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Café Enigma: New Beginnings

"Where's the key?"

Fen arched a speculative brow in response to the man's question that managed to be both accusatory and condescending at the same time. "Key?" Clearly the human with the build one would expect from a first-string lineman at the other side of the service counter did not like that response. What's more is the fact that he carried himself in a manner that suggested that he always got what he wanted through merit of being tougher than his opponent and he wasn't the sort to be outdone by some minimum-wage earning coffee-pourer. At least that was how the Malamute anthro read the man, figuring the term 'barista' would have been too fancy of a word for his vocabulary and might have instigated a headache if used.

The disgruntled customer leaned over the counter in an attempt to display dominance as he towered over the canine by a few inches. Fenris was not impressed and never broke his indifferent expression as the man spoke harshly under his breath. "You know damn well what I'm talking about. I've heard the rumors about this place and I want in."

"Ah," he replied with a nod, seemingly to finally understanding what the man was hinting at, "those rumors."

A victorious smile traced the corner of the linebacker's lips. "Exactly. Now can I get my key?"

Fenris shrugged apathetically. "Afraid those rumors are just that. You don't actually think it would be possible to have a secret backroom under lock and key where all sorts of unspeakable things take place in such a public venue, do you? I mean look around you." The man's smile faltered as he followed the fur's guiding gesture that directed his gaze around the room. The café was exactly what one would expect of a coffeehouse just a few blocks away from a main campus. Warm colors, comfortable chairs, inviting atmosphere, faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and customers scattered throughout the dining room hunched over laptops and warm beverages. "Not exactly a den of carnal bliss, is it? I have no idea how such a rumor became so wide spread, but I am getting tired of pointing out to people just how preposterous of a fantasy it is to be able to pull something like that off."

By the wavering certainty on the man's expression, he was either feeling foolish for falling for a prank or simply had trouble grasping some of the more articulate wording. Whichever it had been, it quickly became apparent that he was not happy about being played the fool as he once again adorned a scowl. "How dare you speak down to me like that! I want to see your manager; I'm going to see you get shitcanned for it!" A dark smirk slithered across his lips as he expected the threat to strike fear into the food service employee. Much to Fen's delight, he got to watch that arrogant expression deflate into uncertainty as he responded with a scoffing chuckle. "I hardly see how a manager would help you accomplish that."

"What? Why not?"

Fenris straightened from his slouching posture with an exasperated sigh towards the individual who clearly knew nothing about the café apart from widespread gossip. The man blinked in surprise as he watched the anthro virtually grow several inches in height and bulk right in front of his eyes. Between his baggy clothing and casual posture, Fenris easily passed for the more lean Husky or Shepherd breeds. It was a trick he learned to make him more approachable to customers when manning the counter. Most people could live in Nexia's Green Gate district for years and never see the bulky powerful frame of an Alaskan Malamute anthro. Between his size and his coat, it was very common for him to be confused for the more aggressive Timber Wolf. As a result the man became unsure of who was the top predator in this exchange, but was vaguely aware that it very well might not have been him.

When Fenris answered the man's question, he did so in a tone that wasn't outright menacing, but held a stern tenor that hinted to its potential. "I am the owner of this place, so a manager would hardly have authority to fire me. Now, I suggest you stop pestering me with hearsay, take your drink, and go about your business. Sir." The warring emotions of anxiety and rage shown clearly on the man's expression, wanting to put the canine in his place, but suddenly doubting whether or not he had the ability to do so. As one would expect from such a bully, he opted for the low road and went with spite.

"Ha! As if I wanted to drink your shitty coffee in the first place. Fuck you and fuck this place, I'm outta here."

Abandoning his mug, the man turned and stormed out of the café in a huff. Not that it bothered Fen in the least; the beverage had already been paid for and that just meant there was one less table that needed to be bussed. Seeing no reason to let it to go to waste, he took a sip of the untouched flavorful drink before sitting it aside to consume at his leisure. It tasted of hazelnut and triumph.

"Seems like it isn't the first asshole you've dealt with today." Fen's gaze traced the source of the effeminate voice to the only other customer waiting in line. He hadn't noticed the lithe cheetah fur who had been obstructed by the man built with the same proportions of a refrigerator. Katia had been a long-time regular of his cafe and he was glad to see her. She wore tight fitting running attire that hugged tightly to her frame, accentuating the curves of her waste and just the right amount of bust for her athletic physique. His sensitive sense of smell was able to clearly pick up notes of jasmine in her fur, most likely from her choice in shampoo. As enticing as her body was, it paled in comparison to her face; a curtain of her short golden tresses draped seductively over one of her golden predatory eyes while the other worked in tandem with her toothy grin to give her a mischievous appearance. It was the sort of look that could enslave any male with a pulse just for the hope of learning what tantalizing thoughts would provoke such an expression.

"Hardly." Fen responded while making a conscious effort to keep his tongue from lulling out. "They've been coming in every hour on the hour at least for the past several days."

"At least you seem perfectly capable of turning them away without incident. I've heard that you were big, but I hadn't expected it to be referring to your stature..." _ Katia's eyes roamed freely for a moment, drinking in the sight of the male in his assertive stance. _"It looks good on you; gives you an element of virility that is lost when you slouch."

Fen's ears pressed against his skull bashfully while chuckling nervously, thankful that his thick coat obstructed the blushing flesh beneath. "I'll be sure to keep that in mind... Is there anything I can get you?" Deviant glee flashed over her expression for a quick moment as she watched the masculine canine flush. "I'll take a green tea, light on the head."

A knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his muzzle as he shot her an approving glance, glad to have a genuine preferred customer rather than somebody who assumed they would be. Grabbing an empty mug from under the counter, he dropped a perforated metal sphere containing high-quality tea leaves and poured in hot water before running a timer in his mind for the perfect amount of time spent steeping. While the earthy flavor begun seeping into the water, Fen flipped open a false portion of the lower prep counter that was be entirely out of sight from the customer. Inside sat a fair number of plain metal canisters, each marked with their own label of simple lettering. He took the one labeled 'Retreat', unscrewed the lid while keeping it well out of plain sight, and placed a teaspoon of the sugar-like substance into the mug before putting everything back where it belonged. Once the compartment was closed, it seamlessly blended in with the rest of the granite countertop so that one would be hard pressed to spot it even if they knew what they were to look.

Once his mental timer reached its mark, Fen removed the metal sphere and stirred the beverage for a moment to make sure the additive Katia had ordered had thoroughly dissolved before placing the completed product on the counter. In exchange, she slid him eleven dollars, which would have been steep for even the finest cup of tea, but then again it wasn't the tea that she was paying extra for. Her broad feline tongue flicked over her muzzle as she picked up the cup with one hand while the other slid inconspicuously over the spot where it had rested to palm the small key Fenris had hidden beneath it. The cheetah took a careful sip of the hot tea and after a moment the tension in her body visibly eased away as the mild psychedelic additive worked to ease away her stresses.

Katia purred sweetly as her languid eyes returned to meet Fen's. "You make the perfect cup of tea every time."

"What can I say? I aim to please."

Those words caused her mind to wander briefly to a place that caused her to pin her bottom lip gently between her teeth in consideration. "I have no doubt about that... Did you want to make yourself one?"

That particular key phrase caused Fen's ears to perk up. Katia had just asked him if he would be interested in joining her in the Enigma as a companion rather than a server. Given the rather sultry expression on the feline's face, that likely meant there were a few things that were likely to happen; each of which were equally tempting. There was a stirring in his libido at the notion that urged him to take her up on the offer. He had more than earned it after the events of the past several weeks. Unfortunately, his rational side brought up the good point that he had nobody to cover for him. It would be bad business to neglect the public side of his restaurant, even during the slow hours of the day. "That sounds like a really... really... really good idea... But I don't have the luxury of extra employees to take a break." Katia put on a pouty face that still managed to be sexy. "Alright then, can't argue with that logic. Though, it is an open invitation should you change your mind." Fen's eyes were instantly attracted to the sway of the feline's hips as she walked away towards the secluded hallway where the bathrooms and a faux janitor closet resided. The key he had provided her would unlock the seemingly innocent looking storage closet, where she would then be able to open the disguised doorway leading into the Enigma. Katia shot him one more alluring glance before disappearing around the corner, daring him to follow. Fenris cursed Darren under his breath as he made the responsible choice of remaining at his post.

Had that offer come a month ago, the Mal would have jumped at the opportunity. Though that was when he had the luxury of extra employees and before one of them developed a complex. Darren was a leonine anthro, a good man, and a longtime friend of Fen's. Sure, he had a more abrasive personality that tended to rub people the wrong way at times, but it provided balance to Fen's laid-back attitude. It was Fenris who inherited the hole-in-the-wall coffee shop when his father passed away, but it had been Darren, Ahnissa, and himself that transformed it into the café it now was with the help of a few more mutual friends. Things had gone smoothly for a few years, but Fen had been blind to his friend's growing ambitions and greed. It had started to come to his attention when he started spending more time in the Enigma rather than working. It wasn't that he was invited back, rather used his position in the café to persuade preferred clients to be with him. While that was inconvenient and unfair to both the staff and patrons alike, it was ultimately a minor offense. Only when Fen noticed entire canisters of his illicit additives became unaccounted for did he really become alarmed. After some serious snooping, he discovered Darren was stealing them and selling it like some common drug dealer.

Realizing this, Fenris had no choice but to fire his friend. Unfortunately, for Fen and Café Enigma as a whole, Darren did not go gentle into that good night. Even though he had been the first to betray the friendship, the lion anthro felt that he did not deserve being ousted. As retribution, he began spreading word about Café Enigma's scandalous secret to the masses. The resulting fallout had nearly caused the business to go under as preferred clients never returned for fear of their reputation, employees quitting for the same reason, and investigation after investigation by so many government agencies that he would have sworn people were just showing up in suits and randomly throwing out letters as an acronym that didn't mean anything.

It was only through sheer fortune of his product being undetectable by canine sweeps and drug testing, along with a loyal Sidhe preferred customer who worked her Fae magic to keep the Enigma hidden. He actually had to close the backroom for two whole weeks just to be safe. Once he did open it back up, he had been very cautious about who he gave the key to since any one of them could be an undercover agent. Only in the past few days had the pressure let up as media and law enforcement resources were directed to the next big story, making way for the seemingly endless tide of customers who tried every trick in the book to get the revered key and access to the fabled Enigma. There had only been two or three out of the countless dozens who had tried their luck that Fen felt trustworthy and of good enough character to become preferred customers. Certainly not after their first attempt, but he was able to get reliable insight to who they were as an individual once they started frequenting the establishment as regular customers engaging him in casual conversation.

A nostalgic smile traced along Fen's maw as he recalled their expressions when they noticed the small key hidden beneath their mug for the first time. It was the equivalent of not only finding out that Santa was real, but he had a full bag of presents just for them. The decision had not come easily and Fenris spent considerable time weighing the risks; he knew that the list of preferred customers had been slashed to ribbons once Darren went rogue, but taking in droves of new people could potentially cause him to lose it all.

With a light shake of his head Fenris reeled in his wandering mind, thankful that the moments it spent on walkabout had helped take the edge off the more carnal desires that urged him to take a break and join Katia. Still not trusting the fortitude of his libido, he set about preoccupying his thoughts by tending to the café. It had been several minutes since the last customer walked in, so he used the down time to bus the occasional table, sanitize some of the prep areas behind the counter, and restock whatever needed it. Faint sensations of fatigue started to nip away at his consciousness as he was doing so. It wasn't a surprise to him that he was already feeling tired even though it was in the early afternoon; without the additional staff to fall back on Fen had to take on long hours with just enough time to get a modest amount of sleep before starting the process over again. Retrieving his mug of coffee, now cool enough to drink without worry of scalding his tongue, he opened the hidden cache of additives and retrieved the canister labeled 'Revive'. A grimace shown his displeasure upon discovering that the container was empty save for a fine circle of the sugary substance that hid along the rim at the bottom where the spoon could not easily reach. Emptying the remnants into his drink, Fen took both cup and canister to the back.

Entering the portion of the back of house dedicated to dry storage goods, he pushed at a portion of the wall that resisted for a moment before popping back to be slid aside revealing a larger stash of the metallic canisters with a myriad of labels. In all, there were around two-dozen varieties that incorporated a myriad of effects and potencies. As far as Fen knew, there was nowhere else on Earth that these substances could be found. It was only through fortunate happenstance that he even managed to come across such a rare commodity.

* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *

Shortly after his graduation from university, and passing of his father, Fenris made arrangements for the old-timer coffee house to receive a modern facelift. During the few weeks renovations were taking place, the canine anthro did something no human could possibly do. He went through the Green Gate and explored what sort of wondrous things resided in the natural dimension. The human-natural being hybrid DNA making up his existence allowed him to freely venture between both realms without risk of suffering a similar fate as those extra-dimensional beings who wandered too far outside the city's limits. It was widely known in that world that such hybrids had been born, but so rare was it that they pass through the Green Gate that the natives saw him as a curios oddity. Some of the more volatile races did not respond well to his presence, but for the most part the locals were very hospitable and accommodating. It had been a learning experience that he would cherish forever.

While there he had befriended M'Ravirr, a lycan shaman who had guided him through the more untamed regions of the realm. Hoping to find a strain of tealeaves or coffee beans that would allow him to make his shop world-renown, Fenris was instead shown something with much more potential. M'Ravirr harvested a stalk what appeared to be discolored sugar cane, only to be told about the plant's spiritual properties. The shaman could tell Fen was intrigued by this unusual plant and shown him how it can be prepared. He was fascinated to learn that one plant was capable of simulating nearly every drug produced in the human realm depending on where in the plant the ingredients were extracted.

The three weeks spent in the foreign realm had passed by much too quickly for Fen's liking. There was more he wanted to experience, especially with regards to the wondrous plant known by the natives as kiseen. It would have been impossible for him to sneak any worthwhile quantity past gate customs. Fortunately there was an alternative method that the two could utilize. While the five Gates were natural rifts between dimensions, the fabric of reality throughout Nexia was a tenuous thing. Upon returning to the human realm, Fenris sought connections with the darker natured inhabitants who resided in the Black District at the risk of his own well-being. It was there he managed to make a deal with a devil, literally, in exchange for knowledge of how to make temporary tears in reality that would allow him to get kiseen from M'Ravirr quickly, easily, and at little risk. From there it was only a matter of a few months before Fenris had mastered refining the illicit substance into the additives he presently sells to the select few who are in-the-know.

* ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ *

The sudden presence of a hand resting on his shoulder elicited an alarmed yelp as he jumped to interpose himself between the hidden cache and the person who touched him. Only when his dark brown hues met Ahnissa's piercing green eyes did he let out a strained breath before easing his stance and clutching his chest at his heart. Adrenaline still coursing through his body caused his hands to shake as it sought to expend the sudden burst of energy.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

Still struggling to regain his composure, Fen's breath trembled lightly as he spoke. "No, I know. It's just that with all that has been going on... Had it been anybody other than yourself, I would have been caught with my pants down." Now self-conscious of his vulnerable situation, he quickly set about exchanging canisters so that he could once again hide the stash of illegal goods.

"Funny you should mention the status of your pants because that's what I came back to talk to you about."

The Mal's hands fumbled with the fresh container of 'Revive' additive as that reply caught him off guard. "I... uh..." He stammered as he worked the panel securely back in its frame, mind struggling to smoothly keep up. "Come again?" Ahnissa let out an amused giggle as she watched her boss stammer before returning his baffled gaze to meet hers. "I spoke to Katia, she mentioned you turned her down. You know I could have covered for you up front if you needed me to."

Fenris scratched the back of his head nervously as his gaze drifted to the ground in response to being pulled into this conversation. "Yeah, I know. I just... I don't know..." He felt the warmth of Ahnissa's smooth hand rest atop his furred paw, bringing his gaze back to her. "I'm worried about you. You've been working long hours and-"

"We both have." Fen interjected in a soft voice that wasn't so intrusive with his interruption.

"True. However, I haven't been working from open to close every day this week. Plus things are a lot easier to maintain in the Enigma as opposed to front of house."

Fenris opened his mouth to defend himself once more, but his maw was gently guided closed by Ahnissa's free hand so as not to be interrupted again. "What I'm trying to say is that you don't look so good and if you keep going at this pace you're going to burn out. Sleep isn't the only thing that keeps us sane, Fen. You need to take some time for yourself every now and then; if that comes in the form of a beautiful leopardess making advances on you, then for fuck's sake take her up on her offer! The next time I hear you turn down such a sexy client, especially one who I am told had several fun things in mind for you, I will personally shove spoonful after spoonful of 'Lust' down your throat until you are feral with need." The fact that Ahnissa went out of her way to make note of those unknown actions caused his canine ears to perk with curious interest. Being the one who usually works in the Enigma gives her the opportunity to see and hear all sorts of things. Those undisclosed actions must have been really good for it to stick out in her mind. Fen's libido cursed his mind for letting that opportunity slip away, to which his mind acknowledged its poor decision for the mistake it was.

He watched her gaze drift down towards his hand as she used her thumb to brush his aside so she could read the label before meeting his eyes once more. "How many is that today?" Fen hesitated for a moment, knowing what was being implied by that question. While the additives were inherently non-addictive, he had expressly made it known to all of his employees and preferred customers that they shouldn't be reliant on them. For people to depend upon them as a coping mechanism rather than using for recreational fun would be to cheapen all the effort he has put into the café and its sultry secrets. The last thing he wanted was to feel like a drug dealer whose sole purpose was to turn a buck with little regard for the clientele he served. In the back of his mind he was aware that he had been toeing that line between casual use and reliance, but to be questioned about it directly finally brought it into perspective.

"....I just started my second..." Though it may not seem like a lot, it was just a little after noon with a whole day still ahead of them. Additionally, the steady supply of energy provided by 'Revive' lasted around four hours, meaning the effects of his first cup had just worn off. That only supported the concern that he was beginning to wander into the realm of reliance. "Ohhh, Fenris..." Ahnissa's soft coo made him aware that his uncertainty must have shown in his demeanor as her hand gently caressed the side of his muzzle before traveling down his neck and chest until she moved in for an affectionate embrace. Without even thinking, he returned the hug that lasted for several long moments. When pressed against the anthro's frame, Fen's height really stood as a contrast; Ahnissa was of average height and yet he was tall enough to be able to rest his muzzle on top of her head comfortably. From there he was able to clearly breathe in her effeminate pheromones that permeated her long auburn hair.

"Don't worry about opening tomorrow, I'll run the public side while you get to relax for a little bit in the back."

That simple embrace along with that offer of kindness had done wonders to lift the spirits that he wasn't even aware had slipped. It shouldn't have surprised him like it did, Ahnissa had always been there for him. Even when all the other friends he had made over the years quit the cafe once Darren attempted to destroy everybody's reputation, she weathered the storm without a second thought. A torrent of reassuring and comforting emotions caused a small lump to form in his throat preventing him from expressing his gratitude in words. Only with considerable effort was he able to whisper, "Thank you..."

"Anytime."

After another moment, the hug came to its natural end. "Oh, and Fen."

"Hmmm?"

The tall canine anthro rose to the balls of his feet with another surprised yelp as Ahnissa's hand struck him playfully on the ass before he could finish walking past her. "Don't think tomorrow is going to be all fun and games." Fenris turned his head aside to shoot her an inquisitive glance. "Tomorrow you begin looking for new hires."

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Thank you for taking the time to read the first series I've submitted on this site and feel free to let me know what you thought of it.

I fully intend on continuing this series, but if you really want to inspire my muse one of the best ways to do so is in the form of fanart. I can think of no higher compliment than inspiring another artist and would love to see how my own work contributed to the work of another.