stupid. A mistake that cost her dearly. For you see, I was young and hot blooded, and she provoked me rather easily in public. I said a few uncouth things and before long she had a champion. Some big idiot with a sword and a hard on who thought that my stature was an indication of my skill with a blade. Well the fight wasn't what he expected, I had no visible weapon, so I made one of ice from a handy little birdbath and proceeded to soundly thrash the man.”
	Kiessu looked at Aiki with a mix of disbelief and admiration. 
	“Then what happened master?” Said the boy, playing with the hem of his sun dress.
	“Like I said before, I was young and provoked Kie, so I gravely wounded the man. He lost three fingers and a testicle for his efforts, but what really angered me was the girl. She drew a pistol and shot me.”
	The boy gasped loudly. “Were you badly injured? Where did she shoot you?” His eyes scanning Aiki for signs of the injury to no avail.
	“I was hit in the arm, a glancing blow that wounded nothing but my pride. And my pride was the one to react then. I used the last of my magic to boil one of her eyes.”
	Rolling up his sleeve and brushing his fur back so Kie could see the pink scar before embracing the boy. 
	“Don't worry Kiessu, I haven't done anything like that in a very long time. I spent several days in jail while they tried to investigate. I only got out because of the Adepts Noctem pulling some strings. They had spent a lot of time and resources training me, and didn't want to lose me. And believe me, I had to repay the favour more than once before I earned that emblem you're holding.” 
	Kie handed it back now, and Aiki put it away. The sun was reaching it's zenith, meaning that their trip was about halfway over.
	“The reason I moved away were the rumours surrounding me when I finished my training. I was treated like a criminal and murderer. People spat on me in the streets when they were in groups and ran when they crossed my path alone. I couldn't find work because they regarded me as a monster. So I returned home and developed rural connections.” 
	Kiessu had lain his head on the fox's lap while listening to him speak, and was purring softly.
	“The point of this rather long story is this Kie, my actions in a heated moment led to me having to leave the city. So that said, I hope you understand what sort of consequences can come of indiscretions of a public nature.”
	Kie turned over and looked up at Aiki. “I do understand now. I should make sure that no one knows my actions or involvements right?” 
	Aiki nodded and stroked the boy's hair. “That's right. If you can keep guarded, you should be safe from such complications.”  
	The boy nuzzled at Aiki's crotch through his softened leather breeches, feeling his master's heat on his cheek for his efforts.
	Aiki tried his best to sound surprised. “Oh? What's this now?” the fox said as the snow leopard unbuttoned his pants. 
	Kiessu grinned at Aiki as he pulled the red flesh from the newly unbuttoned fly, giving it a lick.
	“I want to play. I just get aroused when you tell me about sword fights and magic.” 
	His tone was playfully mocking but his desire was not.
	Kie licked his master's sack as he pulled the leather pants down past his knees. Aiki stroked himself as the boy sucked greedily on his testicles, taking both of them into his mouth.
	Aiki moaned loudly and patted Kie's head.  “Well if you like swordsmanship so much I could give you a lesson. But you will have to lift that dress up first little girl.”
	Kie whined a little and let the fox's testicles slide from his muzzle one at a time before pursing his lips and tucking his chin in a little, making himself appear bashful. Kie stood up slowly, his erection making a cute little bump on the front of the dress. 
	Putting his paws on either side of the bump, he bunched and inched the front of the dress upwards, one handful at a time, never taking his eyes off Aiki's. 
	“You'll be careful, won't you master? Please don't hurt me.”
	Aikidu's hands shot out quickly, grabbing the boy by the hips and pulling him down to sit on his thighs. 
	“I promise you'll enjoy this.” He said softly, grasping his cock and the kitten's both in his paw. 
	The fox stroked at their heated members as Kie whined and moaned, occasionally humping Aiki's paw. 
	Kiessu was biting his lip and whining, copious amounts of pre leaking down his barbed shaft. 
	Aikidu leaned forward and whispered in the boy's ear. 
	“Now I think you should polish my blade.” 
	Kiessu gave one last hump into Aiki's paw before sliding to his knees on the floorboards and greedily sucking his master's knot. 
	The base had started to swell from Kie's attention. The fox intended only to get it slick enough for Kie to comfortably slide onto, but the boy was insistent. Aiki had to  push his shoulders away to free himself. 
	“Easy there Kie, or you'll miss the a demonstration of my thrusting technique.” 
	The boy looked irritated slightly at being denied, but decided to keep up the game. After all he loved playing little games like this, they kept his life entertaining. 
	“Well then, I guess you should demonstrate properly on me master.”
	Aiki stood up in the confined space, stooped slightly to that he didn't bang his head. He stepped out of his leather pants and grabbed Kie by the hips and shoulders. 
	“Then you be a good girl, and put your paws there.” Placing the boy's paws on the back of the bench seat and sliding up behind him. 
	Kiessu had used his tail to lift up the back of the sun dress, showing his master his pink tailhole. 
	Aiki was nude from the waist down except for the jeweled tail ring he always wore and his dress shoes. Stroking his shaft to evenly coat the boy's saliva on it before using his paw to guide the long red shaft to it's mark. 
	Kie moaned as the tip stretched him open, then bit his lip and pushed backwards with his hips forcibly.
	Aiki was taken off guard by his enthusiasm, but was more than willing to match him. 
	Reaching up under the dress and grabbing the boy's dripping shaft, he gripped his shoulder with his other paw and began pumping into his “good little girl”. 
	The young snow leopard lifted one of his knees onto the bench, spreading himself more and gripping tightly for Aiki's enjoyment. His efforts were rewarded by a swelling knot inside his ass popping free.
	Aiki leaned over the boy's back now to bite him on the crook of the neck before pulling Kiessu sideways and sitting with the almost knotted slave on his lap. 
	With each thrust Kie let out an excited little mew as the fox's knot battered at the gate of his tailhole.  
	Aiki kept his jaws on the boys neck, growling a little as he tried to put that bulb in the boy.
	The kitten gasped in pained ecstasy as a pothole in the road caused the cabin to buck, sending his master's swollen knot inside his tender young ass. 
	The fox let go of the boy's neck now and made several loud yipping noises as he filled Kie's ass with sticky fox come. 
	Kiessu wasn't finished though, he hiked up the front of the dress to reveal his kitten cock. He leaned back on his master's chest and whispered to him, “Bite my neck some more.” as he stroked furiously, rocking his hips to feel the knot shift inside him and pull at his hole. 
	Aiki nearly blacked out from the pleasure of this, but bit firmly down on the boy's neck again.
	Kie rocked wildly and gasped and mewed with his efforts, clenching tightly on the large red knot inside him as he got closer. Feeling this Aiki growled threateningly into his slave's neck, making the boy gasp loudly in surprise before shooting his load all over the front of his dress and collapsing backwards.
	 They sat in silence except for the gasping and panting, feeling contented in eachother's efforts.
	Aiki's knot was slick with come, and slid free with ease and a small moan from Kie.
	“I must say, your swordsmanship is rather master-full.” Aiki giggled at the terrible pun and busied himself by cleaning off with a handkerchief. 
	Kiessu meanwhile looked at the spots forming on his dress and worried that they'd stain.
	“Aiki, I seem to have soiled this dress. I'm sorry.”
	Putting his breeches back on, the fox didn't seem too worried. 
	“That's alright Kie, it was cheap and only meant for one occasion.”
	Sitting on the bench next to Aiki the boy pondered for a brief moment before asking, “But I thought a guest left it?”
	Aiki smiled coyly. 
	“I lied. It was purchased for you, and I was waiting to see how long you'd last before putting it on. Seeing you holding it up changed my plans though.”
	Kie felt hot embarrassment rush to his features. 
	“How'd you know Aiki? I hadn't ever said anything.”
	The fox kissed the boy softly before answering. 
	“I saw the way you studied that one in the village shop window. You really need to stop underestimating me on such matters.”
	The road went from loose stone and dirt to cobblestone now as they approached the city. The smoother ride causing Kie's face to light up as he rushed to the window to look out at the people.
	The outlying suburbs of the city proper weren't overly large, as they had sprung up over the last few years. 
	Aiki watched the boy's excitement and relished what was to come. 
	He had to be careful with the boy, as he was clever enough to discover his last plot, and this was intended specifically for his enjoyment. 
	Aiki knew he spoiled the boy more than he should, but was unable to help himself. No other person had ever quite enthralled him like Kiessu, and he wanted to live out the rest of his days with him despite the caste divide. Aiki wasn't fond of slavery in its entirety, but knew that challenging the notion of it was futile. He wanted no slaves growing up, and had only changed his mind when he saw the little snow leopard happily bouncing from one window to the other. He had loathed the boys former master, and had done nothing to spare his life when he heard rumour of the attack that ended his tyranny. 
	He went that night to steal the slave in the chaos, working out a deal with the leader of the mercenaries sent to end the life of that petty and brutal man. 
	The fox still felt that his biggest failing in life was not being fast enough to save Kie from the wrath of the mercenaries. The magics he knew saved the boy's life that night, but it had taken months for him to heal, even with magic. 
	Kiessu had lived with him for a while now, and seemed to be getting happier every day, and this was what Aiki needed. To make the boy as happy as possible was his self imposed penance and his greatest pleasure in life. 
	The coach wound its way towards the waterfront before coming to a stop outside of a tiny cafe. 
	The two passengers exited, standing in the early afternoon breeze.
	Handing a few more coins to the driver Aiki calmly said, “For the mess.” 
	The little ermine looked irritated after peering inside but changed his mind when he counted out enough platinum coin to buy a new leather coat.
	“Well then Kiessu, we are here! Take in the scent of the ocean for a moment and then I'll treat you to the best cafe in the city.”
	The boy looked like he was in Heaven.
	“You...you really mean it? I've never eaten anything prepared by... well, not prepared by a slave. Is it okay? Will I be allowed inside?”
	His question was valid, as most places weren't intended for patrons who couldn't pay. Though Aiki knew the owner from his youth, and knew it wouldn't be an issue. 
	“Oh Kie, I think you'll be just fine. You just look at the ocean and enjoy yourself while I call on the host. Just, don't wander off. Without me here you could run into all sorts of trouble.”
	Aiki passed the two small tables on the patio and entered the building through its brass trimmed doors. 
	Kie walked over and sat down on the low stone wall of the cafe's patio, looking out across the docks and ships in the harbour. Letting out a small whistle, the boy watched the seagulls swirling about the air currents. 
	A touch on Kie's shoulder startled him from his perch. He hadn't heard the boy approach him over his own whistling.
	“I'm sorry! I shouldn't have sat on your wall! Please forgive my rudeness!” 
	An albino rabbit stood behind him with a smile. His button up shirt, bow tie and apron indicated he worked at the establishment. 
	“Please sir, don't apologize. I often sit there myself when its not busy. I love the view.”
	The bunny boy stuck out his hand towards Kie. 
	“I'm Shotaro, Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
	Kiessu felt awkward for a very long moment as the pink eyed boy stood in front of him. Kie gripped the boy's hand gingerly and shook it, not taking his eyes of the rabbit's tiny frame.
	The bunny was just over five feet tall and of such a very slight build that the leopard looked large by comparison. 
	“See now, that wasn't so difficult was it? Please come inside and enjoy our finest offerings.” 
	Not letting go of Kie's hand, the bunny pulled him inside the open door of the Cafe.
	The strange little rabbit seemed more excited than Kiessu about the situation. 
	Aiki was standing at the counter talking to a rather large shark, great white if Kie remembered his lessons from Aiki correctly. The shark wore an identical outfit as the bunny boy pulling firmly on his wrist with the exception of a pair of round lensed glasses and a silk vest. He was huge compared to his present company but not of a large build. He simply had more mass than the mammals presently in his company. 
	When he spoke his voice was much softer than Kiessu had expected. 
	“Ah hah! This must be the famed Kiessu I have longed to feast my eyes upon! A treat the likes of which I never would have expected. Aikidu, you are far too stingy, keeping this one away from me so long!”
	His master chuckled a little and punched the two toned giant in the arm with enough force to stagger him.
	“Oh stop that! This is my dearest you eye so greedily. Don't fret Kie, I'll protect you from this leviathan.”
	The shark adjusted his glasses and looked a very good impersonation of incredulous. 
	“I am no whale sir!”
	Shotaro had led him all the way to the big man's side at this point, making Kiessu very uncomfortable. The rows of gleaming teeth in the shark's mouth were terrifying when he saw them.
	The bespectacled man seemed to pick up on this immediately. 
	“Don't worry kitten, I never eat mammals. I just have a thing for white fur.”
	In present company this didn't do much for Kie. He still felt a bit like prey around the big man.
	Aiki rescued him from his awkwardness now.
	“What my very rude friend who never introduces himself if he finds you cute is trying to say, is that you should sit down and enjoy the coffee that he is famous for.”
	The shark started a bit upon hearing this.
	“I apologize master Kiessu.” He said, taking to one knee. “I am Soren. Owner of this cafe, and at your service. Your caste disappears as you enter the door, so please go and sit with Sho and enjoy yourself while I ready the coffee.”
	The kitten was surprised and excited all at once, he'd never been served in his life, nor openly expressed a desire to be. He felt it rude. 
	Aiki talked with Soren quietly while the two boys sat in cushioned chairs near the sunlit window.
	Shotaro's pink eyes appeared oversized and clear as crystal. He sat smiling at Kiessu in an admiring way. 
	“So Kiessu, how do you like our little cafe?” 
	He looked around for a moment before responding to to the question. 
	"It's lovely, really. I've never been to one before. I like the carved beams and drapes in here, and really love that you have been so kind to me."
	Sho was idly fiddling with his bow tie, still looking at Kie. 
	“Why wouldn't I be kind? The slave thing? Soren told you that caste means nothing here. We have a sign and everything.” 
	He pointed at the cross beam above the main counter to a sign that read “Service and civility regardless of caste.”  
	Kie turned back to Sho.
	“Thank you master Shotaro.” 
	The lagomorph didn't break his expression at all when he next spoke. 
	“Kiessu, I am not a master of anything or anyone. If you ever refer to me as such I will strike you. Understood?” 
	The tiny bunny had shocked Kie greatly. The leopard didn't quite know how to respond. 
	“Okay.....sorry Shotaro.”
	Standing up from the table, the rabbit spoke as he gathered two more chairs from a nearby table.
	“Shota or Sho, please. I accept you apology, but I must tell you it is a sore subject for me. Please don't refer to Soren as master either. In this I ask your indulgence.”
	Relieved that Sho hadn't taken any great offence to his unwitting blunder, Kie immediately agreed. 
	The steam vent on the large brass coffee pot whistled loudly, interrupting the conversation the boys were having. 
	Soren poured the boiling water into a special device of his own making, one that made sure the ground coffee boiled the exact amount of time it needed before draining it into a serving carafe. 
	The shark adjusted his glasses and said rather loudly, “Coffee will be ready in exactly three minutes. Sho, could you please go get the treat you prepared for our guests?”
	Shotaro looked at Kie and winked before rather quickly moving into the kitchen. 
	Aiki and Soren had prepared the coffee and were just sitting down when the bunny reappeared carrying a covered dish of some sort. 
	Joining them, he lifted the cover, revealing a sweet smelling cake. 
	“When we received Aiki's letter, Sho took it upon himself to make you a treat.”
	Sho had produced a rather long knife from somewhere and began cutting pieces for the assemblage. After everyone had a piece to go with Soren's famous coffee, he sat down and spoke to Kie again.
	“I wanted your first visit to the city to be special.”
	Sipping his coffee, the fox seemed content. He looked to Sho then to Soren before he spoke.
	“Shotaro, you should tell Kiessu about how you came to work here, and why you have such a unique rule for your cafe.”
	Kiessu took another bite of his cake and listened intently. 
	“Well then, I was much younger at the time, barely weaned. My parents were poor farmers that sold their land in order to move to the city. My father wanted to build houses for other settlers and my mother thought she could get by on her skills as a seamstress. To their dismay and my misfortune they were wrong.”
	Soren reached over and took the boy's paw. “Its alright Sho, we talked about this and they are people I trust with my life.”
	Kie felt unease growing in him. He had never met these people before today, how could he trust him so? What had Aiki told them? 
	The rest of these questions were cut short when the albino spoke again.
	“I was sold to a slave broker, a child catcher they are called. They kidnap orphans from the streets and prey on destitute families. Well this man sold me at auction to a rather disgusting woman who used me to bait wealthy lecherous old men. So after stealing a few things and stabbing one of the wrinkled brutes to death I fled into the streets. I joined a gang and they hid me from the police and private guard she hired to protect herself.”
	Sho cleaned the long kitchen knife with a hand cloth before flicking it into a beat up cutting board several feet away, without looking.
	“That gang was a front, I had actually been scouted by a cabal of assassins. They trained me well, and helped me get my revenge. One by one I killed every person who ever touched me. The child catcher was messy I assure you.”
	“Sho smiled at the memory, and then gulped a large portion of his steaming coffee without so much as a blink before he went on with his tale.
	“When it came time for the old hag to die, I met my match. She had hired a famed bodyguard that was renowned for his speed. A cheetah by the name of Gilead. He was fast yes, but not fast enough to save her from my poison. He took the job seriously, and chased me to the docks. It was storming badly, and I tried to escape by a path along the cliffs. The rocks were slick, though and I fell to the ocean below. Soren knows the rest better than I do, he should finish while I eat my cake.” 
	Aiki had heard the story before. He had been the one to carve the crude healing wards into Sho's recovery bed. Now he watched Kie absorbing the other boy's story. The young leopard was trying to hide the look of horror on his face but Sho spotted it immediately.
	The rabbit slowly got up and moved around the table to Kiessu and embraced him firmly, kissing him on the cheek. 
	“Don't be afraid of me Kiessu. That life is behind me, and I'd never hurt you.”
	As Sho set down Soren began his part of the story.
	“Well now, this part isn't so exciting.” He took off his glasses and placed them on the table. 
	“I was scavenging the bay for lost cargo to salvage when Sho fell into the waters. I smelled his blood immediately, and followed his scent as quickly as I could swim. I tell you the taste of his blood in the water was so sweet that I couldn't stay away, but as part of my race's peace accord with your kingdom, I couldn't partake of the feast. Temptation is how you say, a bitch. I haven't eaten a sentient being in my life you see, so Sho was safe.” 
	Pouring everyone another cup of coffee before putting his arm around Sho. Soren licked the bunny's face lewdly getting a punch for his joke. “Still tasty. Well as I was saying, I found him unconscious and bleeding in the waters. I pulled him to the surface, and fought the waves to the beach before resuscitating him. After that I took him to a building that I rented to store my findings and nursed him as best I could. Aiki here helped me greatly in this, using his magics to speed up Shotaro's recovery.”
	Aiki nodded to Kie.
	Soren got up and walked across the room to retrieve something wrapped in cloth. 
	“Everything was fine for a few days until Gilead tracked us down. He wanted to avenge his reputation, and carried this.”
	He unwrapped a cruel looking serrated sword and handed it to Sho. 
	“Now I had grown attached to my bunny, and couldn't let him do what he intended. We had a bit of a fight, and well, lets just say he lost his head in the heat of battle.”
	The shark was drooling slightly but made no move to correct the situation. 
	“Since that day, I kept Sho here as my own. Not as a slave, but as a companion. I only insisted that he keep his skills sharp in order to protect himself, and to leave the past where it belongs. He didn't mean to get angry with you before, but slavery is not allowed here and any who would dare challenge our little rule will find out just how wrong they are.”
	Shotaro smiled again and chimed in with, “So if you ever find yourself in the city or in need of support, you are an equal here if you follow our golden rule.”  
	Soren smiled a very toothy grin before adding. “You have friends here, Don't ever forget that.” 
	Aiki laughed at Kie's expression before half jokingly adding, “Yeah, but watch out for the big one. He likes to fuck or eat cute little fuzzy animals!”
	This got a round of laughs from everyone but Kie.
	“You wound me again sir fox! I'd never eat anyone!”
	The rabbit at his side calmly added. “We know, but you didn't address the former.”
	Soren pretended to be embarrassed. 	
	“Well.... I guess you know me well enough that lying will avail me none.”
	Sho elbowed the big shark in his ribs. “Yeah yeah, keep both of them in your pants would you?”
	 Kiessu blinked a few times in confusion. “Both of...them?”
	Both of the hosts turned to him now, Sho thinking he had said too much, and Soren grinning wide, showing his excitement with rows of serrated triangular teeth.
	Sho spoke quickly before the shark could react. 
	“Heh, he has two dicks. Well, claspers technically, but they work the same.”
	When Kie's gaze drifted to the table's edge, Soren spoke. “It's true. I'll show you if you like?”
	His voice was full of excitement. 
	Curiosity starting to get the better of him Kie was interrupted the second he opened his mouth to speak by Sho.
	“You're going to scare him again Soren. Stop it or I'll be forced to hurt you.”
	Giving the big man another playful punch, the bunny then looked to Kie.
	“Maybe next time if you'd like. Though I warn you, he gets a bit amorous around people with white fur.”
	Aiki cleared his throat softly.
	“I believe we should be going my friends. I have to pick up something for Kiessu before we go meet his friend.”
	Kie dropped his fork,  it clattering loudly on the plate. 
	“Oh no Aiki, I don't need anything!”
	Aiki immediately felt a mix of reserved fear and excitement from the boy. He thought that Kiessu was feeling guilty over the idea of a gift again, but the fox knew he loved them. 
	“Oh but it is already finished and I must pay for it anyway. Are you sure you wouldn't like your surprise?”
	Kie thought for a moment before saying, “If you must, I guess I shouldn't be ungrateful.”
	Aiki felt the boy relaxing and moved in to set the next part of his plan in motion.
	“So when we get there you'll accept the gift in its entirety?”
	Kie smiled and nodded in affirmation.
	“Sure! Your gifts are always thoughtful, and I wouldn't want to disappoint you today.”
	Aikidu wasn't disappointed. He knew that the boy would do precisely this, and that what came next would be most rewarding for both of them.
	Standing up from the table and shaking hands with his friends, Aiki left a few coins hidden under a plate when Sho refused payment.
	Kiessu hugged the bunny first.
	“Thank you for your hospitality, you'll have to call on us sometime.”
	Giving the leopard boy a kiss on the cheek, Sho said happily, “We most certainly will.”
	The boy felt awkward about how to say goodby to the shark he found subtly menacing, but decided on a handshake. He was supremely startled when Soren wrapped his arms around his torso and picked him up off the floor in a firm hug. “What? No hug for me? Unacceptable I say! We shall come visit you as soon as my affairs are in order.”
	Kie blushed hotly when he felt Soren's claspers rubbing along both the inside and outside of his left thigh. 
	“Th...thanks Soren. I'll.....look forward to it.” he said, trying not to imagine what the shark wanted to do with those but intensely curious at the same time.
	Aiki said his goodbyes quickly, and moved with Kie to the street before turning towards the harbour. 
	“We should hurry so that we can get on our way to see our dear Lappy.”
	Kiessu silently agreed, keeping pace with Aiki as they traversed the streets that wound around various stone an wooden houses. 
	“Those houses that are wood won't last long, the damp air causes them to rot if they aren't properly protected. The cost of which is almost as much as the more durable stone. Those lamps you see contain bound light spirits. They light up as soon as the sun goes down. Every night, you can see those who work Fate magic offering them their prayers and magics to keep the city bright. There is always something more than what you see in the city. The places and peoples here are all quite diverse and rather complex.”
	The young snow leopard looked about at each of the things his master explained to him and was quite enthralled with the idea of light spirits, and wanted to see one.
	“Why tell me this now master?”
	The fox simply said, “Because I thought you would enjoy it. We have arrived Kie, turn around.”
	Kiessu spun around quickly to see the large display window of a shop. Inside the window many shiny and jeweled things glittered. 
	Aiki walked past the boy and opened the door to the shop. 
	“Are you ready for your surprise?” 
	The boy nodded and practically skipped past him.
	Ornate globes lit the interior of the shop. The walls and tables inside were covered in a great number of glass topped display cases. 
	A rattling of the beaded curtain drew the leopard's eyes to the owner of this shop. 
	Black feathers and shiny eyes were the first thing Kie noticed. The raven wore a vest made of gold links, a silk hat, and a velvet skirt. Speaking in a practised manner, the man's accent was still thick.
	“Welcome to Issad's Jewellers. What can Issad do for you this day?” 
	Taking a small loupe on a fine silver chain from around his neck, the crow held it up to his eye for inspection. Returning it to the feathers ruffled up over the top of his vest, he stepped to the other side of the counter he had appeared behind. 
	“Ah yes, Issad knows you! You are the magic man who orders finery for slaves. Come see what Issad has made for you and your... cat.”
	Kie was sure he didn't like the sound of that, but Aiki smiled and led him to the counter by his hand. 
	“I have been looking forward to this day ever since I heard of your skill. The name Issad comes highly praised and I for one will be proud to wear your sundries in the presence of many nobles and magic men.”
	The crow went back through the beaded curtain.
	Kiessu gave his master a puzzled look. 
	“Don't worry Kie, he's a strange old bird, but the ceremony is a small price to pay for the quality of his work.”
	Not quite convinced, Kie reluctantly kept his doubts silent.
	After a few minutes of shuffling Issad returned carrying several boxes of varying size.
	“Look now what I have for you!” Setting down the stack of boxes, he plucked the smallest of them up, opening it with deft claws.
	“Here Issad has for you the collar for cat. Fine white gold and sapphires with wound silver wire and an augmented moss agate centrepiece. The magics in it cause the agate to bloom in sunlight without sacrificing the integrity of the stone. Light weight and attractive, Issad is proud to sell you this even if it is for your cat.”
	Aiki removed it from the velvet lined box and fastened it around the boy's neck. 
	Kie was stunned by the beauty of the gift, and Aiki was more than pleased at how it looked on him. 
	Aikidu smiled and turned to the shopkeeper. 
	“You have outdone yourself with this one Issad. I only hope the rest are as perfect as this.”
	The black feathered merchant squawked enthusiastically, handing the white furred fox a black velvet bag. 
	“Here is the accessory you asked for to go with it. It took Issad more than a fortnight to finish its construction.”
	Aiki opened the bag and a golden chain poured into his paw like water. Each segment of the chain was made of three links intertwined. It was exactly a meter in length, and made of alchemically  hardened gold. One end had a loop handle and the other ended in what looked like a key with oddly shaped protrusions.
	Issad craned his head over the counter to see Aiki's face as he examined the key end.
	“Good yes? Issad made it to your specifications.”
	The fox had an evil grin on his face. 
	“Yes indeed. Kiessu, come here.”
	The boy was hesitant and nervous, Aiki knew this. He had chosen the phrasing and tone to illicit a slight fear response. Kiessu however, did as he was told and stepped up to his master.
	“Good boy. Please hold still.”
	The fox reached out and took hold of the collar, and held the moss agate gem between his fingers. 
	“Ah, here it is.” He said, taking the key end in his other hand and pushing it into a hidden mechanism behind the gem with a soft click. 
	The wires of the collar tightened around Kie's neck, not painfully so, but enough to be constrictive. 
	Kiessu gasped and shot his hand up to pull at it. 
	“M..master! What is this?”
	Aiki gave a tug on the leash before answering.
	“This is your new collar, and you aren't allowed to pull at it. Now hold still for a moment while I finish my transaction with Issad.”
	The bird seemed pleased. “Yes now, there is a good kitty! You keep cats on leashes and Issad sleeps better!” 
	He then opened the second to last box on his pile, removing a masquerade mask. The piece was made of silk carefully stretched over a wire frame with semiprecious stones sewn into its surface. 
	Aikidu affixed the mask to his face with two silk ribbons.
	Issad held up a mirror for him to check his appearance.
	Aiki seemed pleased, and the crow beamed as he opened the final box on the counter. 
	His clawed hands plucked a wide brimmed hat made of crimson material. 
	The hat had a buckled band made of lizard skin that held a peacock plume, and had tailored ear holes for comfort. 
	Aikidu inclined his head so that the merchant could place it on him.
	The fox was pleased, more than pleased. His appearance was perfect for what he had planned. 
 	He thought his appearance would draw attention while also keeping him anonymous. The perfect level of foppish to make everyone look his way. There were only two things left to do before he  was ready to meet Laporkra.
	“Issad my friend, you have done better than I could have ever hoped. Here is what I promised you, and a little extra.”
	He removed his belt pouch and placed it on the counter with the heavy sound of a great deal of coin. The crow snatched the pouch up and poured the money onto a scale behind the counter, and after adding and removing a few weights, turned around happy. 
	“You are a kind customer sir! Issad wishes you to do business with him many times!”
	Aikidu held out his hand as if he expected something from Issad as he looked at Kie.
	“Issad, could I borrow one of your knives for a moment?”
	The crow reached up into the pit of his arm and removed a blade that was camouflaged to look like his feathers, handing it to the fox. 
	“Hold still Kie.”
	The young slave was again nervous, he trusted Aiki but worried about the look he had in his eye. 
	Aiki pulled the collar a little, eliciting an “eep” from the boy. He then proceeded to cut the the sun dress from sleeves to shoulders, letting it fall to the floor in a pool around Kie's feet. 
 	“Perfect. Now you are dressed properly to go and meet Lappy.” 
	Kie looked down at his nude form, then to the dress on the floor and back to the chain held in Aiki's paw. He knew what was coming now, and he was filled with anxiety at the prospect.
	“Please take care of the dress for me Issad, and I promise you I will be your customer when next I need finery. Come now Kiessu! Until we are safely inside Laporkra's residence you are to refer to me only as master, and answer only to slave. Is this understood?”
	Kie had grown used to using his master's name at home, and being told he was forbidden to use it made him feel more owned than the seemingly alive collar coiling around his neck.
	He quietly said, “Yes, as you wish master.” 
	The fox led his pet out of the shop and into the street that at this time of the day was teeming with people. 
	At first most of the pedestrians saw Aikidu and his foppish hat, but rather quickly they would see the boy and his glistening collar. 
	As Aiki led him through the streets, Kiessu felt the stares of all. His nude form the object of conversation on everyone's mind. Children would point and laugh and men and women both would stare lustily, whistles loudly splitting the air now and again.
	Aiki saw them all devouring what was his with their eyes. He looked over his shoulder at Kie, who had tucked his rather fluffy tail between his legs in an attempt to maintain modesty. Aiki knew the boy though embarrassed, was enjoying the attention, and he couldn't allow him to cover himself. This just would not do. He gave the chain a swift jerk, causing Kie to stumble and blush more fiercely.
	“What do you think you are doing slave? Did I tell you to cover yourself?” he shouted in a boisterous voice. 
	He then circled around the boy and grabbed the base of his tail roughly and pulled it back to the position he intended. 
	“Now isn't this better? You sir blacksmith! Do you not like the view of my slave's pride? Is his modesty not unbecoming of a harem slave?”
	The bear in the blacksmith's apron that Aiki had solicited a response from grunted and smiled as he regarded Kie. 	
	“You're right fox! He grows aroused, look and see. A harem slave is for your enjoyment! And if you wish coin he could be for mine!”
	A rather large bulge was building under the apron, and Kie felt meek. He didn't know this man, but his attention and admiration of him was an open compliment to both himself and his master.
	Aiki took off his hat and made a grand bow to the gruff bear.
	“Alas I must refuse your generosity, I wish to take him home first before I make any profit from his form.”
	Kiessu was indeed poking up from his sheath, and the bear calling attention to it caused everyone in earshot to look directly at his kittenhood. 
	Aiki reached down and gave his sheath a slight squeeze, causing his barbed cock to shoot out and become fully erect.
	Kie cried out in his public shame. “Master....p-please...”
	Aiki stood up and jerked the chain slightly, causing the boy's penis to bounce before the assembled crowd. 
	A few police had come to see what the crowd had gathered for, but after checking his licence for 
the boy, went on their way. A man's slave was his property, and if he deemed it fit to drag them naked down the street, it was his right.
	“Come now slave! I must take you home!” Aiki trumpeted, leading the boy through the slowly parting crowd.
	A pinch on his rump caused him to cry out in astonishment. Looking around, Kiessu saw another boy with a much simpler collar wink back at him before going back to attending his master's table at a tavern.
	The boy's “walk of shame” lasted a few more blocks, and was rather less eventful. When they arrived at the door to Laporkra's home, Aiki was smiling, and Kiessu was still erect, and thoroughly humiliated, in a way he never suspected he'd enjoy.
	They stood outside the door talking for a moment.
	“So I see you have enjoyed your shaming kitten. Was it what you'd secretly hoped it would be?”
	The boy was unready for the question, but answered anyway. 
	“I ...I guess I did master. How did you know? I mean, I didn't even know.”
	Aikidu smiled and kissed the boy.
	“I always know what you want, even if you don't. It's one of my many talents.”
	Kie seemed puzzled, but didn't know what to say. 
	Aiki smiled softly and said, “Don't fret about it Kie. I'll explain it to you one day. Now are you ready to see Lappy?”
	This perked the boy up, and he enthusiastically rang the bell for the door.
	While they were talking, Aiki had time to admire the 3 story stone building. There were several windows on the above ground levels and one large picture window on the ground floor. Several segments of the facade were decorated, and captive spirit lights adorned the covered doorstep. 
	While the fox was taking in the architecture, the front door was opened by a rather diminutive skunk in a red silk vest.
	The skunk's eyes went up and down Kiessu's nude form.
	“You must be Kiessu, and Sir Aikidu. You are expected and most welcome. If you would follow me I have orders to take you directly to master Laporkra. Right this way.”
	Kie waited for Aiki to go first and then followed suit. The skunk led them up two flights of carpeted stairs to the third floor.
	Aiki saw a few paintings he wished to admire later, and memorized the number of steps he had taken to get to the door that the skunk stopped at.
	Speaking softly, the man in the red vest warned them, “Master Laporkra is entertaining another of his servants, and I felt it necessary to caution you. Just in case you are startled by what you see.”
	Kie's ears picked up on a muffled moaning coming from behind the large ebony double doors, giving him an idea of what the skunk had meant.
	Their guide then opened the door and stepped through into what looked like Lappy's personal quarters.
	There were bookshelves lining nearly every wall, an enchanter's table and alchemy set up on the far wall, and by far the most noticeable feature of the room was the gigantic bed, currently occupied by Laporkra and the servant he was busy entertaining. 
	Laporkra was sitting on the edge of the bed, knotted inside of a tiny black squirrel boy. His hands behind the rodent's knees, holding him aloft as he shook his knot.
	The skunk spoke clearly and without hesitation at the scene.
	“Master Laporkra, I present Sir Aikidu and servant Kiessu.”
	Lappy's head shot round to face the speaker, he smiled wide when he saw them.
	“Hello my friends! I didn't expect you so early, as you can see. Cicero go fetch something to refresh our guests please.”
	Cicero nodded and made his egress without so much as a sound.
	The squirrel however was moaning rather loudly and was looking distraught at the interruption.
	Lappy let the boy's legs go so he could sit more comfortably on his lap.
	“I'm sorry Adrian, but we'll have to finish this later.”
	The squirrel started to protest but Lappy shushed him.
	“Now now, none of that. And no hard feelings towards our friends. I tell you what Adrian, how about you finish up and I have our guests help? Does that sound like an acceptable compromise to you?”
	In response the still knotted boy began pawing himself off rapidly, bumping his hips. 
	Lappy curled his finger in invitation to the both of his guests.
	“Kiessu, would you mind purring for him, and Aiki, when he begins churring in short bursts, Adrian here is about to come. If you'd lift him off of my knot then, I am sure he'd be very appreciative.”
	Kiessu crossed the room and fell to his knees. He was jealous of this boy he was expected to pleasure now, but could see Lappy's knot straining inside him. 
	Kie licked at Lappy's knot and the boy's tailhole before licking up the taint, sucking at his balls for a moment before sucking Adrian's length down and purring loudly as he worked.
	Adrian grabbed Kie's head and held it onto his length for a long moment before Aiki put his paws under his arms to separate the boy's hold on Kie and cradle his head to the fox's chest.
	The black squirrel churred loudly as Aiki stroked his hair. Soon he had turned his gaze up to Aiki and parted his lips in invitation. 
	The arctic fox was happy to oblige the cute little rodent and leaned over to kiss the boy. He was surprised however a small paw grabbing the back of his head and a tongue being forced down his throat. He slid a paw down Aiki's leather breeches, squeezing at his sheath while he churred in short bursts into the fox's muzzle.
	Letting go of Aiki he cried out, “Pull me off, NOW!” as Kie spit him out and fell back on his rump. 
	Aiki pulled up under his arms firmly as Lappy lifted by the waist, seeing his enormous knot pull free. Adrian came fiercely into the air, the seed coming to land on Kiessu's face, neck, and chest.
	The tiny black squirrel collapsed into Aiki's arms panting.
	Laporkra looked down at Kie between Adrian's legs and smiled. 
	“It seems that you end up like this every time we meet Kiessu. Though I must admit it is a good look for you.”
	 Kie blinked a few times times and blushed at the obvious implication. 
	“Well I am glad to see you are having fun then Lappy.”
	His heart stopped for a single beat when he said this, the familiar way he spoke betrayed his feelings.
	“What did you say Kie? Lappy was it? Oh this is too rich kitten!”
	Aiki sat down in a chair nearby and watched Kie's embarrassment, a smile on his face.
	“I'm sorry Sir Laporkra. I've been too forward.”
	The big grey wold wiped his knot clean on a hand towel from his nightstand and proceeded to do up his pants. 
	“Oh no Kiessu, you are perfectly within your rights to be forward. Don't be ashamed, here you are a citizen and a friend. I tell you kitten that though Adrian here is legally my property, under this roof he and you are my equals. So stop your insufferable apologies. And Adrian, please clean up our guest.”
	The squirrel didn't nod or even acknowledge the words visibly, he just dropped to his knees straddling Kie and began to slowly lick the seed from his face .
	At first Kiessu tried to resist, but Ardian churred and continued to do as he was told. 
	The squirrel noticed Kie's erection, and tugged at him softly as he continued to lap down the kitten's chin to his neck and chest. Adrian looked to Kie and Aiki to be loving his work, as his face was the vision of amorous abandon. 
	When the leopard boy was clean, Adrian let go of his shaft and stood up. He smiled down at Kie briefly before excusing himself and leaving the room to clean up. 
	With the sounds of water running in the master bath, Cicero came in holding a tea tray covered in small comestibles.
	“For you, our guests. Do you require anything else of me Laporkra?” 
	Lappy picked up a hand full of cheese and meats, and stuffed them unceremoniously into his mouth before shaking his head to the skunk.
	Cicero bowed slightly to him and each of the guests before speaking. “Then I shall take my leave.” 
	Before he left, the diminutive skunk regarded Aiki coldly. 
	“If you should need me sir, I will be close by.” 
	A feeling of grave suspicion washed over Aiki's subconscious briefly, but he ignored it.
	“I don't think that will be necessary.” Aiki said in his warmest possible voice.
	Cicero glared and nodded, finally finishing his egress from the room.
	Lappy washed down his food with a big glass of brandy before sitting down on the bed again.
	“Don't mind him, he is just protective of me. He always has been.”
	Kie got up from the floor, still slightly poking out. Aiki gave his leash a light jerk, getting a “meep” from the boy.
	“Come here so we can get that off of you.”
	The boy walked over to where Aikidu sat, kneeling down for him. Aiki unfastened the leash from its anchor point and the constricting coils went slack, turning into a necklace again.
	Aiki pat the kitten's head.
	“You should go join Adrian. Just don't get too excited if you want to play with Lappy.” 
	The big wolf just tipped his glass in Kiessu's direction.
	Kie however, felt heat rushing to many locations in his body at once, and rather than be embarrassed again just nodded to Aiki and Laporkra each before heading into the master bath.
	The fox and wolf sat silently for a few moments until they heard giggling and splashing coming from the other side of the heavy door.
	Without speaking Lappy got up and opened the top drawer of his desk, pulling out a large tome wrapped in a soft cloth.
	“So he hasn't figured it out yet?” 
	Handing the book to Aiki, he poured the fox a glass of apricot brandy and handed it to him.
	Aiki unwrapped the book and spoke. 
	“No he hasn't quite. Though I have hinted a little, today even. So what is this? I am unfamiliar with the language.”
	Laporkra closed the desk and refilled his glass. 
	“Its a document on an order of monks who had similar talents to yours. The man who wrote that  murdered them all after completing the book. Apparently he feared anyone knowing his emotions so much that he tried to annihilate the ability. Fortunately he was vain enough to write this. The language itself is not so hard to translate, I used a simple empathy filter and then an auto writer. You can likely skip the filter. I'll keep the copy I made and give you the original, as you were the one who had me hunt it down at your own expense. I'll also add, that it was much more costly than I quoted you but we'll not squabble over trivial things like money. I just want you to know how rare a real empath is in our world. Magic can be fooled with magic, but what you do and those monks did can't be.”
	Aiki ran his fingers across the words and picked up the feelings behind each. 
	“I see. Rather clever of you to use the auto writer I might add. How did you know it was what I required before you translated it?”
	Lappy smiled rather cruelly. “Have  you heard of the Black Tongue curse?”
	The fox shuddered involuntarily. 
	“Yes, you needn't say any more. I fear you sometimes, you know that?”
	Drinking his brandy down in a loud gulp, Lappy wasn't smiling now.
	“You shouldn't. We've been friends for far too long. Besides, you'd know if I meant to hurt you.”
	Aiki sipped his drink and chuckled. 
	“Fat lot of good foreknowledge would do me though.”
	The wolf felt that it was a fair assumption.
	“So do you think that your experiment is working? Are you crafting the boy into the perfect companion?”
	Aiki didn't like thinking about Kie so objectively but Lappy had to ask and he knew this. Their agreement was that he would be kept in the loop.
	“I believe so yes. Magic can be reversed, and learning through experience is difficult and time consuming when you can't read a person's emotions. Since he is relatively young and malleable, he can learn things that I enjoy, and I can read his reactions to words and situations to discover his secret pleasures.”
 	Aiki wrapped the heavy book back up and set it on the desk.
	“Take for instance today, he had no idea that he would enjoy public shaming, but I read his pleasure response several times from his subconscious when he would be caught nude by one of my guests. So I made an experiment out of it. I made enough of a production out of his gifts and introducing him to some other friends of mine that he was put at ease before I led him here as my pet. He was embarrassed greatly but the attention he got thrilled him more. I knew from that evening after you left that Kie wanted you again. So I brought him along on my trip, and wound him up as best I could for you.”
	Lappy pulled a leather bag from under his desk to put the tome inside and set it back on top of the desk for Aiki.
	The big wolf laughed loudly, looking at the bathroom door in response to a squeak and series of splashes from the other side.
	“I thank you for that! And the arrangements have been made for Kie's surprise.”
	Aikidu set the glass down on the tea tray next to him.
	“Good, though I can't help but wonder how trustworthy your people are. Are you sure I can trust them not to hurt Kie?”
	Laporkra held out his paw to Aiki. 
	“I swear to it. They have been paid well for their parts and have worked for me before. They also know what will happen if they betray my faith in them.”  
	Aiki understood what Lappy meant, as he was simply the most brutal person he knew.
	“Fair enough, did you give them the potions? I don't want my boy getting sick.”
	Lappy nodded his head.
	“Yep, they drank them in front of me and I used a bit of blood magic to make sure they were clean. You need not worry any further. I paid the watch captain to put my men in the gardens this evening, and my plant is a woman by the name of Evelyn. She's an equine, a painted pattern and rather stout, so you can't miss her. She plays indignant noble well and should sell our ruse by herself.”
	Aiki removed his gaudy hat and mask.
	“Excellent. We should get started soon then. Is Adrian going to be involved?”
	Lappy stood up and said, “That is up to him.” Then crossed to the bathroom door.
	“Alright you two, that is enough playing. We need to take Kie to see the gardens.”
	The two harem boys were covered head to toe in soap bubbles, and from the amount of water on the floor, were either trying to drown one another or see who could cover who in more bubbles.
	Adrian took the initiative to turn on the detachable shower head and began spraying Kiessu down with frigid water. The cat shrieked loudly, his soaking wet tail somehow still managing to frizz out. 
	“Gah shit cold! Stop it!” the last part a long whine more than actual speech.
	Adrian smiled and continued to hose the cat. “Never feline! You must pay penance to all rodent kind for your crimes!” 
	Aiki had stepped behind Laporkra to see what the commotion was all about and immediately started laughing.
	“Yes Adrian, I saw him eat a mouse once!” said the white fox, egging the boy on.
	Adrian feigned shock. “That was my cousin you fiend!” dropping the shower head to chase the fleeing feline and start a tickle fight on Lappy's now soaked bed.
	Lappy came back into the room with an arm full of towels and after handing one to Aiki, started to dry Adrian's fur off.
	“That's enough of that you two. My bed is ruined and poor Cicero will have to clean this mess up. Adrian, I expect you to repay him for this, and Kie, you are also in trouble.”
	Kiessu looked a strange mix of amused and honestly upset.
	“B-but I didn't mean to...” trailing off at the end of his stammered explanation.
	Aiki wrapped the towel around his torso and pulled him over onto the bed by it.
	“Oh Kie will make up for his antics, right Lappy?” 
	Aiki then guided the boy's muzzle towards the wolf's crotch.
	Kie could still smell the musk and sex from earlier radiating from the fabric only inches from his nose. 
	Kie instinctively lifted his tail over his back, and breathed in deeply the scent.
	“I will, please let me make up for my mistake.” His voice betraying urgency.
	Lappy grabbed the leopard by his ears and rubbed the covered bulge on his face, grinding a few times for good measure.
	“Not yet, I want you to see the gardens before it gets dark. I promise you that you will have your desires met before the sun goes down this evening.”
	Kie spoke directly into the wolf's crotch. 
	“If you insist master, I shall wait.”
	Adrian reached over and spanked Kie.
	“No! Bad kitty! He is my master, not yours.” He then rubbed the spot where he slapped and cooed into Kie's ear, “You have the pretty foxy to order you around, we should trade sometime eh?”
	Lappy let go of Kiessu and the boy propped himself up on all fours, his mouth agape at Adrian.
	“That isn't something you get to decide, its not our place.”
	The little black squirrel buffeted the leopard boy with his tail.
	“It is if they don't mind, and I know Lappy here would enjoy showering you with constant attention. Plus I could teach the fox a few more tricks to try on you.”
	Aiki pressed in on Kiessu from behind, startling him.
	“Not today Adrian, but I would love to at some point. I have never been with a groomed harem slave before, and would love the chance.”
	Kiessu radiated conflicting emotions, and Aiki read them all. He was jealous of how forward Adrian was, excited at the prospect of so much time with Lappy, scared to be away from his master for any length of time and finally surprised at the amount of freedom he and Adrian apparently had. 
	Kiessu just said, “I guess we'll have to when the time is right.” and rubbed back on his master for a moment.
	Adrian fetched some simple clothing from the wardrobe for each of them, and Lappy got down his signature coat from the rack in the corner, pulling it over his shoulders while Aiki helped himself to a few of the small treats that Cicero had left behind.
	The ebony rodent tossed them to Kie and slipped into his own clothing, making a big production out of the various ways he could stretch and contort himself. 
	“You should put those on Kitty, we are going to a better part of the city and they won't be so kind to us if we run around naked.”
	Kie was amazed at how the boy moved, and tried to mimic some of his display with mixed results.
	Adrian walked over and hugged the Leopard boy. 
	“Its okay Kie, I'll teach you to do that sometime. I have been trained since birth to be the perfect sexual partner and make every one of my words and movements as enticing as possible. So don't get discouraged, I'll show you the ropes sometime.”
	Laporkra strapped a gun belt on his hips and checked the ornate revolver inside before asking if everyone was ready to go.
	The consensus met, the group headed downstairs and out the front doors. Cicero was sitting in a wooden chair on the stone walk outside the house.
	“Out for your evening stroll sir?”
	The big grey wolf nodded in agreement before adding, “I am, and could i trouble you to clean up the water upstairs and fix my bed? These tow got into quite the wrestling match up there. I'll make sure Adrain compensates you for your time.”
	Cicero closed the book he had been reading and put away the small round lensed spectacles he had been wearing.
	“I suppose so, though I am unsure if I should partake in the boy. You know I might just get hooked on him like you.”
	Lappy snorted derisively.
	“Yeah, I bet. But don't try to fool me for a second you old skunk! I know you have been aching to play with him. I am really just giving you my leave to do so, and Adrian has asked why you hadn't moved on him yet anyway. I told him you were a eunuch!”
	Cicero looked amused. 
	“You know damn good and well I am not! Boy, this night you will be mine, and you will be cleaning up that mess!”
	The squirrel wrapped his big bushy tail around his torso like a dancer with a feather boa.
	“I am looking forward to it, that is if you still have what it takes!” 
	Adrian dropped his tail to reveal his flaccid genitals hanging from his open fly, mocking Cicero openly.
	The skunk walked over and gripped the offending organ playfully. 
	“This is mine later, and I'll make sure you swallow your words just now. And perhaps a little more than that.”
	With that promise, Cicero let the boy zip himself up and went inside to see to his mess. Laporkra just shook his head and waved the trio following him to “Come on.”
	Laporkra's house was not very far from the gardens, and the water feature that was being built when Aiki was still in training quickly came into view above the walkways and heavily manicured trees of the lush area it presided over. The building itself looked like a colosseum with water perpetually flowing from the upper ring freely down into a shallow basin. From there it churned before being swept down a deep well in the center. The well itself went over a hundred meters into the earth and had a large, lit pool at the bottom. 
	Kie gasped in awe of the structure and skipped about with Adrian, having the time of his life.
	Aikidu and Laporkra stalked the outer ring as the boys played.
	“See the bear and the hyena over there? Those are our agents. They are the only guards on duty here, and will be taking Kie to the port side stocks. The equine girl there is Evelyn, and when I give her the signal, she'll start the plan. Adrian is in on it but he'll pretend for Kie's sake not to be.”
	Aiki fidgeted a little and tossed a few coins to a street performer.
	“So then, if everything is in place, and you've preserved Kiessu's safety, we should begin our game don't you think?”
	Laporkra took a drink from a hip flask of whiskey and sighed softly. 
	“I suppose you're right. I hope your gift is as precise as you say it is, or Kie might not be too happy with us.”
	Aiki scanned the boy and felt his happiness. 
	“Oh I think it will be just fine. As long as your men are trustworthy. If not then we have to kill some police officers. And I'll have to give Kie his freedom and my summer home.”
	Laporkra added, “And I'll supply his coffers with a modest amount until either I die, or he forgives us. It's only fair right?”
	Aiki agreed, and for all his mixed feelings about manipulating him, he had never been wrong before. He just felt that he should have insurance in case he failed the boy.
	Laporkra replaced the flask and said, “Well, here goes nothing.”
	The wolf walked past the painted horse and made a small gesture to his nose and continued on until he was out of sight of the frolicking harem boys. 
	Aikidu stepped behind a column so that he couldn't be seen either.
	Evelyn walked casually past the two guards and gave them a wink so that they would follow at a distance. 
	As the boys played, Kiessu was blissfully unaware of what was going to happen. 	
	Adrian saw Evelyn approaching and knew he had to act quickly so the plan would come off without a hitch.
	The squirrel pinched Kie on his butt and danced away, backing into Evelyn. 
	The horse stumbled backwards and made a disgusted exclamation. 
	“You idiot! How dare you!” She yelled in a haughty tone before shoving Adrian to the ground at Kie's feet.
	Kiessu bent down to help Adrian up. 
	“What did you that for?” Kie was crying now and rather upset that his new friend was accosted in such a way. 
	Evelyn sneered down at them both. “Because he is a clumsy oaf! Now if you don't want the same you'll both apologize.”
	The leopard boy felt hot anger boiling up, clouding his judgement. 
	“You don't deserve an apology you mean bitch!”
	His heart sank the moment the words left his mouth, and he scanned the crowd of staring faces, looking for Aiki or Lappy and not seeing them. Only the stern faces of two policemen approaching rather rapidly.
	Evelyn smiled cruelly at Kie and tore her own dress. “Lets teach you a lesson boy. Officers! This brat tore my dress and I demand you arrest him!” 
	The blue bear and hyena hustled over to the pointing and shouting horse. The bear in the lead spoke.
	“What is this then? Did you do this boy?”
	The hyena shoved past Adrian and grabbed Kie by the wrist. 
	“Don't resist cat or you will be hurt.” said his spotted assailant.
	The horse woman turned towards the blue bear and explained how Kie had insulted her and tore her dress when the careless squirrel had run into her. 
	The bear looked at her dress and then to both boys present before speaking to all assembled. “Does anyone present have any statement to the contrary of what this woman of noble blood has to say? Will anyone speak on this boy's behalf?”
	Adrian started to step forward and speak but the hyena put a big paw on his chest and whispered just loud enough for both of the boys to hear, “You're words are meaningless rodent, biased as it were. Just stay quiet.”
	Adrian made himself cry now and sobbed out to Kie that he was sorry and would find Aiki, as the hyena placed the manacles over his wrists.
	Kie hated the sensation, as it reminded him of his first master and the way he was treated by him. He didn't resist, but just silently cried and gave the hyena a pleading look.
	The officer snapped the manacles closed and gave him a smile full of malice.
	“Don't look at me like that boy, you're gonna make me hard.”
	Cool dread crept over Kiessu at the man's words and he dared one last look to Adrian before mouthing silently “go”. 
	Adrian shot off into the crowd yelling for Aiki, as Evelyn began retelling the tale over and over again to the crowd that was surrounding her. 
	The bear grunted as he put a tether through the rings on the manacles giving it a tug.
	“Lets go boy. You're going to the stocks until we figure out what to do with you.”
	They led Kiessu out of the gardens and past Laporkra's house. The lights were off and there was no sign of the skunk. 
	The march went over a stone bridge, up a brick stairway winding past the tavern that Kie was led by naked just a few hours ago, and onward to the guard house opposite a grand cathedral located on the waterfront.
	The people in the streets pointed and whispered amongst themselves, watching as he was led by in bondage. 
	The blue bear led him off to the stocks as the hyena said, “I'll go tell the captain, and then I'll be right out.”
	Yanking Kie along to the platform that held the stocks, the large bear pulled the pin that held them closed and pointed to the holes. “Get in.” 
	Kiessu gingerly put his still bound wrists to the semicircles flanking the big one meant for his head. 
	“Stop fucking around kid.” 
	The bear grabbed the back of his head and forced it down into place, closing the stocks loudly over his head. Kiessu yelped at the noise. The bear then removed his manacles and put them in a belt pocket.
	“You've got to put your feet in the holes.” Grumbled the rather gruff man.
	Kie couldn't see where his feet were supposed to go, so he slid them around trying to feel where the bear meant. 
	The officer growled loudly. 
	“Boy, you are trying my patience here.”
	The massive bear reached down and grabbed Kie's leg and forced his paw into the hole in the platform. Kiessu quickly put his other in the gap, missing the intended leg hole.
	Kie's captor got fed up and gave him a slight kick, moving his leg to the desired spot and then sliding the board in so that it was flush with the rest of the platform. 
	“Now that you're here and can't get away, I'll tell you how this is gonna go. You're gonna do what we want when we want it, any yelling or whiny bullshit and you'll regret it.”
	The bear groped Kie's balls rather roughly to express his point.
	Stepping around the front of the platform the officer asked the immobilized leopard, “You understand me?”
	Kiessu was scared and intimidated by the man undoing his belt directly in front of his face. He didn't want to talk, but he thought better of upsetting the bear.
	“Yes.” Was all he could manage.
	“Good.” The officer responded, dropping his gun belt to the ground with a loud clunking noise.
	“Then let's put that pretty mouth of yours to work.”
	The bear was massive, and the semi erect phallus he brandished at Kiessu was proportionately large. The bear tugged on it a few times before slapping the kitten in the face with it.
	Kie was shocked and humiliated, he didn't know this man nor want to, and now he had his giant dick draped over his muzzle and was starting to rub on his cheeks.
	Kiessu heard the hyena say, “Hey, I told you to wait for me!”
	Kie felt his pants being yanked down and a clawed hand gripping his ass firmly.
	The bear gripped the base of his cock and slapped Kiessu hard across the face. 
	“Open up kid.” Gabbing Kie's nose and pinching until Kiessu gasped for air, he jammed the thick bear cock into the kitten's mouth. 
	As the bear started humping the boys face, he gagged loudly around the massive shaft. The guard growled angrily as Kie coughed. 
	“The angle on these things has always been shit for fucking a bitch's face. Guess you'll have to just suck my balls kid.”
	The lawman grabbed his nuts and pushed them into the leopard's face, his pants falling to his ankles. They were nearly twice the size of Aiki's, and were extremely musky from being on patrol. 
	Kiessu sucked the sweaty folds as the bear jerked fiercely on his dick.
	“Hey Greg, the little bitch knows how to use his mouth. Hows your end?”
	The hyena-Greg-stuck his foot on the crotch of Kies pants, pulling them down. 
	“Not tender enough yet.”
	Greg held out a riding crop where Kiessu could see it before giving the kitten's buttocks a lash.
	The leopard gasped and moaned into the scrotum he was working around with his tongue.
	“Oh? Looks like he likes it. Hey Adan you look pretty close already, He really that good?”
	Almost appearing to be in response to that remark, the bear groaned and shot his load skyward, with it coming to land on Kie's face and hair.
	“Guess so, my turn now cat.” said the hyena, giving him a few lashes with the crop making him moan loudly each time.
	Adan pulled his balls from Kie's mouth and moved out of Greg's way. This is when Kie saw the crowd that had gathered around to watch. 
	It was different than his walk earlier. This was no mere nudity, he was being violated openly before more people than he could count. He saw the blushing faces and covered eyes as they went past, the perverts masturbating openly in the street waiting to see if they'd get a turn. But the worst part of all was the fact that he knew he was enjoying it. Kiessu wanted them to notice him. Here no one knew him as a harem slave, an object. They only saw a person being molested, and their myriad reactions to his plight fascinated him. He had never before felt that a stranger noticed him, and he liked knowing that he mattered even marginally.
	His thoughts were interrupted however by Greg the hyena whipping his supple ass again. 
	“Are you going to treat me as nice as Adan? Or do I have to just fuck you dry?”
	He added another lash to accentuate his threat.
	Kiessu didn't say anything, he knew the man's type and any of his words would just spur him on, so the leopard boy just opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue.
	Greg looked over his shoulder and laughed aloud. 
	“Better give these folks a decent show.”
	The hyena undid his his fly and let his balls come free, his penis hung on the fabric of his underwear.
	“Start with these while I get my pants loose.” Greg said as he put them to Kiessu's muzzle.
	Kie started to lick at them and had sucked one gently into his mouth when he heard something that made his heart soar.
	“Get away from that slave! He belongs to me!” Bellowed out from Aiki who had pushed through the crowd with Adrian and Laporkra.
	Greg turned around, his balls leaving Kiessu's mouth with a slight pop. Not bothering to cover himself, the officer demanded to see identification proving the claim.
	After verifying the documents he put his balls away and apologized for touching the boy without permission.
	“Apologies aside sir Ven, there is the matter of payment for the dress.”
	Aiki pulled another small bag of coins out and handed it to the police officer who was still visibly sporting an erection. 
	“There is ten platinum and twice that in gold in here, make sure she gets it and I assure you it will buy this petty woman a dozen like her cheaply made rags.”
	The hyena took the coin and counted it.
	“Well this seems to be enough, but there is also the matter of the noblewoman's pride. She claims insult, and by law, public humiliation is the common punishment. I was administering it when you arrived.”
	Aikidu looked at Kie and smiled, kneeling down to see the boy's dripping face.
	“Well if that is all, we can take care of that ourselves. Come on my friends, we have to teach this bad little kitten a lesson in humility.”
	Kie's heart began pounding.
	“Master please, in front of everyone?”
	Adrian walked up and wiped a bit of bear semen off of Kie's muzzle before sticking it in the leopard's mouth.
	“See master, he asks for it. Let's give it to him good!” 
	Without removing the finger Adrian dropped to his knees and whispered to the bound snow leopard, “Don't be upset with me kitty, but I've wanted to fuck you since I saw you.”
	Kie became fully erect now. Knowing that he wouldn't be raped by any more strangers, he could fully enjoy what his friends were going to do. All eyes were on him now, he knew his first trip to the city was going to be special, but he never had guessed it would turn out like this.
	Adrian kissed the boy deeply and gripped both his paws in his for a moment, then without breaking his sloppy,wet kiss with Kie, undid the pants he was wearing. When the squirrel stood up, he broke the kiss and removed his shirt in one swift motion, leaving him nude from the ankles up. 
	“Now Kiessu, make me nice and wet for you. I get to go first.” Cooing the last word, making Kie shudder with anticipation.
	The Squirrel had to stand on his toes so Kie could reach him properly, not to say that his size was as diminutive as his frame. On the contrary, Adrian was well endowed to the point of surprising Kie. He had seen it in Lappy's bedroom, but feeling the head of it in his mouth gave him a whole new perspective. 
	Kie licked around the rodent's large pink bulb, unable to stifle a purr. Adrian tasted as good as he looked, and Kiessu was greedily sucking at him for it.
	Adrian braced himself over Kie's head by leaning on the stocks with his arms, humping his new friend's face.
	Kie looked over to see his master embracing Lappy with his paw down the wolf's pants. 
	Laporkra saw this and broke off kissing his master, who nipped and sucked at the wolf's neck. 
	“I can't let you have all the fun now kitten.” He said as Aiki unfastened his gun belt. 
	Lappy hung it over another nearby set of stocks as Aiki undid the buttons on his shirt, kissing his way past the big grey wolf's navel to his bulging groin.
	Adrian panted softly and nibbled on Kie's tail as he humped into him. 
	Greg the hyena was leaning against a nearby stockade masturbating and watching the two go at it. 
	“Hey squirrel, catch.” He said, as he tossed Adrian the crop. “He likes it.”
	Aiki was sucking on Lappy's knot and pawing at his own, murring into the wolf's bright red genitals. The wolf tapped the fox on his head and waited for him to look up.
	“That's good, now it's my turn. Stand up foxy.”
	Aiki gagged himself around the forming knot intentionally before spitting it out and standing to kiss the wolf. 
	Laporkra's big paw wrapped around the two cocks rubbing together between them as they kissed, stroking and spreading a bit of the fox's saliva to his own cock.
	The wolf dropped down after a moment and lewdly licked the entire length of the fox before taking it into his muzzle and sucking, quickly increasing pace to a rapid bob.
	Adrian lightly brushed the crop across Kie's butt. 
	“Are you ready kitten?” he asked.
	Kie nodded around his cock in reply, and the squirrel hilted his throat before whipping his ass rapidly three times. Kie purred and swallowed around the squirrel's cock. 
	Adrian moaned loudly before the assembled crowd.
	“Time for a kitten to meet his fans. Now I'm going to fuck you, and they are all going to see it.”
	He pulled himself free of Kiessu and moved around the back of the boy, giving him a perfect view of both his master servicing the wolf, and the crowd of excited looking faces.
	He blushed deeply and felt the precome dripping from his kittenhood. 
	“Please Adrian, don't make me wait any longer.”
	He had barely spoken the words when he felt the boy press in on his rump, the pink spear of his penis pushing into him.
	Kie moaned again, as Adrian slowly started sliding in and out of him.
	Greg stood up from his lean and shouted to Aiki, “Mind if I paint his face sir? I'm close and it is all his fault.”
	Aiki saw Kie's expression and smiled. “Be my guest, make sure he cleans you off.”
	Greg pulled his paw free from his pant's leg and hurried over to Kiessu's face.
	“Good kitty, now open wide.”
	Kiessu turned his head as far as he could and stuck out his tongue just as the police officer hyena shot a very wet load onto his face, hitting him between the eyes and across his open mouth.
	Greg was still yipping as Kie sucked the remaining come from his shaft. 
	“Alright kitten I have to get back to work. When they come, you're free to go.”
	Greg staggered out of Kie's view before putting his pants on and entering the station. 
	Adrian had discarded the crop in favour of using both hands to hold the leopard's hips and roughly fucking him. 
	As Aikidu watched the boys fuck, he scanned his lover's emotions. There he felt a heady mix of lust, embarrassment, and contentedness. He knew Kie would enjoy this, and had to break off his link with the boy to avoid climaxing from the mixture of both their sexual stimulus. 
	Lappy felt the fox's knot swell up in his maw momentarily, and didn't want to ruin his surprise for Aiki, so he slid his mouth off the bright red cock and massaged his balls for a moment.
	“Aiki, I want you to go fuck Adrian now, while he's inside Kie. My treat for being such a fun person to be friend's with.”
	Aiki didn't wait to be told twice, and crossed over to the squirrel that was currently violating his lover.
	Adrian grinned when he saw Aiki coming towards him and lifted his bushy tail high over his back. 
	“Come on fox, fuck me like I'm fucking this little slut. I want it as much as he does.”
	Aiki grabbed the exquisite slave boy's slender hips and pulled him back, rubbing his cock between his soft furred cheeks. Leaning forward Aiki growled low in the squirrel's ear.
	“Oh I'll fuck you harder than that.”
	He then gripped his throbbing member and guided it to his mark, feeling the rodent push his hips backwards and taking his swelling cock effortlessly.
	“We'll see about that fox. Show me what you've got.”
	Not used to being taunted, Aiki gave the boy his all, rapidly fucking and fiercely gyrating his knot inside the soft squirrel boy's ass.
	Adrian kept up his assault on Kiessu's prostate, competently matching Aiki's thrusts with his own.
	Kie felt the force of both bodies driving Adrian's cock into him and came hard upon the wooden platform.
	Lappy walked over to Kie's face and started stroking himself just out of reach of the boy's tongue.
	“Please Lappy, let me help you finish.”
	Adrian could feel the fox's knot popping in and out as he fucked and it made him churr with delight. He then gripped hard around Aiki, refusing to let go. 
	“You're gonna knot me while I finish fucking your lover fox. Then it's master's turn.”
	Adrian felt Kie trying to milk his cock as he pounded steadily into him, the fox's knot inside him made it hard not to spill his seed right then and there. He used his training to keep himself in check for a bit longer. 
	“You're gonna cum first fox.” said the tiny rodent gripping the knot that had fully formed in his cavity. The black squirrel started bumping his hips into Kie while squeezing and rocking on Aiki's knot.
	Kie moaned out around Lappy's cock as Adrian's unrelenting attack made him fully erect again. 
	The big wolf reached over to his boy and stroked his cheek.
	“Finish the both of you, I want my turn now.”
	He pulled his shaft from the kitten's mouth and went around to the white fox who looked to be holding on for dear life to Adrian's hips.
	“Hope you're ready Aiki.” he said, pressing the tip of his cock to the fox's tail hole, just enough to see it open before Adrian lifted one foot then the other up into Lappy's paws. The wolf growled and bit down sharply on Aiki's collar as he pulled back on Adrian's legs and forced his own knot into the fox with a loud growl. The effect of this was nothing short of miraculous, Kiessu came for the second time with a cry of joy and tears streaming down is face as Adrian slid free and shot his load onto Kiessu's taint and scrotum while being suspended by Aiki's cock. The fox came the instant Lappy's knot slid in, the pressure on his prostate causing him to flood the squirrel with hot seed. Lappy humped vigorously into the fox after letting Adrian's legs go, coming rapidly once he gained his leverage.  
	The assembled crowd was mostly cheers at the spectacle, the dissenting voice drowned out by the applause of voyeurs.
	The three members that were knotted together stayed that way for a few minutes, mostly panting, before they had receded enough to come apart and dress.
	Adrian was oblivious to his nudity as was usual, and while Aiki and Lappy dressed, he freed Kie from the stockade.
	“Hey there kitty, how are you holding up?”
	Kiessu gave a little mew and stood up, his feet still in the floor of the stage.
	“I am pretty sore, but I'll live. You were incredible Adrian, I can't even describe it.”
	The squirrel put his fingers to the leopard's lips. 
	“Then don't. We'll go home tonight and have dinner, then we shall have a sleepover.”
	Nodding his head in a matter of fact way, Adrian had his eyes closed and was smiling when Kie looked at him.
	“Oh by all the spirits please let me rest!” The kitten proclaimed in jest, freeing his feet as they chatted. 
	Aiki and Lappy had dressed and were just helping Kie to his feet when the crowd got bored and started to disperse, only a few lingering people glaring or chuckling to themselves. 
	The foursome left the way Kie had arrived and aside from bumping into a white rat man that was too busy writing something to see where he was walking, there were no further incidents.
	When they got back to the house, Cicero had prepared a feast for them, consisting of all sorts of local and imported delicacies. They ate heartily and drank much throughout the evening until Cicero excused himself and Adrian to make good on his bargain.
	Without Adrian present there was an odd quiet hanging in the air that Lappy decided to break.
	“I am going to retire to my quarters for a while, when you are done Aiki I ask that you join me for the evening. Adrian will see to Kie when he gets back. Take all the time you need my friends, I am nothing if not a patient man.”
	With that, the big wolf left them alone at the large dining table.
	Aiki refilled Kie's glass of port and sat down in the chair closest to him.
	“Kiessu, I have something to tell you, and I want you to hear all I have to say before you question any of it or make any decisions. Do you understand?”
	Kiessu drank a copious amount of the sweet red wine before speaking. 
	“Not really, but I think I can agree to that.”
	The fox finished the boy's wine.
	“Well then I should get this over with.”
	Aikidu sighed and undid the cuffs on his shirt.
	“I have to tell you that everything that happened to you today was my doing. The horse, the arrest, the guards molesting you, all of it.”
	Kie's eyes widened and Aiki scanned the boy's feelings, making himself feel dirty in the process. He felt amazement, and then realization, but there was only a hint of anger present.
	“I had no idea master.”
	Aiki shushed the boy.
	“You caught onto Laporkra's 'rape' too easily, so I had to distract you with the trip. Sho and Soren, and the gift... You see Kiessu, I can feel your emotions, and not just surface ones either, but deep hidden feelings in your subconscious. I can read most people easily, but our bond runs deep. Lately I have even been able to hear your thoughts when you think directly about me and see your dreams and fantasies when I sleep.”
	Not bothering with a glass anymore, Aiki drained the dregs of the bottle between them before he spoke again.
	“I have been arranging events to take place in your life. In order to help you realize your pleasures and deepest fantasies. But I have also been trying to imprint my desires on you as well. By making your fantasies and mine overlap. Like with Lappy all those months ago. I wanted to teach you a lesson about how dangerous it was to be a slave, but I also wanted you to be submissive, and to see how far you would go to please me. I know I am a terrible master...” 
	Red hot anger flooded Aikidu's mind as a voice clear as day rang in his ears, not spoken but remembered.
	“You are not a terrible master! You saved my life and brought me to love you, so do not tell me that bullshit and I won't claw your eyes out you stupid fox!”
	Kie was shaking but had said nothing, and Aiki just embraced him and stroked his jet black hair.
	“Its okay, its okay, I am sorry. I'll never say it again.”
	Kie just then realized that he had sent Aiki his thoughts somehow and suddenly grew ashamed of himself for having been caught scolding him.
	“I didn't mean.....I'm sorry Aiki.”
	He let go of the boy and sat back in his chair.
	“Its fine Kiessu, I deserved that and more. Now I have to finish if that is alright with you?”
	Kie dried his tears on a napkin and nodded his head.
	“Okay then. I have been using you as an experiment Kie. I have been trying to groom you to be like Adrian with your own personality. By finding all that you desire and making dramatic events happen to fulfil them I have been trying to mould you into something fantastic and new. Do you know what a groomed slave is?”
	Kie shook his head and twitched his tail, intent upon Aiki's words.
	“A groomed slave is like you, a harem slave, that is trained since birth to be the perfect concubine. The are introduced to sex, emotional manipulation, and reading body language at a very early age. Their entire lives are in the care of registered handlers who are the only people allowed to touch them or train them. They keep ledgers with every accomplishment they have ever made in them until the time they are sold. Most groomed slaves are older than Adrian, and much more costly. To put this in perspective, Adrian cost about six times what you would go for at market. Now Adrian didn't finish his training, and would go for about double that if he were a few years older and finished. Most handlers are groomed slaves themselves. Either freed by their master's death or good whims. The latter being much more rare. “
	Kie nodded and had a higher opinion of Adrian than he had before. The squirrel's devotion must be incredible he thought. 
	“So I wanted to see if you could be comparable to someone like Adrian if you were given the perfect set of environments and situations to nurture your instincts and wants into a noticeable difference.”
	Kie grabbed Aiki's paw.
	“Well is it noticeable? Am I better than I was or am I a failure?”
	Aiki looked into Kie's eyes.
	“You are better than I ever hoped. Lappy offered to trade Adrian for you a few weeks back. I told him no. Don't worry though, you can play with whomever you want. I am beyond petty jealousy. I only concern myself with your safety.”
	The two kissed passionately, and Aiki felt Kiessu's emotions full effect. The result made him swoon so hard that he lost consciousness.
	After Kiessu summoned Lappy, they managed to bring the fox around. 
	“Well now that was interesting.” Aikidu said, taking a drink out of the tea Kie had brought him.
	“I'll have to translate that book and read it before I try something like that again.”
	Just then, Adrian came back into the dining room, the fur on his tail matted and sticky again.
	“Master, I tell you that skunk just doesn't let up. Three times, three bloody times he had to cum before he was satisfied. I think I need more wine, a healing rune, and a bath. Kie, would you do me the honour of joining me?”
	Kie waited for Aiki's approving nod before leaving the room with his friend.
	Lappy poured himself a cup of tea and sat on the table next to the fox.
	“So I guess that means he took it well? I don't have to pay a small fortune in ransom to free my meagre conscience of regret?”
	The fox set down his mug.
	“No Lappy, I think he knew all along. He only got mad when I said I was terrible to him. Though there was a slight anger before. I'll try to ask him tomorrow. I think I desperately need sleep before the carriage ride home tomorrow.”
	The wolf drained his tea and grinned mischievously.
	“Let me foxy.”
	With little ceremony he scooped up Aikidu and carried him towards the master bedroom.
Epilogue

	Aikidu was in his study when the bell rang, Kie was in the herb garden and likely did not see whoever it was approach. 
	Grabbing a glass of water, the white fox headed for the door. 
	It was another bright day, and through the window Aiki saw the ebony form of Adrian standing alone on his steps.
	Aiki set down his glass and hurried out to meet him.
	When Aikidu opened the door Adrian's eyes lit up for an instant before he pulled a letter out of his belt pouch and handed it to the fox. 
	“Greetings sir Ven, master Laporkra bids me give this letter to you. I shall wait while you read it.” 
	His formalities out of the way, he briefly hugged Aiki and sat down on the stone steps.
	The boy's embrace had been welcome but Aiki knew that Laporkra not coming himself was an ill portent. He figured it best to read the missive now and save time by not musing on the subject.
	Opening the letter, he saw the erratic flowing script that was Lappy's handwriting on the page.
	As he read it he gleaned some of the emotions from the words.
	“Dearest friend Aikidu,
	It has come to my attention that our little adventure for Kie had some unforeseen   consequences in the form of the attached paper. It seems some sort of tabloid journalist discovered your identity and published this little rag as a way to make money off of gossip and slander. 
	There has been a substantial hit to your reputation, and I think we should do something to avenge ourselves upon this wretched excuse of a man. 
	I'll spare you most of the sordid details and specifics, but we should make an example of him. I would have done this already but as it is your honour that is dragged through the streets, I think you should have a hand in it.
	Please accept Adrian for the night and make use of him, a coach will fetch the three of you in the morning. 
	I apologize for the circumstances of his visit but I am positive you'll all enjoy it.
Sincerely,
	Laporkra”
	Aiki tore the attached tabloid flier from the back of the letter and skimmed it.
	His eyes drifted to one part in particular and lingered there for a long moment.
	“A certain cyclopian madame of the night positively identified one of the men as Aikidu Ven, an Adept Noctem & last surviving member of house Ven. The boy was his slave & of no consequence. The wolf & squirrel, who's identities remain undiscovered...”
	The bastard was resourceful, Aiki had to give him that, to be able to find that woman. 
	Putting the matter from his mind for now he thought that focusing on Adrian's visit would be more productive.
	“Well then Adrian, welcome to my home! You are free to do as you wish here.”
	The squirrel boy hopped to his feet with a devilish grin. 
	“Oh I shall foxy, and I think I'll start right now!”
	Ardian grabbed his host and kissed him with incredible enthusiasm.
	“That is just the beginning. Now where is Kiessu?”