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The second day of training went much the same as the first, save that we both seemed to be conserving energy. I kept in good enough shape that only the now-faint bruises gave me any discomfort. Sliding on the ground was kept to a minimum for that reason--no sense practicing dramatic frictionless repositioning when it might hobble me once it was a matter of life or... I didn't like to think of_death_on a hunt, even though it was a fact of life. A risk for every monster hunter.

Syreen pushed herself a few times during the morning, her fins getting that bluish tinge and her chest heaving until she could catch a breath again. I kept an eye on the sky while she recovered from those brief bouts of exhaustion--many monsters were predators, and most were canny enough to recognize and pounce on weakness. Hitting Syreen while she was winded would be awful timing for us.

A handy break came when the beleaguered target finally splintered and fell apart.

"Sorry," Syreen said, fins folding back.

"Don't worry about it, they're made to do that," I replied, surveying the damage. Sure enough, the wooden frame was pretty much wrecked from one too many claw scores and gunlance slices. I'd have to haul it back to camp at some point to break down into firewood. I looked up to see how much daylight remained, maybe I could--

My eyes sharpened on a black shape going behind a cloud. "Heads up."

Syreen looked where I pointed. I hoped it was just a trick of the eye. I knew it wasn't. My heart jumped when it reappeared, all angles and spikes even at a distance. Blessedly, the Astalos was turning back north towards wherever he called home.

I slowly stepped closer to Syreen, eyes on the sky until we were certain he was gone.

"I've seen him patrolling before," she said, voice low, eyes still fixed on the horizon, "but, not this close."

"He's expanding his territory," I filled in. "From what I've read, they attack on sight. Not really keen to back down, either."

Syreen sighed. "I was afraid of that. We might... Never mind. Let's keep watch."

For the next couple hours, one of us trained or rested while the other kept eyes on the sky, switching off every so often as I'd learned from a few other long hunts. Tired eyes missed things. Once or twice I thought I saw movement in the distance, barely a speck, too far away to be sure of anything.

By the time the sun dipped towards the hills to the west, we were about through with being on edge. Still, I watched while she grabbed a pack of rations I'd stowed, and we took turns eating.

Syreen had grown more and more quiet over the afternoon, to the point I was starting to get worried.No use putting off the question, then.

"Are you alright?"

Her head jerked out of whatever thoughts had been racing through it. "Fine... no, I don't know."

I frowned. "If there's something you're worried about, please, I don't want us distracted."

It took a moment for her to speak. "He won't stop, will he? The only reason it wasn't an all-out battle was I ran after knocking him out of the air. I heard him looking, but he went the wrong direction."

"I don't know," I said, though I remembered the various notes in the bestiary. There had been plenty of emphasis on the general tendency towards reckless aggression and propensity for violence; they were rarely driven off, necessitating a capture or kill. "I don't think he will, though. Not if he sees this as his territory."

"Genbi," she said, voice going quiet, "we might have to kill him."

I kept quiet while I turned it over in my head. Finally, I ventured: "Have you ever had to kill a monster before?"

The folded fins told me everything, and I barely heard her whispered, "No." Her throat moved as she swallowed. "But you have."

"Yes." For some reason, it felt shameful to say it. "Only ever in defense, and for the good of others."

Syreen nodded, and looked back towards her cave. "I could leave. Maybe it would be easier."

"It's your home, though," I said. "And you've already fought him once. I'm here to help make a difference."

"I've had other homes. I can make one more."

Not knowing what else to do, I put my hand on her neck, right above the shoulder. "I'm pledged to support and protect you, whatever you decide. If you want to leave, we can do that. If you want to fight, I'll be watching your back and at your side."

The fins trembled slightly, though I felt the muscles under her scales relaxing. "Sometimes I wonder... if I'm really all that different from him. Territory, food, maybe a good rut if I ever get that lucky. Aren't I just another monster at the end of the day?"

"I mean, you could say the same about me," I said, stroking her scales. "I'm probably worse. Sometimes I wonder: what if that rampaging monster could have been avoided, if we hadn't been in its way? Did it really have to get hurt, get captured, or worse, just because we're out here?" My mouth went dry as images flashed through my mind. One in particular. "I still remember the eyes of the first one I had to kill."

Syreen's head had turned towards me, one azure eye fixed on my face, unreadable. I took in a breath, trying to ignore how it shook. The words poured out before I could stop them.

"It was... maybe a dozen quests in for the Guild, I was still fighting with sword and shield, like the one I had when we first met. A Great Izuchi kept attacking anyone who ventured off the main road, then on the road, then anyone who left the village." I took in another breath, feeling the need to explain it all, to justify how I'd been feeling at the time. Righteous and rageful. "Then, one night, it and two of its pack tore the wall off a hut and attacked a child in her bedroom."

"A child," Syreen whispered, eye wide, frills frozen. I barely heard it over the rushing in my ears.

"It was... They'd already put in a request to hunt it with the Guild, and I figured I could drive it off. Then I get there, and the mother is crying... she held it off until guards arrived, but the kid lost an arm. Nearly died. The whole village was shaken, and terrified that it had a taste for hunting people now. And the mother looked at me, and held my hand, and begged me to stop it.

"So, I went." I wasn't sure how I was still speaking. Or why. I'd made my report, but I'd never really_told_ anyone before. "I fought it. I fought harder than I'd ever fought before, because on my way out I saw their home, saw the damage. The blood. And I wanted... it had to_pay._ So I fought it. I killed its pack, and then I wore it down, and then it fell over. And I wanted to look into its eyes as it died, to know it wasn't going to hurt anyone else.

"I saw... it had been so vicious, I was so sure it would go out snapping at me. But all the fight was gone. All I could see was confusion... fear. It didn't want to die. It had to, I know it did. I thought I was being merciful when my sword... when I..." I tasted bile at the back of my throat. "I still remember the sound it made. The life leaving its eyes. I should have been proud of my first kill. And I was, for defending the town, making sure nobody else would have to suffer. But it made me a killer, too."

Syreen's snout bumped my muzzle, and I thought to turn away, to reject the comfort I didn't deserve. Instead, I took a shaky breath and relaxed the tension in my fingers, uncurling them from my fist and her neck. Fortunately, my short, blunt claws did absolutely nothing to her scales.

"I don't think you're a monster for that, or a murderer," Syreen said, her voice soft and resonant so close to my ears. "You told me you were a hunter--no, a_protector,_ not a butcher. I don't believe you were lying, then or now."

My eyes stung, and I closed them for a long moment to keep them from doing something silly like leaking. "I thought about giving up hunting after that. I kept seeing its eyes when I closed mine, when I dreamed at night."

Syreen nuzzled over my neck. "What made you stay?"

I tried to remember the exact quest, something to do with driving off some Jagras. "Someone else needed help. Protection. I couldn't say no." I opened my eyes, and patted Syreen's neck. "Sorry. I... didn't realize I was, um. That was a lot."

To my surprise, she shushed me. "It sounded like it needed saying. I won't claim to know how to make it better. Just know that I respect and appreciate you."

"Thanks," I said, not trusting myself to say more for the moment. A quick scan of the sky showed no angular black shapes descending to take advantage of our distraction. Which left me with my thoughts. I'd been uncomfortable for a long time after, but it had faded. I'd thought for good. Yet now, on what could be the eve of the biggest fight in my life, I'd just about broken down over what might be a necessity. Like an old wound reopening.

It's because Syreen has you wondering how intelligent monsters really are,_part of me whispered. _She's more than a monster. You wondered if you are, too.

And the answer is yes.

Syreen pulled away, looked at the sky again, and then towards the stream. "Here, follow me. Take off your armor."

I started unstrapping and doffing the pieces while I wondered what Syreen had in mind. She stood at the bank, tail held above the water, casually watching me. Taking it off took much less time than putting it on, at least. I arranged it so it could air out before I had to get back in.Probably due for an oil treatment, too. Not that I had any with me.

"Okay?" I said, standing in nothing but my smallclothes.

"Actually," she replied, tilting her head, "it may be more comfortable to take those off, too."

I blinked. Disrobe completely? I mean, not that I was particularly bashful about my body... and it was quite different from Syreen's. "Can I at least ask why?"

One of Syreen's claws drew along her purple fur, picking up some of the sheen from it. "I want to give you a bath. Unless you have spare clothing, or don't mind it being damp." The fins folded back a little. "Unless you'd prefer I didn't? I just thought you deserve to relax."

I nodded, still grappling with the idea. Two and a half days of sweat, dirt, and dust was becoming more than a brush could handle. "What if we get attacked?"

"There's a risk," Syreen admitted, glancing at the sky. "But, he would have to come in over the water. I can shoot him down before he gets close, and hold him off while you armor up."

I wasn't likely to get more than the chest and greaves in a quick battle, and fighting in wet fur... but, it would be daytime enough that if I wanted a proper wash, this would be the time.

There was still the matter of stripping down... but, especially on a group hunt, bathing was hardly a place for prudishness. "Okay."

I slipped out of my undershirt and pants, leaving my fur as bare to the world as when I'd been born. The breeze was admittedly nice after being cooped up in armor all day--of course, the fur itself needed a damn good brushing, rumpled and near-matted as it was.

"Good," Syreen said, turning her body to follow me as I waded in shin-deep. The sluggish current chilled my toes. "I'll pour water on you, and then lather you. My claws should be gentle enough, but please, let me know if anything is uncomfortable."

I blinked as I realized she'd been serious about_giving_ me a bath. "Pour water how? And... wait, I mean, I greatly appreciate the gesture. I thought bubblefoam needed to be processed somehow before it becomes soap?"

"Hm, the lyemaker said something about--ah, yes. It makes a more effective soap if refined and processed, but it's quite good at removing impurities on its own." She grinned. "Or haven't you wondered how I stay clean, sliding around like I do?"

"Huh." I had probably noticed, and sure enough, I couldn't see any streaks of dirt on her scales or loose leaves in the lush fur. The quick combing she gave it every so often was just keeping it from getting tangled like mine could if I put my armor on wrong. "And the water?"

"Like this." Her neck craned down and she took what looked like a long drink of water. Instead of swallowing, though, she rose up on her forelimbs, keeping the head and neck bent until the muzzle touched behind my head. I had about a moment to process what was about to happen before cool water cascaded down my back.

"That was just in your mouth," I said, resisting the urge to shake myself dry.

"And?"

I didn't want to be insulting. "I don't want to be insulting," I said, figuring honesty would get me farther, "but... you're bathing me by spitting water on me?"

Syreen's snort ruffled the fur between my ears. "Hardly. Unless you have a bucket, this is the easiest way." A pause. "If... if it makes you uncomfortable, you can use the stream's water. I just thought this would be warmer."

I opened my muzzle to take her up on that offer, then stopped myself. Was it really so bad? Unconventional, sure. But. It wasn't like Syreen was tongue-bathing me, the water was in her mouth for mere moments. Even though it wasn't warm by any stretch, it wasn't bracingly cold like a dunk in the river would be. I could always do that at the end.

Syreen started to pull back behind me, and I turned, raising a hand to touch under one of the frills on the side of her head. "Sorry, I just wasn't expecting it." I smiled. "You're very thoughtful. I wish I could return the favor."

"Ah, but you can't," she said, smiling back. "This is my returning the favor for your protection. And, if it's not too bold... your friendship?"

It was my turn to tilt my head. "And here I thought we were already friends!"

Syreen chuckled and nosed my shoulder. "True, true. Your trust, then, in letting me do this."

"I was just surprised, is all." I didn't flinch away from the second mouthful of water--it had to be in her throat, too, with that much volume. I supposed it made sense for a moderately aquatic leviathan to take in plenty of liquid at a time. That water beam had to come from somewhere.

Though, where_did_ it come from? Was there something like a special stomach or craw? Was she using it now, just not without projecting it with its usual punishing force?

I'd probably have to find an ecology book with anatomy studies to get a good answer. Oh well.

"You may want to sit, if you don't want to fall," Syreen said, jolting me out of my brief reverie, "let me know if this is uncomfortable."

To my brief surprise, she curled around me, chest and tail touching. I squatted, my tail soaking through. At first, I thought the sheen on her fur was from the water. The slow swish of my tail left bubbles in its wake.Of course. It looked like both her hind legs were underwater, likely anchored on the ground with those long, curved claws that gave her such graceful control over her motions when everything became slippery. That left the front half facing me so both claws steadied my sides. They were slick, too, and it struck me how little liquid was actually on them for how many suds were appearing in their wake.

Several drops can turn a swamp into a bubble bath. It had seemed silly when I'd first heard it.

Now, here I was, getting bathed.

Syreen's touch was slow, gentle, and surprisingly thorough. Little circular motions brought what_felt_ somewhat like soap into my fur. That floral scent I'd grown familiar with was all around me now. Under it, Syreen's own scent. I stiffened but restrained any flinches when the tips of those claws drew little furrows through my coat, except they hardly even touched skin. Nor were they sharp like I'd been sort of expecting. Pointed, yes, but I relaxed further, leaning a little against Syreen's chest while the water warmed from our combined body heat. My toes were almost forgetting they'd been cold.

"This is even nicer than I'd hoped," I murmured, rolling my neck to work out some of the lingering tension. "You keep amazing me."

I felt Syreen's chuckle as much as I heard it. "If you were another of my kind, I'd think you were flattering me to get under my tail."

I snorted. "I mean, you did already lift your leg earlier. If we weren't so different, I'd say that was..." The implication of what I'd just said struck me like a charging Barroth, particularly after our conversation about monsters. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply you're, uh..."Just a monster. A beast.

Syreen's claws had paused, and slowly started up again. "I didn't think you did," she said, voice neutral. "It's true, isn't it? That we're different. We both have speech and thought, but our bodies are hardly the same."

"Right," I said, still feeling like I'd stepped on her tail. "Different, but more alike than we think, I think?"

An agreeable hum vibrated in her throat, and the claws worked their way from my front down my legs, and back up. I moved where needed to let her reach and otherwise let my tension flow out along with the collected dirt and grime I'd picked up.

"Besides," I said, "you did get my pants off."

Syreen chuckled and brushed her muzzle over my ear. "That I did."

Speaking my mind, more or less, had gotten me this far. Either that or I was more relaxed than I realized. "I don't think I'd have hesitated to get nude if I thought you were... well, too different, I guess?"

The rubs from her claws grew slower again--they were on my thighs. Was that a coincidence? "Is that so?"

I licked my lips, wondering where this conversation was going to go. The water was quite comfortably warm now. "And I didn't want to be rude, or crass, when you showed me. When we were making that bet." I nudged her with an elbow. "Tease."

"A tease, am I?" Syreen murmured, muzzle right against my ear. Were those claws riding higher? Or just being thorough? "Did you want to take another look?"

I wasn't expecting a little thrill to run down my spine, and tried not to shiver in her grip.Does she mean... I tried to recollect my thoughts. "I mean, it would let me know if I won that bet."

"Ah," Syreen sighed, the claws running dangerously, thrillingly high before moving back down my legs. "I did say I wouldn't tell you until after the quest. Though I suppose that wouldn't be_telling_you."

"If we didn't have a job to do..." I sighed, not sure how much farther this conversation would have gone if reality hadn't sobered me up. I glanced to the sky--nothing but clouds. "Damn Astalos."

"He's persistently inconvenient. How clean do you feel?"

I gave my fur a once-over. "I'm not sure even a full spa could get me any cleaner."

A soft snort by my ear came as Syreen uncoiled enough to let some water start trickling through. "I doubt that, but I appreciate the compliment." Her head moved away, then back, bringing gentle streams of water to wash away most of the suds.

"Thank you," I finally said, the restrained flow of water at my feet still enough to keep me from slipping. The irony. "I'll take a dip to rinse off the rest of the way."

"Of course." The thick tail moved further, and I realized how much warmer the water had gotten between the two of us. She combed through her own fur, leaving bubbles to float downstream.

I waded out to thigh-deep water behind a sizable rock. I wasn't a river expert by any means, so I took care to test my steps and avoid any harsh currents or slick rocks--at least the water was deep enough that the suds still on me weren't at risk of upsetting my footing. It was, of course, a whole lot colder.

Might as well take the plunge.

Syreen had her eyes on me as I waded back, now a chilled and considerably soggy wolf. "I didn't know wolves could make that noise."

"Colder than I'd thought," I said, though at least I hadn't had to stay down too long to get my fur rinsed.

"It was rather adorable..."

I rolled my eyes, though my tail wanted to wag.Traitor. Once I was back in ankle-deep water I shook myself off, then headed up the bank to grab my towel and brush. It was easy enough to get mostly dry and then comb down the resulting tufts and tangles; I kept my fur trimmed to avoid too many of the latter.

A splash told me Syreen had risen from the river. "Taking a bath too?" I asked, giving my head one more rub with the towel.

"Rinsing. Something about the water breaks down the bubblefoam, but I try not to wash away too much at once just in case it harms the fish."

"That's very considerate," I said, ears perked even under the towel. I pulled it off to see Syreen standing a handspan away. "Um, hello."

Her nostrils flared. "You smell very nice now."

"Thanks--." Whatever I'd been about to say, something about it being her bubblefoam, vanished when the snout touched my chest again, right above my sternum. And sniffed. Again. "I should, uh."

Syreen tilted her head enough to look up at me, and her warm breath ruffled my drying fur. "Yes?"

I swallowed through a dry throat. "Warn you, I guess? Tell you." I placed a hand on Syreen's muzzle, though I didn't have the heart to push her away.Do I even want to? "For wolves, um. We call this scent-sharing. Getting close, taking in your partner's scent... it's, um. Intimate."

"I see," Syreen said, and pulled back a fraction. "I can stop, if it's uncomfortable."

I had to chuckle. "Very much the opposite, I just, I'd...react if you keep going."

"Oh? What would you do?"

"More what I'd_want_ to do."

"Do you want me to keep going?"

"I, ah..." My other hand was under her jaw now, caressing between the whisker-like protrusions.

Syreen's eye gleamed. "That isn't a no, Genbi." Another flush of heated exhalation. "Do you want me to stop?"

"No," I breathed. "I don't think... I don't want that."

"So, I shouldn't stop. Even though this is intimate."

I swallowed and licked my lips. There really was only one way that could go. "Yes."

"And if I continue?"

Another deep inhale sent tingles down my front to my probably peeking tip. "I'll get aroused. I..."

Syreen's fins quivered slightly. "Do you want more?"

"... Yes."

"Good," she purred. "I wouldn't mind seeing what else this hunter has equipped."

I felt flushed, flustered... and intrigued. Never in a thousand years would I have thought to find a monster attractive--but then, hadn't we thoroughly established Syreen was more than that? Was it really so different from courting a human or Wyverian? I wasn't sure what would happen next. Other than concern that we hadn't discussed any boundaries or expectations, I couldn't find a reason to stop. Not when the warmth was burning away any chill from my lingering dampness.

"Go ahead," I said before I could think... and I couldn't think of a reason to change my mind. Syreen's purr vibrated against my fur, and her muzzle went below my chest, working its way down. There was nothing stopping Syreen from going even lower, and she did. Her nose was at my belly button now, a handspan away from my sheath, still descending,my word she's actually going to smell me there, or_more _than that, I thought with thudding heart and stirring loins. There was a breath, but Syreen pulled back, eyeing my plump sheath and exposed head. The exhale washed warm air over my flesh. Her muzzle drew closer, tongue reaching out, and then that warm, wet touch_on my sheath_--

My ears swiveled towards what sounded like a distant roar. Syreen pulled away and we both looked at the sky.

"I don't see anything," I murmured, my heart now thudding in my chest for rather less enjoyable reasons.

"It sounded distant. Let me find a vantage point while you armor up."

I nodded and slipped into my clothes while Syreen crept up the bank. She was surprisingly stealthy for a being five or six times as long as I was tall. Either my fur or my armor--or both--hadn't quite dried yet. Nothing to be done about that. The seat of it was a little tight, though that wasn't lasting under the adrenaline.

On the bright side, I had to admit, I_did_ smell nicer.

Once I secured as much as I dared, I picked my way after Syreen's trail. My gauntlets and helmet went on just as I met up with her at a ridge with a good view of the clearing, and beyond, through the tree trunks. Syreen was moving her head from side to side, and I realized she was watching the sky beyond, making sure none of the nearby trees blocked her view.

"Anything?" I murmured once I was close enough.

"Nothing coming towards us," Syreen replied, voice low, fins briefly trembling as she seemed to relax somewhat. "I'm pretty sure I saw him to the north, though he stayed too low for me to get a good glimpse. Might have been carrying something."

"Dinner, most likely," I said, adjusting a strap that was tugging on a tangle I'd missed--or made, in my haste. At least the rest of the armor sat comfortably enough. "We should keep a watch out until it gets dark."

Syreen nodded. "Here, or back by my home?"

I thought about it. "Back there isn't as open for a fight, but it is more comfortable and defensible. Worst case, we can lure him down there. No fire though, in case he sees the smoke."

"I trust your judgment," she said, turning enough to favor me with a smile. "I have plenty more preserved meats."

We moved out, one or both of us keeping an eye on the sky. No activity, not that that couldn't change in a blink.We got too comfortable. Too complacent. If the Astalos had attacked while Syreen was bathing me, maybe we could have recovered. Or, I could have lost my footing or been cut off from my weapon and armor by an all-out brawl. Even if I didn't get injured in the process, Syreen would have been torn between fighting back and protecting me. Two days of practice was enough to give me an idea of her capabilities, not nearly so much her performance under pressure. We couldn't get caught with our proverbial--well, my literal--pants down again.

And speaking of pants down...

The quiet as we kept watch was a perfect time to sort out the tangle of confusion in my head. We'd have to talk more... and, I had to figure out what I wanted. That my gut answer was 'more Syreen' made for something of a sign, I supposed.

Her fins flattened a little when she looked at me, which hurried my conclusions along a little.

"So, about earlier--"

"I'm sorry if I went too far," Syreen said before I could finish.

I turned enough for her to see my smile without letting my eyes leave the dimming horizon. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting things to take that turn," I said. "Though I'm not sure I'd say it was 'too far.'"

Her expression brightened somewhat. "It was a little impulsive of me. I, well." She settled on her belly. "Companionship is something I've struggled with. Making friends is difficult enough, and more intimate connections... very little luck." She snorted. "Sure, I could find myself another Mizutsune to lay with, maybe even have children. Except, aside from it feeling wrong unless they had the Gift too, I don't even know if my offspring would inherit it or if they'd be..."

I searched for words. "Poor conversationalists?"

"I was going to say 'unintelligent,'" Syreen said, giving a muted sort of chuckle. "And then, most two-leggers are too intimidated or otherwise wouldn't consider me compatible in the slightest. You're the first to actually show interest in return."

"It sounds lonely," I said. "I can barely imagine what that's like. At the very least I can offer friendship?"

Syreen's nose touched my elbow. "Please, don't feel like you need to offer more."

"I don't need to," I said, licking my lips, "but_wanting_more... well, I can't promise anything until I've thought it over. And definitely not until the Astalos is gone."

"I agree. What happened at the stream was, well."

I reached back to pat her neck. "A bit reckless. I don't recall telling you to stop. I just need to think about it when all my blood isn't about to rush elsewhere."

"All your... oh, I see." Syreen's chuckle was richer this time, back to her old self a little more. "I'd ask about what you enjoyed, but, like you said: after he's gone." The air moved past me as she stood. "Share some smoked meat with me?"

"I'd like that," I said, glancing away from my watch long enough to smile at her. The sun slipped behind the hills to the west as paper rustled behind me, and Syreen came out a minute later with what looked like a limp from only walking on three legs. "Just a slice or two, I have Guild rations back at my tent I'd hate to waste."

Syreen set the package down and picked out a thick strip of dry meat, still smelling deliciously of whatever wood mix they used to cure it. "I should see your tent after he's gone, I've been negligent about patrolling."

"You're a bit preoccupied," I said. "And I wouldn't mind showing you, though you wouldn't fit even in the big one back at camp."

"There's a joke in there about a tight fit."

I was glad I hadn't taken my second bite. "Is that a hint for the bet?"

Syreen smirked. "You still think I'm female?"

I opened my mouth, closed it. "Can't exactly change my answer now, can I? Even if I'm wrong, I'm committed. Unless my potential mistake bothers you?"

"No. Does not knowing for sure bother you?"

"Given your answer? No." I took another bite.

"Even if you decide, after the Astalos is gone..."

I thought about it, and shrugged while I swallowed. "I mean, we'd have to discuss a thing or two if we do more, but, I don't think it'd change anything important about how I look at or treat you." Another idea crept into my head. "And, one other thing. Not related to this."

"Oh?"

I turned to face Syreen more fully. "If the Astalos doesn't back down, if it won't retreat or be captured? I'll take care of it."

"Take care--you don't mean..."

"I do," I said. "I don't enjoy having to kill, you know that, but from what I've read? The only mood of Astalos is violence. You don't have to worry about making that decision--I promise not to seek it out, of course, but it may not be much of a choice if he's just going to keep coming."

Syreen's gaze fell to the ground. "It's my territory. You shouldn't--"

I touched my fingers to her lips. "And I'm the hunter. The protector. That means you don't have to carry that burden with you."

Her muzzle pressed to my shoulder again. "Thank you. For everything. You're a good wolf."

I smiled, and looked back out towards the deepening twilight. "It'll probably be safe for me to head back in a couple minutes. Need anything before I see you at first light?"

"Nothing comes to mind, Genbi. Please, enjoy the rest of your meat."

I did, and gave Syreen a hug around the neck before departing down the trail. A little glow-lantern lit the path just enough to keep me from tripping on any rocks or roots until I reached my tent. I didn't dare light a fire that could attract the Astalos, so after doffing my armor I settled down to a boring meal and interesting thoughts.

If it hadn't been for the threat, how far would things have progressed at the stream? I brushed over my fur where Syreen had pressed her muzzle, remembering the rush of air... for the second time in the day, I felt my sheath getting plump.Aren't we too different? Even with being smaller than the average Mizutsune, Syreen was_large._Would Syreen's parts even be compatible with mine, either in shape or size? Would she even feel my 'equipment,' as she'd put it?

And yet, I'd never been lying when I called her beautiful, majestic, entrancing... and her personality! Such an intelligent and intriguing mind, wonderfully sly humor. Gorgeous.Alluring. The hints I'd seen of the seductive side had me peeking out of my sheath just at the memory.

I stripped down and sat on the edge of the bed, ready to turn in for the night. Almost. I could imagine that floral and woody scent surrounding me if Syreen and I decided to go further. She would lay down and lift her hind leg like she had not long ago, or maybe hike her tail like a wolfess in heat. I could explore what she had hidden there; maybe I'd guessed wrong and would find a cock to pleasure, or maybe I'd sink into her, let my fingers make up for any lack of size...

My own shaft was out of my sheath now, not calmed in the slightest by the fingers giving it a stroke. I thought about giving myself a quick rub. It had been several days now, and while I'd been active enough to burn off excess energy, I was just this side of feeling needful. It wouldn't be a bad way to get to sleep. I could still smell the hints of unknown flowers about my fur.

I let go of myself, sighed, and slipped under the blankets. It was past dark and I needed to sleep. I needed all the energy I could manage.

It was entirely possible I'd have to add an Astalos to the corpses in my wake.

Be the protector, I remembered my mentor saying. Use your strength to protect those who need it. Work within the world's balance. You're only a butcher if you kill without thought or care.

I closed my eyes. If nightmares came, they left as quietly as they'd arrived.