{"sf1_id":null,"sf2_id":"elW7GB51","title":"Neon City Nights: The Children of Tendu","author":"Gwyndolan","words":9549,"posted_at":"2026-04-24T17:30:09.000Z","tags":["Canine","Dog","bernese mountain dog","daschund","doberman","female","male","pomeranian","poodle","regression","transformation","weight gain"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/elW7GB51-neon-city-nights-the-children-of-tendu","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/elW7GB51","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/7d/1f/7d1f8f82-d673-4202-a5b3-4245e4afc83f","description":"Neon City's inhabitants come in all shapes and sizes. It is a paradise for those brave enough to venture into her buildings and find their own fortunes among all that the city has to offer. But if you're not careful, the city's boons can become banes, just as fortune can depart as quickly as it comes, for those not wary of her fickle temperaments. Even the city's most talented inhabitants can be caught off guard by their own lifestyles, for living in the lap of luxury can easily descend into debauchery in the soft glow of Neon City's Nights.  \n  \n---  \nNeon City Nights is a cyberpunk setting; the stories don't necessarily happen in the same time period, or same sector of the city.  \n  \nOnly dogs in this one, which is fun. Also did some weird stuff with format. Hope you enjoy!  \n  \nI started this story almost a decade ago in 2017. I have worked on it on and off since then, and it's wild to think that the world was so different pre-Covid. I've lived in 4 different states in the duration I was writing this, and 2 different countries.  \n  \nDon't look at the tags if you want to not ruin the story's twist.","content":"**Neon City Nights: The Children of Tendu**\n\nby Rourke Danyals\n\nThe three canines standing before _him_ could not have been more different.\n\nThe fact that they were all technically the same species was the only apparent physical trait they shared, but even that thread was wearing thin at best. In a way, their clothing had more in common than they themselves did, all three dogs clad in dark formals with a splash of colour each. There was a time when _he_ would have laughed at the absurdity of the scene unfolding around _him_, but at the moment, uncertainty had overtaken amusement.\n\nThe largest of the three, The Doberman, tall and imposing, loomed over the other two, his shoulders wide and muscles thick, the sleeves of his nearly black formals straining as he crossed his arms, watching _him_ silently and blocking the light from the window so that a shadow cast over the group, his thin red tie flapping as it caught the cross-breeze of air conditioning which offered the only small comfort in a room designed to make people feel uncomfortable.\n\nThe Poodle was the next tallest, lithe and limber, his grey fur shaved close enough to see the pink skin below it, save for the mess of curls resting at the top of his head. This canine’s outfit was impeccably fitted to show off narrow limbs and a trim waistline; the charcoal-coloured suit was professional, while still appearing comfortable and casual. Just simply glancing at how the dog’s formals wrapped around such a limber frame caused _him_ a pang of jealousy as _his_ eyes focused on the perfectly still, jungle-green windsor-knotted tie The Poodle sported. It made _his_ own clothes feel even more snug, constricting and folding around the bulk of _his_ body, as _he_ shifted to try to feel less constrained by the sweat-drenched fabric which had been bone dry just moments prior. The Poodle smiled, as if knowing _his_ inner thoughts; it was an infectious smile, and carefully calculated, crafted to put one both at ease and in discomfort at the same time, in the same way as _he_ had designed the boardroom to do.\n\nThe last of the trio was The Dachshund, a short, sleazy-looking canine whose middle-age spread had paired extremely unflatteringly with his short stature. He was the only one of the three canines wearing a hat (which looked as tired as The Dachshund did) and the canine’s beady eyes looked like marbles set in sand peering out from the pudgy face half covered by the stetson’s wide, floppy brim. His dark-grey formals were still as professional as his companions’, but the wear on the garment was starting to show, and though it had been obviously tailor-made to his stature, the fit was somehow both too loose and too snug in places. The excess fabric in the shoulders and the obvious bulge around The Dachshund's midsection suggested the canine once cared for his body as much as the other two, but even the dog’s wide, bright blue tie was unable to hide the straining buttons around his waistline. It was immediately obvious that the dog had caved to the temptations of enjoying the more carnal pleasures of life as of late, a temptation _he_ himself knew all too well.\n\nDespite their physical differences, the trio still appeared to all be of a singular mind, and loomed in such a formation that _he_ found it was entirely impossible to look at more than any one of their faces at a time as they leaned in toward _him_.\n\nThe Poodle smiled wider; his features menacing in the low light. “Do we have a deal, _Mister Jackson_? Well…? Do we? Come now, don’t be shy, we don’t have all day cycle; you know just as well as I do that wasted time is wasted credit…”\n\n---\n\n**Part I: Investment**\n\n_“...you know just as well as I do that wasted time is wasted credit…”_\n\nThe _Bernese Mountain Dog_ looked down at the beagle on the other side of the conference table. _He_ knew that around this time of day that _his_ large, imposing figure would seem even larger with the light pouring in from the windows behind _him_, a fact he liked to use to _his_ advantage.\n\n“Of.. of course… Mister Jackson. I’ll… I’ll sell…”\n\n“_Good_,” the canine responded, leaning back into _his_ chair, trying to ignore the way it creaked under _his_ weight. “I’ll have Lin draw up the documents. Meanwhile, if you could place your paw on the scanner in front of you, yes-- that one right there, it will serve as proof of your complacent agreement in this sale. Excellent. On behalf of LifeCorp and all of its affiliates, I thank you. It is, and has been, a pleasure doing business with you, Mister Pon.”\n\n_He_ looked over at the attractive pomeranian sitting diligently at the other end of the conference table.\n\n\"Miss Lin, please escort Mister Pon and handle the details of the… arrangement.\"\n\nShe smiled at _Jackson_. \"It would be my pleasure, sir.\"\n\n_He_ smirked as the smaller canine skittered out of his office, _his_ lead administrator following with measured steps of someone who could endure the no doubt emotional outburst in the lobby as seller's remorse settled in and would weather it with ease. There had been dozens of such sales, and she always conducted herself with a cool professionalism he had come to begrudgingly admire, especially if it meant that he didn't have to deal with the aftermath himself.\n\nLifeCorp had been founded as a microbot supplement supplier, but it had grown to encompass a range of life-preserving procedures guaranteed to offer consumers what LifeCorp’s marketing materials called “a second lease on life.” Such exponential growth was largely attributed to business “deals” like the one that had just transpired, all under the shrewd business practices of _Feng Jackson_.\n\n~\n\n_Jackson_ was a self-proclaimed “rags to riches” story. Those lucky enough to attend any of the parties _he_ had been invited to had probably had heard the story told several times now:\n\n_“I tell you, I had little to call my own, save for my own name. It’s old American, you know. I didn’t even have my family to rely on when I limped my way through a government-subsidized university business program._\n\n_“Now, I’m not proud of how I started out: poor, destitute, hungry, but I recognized that I had very little direction to go from there but up, up, up. I reckon my big break came when my former roommate, whose name I can’t be bothered to remember anymore, something dreadfully common like Jin, or Jo, or John, or something, not that it’s important anyway. He was a timid mutt; half breed, too-- now now, don’t get your tongue in a rut, I’m not racist, but I_ **_am_** _quietly proud to be pedigreed,_ **_as we all are_** _. Haha._\n\n_“Anyway, you know the type: bookish, smart, nervous - he was in the technology sector. Well, you should have seen him when he came a-begging me to look over the books for his failing business to see what could be salvaged, because he had no one else to turn to. Even back then, he knew that I could convince a leopard to swap his spots for stripes. I agreed to do it, of course, in return for 51% control of the company, as any shrewd businessman would have done._\n\n_“A year later, we were making a profit paw over paw on a product that the tech industry was, quite honestly, already flooded with. Two years later, we expanded our product line to include services that weren’t regularly bundled together, but were often used in tandem. Of course, it was all_ **_my_** _idea._\n\n_“But things hadn’t really taken off until the 5-year mark, when I had the brilliant idea to partner with another start-up which had specialized in prosthetics. The fella who started the business went absolutely feral. He didn’t agree with my decision, but by then, he had foolishly only retained 30% of the company’s shares, and was eventually bought out by the other board members._\n\n_“I retained majority control, of course._\n\n_“From there, things skyrocketed, with each new merger another rung on the ladder of success, and if a couple of hangers-on fell off, haha, well… who was I to catch them? Loyalty means changing with the times, gentlemen, and if you ain’t willing to keep up with me, you can just as easily get off this bullet train as quickly as you hopped on it...”_\n\n~\n\n_Jackson_ was not a remorseful man; _he_ had very little sympathy for the individuals _he_ left behind. The beagle’s dejected demeanor as he left _his_ office did not sour _Jackson_’s good mood, it improved it. _He_ turned to the window to stare down at the pedestrians below; their perceived smallness only made _him_ feel larger by comparison. _He_ was a big man, _he_ liked being a big man. _Bernese Mountain Dogs_ were supposed to be big, but malnutrition and poverty growing up ensured he would never grow to his fullest projected height. Now that _he_ was a success, _he_ made up for his stature in other ways: a big presence in the business industry, a big name, a big personality, a big spender, a BIG DOG at the table.\n\n_His_ lavish lifestyle had made _him_ physically larger in other ways, too. In _his_ younger days, _he_ visited the gym religiously, using _his_ wealth, strength and charm to conquer the boardroom… and the bedroom.\n\nOlder and wiser now, _he_ realized that power and money were ultimately better than physical strength and sexual prowess. Being larger all around, occupying more overall space, just made _him_ feel like he had more physical presence in _his_ middle age, even if _he_ was no longer on the top 10 eligible bachelors list. _He_ didn't need love when everybody feared _him._ _His_ size made him feel more intimidating; the extra bulk made situations like the one that afternoon so much easier to close.\n\nAdmittedly, it did make it harder for _his_ buttons to fasten in the morning, but _he_ relished that fact as well. For _him_, it was a sign of success that _he_ could afford to overfeed himself on the most expensive delicacies; _he_ was almost proud of himself every time _he_ outgrew a new suit, knowing that the amount of Yuan _he_ had paid for each ruined garment was more than most of _his_ employees could ever hope to earn in a year.\n\nThey scurried like insects, down there on the road. The tide of grays and blues of formalwear grew stronger as the sun sunk below the skyline. Other colours found themselves caught up among the streams; bits of flotsam and jetsam in the surging sea reserved for specific governmental offices: the pitch black of law enforcement, the verdant green of city officials, and occasionally, the bright orange-gold of religious figures. _He_ sneered as a speck of crimson (religious acolyte) caught _his_ attention, leaning forward as _he_ watched with indifference, then mild interest, as _his_ chair creaked ominously again underneath _his_ substantial mass.\n\nThe figure which had caught _his_ attention had dared to hold their own against the tide of the crowd. In the regular flow of the foot-traffic, the dot of red bounced around sporadically, unpredictably. It nagged at _him_ that _he_ could not find some explanation for the behaviour; and the fact that it happened in front of his building felt like a challenge to him directly. _He_ frowned.\n\n“Cirex, enhance the image. 800 Zoom. Follow-focus on the monk.”\n\n[Yes, sir.]\n\n_He_ creaked the chair back into a lounging position as the image magnified the bustling form below. What _he_ could now see was the second figure which the first one chased, too short to discern from inside the crowd without enhancement.\n\nThey were _playing._ The monk-- _no, the acolyte_, _he_ corrected himself-- was a pup, mixed pedigree, shiba inu and something else, or somethings else; he had to be no more than 8 or 9 years old. His companion was even younger; _he_ couldn’t see anything more than the tips of the child’s ears. The pair darted back and forth, oblivious to the tide around them, and people sidestepped their little game without trouble or notice. Regardless, the street was no place to play, especially not _his_ street. Such defiance made the dog uncomfortable. This was a Biz sector, not a Rec sector. _He_ did his best to focus on a different portion of the image, but it was impossible not to see the bright red robes skittering about at the corner of _his_ eye, and the appeal of the bustling crowd had been lost. Besides, it was the end of the day, and _he_ could afford to leave a little early after the day's significant trade deal.\n\n_Jackson_ turned _his_ thoughts to the future as best _he_ could. _He_ was looking forward to the drive home, and the catered dinner which awaited _his_ arrival. Not many people could afford manual cars anymore. Fewer could afford to pay for the private freeways which guaranteed no traffic interruption. _Jackson_ could easily afford both. The open road made _him_ feel the way _his_ ancestors must have felt - that the world offered endless possibilities for the seizing.\n\nThe large canine sauntered out of _his_ office and took the hydrolift to the side garage where The Vehicle was already waiting for _him_, courtesy of LifeCorp’s automated valet system. _He_ had been nervous when the system was first installed (_he_ had always preferred living workers - machines could not be manipulated by fear), but in the near decade that LifeCorp had owned the building, _he_ had finally learned to trust that machine precision could sometimes be precise enough for _his_ standards.\n\n_Jackson_ took a moment to admire The Vehicle, _his_ vehicle. While it made _him_ uncomfortable when others flaunted their wealth, the _Bernese Mountain Dog_ reveled in showing off _his_ own affluence, and _his_ choice of retro transportation was certainly the pinnacle of economic success. Candy red coating, illuminated accessories, and polished platinum bumper and rims. In the last century, safety regulations prevented even manual cars from crashing into one another and other large objects, so that most cars didn’t even need to have bumpers and bump rails, but _he_ had insisted that The Vehicle look authentic, so they replicated the parts out of precious metals to ensure they would be noticed. Who could afford galvanized steel and platinum anymore? _Jackson_ could.\n\n_He_ loved the curves of The Vehicle. It practically screamed opulence, that _he_ could afford a \"manny,\" and that it practically shone like a jewel in the sunlight as he drove it down the highway, the envy of the hovercar riders in the public lanes.\n\n_He_ eased into the front seat, glad that _he_ had insisted on reinforcing the original bucket seat as the shocks on The Vehicle creaked slightly to adjust to _his_ weight. _He_ waited for the gate to lift, and when the tide of pedestrians parted to let _him_ out, _he_ pulled out of the driveway just at the right moment to hit the pup running across the parted sea of bodies.\n\n~\n\n“What the hell are you doing?” _he_ accused, storming out of The Vehicle to get a better look at the situation. The front bumper had crumpled, and the paint on the hood was scratched. Once _he_ assessed the damage, _his_ attention finally drifted to the child picking himself off the sidewalk.\n\nIt was the acolyte he had seen from his window, the one who had. No doubt more focused on “playing” than paying attention to his surroundings.\n\n“I’m sorry, sir! I was just crossing the street–”\n\n“Trying to get yourself killed, more like. Don’t you know it’s not dangerous to play in the road?”\n\n“Actually, he told me I should cr–”\n\n“You’re absolutely right, sir,” The youth was cut off by a voice behind Jackson. He spun around to address the newcomer. “How silly for children to be playing at all.” Grey-furred and well-dressed, The Poodle gave the young acolyte an admonishing look.\n\n“But, you said that I–”\n\n“Now, run along back to the temple, before we bother this nice man anymore. The Abbot is looking for you.” The Poodle's voice was colored by smug kindness. The acolyte frowned, bowed, and mumbled a half-hearted apology to _him_ before he scurried down the road. “The poor dear must have gotten confused. Children often do in these situations; though I fear it doesn't explain why they have such poor manners nowadays, does it, ah… Mister…?”\n\n“_Jackson. Feng Jackson_. Look, are you responsible for that brat? He damaged The Vehicle! I expec–”\n\n“_Mister Jackson_, I _assure_ you that all damages will be taken care of, and that our organization will repair the damages to your… _vehicle…_ so that it will look as good as new. Better than new, even - that bumper looks like it wasn't constructed properly; you can pay for a higher-quality one, if you wish. Something with a little more oomph, hmmm…?\n\n\"Here is my contact card, and here is an open credit chip you can use for repairs, if you prefer to use your own body shop. Go on, take it; use it to pay for the estimate up front, and we will cover any additional expenses you may incur as well, and if you present your contact card, you have my paw print on record in this verbal contract. Please, in the meantime, won’t you allow us to drive you home, and provide transportation for you until the repairs are complete.”\n\nThe Poodle had a cadence to his speech which was almost hypnotic, and _Jackson_ fought hard not to be drawn in by it. _He_ blinked, trying to take in the new turn of luck.\n\n“Really? Just like that?”\n\n“Of course sir, you have my word and my pawprint already. Though, if that’s not enough to convince you, we have a resort right here in town. To make up for any… ah… inconvenience… this whole rigmarole has caused you, why don’t you take a free week’s vacation at no expense to your own credit of course. The _executive_ package. It’s the least we can do to make it up to you.”\n\nThe Poodle thrust a brochure into Jackson’s hand. It took a moment for _him_ to realize the pamphlet was printed on paper. _He_ immediately grew jealous and suspicious. Even if it was synthetic paper, the religious organization must have had capital. For all _his_ company was worth, Jackson hardly ever used natural media; it was too inefficient. _Jackson_ looked up at The Poodle, who stood several centimeters taller than _he_.\n\n“What’s the catch?”\n\n“No catch, sir. We at the Church of Tendu believe in second chances, and if we see something wrong, we take it into our own paws to make things right.” The Poodle smiled again, and Jackson found that he was immediately much more at ease. “If I don’t mind saying, so, sir, you look like a man of good taste, and our resort packages are all the rage right now.”\n\n“Tendu…” The name rang a bell in his mind. “Didn’t you make the news recently?” The Poodle chuckled in response.\n\n“Guilty as charged. We just invested in a new state-of-the-art relaxation chamber guaranteed to take the years off.”\n\n“Oh yes, that’s right,” _Jackson_ remarked, dismissively. _He_ recalled hearing recently that several smaller biofirms had recently backed the religious organization’s pursuits. None of the companies were big players in the market, certainly no one _he_ had to be worried about, but it did leave _him_ curious. The Poodle answered _his_ unasked question before _he_ could even form it in _his_ head.\n\n“People didn’t think a religious sect would venture into such territory, but relaxation is one of our main tenants, and in order to survive, one must adapt to the times. Then again, I‘m sure you know a bit about getting ahead of the curve, I reckon?” He winked and patted _Jackson_ on the back. It was impossible not to smile at the Poodle’s enthusiasm and charm.\n\n_He_ couldn’t remember the last time _he_ had taken time off for _himself_. Perhaps now was as good as any other moment to take a vacation. A change might even do _him_ good.\n\n“Alright, alright… _If_ you’ll take care of the damages, and are offering a vacation? I guess that’s not so bad.”\n\n“Excellent. We’ll make things right again, Mister Jackson, you’ll see. I'm sure you're a busy man - we can have your lead administrator handle the details. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two.”\n\n_Jackson_ used his datapad to call Lin.\n\n\"Have you left the office yet?\"\n\n\"I was just walking out the door… sir.\"\n\n\"Good. I have a matter of the ut-most importance to take care of immediately. I'll send up the gentleman to you now. It shouldn't take more than an hour or two. Handle this the way you would any other high-importance client, understood?\"\n\nThere was a moment of silence, and then: \"It would be my pleasure, sir.\"\n\n----\n\n**Part II: Interest**\n\n_Jackson_ found it a little hard to focus during the morning’s briefing. _He_ had returned from his vacation energized and invigorated, just like the Poodle had promised. In the three days _he_ had been back, _he_ had noticed a change had come over _him_, and _he_ actually did feel younger. _He_ swore that _his_ clothes fit a little better than they had, _he_ felt more energetic, _he_ even felt more virile. Not that _he_ had ever had any real issues with _his_ libido, but as _he_ plunged into middle age, _his_ focus had shifted more towards acquiring wealth and strayed a bit from acquiring sex, but those long-forgotten urges started welling deep inside of _him_, as if taking the week off reminded _him_ of just how beautiful _his_ staff was in addition to how useful they were.\n\nOnly at the moment, it was damned distracting. _Had Lin always worn such low-cut formals? He_ thought she must have, remembering at some point years ago explaining to her that \"dressing for success\" was only so successful, and that \"dressing to entice\" already put you one step ahead of the competition.\n\nAlthough she was also starting to grow older, Lin had managed to age much more gracefully than _he_ had managed to, _he_ noted, truly noticing the attractive details of her features for the first time in years. The pomeranian had the countenance of a sexy school teacher, and carried some extra weight in her hips and middle that she did not possess when he’d hired her over a decade ago, (perhaps taking more than one unspoken lesson from _him_ about commanding the space around her,) but the confidence she exuded made those features assets, and whereas in _his_ shallower days he would have dismissed her entirely, _he_ had now also come to appreciate her quick wit as well, as if they had also grown over the years. _He_ realized _he_ appreciated the way she nearly always anticipated _his_ business needs, something _he_ realized _he_ had been taking for granted, as if compensating her with a generous salary alone would make up for the gruff way _he_ grumbled orders to her on a daily basis.\n\n“Is… something wrong, sir?” Lin looked at _him_ curiously. Mister Jackson did not usually stare off into space; _he_ was always emphasizing the need to appear present at all times. She actually seemed genuinely worried; it was kind of sweet that she was concerned.\n\n“Yes, Lin. I’m fine. I was just thinking, it’s not fair for me to have taken a vacation, and not let you have some time off. You work too hard for this company. You deserve a break.”\n\nFeeling pleased with _his_ impulsive decision, _he_ did not expect to see her worry to deepen into panic, which confused _him_.\n\n“Sir… are you suggesting I am unfit to perform my duties?” she asked _him_, struggling to maintain her composure, and _he_ immediately realized the problem.\n\n“No, this isn’t… this isn’t a precursor to being let go,” _he_ started, as she relaxed visibly. “You have never taken time off in all the years you’ve worked here, except the one time to attend your Father’s funeral. Don’t you wish to take some time off? To relax? Spend some time with friends or family?”\n\n“I’m not sure I’d be comfortable with that,” she answered, honestly. “I’d be too worried about what was happening here. And, well, sir, I work 60 hours a week, I haven’t had much time to keep up with friends, beyond work partners.”\n\n“I can’t just… do _nothing_ to thank you for your years of loyalty and service. How about… how about this? You let me take you out to dinner, your favourite restaurant, no matter how expensive, and give you a chance to relax. We’ll call it a business dinner, so you can’t say no, and we start by talking about your goals for the business and let the conversation evolve from there?”\n\n_He_ didn’t know where the sudden burst of inspiration came from, but _he_ could feel himself veering toward one of the pickup tactics _he_ had used years and years ago, changing the details to fit the situation, of course, but _he_ surprised himself by drawing from a well of charm he thought had all but dried up.\n\nLin hesitated for a moment, then agreed.\n\n“For the good of the business?” she asked, and _he_ nodded. \"It would be my pleasure, sir.\"\n\n_For both of their own goods, too, and wouldn’t that just help the business in the long run?_\n\n~\n\n_Jackson_ had bet on Lin, and it had paid off. Dinner went extremely well, and as the evening progressed, _he_ begrudgingly admitted to _himself_ that _he_ was actually enjoying the “dinner date.” _He_ could tell Lin was appreciative of the downtime, and when she asked _him_ up to her apartment for a nightcap, _he_ didn’t refuse.\n\nWaking the next morning in her bed reminded _him_ of just how wonderful it was to feel the ache of a night well spent, and her expression was all _he_ needed to reassure _him_ that _he_ still “had it.” A month ago, the idea of getting so physical with another person would have made _him_ anxious (even if he wouldn’t have ever admitted it to anyone); while _his_ physique was certainly a turn on in the boardroom, _he_ had grown to a size that _his_ attempts at “personal pleasure” had grown more and more difficult over the last year. It was a frustrating development, as _his_ sex drive had still stayed constant as _he_ got older (a fact _he_ was very proud of), but it was getting harder to fight against the tide of _his_ bulging belly long enough to see things through before _he_ tired himself out from the effort. (The not-so-subtle reminders from Cirex that _his_ extra weight was probably also affecting _his_ ability to “keep it up long enough” were almost enough to make _him_ give up eating entirely, some nights.) Yet, the promises _he_ made to himself at 1 AM to maybe slim down a little were usually forgotten by lunch the following day, before the cycle started all over again.\n\nBut Lin hadn’t seemed to mind his size, almost seeming to appreciate having a partner larger than she was, and whatever performance problems _he_ was having on his own seemed to have worked themselves out with an attentive partner. The pair agreed to make plans to meet up again over the weekend, and after an even better night under the sheets, they agreed that keeping things casual would be best for their working relationship, and that only seeing each other on weekends was probably for the best.\n\nDriving back to _his_ own house on Sunday afternoon in The Vehicle, newly restored, (after Lin had prepared a hearty breakfast, her culinary skills yet another pleasant surprise to _him_,) _Jackson_ realized _he_’d had one of the best weeks of _his_ life in years, probably because the week off gave _him_ a new lease on life. Feeling generous, _he_ ordered Cirex to purchase some stock in the Church of Tendu. It was the least _he_ could do to thank them for giving _him_ a new perspective on life.\n\n~\n\nMonday morning came all too quickly for _Jackson’_s taste, and the pleasantness of the weekend still provided a stark contrast to having to get up and go into the office. This seed of discontent only sprouted further when _he_ started to get ready for the day. Entering the bathroom, he prepared for Cirex to admonish him yet again that _he_ had gained a fractional amount of weight, and that _he_ should consider cutting his calories, but instead, _he_ was greeted with a noise he’d never heard before, a cheerful little bell. Instead of her usual warning, Cirex sounded almost cheerful in informing him that _he_ had lost two pounds since his last weigh in. _Had_ he _actually lost a little weight? He_ stared at _himself_ in the mirror as _he_ dressed. While still cutting an imposing figure, _he_ couldn’t help but notice _his_ pants felt a tiny bit looser than they usually did. Pulling his belt one notch tighter than usual, _he_ shrugged.\n\n_One or two pounds wouldn’t make_ that _much of a difference. Would it?_\n\n—\n\n**Part III: Growth**\n\n_Feng Jackson_ was proud of his heritage. As a purebred and a descendant of a great American general, _he_ had always flaunted _his_ family line more than _his_ immediate family’s history. _His_ parents had moved to Neon City as part of a relocation initiative which was the delayed fallout from one of the world’s last physical wars, a deal which exported the remainder of the country’s resources, with the price tag of having to take its citizens too.\n\n_His_ family were essentially glorified refugees, and finding work was difficult, doubly so when the medical scans required to enter the City revealed that _his_ mother was with child. The government subsidized the income of expectant families, which was an unexpected windfall, but because of the subsidy, they did not qualify for many of the other benefits the other deportees were able to leverage.\n\nIn his early years, Jackson didn’t see much of _his_ father, but his presence was always looming in _his_ life. It was _his_ decision to name _his_ son with a name indigenous to their new city, an attempt to help him blend in, Feng supposed, but it only served to point out the fact that _he_ didn’t quite belong. And so, instead of _his_ family name being a weakness, _Jackson_ learned to lean on it at an early age, make it seem like something desirable, a good reason to stand apart instead of a constant reminder of how different _he_ was.\n\nBut that’s what _Jackson_ was good at. Turning failures into successes. Finding the near-misses on the fringes and being the catalyst to bring them front and centre and into the spotlight. Of course, it was because _he_ was such a case that _he_ was able to pull it off. Sometimes seeming to empathize, sometimes seeming to oppose, _Jackson_ felt he deserved every unit of Yuan _his_ company had earned by wheeling and dealing the competition into thinking they needed _him_. Tenacity and attention to detail were his one-two punch, and _his_ most familiar friends. By dogging the competition, _he_ could always figure where the leverage points would be, and exploited them.\n\n_Jackson_ had hand-picked _his_ staff to all be winners, and had them hand-pick their own staff when the organization grew too large (and too successful) for _him_ to do it _himself_. To compensate, he held weekly meetings on Monday afternoons to brief _him_ on the comings and goings of the organization. _He_ had molded every one of the half-dozen people in front of _him_ to be exactly who _he_ wanted, _who he needed_, but this morning they all seemed to blur together, and _he_ found his mind wandering toward the view of the HoloWindow behind _him_, where _he_ had seen the acolyte playing tag a few weeks prior.\n\n“...Boss?” one of them asked, clearly trying not to sound annoyed that he wasn’t being given proper attention.\n\n“Huh? Oh, sorry, please continue,” _Jackson_ said distractedly, still lost in thought. It took _him_ a moment to realize a hush had fallen over the people in the room. _Jackson_ never apologized for _anything_.\n\n“Forget it,” _he_ mumbled, with sudden discontent at the yes-men staring back at him. “Send me your reports by V-Mail. I need this time to figure out our next merger.” There was a moment of doubt among _his_ executives. None of them had heard of a new deal being struck.\n\n“I SAID, YOU ARE DISMISSED!” _Jackson_ roared, reestablishing dominance of the room with a slam of _his_ fist on the desk. The executive board shuffled out in a hurry, leaving _Jackson_ alone in the room with Lin, who looked as if she didn’t know whether to stay behind or leave with the rest. _He_ was grateful for the company, and smiled at her, putting her at ease.\n\n“Come here,” _he_ said, embracing her when it was clear they were alone. It had been hard for both of them to keep their relationship a secret, and _he_ began to suspect a few of his executives had figured them out, but at the moment _he_ didn’t care.\n\n“Are you feeling alright? You seem stressed. Do you want me to book you another vacation?\"\n\n\"No, I'm okay.\"\n\n\"You're not 'okay.' consider it done.\"\n\n_He_ was too tired to argue. She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder, wrapping her arms around him, but her paws lingering ever so slightly at _his_ waist.\n\n\"You’re not skipping meals, are you?” she asked, slightly concerned. “You know how irritable you get when you don’t eat, and your clothes are a little loose. Here, I have something for you.” She ran out to her desk and came back before _he_ could react.\n\n“I know you don’t like sweets, so I made you some dumplings. I hope you don’t mind. You should be keeping your energy up,” she chastised, popping one into _his_ mouth as _he_ opened it to argue. _He_ was still full from the large lunch _he’_d had that afternoon, a hearty meal full of protein to try to recover a little bit of the size _he_ had somehow lost over the last month or so.\n\n\"You don't have to feed me,\" _Jackson_ protested.\n\n\"Nonsense. You need to keep your energy up,\" she responded. \"It would be my pleasure, sir.\"\n\n\"Alright then.\" _He_ allowed himself a hint of a smile as she eagerly fed _him_ another dumpling.\n\n_He_ couldn’t understand it. _He_ hadn’t been exercising any more, and any time _he_ spent “burning calories” with Lin he was sure was made up for by the breakfasts she made him, which only seemed to grow larger each weekend. (_He_ was starting to suspect that she liked _him_ big, too, and definitely didn’t mind the extra bit of attention the morning after.)\n\nSure, _he_ had enjoyed becoming a little more slender at first, finding _he_ had more energy during the day, and more endurance to cope with late nights at the office (and during sex), but now all of _his_ expensive suits were starting to fit funny, and the idea that _he_ might actually be shrinking definitely cast some doubt where none had been before. _He_ had worked hard to get as big as _he_ was, and didn’t like the idea of giving anything up, even if it was better for _his_ health.\n\n_His_ doubts were forgotten in an instant, however, as soon as _he_ took a bite. _His_ mother used to make dumplings like this, and _he_ had all but forgotten about them. _He_ ate another one, ignoring the pang of pain from his already over-full stomach.\n\n“Oh, these are wonderful,” _he_ said, smiling back at her. “I knew you were a good cook, but you’ve really outdone yourself.” The look of pleasure on _his_ face was all that Lin needed to see. She smiled broadly as she fed them to _him_, hoping her boss and her lover would be in a better mood for the second half of the day, and feel a little bit more like _his_ old self, the man she’d admired for many years, and had seemed to finally catch the attention of.\n\nFrom then on, she made sure to keep some sort of homemade snack within _his_ reach, and for a few weeks, it really seemed to help. Cirex might not have appreciated that _his_ weight was creeping steadily back up, but the return to a familiar routine, even a modified one which made room for good love and and even better food, did a lot to ease Jackson’s mind. _He_ soon came to learn quite by accident that one of Lin’s secret pleasures over the years had been ordering him new clothing when he had grown out a size. They had gotten together for one of their morning “briefings,” and she squealed in delight when he lost a button on his shirt after one too many dumplings.\n\nQuickly composing herself, Lin admitted that she also saw _his_ growth as a sign of success, and made up a half-hearted excuse that as _his_ lead administrator, she shared in those odd victories _he_ thought were all but _his_ own. But _he_ had known her long enough to recognize the look of lust she was trying to hide as she stared at the remaining buttons straining on _his_ ruined shirt, and moments later, they were ordering Cirex to lock the door as both finally made good on years of fantasizing what it might be like to make love on the leather couch in _his_ office. Once again, life was good.\n\n~\n\n_Jackson_ had worked very hard at getting from place to place in a punctual manner. _He_ knew how long it took to get from point A to point B throughout every inch of _his_ building, and _he_ built _his_ schedule around those travel times. _He_ had worked it down to an exact science.\n\nToday, it seemed that _he_ was late for every meeting. Walking seemed to take just a little longer, and while _he_ counted his paces, as _he_ normally did, every trip came up short. _He_ was never late, and while he knew every person in that boardroom would wait for _him_ to arrive, he did not like to keep people waiting, even _his_ underlings. _Especially his_ underlings.\n\nWhile _he_ was still vaguely paranoid that _he_ had been shrinking, this was the first concrete evidence that _he_ had that something was off.\n\nLin was of little comfort to _his_ predicament: “Perhaps you’re getting shorter in your middle age?” she teased over dinner that evening when _he_ confessed his worries. She seemed to support _him_, but didn’t grasp the severity of the situation. _He_ was never late. Ever. Punctuality was strength, and wasted time was wasted credit, for all parties involved.\n\nLin just couldn’t understand that it was a bigger deal than it seemed. _He_ didn't want others to think that _he_ seemed weak. _He_ _couldn't_ _let_ others think _he_ was weak.\n\nLin's response was to distract _him_ with more food and sex. It was a very effective distraction.\n\n—\n\n**Part IV: Return on Investment**\n\nWhen the weekend came, Lin suggested another vacation. Before _he_ could protest that _he_ was making too many trips to Tendu already, she insisted on a staycation, just what _he_ needed to help reduce stress and forget his concerns. She had rescheduled _his_ meetings, redirected and redelegated _his_ work, and even ordered a detailing for The Vehicle as a bonus treat. _He_ couldn't find any reason to say no, so _he_ said yes.\n\nWhat followed was one of the best weeks of _his_ life. A doting partner devoted to spoiling _him_ and very open to _him_ spoiling her in return. The only rules were no clothes and an open mind. Lin showed _him_ some things he'd never tried before, and when she was around, it felt like _he_ could go a lot longer in bed\n\n_He_ wondered idlely (as Lin went down on _him_) if this was what it would have been like to focus more on family than it would have on business. _He_ hadn't seen the benefit of leisure before, but this invigorated _him_ the same way as a huge sale or takeover did. _He_ felt undeniably wonderful.\n\n~\n\n…until the day _he_ had to go back. Getting out of bed was difficult. Two whole weeks of food and debauchery had _him_ feeling lazy and sluggish. _He_ had a headache, and the ground felt somehow both closer and farther away from him.\n\n_Jackson_’s return to work after _his_ vacation was marked by a strange sense of displacement. The office felt different; larger, perhaps, or simply less familiar. _He_ chalked it up to the lingering effects of relaxation, of growing too soft over the last few weeks, but the feeling lingered.\n\n_He_ found himself struggling with simple tasks. _His_ signature, once bold and decisive, now wavered on the page. _He_ started relying on using his paw print instead, something _he_ hardly ever did. Names slipped from _his_ memory, and _he_ had to rely on Lin more than ever. She was always there, anticipating _his_ needs, smoothing over _his_ mis-steps, her presence both comforting and vaguely unsettling.\n\nThe boardroom, once _his_ domain, seemed to close in around _him_. During meetings, _he_ caught snippets of conversation that felt just out of reach, as if the language itself was shifting. Lin’s voice cut through the haze, clear and confident, and the others listened to her with a respect that bordered on reverence.\n\n_Jackson_ tried to assert himself, but _his_ words came out softer, less certain. _He_ laughed it off, blaming stress or age, but the laughter didn’t reach his eyes.\n\n“Is everything alright, sir? You seem… distracted lately,” Lin asked one day; the concern in her voice made _him_ feel weak, unsatisfied.\n\n“I’m fine, Lin. Just… tired, I suppose. Maybe I’m getting old.”\n\n“Nonsense. You’re as sharp as ever. Let me handle the reports tonight. You should rest.”\n\n\"Are you sure?\"\n\n\"It would be my pleasure, sir.\"\n\n_Jackson_ nodded, grateful for her support, but a small voice in the back of his mind wondered when _he_ had started needing so much help.\n\n_He_ noticed his suits hung looser, _his_ shoes felt bigger, and the world seemed to loom a little larger every day.\n\nAt home, _he_ found comfort in routine; dinners with Lin, long drives in _his_ car, the familiar weight of _his_ success. But even these rituals felt different from before. Lin cooked for _him_ more often, her meals rich and nostalgic, and _he_ ate with a hunger he couldn’t explain. She watched _him_ closely, her gaze lingering on him with a mix of affection and something else _he_ couldn’t name.\n\nOne evening, as he prepared for bed, he caught _his_ reflection in the mirror. For a moment, _he_ didn’t recognize himself. The face staring back was softer, rounder, almost boyish. _He_ blinked, and the illusion vanished, replaced by the familiar lines of middle age. _He_ shook his head, dismissing the vision as a trick of the light.\n\nBut the feeling lingered.\n\n---\n\n**Part V: Acquisition**\n\n_Jackson_’s morning routine had also always been a source of pride. _He_ would stand before the mirror, adjusting _his_ tie, admiring the way _his_ suits hugged his broad shoulders, powerful chest, and thick waist. Lately, though, the reflection had become less satisfying. _His_ shirts, once tight across muscle and bulk, now hung oddly; loose in the shoulders, but too snug around the middle. _He_ told himself it was just the result of losing weight in all the wrong places, a common enough problem for men his age.\n\n_He_ tried to compensate by eating heartier breakfasts, but the food seemed to settle differently now, softening _his_ outline rather than restoring _his_ old solidity. _His_ face, too, was changing: the jawline he’d cultivated with years of discipline was blurring, cheeks rounding out, eyes seeming larger in a way _he_ couldn’t quite place. _He_ chalked it up to stress, or perhaps the lingering effects of the last visit to the “relaxation chamber” at the Tendu resort.\n\nAt work, the changes were even more disconcerting. _His_ chair, once a throne, now seemed to swallow _him_. The desk felt higher, the windows wider, the city outside more distant. _He_ found himself swinging his legs absently, a habit _he_ hadn’t indulged in since childhood. When _he_ caught himself, he forced his feet flat to the floor, but the urge returned whenever _he_ lost focus.\n\nLin noticed, of course. She noticed everything.\n\n“Sir, I’ve taken the liberty of having your suits altered,” she said one morning, laying a freshly tailored jacket across his desk. “You’ve been working so hard, you deserve to feel comfortable.”\n\nJackson bristled at the implication, but when he slipped on the jacket, _he_ had to admit it fit better; though it seemed to accentuate the roundness of his belly, the softness at his sides. _He_ tugged at the lapels, trying to recapture the imposing silhouette he remembered having.\n\n“Thank you, Lin,” _he_ said, forcing a smile. “You always know just what I need.”\n\nShe smiled back, her eyes lingering on _him_ a moment too long. “It’s my job to take care of you, sir.”\n\nThe staff had begun to defer to Lin more and more. She fielded questions, resolved disputes, and even led meetings when _Jackson_’s mind wandered. _He_ told himself it was a temporary arrangement, a necessary delegation while _he_ got back on _his_ feet. But the looks the others gave _him_: sympathetic, indulgent, almost patronizing; they made _him_ uneasy.\n\n_He_ tried to reassert himself, but _his_ voice lacked its old resonance. Once, he’d been able to silence a room with a single word; now, conversations continued around him, talked over him, and generally everyone ignored him unless Lin was in the room.\n\nAt home, the changes were even harder to ignore. _His_ appetite had grown, but _his_ tastes had shifted. _He_ craved sweets, rich stews, and soft breads - comfort foods from _his_ youth. Lin indulged _him_, preparing elaborate meals and watching with quiet satisfaction as _he_ cleaned _his_ plate. _He_ told himself _he_ deserved it, that _he_ was simply enjoying the fruits of his labor after so many years.\n\nBut each morning, the mirror told a different story. _He_ knew it wasn't his imagination, despite what Lin and everyone else around _him_ insisted: _his_ features grew softer, _his_ body rounder. _He_ began to avoid his reflection altogether, focusing instead on the routines that had always grounded _him_.\n\nSomething was slipping away, something vital and crucial to _his_ success, to his identity. But whenever _he_ tried to grasp it, it slipped through _his_ fingers like sand.\n\n~\n\n_Jackson_ arrived at the boardroom several minutes late, which was unusual enough to draw glances from the assembled executives. _He_ blamed the elevator, though _he_ knew _he_ had simply misjudged the time. The walk from _his_ office seemed even longer these days, and _his_ legs felt oddly heavy, _his_ stride less quick than he remembered.\n\n_He_ paused at the door, catching his breath, and smoothed _his_ jacket, a new one Lin had ordered and tailored to fit his “new shape.” _He_ tugged at the lapels, trying to recapture the broad-shouldered silhouette he’d always projected, but the effect was more cuddly than commanding.\n\nInside, the boardroom was already abuzz. Lin stood at the head of the table, reviewing a projection with the CFO. The others looked to her for cues, not noticing _Jackson_’s arrival until he cleared his throat.\n\n“Ah, Mr. Jackson,” Lin said, her tone warm but professional. “We were just going over the quarterly projections. Please, take your seat.”\n\n_He_ nodded, feeling a flush rise in _his_ cheeks. The chair seemed higher than usual, and as _he_ settled in, _his_ feet barely brushed the floor. _He_ shifted, trying to plant them firmly, but the effort only made _him_ more aware of how _his_ body filled the seat differently, or seemingly not at all.\n\nThe meeting began. _Jackson_ tried to focus, but the numbers on the screen swam before _his_ eyes. He found himself doodling absentmindedly on his notepad, just little circles and squiggles, the kind _he_ hadn’t drawn since he was a boy. _He_ caught himself and quickly flipped the page, glancing around to see if anyone had noticed.\n\nLin’s voice cut through _his_ distraction. “Mr. Jackson, do you have any additional thoughts on the proposed merger terms?”\n\n_He_ blinked, realizing he hadn’t heard the last ten minutes of discussion. “Uh… I think we should, um, review the details again,” _he_ managed, his voice softer than _he_ intended. “Just to be sure.”\n\nLin smiled, patient and reassuring. “Of course. I’ll send you a summary after the meeting.” She turned back to the board, seamlessly picking up the thread of conversation.\n\nThe others nodded, jotting notes, their attention fixed on Lin. _Jackson_ felt oddly sidelined, like a guest at his own table. _He_ tried to interject once or twice, but _his_ comments were met with polite nods and quickly folded back into Lin’s agenda.\n\nAs the meeting wrapped up, Lin summarized the action items, assigning tasks with practiced efficiency. “Thank you, everyone. Mr. Jackson, if you’d like, I can walk you through the merger documents later today. It would be my pleasure, sir.”\n\n_He_ nodded, grateful for the help but unsettled by how much _he_ needed it. As the room emptied, _he_ lingered, staring at _his_ reflection in the darkened window. The glass showed a round-faced figure, suit straining at the belly, eyes wide and uncertain.\n\n_He_ pressed a hand to his middle, feeling the soft give of flesh beneath the fabric. Just losing weight in the wrong places, _he_ told himself. Nothing more.\n\nBehind him, Lin gathered her things. “You did well today, sir,” she said gently. “Let me know if you need anything.”\n\n_Jackson_ managed a smile. “Thank you, Lin. I… I think I will.”\n\nAs she left, _he_ caught his reflection again: smaller, softer. _He_ shook his head, dismissing the thought, and turned back to his notes, determined to prove _he_ was still in control.\n\n---\n\n**Part VI: Transition**\n\nThat evening, _Jackson_ sat at the dinner table, legs swinging idly as Lin served _him_ a plate piled high with dumplings and sweet buns. The food was comforting, but it was undeniable now that _his_ appetite had changed.He ate with gusto, crumbs dusting _his_ lapel, savoring the flavors of childhood, and, more often than not, craving dessert after every meal.\n\nLin watched _him_, her gaze gentle but appraising. “You’re looking healthier,” she said. “You deserve to enjoy yourself.”\n\n_Jackson_ smiled, cheeks flushed. Her words left warmth in _his_ chest, a comfort _he_ hadn’t known in years. After dinner, Lin tucked _him_ into bed, smoothing the covers with a practiced hand. He felt oddly grateful, letting her fuss over _him_, and drifted off, dreaming of joy and laughter, the worries of business fading into the background.\n\nThe next morning, _he_ woke to find _his_ pajamas bunched around his middle, the elastic digging into soft flesh. _He_ shrugged it off, blaming the rich food and lack of exercise, and padded to the kitchen, where Lin greeted him with a bright smile and a breakfast of sweet porridge.\n\n_Jackson_ dressed slowly, fingers fumbling with buttons that seemed too large for _his_ hands that morning. _His_ clothes, laid out by Lin, were softer, smaller, tailored to his new shape. In the mirror, _his_ reflection was almost unfamiliar: a round face, soft jaw, eyes bright and innocent. _He_ shrugged, blaming the usual: new diet, old stress, and the strange effects of relaxation.\n\nAt work, Lin greeted _him_ with a smile and a gentle pat on the shoulder. “Ready for your big day, Mr. Jackson?”\n\n_He_ nodded, feeling a flutter of excitement, almost like the first day of school. The elevator ride felt longer, and when _he_ stepped out onto the executive floor, the world seemed bigger than ever, the ceilings higher, the doors heavier. _He_ had to reach up to grasp the handle of the boardroom door.\n\nInside, the staff greeted _him_ with indulgent smiles. Lin handed him a folder, her touch lingering on his hand. “Just put your paw print here, and I’ll take care of the rest,” she said, her voice soothing.\n\n_Jackson_ obliged, not quite sure what _he_ was agreeing to, but trusting Lin implicitly. She was always there to guide _him_, to make things right. _He_ was happy, even if _he_ couldn’t quite shake the feeling of dread underneath the emotion, like _he_ was forgetting something extremely important. Maybe _he_ was just hungry.\n\n~\n\nThat evening, after the day was through and the staff had all gone home, _Jackson_ found _himself_ in the boardroom, _his_ domain, _his_ battlefield; but the intimately familiar surroundings gave _him_ no comfort. The three canines stood before him: The Doberman, The Poodle, and The Dachshund. Their suits were immaculate, their eyes sharp.\n\n_Jackson_ looked up at them, feeling small, uncertain. _His_ suit, tailored just that morning, was already loose, the sleeves loose at the shoulders. _He_ realized with some trepidation that _his_ feet no longer touched the floor no matter how hard _he_ tried to get them to.\n\nThe Poodle smiled, wide and infectious.\n\n“Do we have a deal, _Mister Jackson_? Well… _do we_? Come now, don’t be shy, we don’t have all day cycle; you know just as well as I do that wasted time is wasted credit…”\n\n_Jackson_ hesitated, not entirely sure what was going on. _He_ glanced up at Lin, who stood just behind _him_, her presence reassuring. She nodded, and _he_ felt a surge of confidence, childlike and trusting.\n\n_He_ nodded, and placed his paw on the data pad for it to scan. It took a couple of tries, but the system finally registered _him_, as it had always done.\n\n“Splendid, Mr. Jackson. On behalf of LifeCorp and all of its affiliates, we thank you. It is, and has been, a pleasure doing business with you,” The Poodle intoned, his voice saccharine; too sweet.\n\n“Congratulations, Miss Lin,” The Doberman informed, “you are now the CEO and 40% shareholder of LifeCorp. A well-deserved raise, and a long time coming, as I understand.”\n\n“Wait, what?” _Jackson_ looked around, confused. _He_ knew something significant had just happened, but _he_ couldn’t understand the details.\n\n“Don’t you worry about it, little Feng,” The Poodle said, smiling down at _Jackson_. “You're coming back with us. We’re going to take really good care of you.”\n\n“Good – I’m not sure I’m the motherly type. Although… it was fun to pretend for a bit, wasn’t it, Feng? Being a real family? Of course, I can’t look after you _and_ the successful business I’ve been running for years, can I? I hope there are no hard feelings?” Lin looked sympathetic for a moment, but it quickly passed.\n\n“Why would there be?” The Doberman interjected. “Feng won’t remember any of this at all; and if he does, it won’t be more than a passing thought at most. The nanobots will ensure that.”\n\n\"What's going on?\" _he_ demanded, but his voice came out small, frightened.\n\n\"Goodness, the poor dear must have gotten confused,\" The Poodle responded. \"Children often do, in these situations. There's just one more bit of paperwork to handle, and he'll be in good paws.\"\n\n\"What? Whose paws?\"\n\nThe Daschund ignored _him_ and moved for the first time since arriving. He pulled out a small box and made note of something on his datapad. A shimmer of light surrounded _him_; _Nanobot composition scanners, LifeCorp's model_. But why and how would _he_ know that?\n\n“Let's see… aha. Height? Slightly below average for his age. Fine. Weight?\" The Daschund whistled. \"Well, Miss Lin certainly spoiled you, didn't she? 37.5% bernese, 25% bernard to many others to note…\"\n\nThe Poodle glanced over at the data pad and grinned. \"Odd that your former employer never thought to scan himself until now, isn't it Miss Lin? It's a shame that there's no historical data to compare this to…\"\n\nBefore she could respond, there was a timid knock at the door. “Come in,” The Poodle called.\n\nA pup in robes entered, carrying another garment. He was a shiba inu mix, about 8 or 9 years old. “Sir, here are the robes for the new acolyte.”\n\n“Thank you, Jin,” The Poodle responded before turning back. \"My, you are a chubby little pup, aren’t you, Feng? Chubbier than you were in the past, and certainly the chubbiest acolyte we've taken on. Luckily Miss Lin has provided us with your measurements. You should find these robes much more accommodating than that stuffy, old suit. Miss Lin, if you would oblige us one more time? Consider it your last act of service to Mister Jackson.\"\n\nFeng looked around. Who was Mister Jackson?\n\nThe Pomeranian smiled at The Poodle.\n\n\"It would be my pleasure, sir.\"","series":{"name":"Neon City Nights","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/nAMO56Kn-neon-city-nights-fortune-s-favors.json"}}