AN: Hi everyone. This chapter took a bit longer to get out, because I wanted to get this chapter right. There are still tons of things I never got to talk about in this chapter, but that's for the next one. I know a number of you have been waiting for this chapter, and I hope I do not disappoint you. Let me know what you think in the comments section. As always, constructive criticism is wanted.

Again, I've put this through Grammarly, so I apologise for any spelling or grammar throughout the story.


First Chapter: Act I
Next Chapter: Act XVI
Previous Chapter: Act XIV


***

SYNOPSIS:
Jason Sankowski did not expect to live an exciting life. Not even in a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for food by the giants that roam the lands. Yet, upon arriving in a new city, to begin a new life, he is suddenly removed from his comfortable surroundings and thrust into a fight for survival.

***

“The Odyssey”
By MrNelg

Act: XV

Within the confines of Glitch's sack, Jason was aware of every footfall the Oryctolagus girl made. Each time her feet came down, it sent a jolt of fear up Jason's spine. He was silently trying to convince himself he'd made the right decision. Yet, every instinct within his body was screaming at him like a mammalian raid siren. 

{We're here.}

Jason slowly climbed to the wall of Glitch's sack, and pulling apart the stitching, peered out. The house they stood before looked like a small fort. A wall, too high for any mammalian to jump over, surrounded the complex. Beyond, he could see a scattering of tall buildings. The two vulpes guards by the gate hurried to open it as their escorts brought them into view.

{It's not too late to back out,} Glitch said.

{It is,} Jason countered. {But once we're within these walls, you will be safe.} He gave a heavy sigh. {Me, on the other hand...} he trailed off, hoping he wouldn't have to finish that sentence. The sack walls closed in slightly as Glitch placed her hand protectively around it.

{Don't worry, Jay-sun,} she whispered. {If any vulpes wish to eat you, they'll have to get through me.} He saw her claws prick through the stitching of the sack wall. As they crossed the threshold, Jason's fingers tightened on the string as he held his breath.

The inside was immaculate. A long, paved path snaked towards a three-story, stone building while numerous other structures lay scattered around. There were a granary, guardhouse, servants quarters, stables and even a cattle pen containing multiple large Reptilia. A lone Vulpes female with no clothing, save for the usual wrist, hand, legs and feet wrappings, rested on a shovel within the animal pen. Someone shouted at her, and she hastily started scooping dung into a pit.

Jason saw a small building in the far corner of the compound, almost obscured beneath layers of surrexerunt flowers. Yet, he couldn't take his eyes off it.

Then, they were at the entrance of the big house, and Jason felt fear swell up within him. He moved away from the sack wall and curled up in the centre, hugging his legs to his chest. 

{I'm going to have to insist that you allow for a search,} the male Vulpes said. {Unlike some species, we don't allow weapons in the presence of high-ranking Vulpes' within their homes.}

{Let me get Jay-sun protected,} Glitch said. There was no response, and the top opened. Glitch used both hands to lift Jason out, curling her fingers protectively around him. Looking through them, Jason could see an assortment of Vulpes, all staring at her hands. He shivered, causing Glitch to protectively clutch him to her chest and give a slight warning growl. 

The Vulpes all quickly switched to conducting their search. Most of them surrounded Shique's backpack. There was a pair of spiked knuckles, five knives, and eight throwing spikes; Shique looked smug to Jason's surprise. Next to him, the male Vulpes personally searched Glitch's travelling sack. The only weapon they found - or what could be considered a weapon, was a broken wooden table leg.

*! {Get your hands off that!} Jason turned to see Shique snatch a doll from the hands of a vulpes. As she inspected it for damage, Jason recognised it. It was that Fae puppet he'd seen her cradling when he first arrived at the inn. Shique cared for it, almost like it was a child. Satisfied that they didn't break it, she gave a relieved sigh, hugging it before turning on the Vulpes who'd found the puppet. {Do not touch this; ever!} she snarled. {There's nothing hidden within, so keep your thieving paws off it.} She turned on the rest of the vulpes. {If I find anyone has damaged - let alone touched this, I will find you and break your hands! *?}

{We had to be sure-}

{It's a * puppet!} Shique yelled. {It is made of string, paint and most importantly, solid wood!} She tapped it to prove it wasn't hollow. {You can't hide any weapons or poison inside that, master thief!} Jason tilted his head. He'd seen Shique when she was irritated but never this angry. All around, he could see a few ears flick at her words.

{There's no need to say that,} the male Vulpes calmly said. {The staff will not touch your puppet again.} Shique said nothing but gently returned the puppet to her backpack. {However, I must insist that you surrender all weapons until your time has come to leave.} Both mammalians' nodded. The house staff took their weapons away, and Glitch returned Jason to her sack. Again, all the Vulpes paused to watch her. Then they were walking again, up a flight of steps and down a corridor.

{Welcome!} Jason's whole body stiffened as he recognised the voice of the female vulpes. {It fills me with great joy that you accepted my invitation.} Nobody said anything. {Not to sound rude but, may I speak with him?} There was a long moment of silence before the sack shifted. Then, finally, the top opened, and Glitch's worried face peered down at Jason. He didn't even look up at her.

{Are you okay?} Glitch asked. Jason could only manage a single, sharp nod. Glitch's fingers encircled his torso and lifted him up and out.

They were in a dining room, and Jason stiffened in terror. Vulpes were everywhere. The group stood before a long, wooden table, the top almost obscured beneath a sea of surrexerunt petals. Positioned along the wall, all around the room, stood servants wearing short tunics. They all stood with their heads bowed.

At the far end of the table sat the female vulpes. Her clothing and jewellery were even more bedazzling from the last time he saw her. Next to her stood a tall female servant with grey fur, whose short tunic was far more decorative than Anyone else's. When she caught sight of him, the female Vulpes grew more excited, stapling her fingers together to curb her enthusiasm. Glitch placed him down on the table, right next to a sapien size table and chair. He blinked at it for a moment before looking back up at the female vulpes. A smile that stretched from ear-to-ear now plastered across her face.

A joyful giggle escaped her closed lips as he sat down at the table. {Please, take a seat,} the female Vulpes said, and Jason turned to see both Glitch and Shique taking seats, albeit as close to him as possible. {Welcome to my home, Mr Sank-kow-key,} she said. {I am-} she rattled off a long series of growls that sounded even more complex than Shique's name. {But I insist that you call me *.} She made a sharp, snarling sound as she forced her tongue against her closed teeth. It sounded like Trix. 

She indicated to the male vulpes who had brought them here. He now stood next to his mistress, opposite the grey-furred servant. Jason noticed that his scabbard was empty. {And this is *, he is the head of my security and my bodyguard.} His name sounded like a combined hiss and cough, like Mahx. She then placed a hand on the shoulder of the grey-furred servant who stood next to her. {And this is *, she is the head of my house. I'd be lost without her.} Her name sounded like someone hissing through the side of clenched teeth; Like Cella.

Jason just stared back at her. He spoke, but his jaw just worked silently. He was breathing heavily and wanted to throw up. Stealing himself, Jason said slowly, {t-thank-you… for inviting m-me into "your-" your home... Ms Trix-} he was cut off as she squealed in joy, clapping her hands so fast, they were a blur. When she finished, he saw that he was gripping the edge of the table so hard, his knuckles were white. He cast a glance around the room. The rest of the Vulpes' was still standing against the walls.

{I must apologise if I scared you,} Trix said. {It's just that I've never had a conversation with a sapien before.}

Jason was sweating. Licking his lips, he said, {This is my first conversation with a vulpes.}

{I'm your first?} Behind her, her tail flicked with excitement. He gave a quick nod.

{Sapiens make it a habit of avoiding the vulpes.} The ears faltered.

{That is unfortunate,} she replied. Her perkiness returned as she said, {but, that's not what we're here for.}

Jason had managed to calm down his breathing by this point. {You… wanted to talk to me?} Her head nodded.

{Indeed I do,} she said. {But first, would you like something to eat and drink? I have the city's best chef in my employ.} Jason nodded. {Wonderful,} she cried. With that, Cella turned and gave orders to the Vulpes' lining the walls. They all left, one after the other like a conga line. Jason opened his mouth, but Trix preempted him. {I know, burn the meat.} He looked surprised. {Yes, I know that sapiens like their meat burnt.}

{You… do?} Jason asked. Both Glitch and Shique turned to look down at him.

{Really?} they both asked in unison.

{We know a lot about your kind.} Trix paused, then said, {well, your dietary requirements.} Jason again opened his mouth but quickly shut it. He didn't want to know how they knew that. 

The food didn't take too long. First, the servants provided Glitch with a mixed salad, topped with a sauce that caused Jason to cover his nose. Glitch mustn't have minded because she inhaled deeply, giving a satisfied hum. Next, they gave Shique a leg of raw meat, covered in steaming hot gravy and onions; she drooled as a servant placed it before her. Jason's meal consisted of cooked meat and boiled vegetables on a sapien-made plate. A serving girl also provided Jason with Sapien-made cutlery and a cup that smelt of alcohol. 

It was provided on a gold platter, though the serving girl did not place it on his table. Glitch was responsible for that. She collected everything on the platter and placed it down on Jason's table, keeping a watchful eye on the servant all the while. The serving girl then resumed her place along the wall, although Jason saw her fingers angled towards him as she retreated. He never realised he was gripping the table tightly.  

Shique licked her lips noisily and dug in. Glitch gave the neovision a disgusted look before consuming her meal in small, delicate bites. Jason saw that Trix was watching him with that goofy smile of hers. Not taking his eyes off her, he started eating. His two companions momentarily halted their meals to watch him use the utensils. During his journey, he'd noticed but never taken any heed of the fact that mammalians didn't use them, just their fingers and claws. With all eyes now on him, he carefully ate his meal.

{How is it?} Trix asked.

{Not bad,} Jason said. {The meat is a bit raw, and it could use some salt.} Her ears faltered slightly. {The vegetables are lovely!} Jason hastily added; the ears raised. Jason breathed a sigh of relief. Despite the promise he'd received, he desperately wanted to avoid offending any Vulpes. So he decided the best course of action was to steer the conversation in another direction. {Will the rest of your family be joining us?} Trix's ears faltered with sadness.

{No,} she said. {My husband is back in the capital with my eldest son. He is beginning his apprenticeship in the Guild. My other children are joining him so that they, too, might find a sponsor for an apprenticeship of their own when they are of age.} Jason tilted his head slightly.

{And you didn't join them?} For a brief moment, bitterness flashed across Trix's features.

{No. I have to stay in Megalopolis.} She gave a small sigh. {One of the downsides to my position. I am chained to my post, unable to leave until replaced.} She eyed him as she said, {Besides, I was already busy before you showed up.} Jason quirked an eyebrow. Trix saw this, and a quick look of guilt flashed across her features. Before he could question her about it, she waved it off. Jason suspected she wouldn't explain that one, so he decided to change the conversation again.

{So, you wished to talk to me?} Trix's ears flicked, and she sat up straight.

{Indeed I do,} she said. {For my entire life, I have held a fascination with your kind.} Jason tensed, and her ears flattened. {Not like that,} she protested. {I mean it, I'm fascinated with sapiens and your culture.} She held up her hands. {As hard as it is to believe, I have never eaten a sapien.}

{You're right,} Glitch said around a mouthful of salad, while Shique simply nodded. {I don't believe it.} Although Jason agreed with Glitch; he wasn't going to voice it. He was still trying not to offend his host. So instead, he raised a hand towards his travelling companions.

{Let's hear her out,} Jason said softly. Trix smiled.

{Thank you, Mr Sank-kow-key,} she said. She paused before allowing a slight chuckle to escape her lips. {I'm used to people's hostility towards me for being a Vulpes. I never would've thought a sapien would stand up for me.} Jason was standing up for her because Vulpes' surrounded him, and provoking them seemed like the dumbest move one could make.

{What about the merchant? The one selling you the "Train?"} Her left ear flicked at the word before she realised what he meant.

{Oh, that's what you call it?} She gave a sad sigh. {Other mammalians are only nice to me when they want two things: coin or my influence.} Jason tilted his head. {I'm not just a guild member. I am the representative of the Vulpes guild in the Hundred Islands.} Glitch's ears folded back while Shique stopped eating.

{That's… important?} Glitch leaned down to Jason, not taking her eyes off Trix.

{When the guilds all meet, she represents the interests of the Vulpes guild,} she said. {Guild's have three classes. The lower class are members. The middle class are representatives, while the elite are leaders. Each class has its own power structure, but those who are representatives for their guilds in Megalopolis are at the top of the Representative Class.}

{We are awarded our positions through hard work, skill and talent,} Trix added. {I may have an odd fascination with sapiens, but that hasn't hindered my career.} Jason tilted his head, indicating for her to elaborate. {Unlike my fellow Vulpes, I don't wish to eat sapiens; I find your kind fascinating.}

{Why?} Jason asked.

{I've never been able to explain it, but I suppose my fascination comes from a doll-like race that is so adorable yet so far out of reach.} Trix's hands wiggled. {In your younger days, were you not captivated by the unknown? Something you know is there but can't see? Or touch?} Jason saw Shique cast a glance in his direction, but when she saw him looking at her, she quickly turned away. {Let me start from the beginning,} Trix added.

She lapped from her wine goblet before starting her story. {It began when I was a young girl. Being the daughter of Guild members, my parents could afford lots of toys; but my favourite was dolls. I adored them. Every time a travelling merchant arrived in my town, I would ask if they had any dolls for sale. By the time I could read and write, I believe I had more dolls than every girl in the village combined.} She chuckled, then continued. {I knew about Sapiens, of course, all Vulpes did. We are all told about these wonderfully tasty little hairless creatures that live in trees. My grandmother told me of a time when she was my age listening to her grandmother, and so on. When the Vulpes were nomads travelling the Middle Continent, there used to be a festival in which after we set up camp for the night, Vulpes children would run to the nearby forest, searching trees for Sapiens to catch and eat.} She grew excited. 

{Of course, these days, no Sapiens are living within our lands, and even then, it's too dangerous for children to hunt Sapiens. Now the Sapiens they hunt are cookies that their parents bake for them and hide up in trees. All the children in the village gathered in the town square at noon to partake in the hunt. They carry baskets and search trees all over town for Sapien cookies up in their branches.} She held up a finger as if suddenly remembering a critical fact. {There was even a song to accompany the day. I'll try my best to translate it for you.} She cleared her throat and began to sing. 

{Oh, the Sapien is a tasty treat, the most tastiest treat you will ever eat.}
{Their scent is divine, like the sweetest wine.}
{Their flavour so delectable, mouth-watering and respectable.}
{Go into the forests, and up the trees, and high in the canopy, you will see.}
{Sapiens galore, and so much more. For toys, there will be, for you and for me.}
{So into the forests, we all will venture. To partake in a wonderful, exciting and tasty adventure.} 

The Vulpes' lining the walls all yipped their approval, while Trix looked slightly abashed at the praise. Jason's attention was focused on Cella's glassy-eyed look. He'd seen that look back in Tribus City after a Vulpes ate a Sapiens. This went unnoticed by Trix as she soaked up the praise. {Well, that was the basics of the lyrics. It doesn't really translate well from our tongue, as you can tell from the metrics. There are elements of Vulpes culture that wouldn't-} She stopped when she saw that Jason was as white as a sheet. {Are you sweating?} she asked. {It would be wise if you didn't do that. Sweating makes your scent more pungent.}

Glitch slammed her bowl down on the table. {We're leaving!}

{No!} Trix cried, half-standing with an outstretched hand. {Please! I beg you! Please don't go!} Jason saw the pleading look in her eyes, and he stilled Glitch with a hand.

{If you want me to stay,} he said calmly, {no more talk about Sapien festivals.} He paused. {And songs!} Her ears flattened, and she sheepishly nodded. She sat down while Glitch glared at her before resuming her meal.

{I didn't mean to upset you,} she said meekly. Then, {it's just...} she trailed off before shrugging in defeat. {It was a catchy tune.} She was silent for ten seconds. Then, {Where was I?} she mumbled suddenly. Her ears flicked upright. {Oh yes, when I was a child, a travelling zoo run by an Oryctolagus family came to my town.} Glitch's ears peaked with interest. {My parents took my entire family to see it. There were all sorts of amazing animals from the Amber Continent and the High Continent.} She smiled. {But the best sight of all was the Sapien exhibit.} Jason's eyes widened while Glitch's ears drooped. {The zookeeper had a pair of Sapiens, a male and female. The zookeeper contained them within a large cage, but they spent the whole time huddled in the middle while Vulpes' crowded around, inhaling their scent.} Her expression turned nostalgic.

{That was the first time I ever saw the mystical Sapiens.} Her features became goofy once more. {Surely you know the feeling? When you encounter something you're captivated with, face to face for the first time?} Again, Jason caught that glance by Shique at him. {That was me back then. Because we were guild members, the zookeeper gave my family a special viewing. When the crowds departed, he came to my house, and my family all gathered around to smell them.} Trix's eyes sparkled with joy. {Looking back on it, they were utterly terrified of me, but I didn't care. I must have stared at them for hours. I wanted to play with them, but the zookeeper wouldn't allow it.}

Both Glitch and Shique burst out laughing. {You're a Vulpes,} Shique said. {If you didn't eat them, you would've stolen them.} Glitch nodded in agreement. At her words, Trix's ears faltered slightly. From the wall, Jason saw the fingers of a few Vulpes' flex. However, they did not do anything more. Jason gritted his teeth. Why were these two intent on provoking their host? Then he remembered his conversation that night with Tac. Mammalians viewed the Vulpes as thieves, swindlers and spies.

{Why doesn't the world trust the Vulpes?} The question caught Trix off guard. Jason had to repeat his question. Both his travelling complains turned to grace him with queer looks.

{You… want to hear our side of the story?} From the walls, Jason saw a few heads raise slightly, allowing their eyes to glance at him. They quickly lowered when they saw he noticed them. Turning back to Trix, Jason nodded. {To think that a Sapien, of all creatures, would want to know the truth about us. How much of our history are you aware of?}

{None at all,} Jason answered. {We try to avoid your kind at all costs.} Trix remained expressionless before she began.

{When mammalians of the Middle Continent began transitioning from nomadic life to permanent settlements, we Vulpes were the last species to do this. During those years, we all travelled in clans on the backs of our riding lizards. We crossed the continent far and wide, visiting every species of mammalians, trading both goods and services. One of our specialities were our natural abilities for stealth and reconnaissance. Because we owe our allegiance to no one, all sides courted us. Everyone wanted the skills of the Vulpes at their disposal.} She paused. {Those were the days when mammalians stopped fighting amongst their own kind and started uniting against others. We had no territory, no resources and no allegiance to Anyone. We were neutral.}

Sapiens knew about this period. Mammalians referred to this as the 'Unification Wars.' A series of conflicts pitting whole species of mammalians against one another. It led to the rise of the Guilds and the Trade tongue. However, it was a time for a reprieve as the mammalians had other more important things to worry about than hunting Sapiens. That reprieve, in turn, led to the 'Age of Exploration' for Sapiens, in which they were able to focus on technology, venture forth and find other Sapien tribes.

{In hindsight, our neutrality turned out to be a double-edged sword. At the time, however, everyone wanted our skills and were willing to pay whatever they could to get them. The same Clan often found themselves spying for both sides in a battle.} Again, she paused as she seemed to reflect on this. {This made us very wealthy and powerful. Again, in hindsight, that was stupid, but at the time, no one cared because they were desperate for any information on their enemies. They begged us for our help and paid us anything we wanted to do whatever we could. We were the only species to emerge from the Unification Wars unscathed.} She paused for a lot longer this time. {Anyone can tell you, you can't gain that much wealth and power in wartime without making a lot of enemies. As I said before, the Vulpes was the last tribe to settle down. By the time the Unification Wars ended, we were still nomads, albeit rich. Many tribes had their lands, riches and families devastated by the numerous wars that seesawed across them.} 

As she paused once more, Jason saw rage briefly flash across her features. {During the wars, we were seen as heroes. Towns and cities would welcome travelling Vulpes clans with open arms, and our skills praised because they could turn the tide of a battle. Afterwards, they scorned us, discarding us like trash. We had outlived our purpose, and with the threat gone, we were useless to them. Other's saw our skills as a threat. Even though they were the ones who begged us and didn't care that we spied for both sides, they villainised our actions. Many, who had lost everything, regarded our wealth with envious eyes.} There was a slight display of teeth. {We were no longer welcomed to towns and villages. They barred us from entering, and some species would even attack us on sight. That was when we settled down. We knew we couldn't maintain our travelling lifestyle. We found lands of our own, built settlements and established borders. However, that was still not enough. No matter what concessions we made, it was never enough to satisfy Anyone. Our actions during the Unification Wars were twisted. The Vulpes were no longer heroes but thieves, liars and swindlers.}

{How come the Mammalians on the other two continents hate you?} Jason asked.

{That's our fault,} Trix answered. {That distrust caused our society to turn inwards. We adopted a closed economy and conducted very little diplomacy.} She sighed heavily as she pinched the bridge of her nose. {As the other Mammalians spread forth, they also spread their lies about us. We weren't interested in communication with other species, so they only heard one side of the story. We quickly rectified our mistake, but by then, the damage was already done.}

Sitting there, Jason thought about everything up until this moment. He had freely walked into the Vulpes den for Glitch's sake. He had wished for his travelling companions not to antagonise their hosts because he feared that would turn them against him. He truly believed they would find any excuse they could to nullify their agreement and swallow him whole. Now all that seemed distant. Jason reflected on all he'd seen and done during his journey. The friends he'd made. Then, for the first time in his life, Jason experienced something he never thought possible; he felt the slightest pang of sympathy for the Vulpes. 

{So,} Jason said, attempting to steer the conversation away. {What happened between you and the zookeeper?} Trix brightened.

{While he didn't let me play with them, he did give me something else; a dress.} Her eyes sparkled. {It belonged to the female and was the first Sapien artifact I received. Although small, it was the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen. No Vulpes made dress came close. My parents, * bless them, did their best to have it recreated, but no one could produce the design.} She seemed to lose herself before waving it away. {Back to the topic, I was enchanted by the concept of living dolls. You know how things captivate you during your youth. They leave a lasting impression on you. I had lots of dolls, and I loved them, but Sapiens just charmed me.} Her smile became warm with memories. {From that day forth, I forgot about my doll collection and focused everything on Sapiens. I've collected everything I could about your kind. Artifacts like clothing, technology, transportation machines and structures; albeit intact ones.} She turned to look at Jason. {Over the years, I have amassed quite a collection, but there is one thing that I am missing.} 

Despite everything, Jason couldn't help but flinch. Trix saw this, and some of her excitement dimmed. She was silent for five seconds before slowly holding out her hand. Jason's watch looked minuscule, sitting in her palm. {I could use your help.}

{I can't teach you how to make a "Watch,"} Jason said.

{No,} Trix said. She appeared ready to explain but stopped. Smiling, she rose to her feet. {It's best if I show you; follow me, please.} As she said this, Jason saw an excited expression on Cella's face as she hastily fell into step behind her mistress. As Trix walked for the door, Glitch gave Jason a questioning look. He nodded once, and she carefully scooped him up, clutching him tightly to her chest as she followed the Vulpes.

Shique followed suit, still munching on her leg of meat. Glitch must have given her a look about it because he heard the Neovision mutter, {It's free food. I'm not letting it go to waste.} Jason wasn't able to see much as Glitch's fingers blocked most of his view. Nevertheless, he understood that they were leaving the house and strolling across the compound. Then Jason felt Glitch tense. He carefully pried apart her fingers and froze.

They were walking towards that small building he'd seen when they first arrived. The one almost obscured beneath layers of surrexerunt flowers. {Do not be afraid,} Trix assured. {I promise you, there is nothing inside this structure that will harm you.}

"It's what you've got in there that worries me," Jason said. Trix flicked her ears but did not ask for a translation. There was a complicated-looking lock on the door, which the Vulpes unlocked. She opened the door and beckoned everyone inside. The front parlour of the building was sparse. Two small benches sat on either side of the front door, while three doors on each side of the wall lay before them; All locked. Trix unlocked the one directly before them, and after walking on through, Glitch followed.

He was not prepared for what lay inside.

The centre of the room held a replica of a treetop. It was more like a wood statue, though. Instead of leaves, plants grew in strategic locations, adding to the illusion. All along the branches were Sapien houses. Jason's jaw dropped. There were roads, parks, shops, apartment buildings, even a little set of suspension rails; no wonder she wanted a train. Scattered throughout the city stood department store mannequins; dressed in clothing. 

As both Mahx and Cella entered the room, Jason saw Cella inhale deeply, and a satisfied smile appear on her muzzle. Jason was sure she'd been here quite a few times. Turning back to the diorama before him, he asked, "where did you get all this?" He had to translate.

{My hobby is common knowledge among the exotic traders of this city,} Trix answered. {All manner of Mammalian's approach me with Sapien items of all kinds; You'll have to ask them that question.} Jason's stunned gaze swept over the mini-city before him. Behind him, Glitch and Shique stared in wonder, as this was the first time either of them had seen a sapien city. {What did you believe I kept in here? Sapien farms?}

Jason stiffened with terror. "Those are real?" he cried. After he translated that, she shook her head.

{Not anymore; they're impossible to maintain.} Trix shrugged, {for the Vulpes.} He tilted his head.

{Because they kept escaping?} Again, she shook her head.

{Because we have never been able to keep them operational. You are no doubt aware of our… enthusiasm for sapiens.} Jason gave a single nod. {We would create walled pens to house them in and cover those walls in surrexerunt flowers.} She paused for half a minute. When she spoke, her words were slow. {Despite these measures, the result would always be the same; Whether they be guards, staff or the ones in charge. They would lose all control, break into the pen, and...} She trailed off.

{Then why should we remain here!} Glitch shouted as she curled her fingers around Jason. {Any one of your staff could 'lose all control' and eat Jay-sun!} 

{Those incidents occurred after months of constant duty,} Trix answered. {I don't intend to keep you here that long.} Glitch only glared back at her. The Oryctolagus girl tensed up as Trix approached. Slowly, she held out her hand. Sitting in her palm lay his watch. {I have no idea where this goes,} she said. {Will you put it in the right place?} Glitch took the watch from her palm and gave it to Jason. 

He then told her where to put him, and she carefully placed him down next to some mannequins. With Glitch positioned between them, Trix watched with excitement as Jason placed the watch around the plastic wrist. Standing back, he explained to the Vulpes about the use and function of wristwatches. {Simply astounding,} she said. {To be able to take time with you, wherever you go.}

Jason looked around the diorama. Despite a few flaws, it was worryingly accurate. {How did you know how to build this? I mean, how do you know where and how to place things?} Trix's face lit up, and she beckoned him to follow. Glitch picked him up, and they returned to the parlour. This time, she unlocked the door to the right. As they entered this room, Jason's jaw dropped again.

Shelves lined the walls while benches ringed the bottom. On display were Sapien artifacts of all kinds, like museum pieces. Motorbikes, bicycles, buses, trams and trains. Household items like radio's, record players, kitchenware and furniture. There were even billboards, newspapers, magazines and books. Trix floated over to a small desk, beckoning for Glitch to follow. Magazine and newspaper sheets covered the desk, along with black and white photos of cities and the people who lived in them. So that's how she knew.

{This is my workshop,} Trix said. {I have amassed quite the collection over the years. All of these paintings have helped me create my little Sapien village.} She smiled at Jason. {Your artists are very talented, producing such life-like images.} She beamed with pride. {It is well known, my little village. Many visiting Vulpes dignitaries love to spend their free hours observing it. Cella often joins me during moments I chose to relax in here.}

Sitting in the middle of the desk was a store mannequin, dressed up in the most dazzling white ball gown Jason had ever seen, with a figure-hugging waist and top that accentuated the chest. There were intricate shoulder-pad loops, and the dress flared around the bottom. Jason realised why no Mammalian had successfully replicated it; it was a nylon fabric ball gown. 

Trix must have seen him staring before she picked it up and stared longingly at it. {Yes, this is the dress I told you about earlier. I have never felt comfortable putting this one on display,} she said. {It's my favourite, and I don't wish to share its beauty with anyone else.} She looked around the shelves, to sections where Jason could see whole racks of clothing. {You Sapiens have a natural talent for apparel. You wear so much of it, and it looks just divine.} She appeared to space out as she lost her gaze in the dress's immaculate design. {I have tried to get the best tailors to recreate this dress for my size, but...} she trailed off with a disappointed sigh. Suddenly, she turned and looked at Jason, a strange sparkle in her eyes. {Could you put it on for me?}

{It's designed for a female,} Jason said, looking at the narrow hips. {It wouldn't fit me." Hell," I'd probably tear it.}

{Please, I want to see what it would look like on a real Sapien.}

{No.} Trix looked ready to keep going, but Jason folded his arms, and she gave another disappointed sigh. Then, it appeared as if she noticed what he was wearing for the first time. Her expression brightened. {Can I offer something else for you to wear?} She waved a hand towards the shelf containing clothes. {Please, take one and keep it.}

Glitch carried Jason over to the shelf and let him off. Jason hunted through the clothes before finally picking a suit that was reminiscent of his old clothes. A white dress shirt, grey trousers, black vest and tie, along with a light grey homburg hat. The shoes were black and white, with white socks. Trix and Shique gathered around to watch as he dressed. Glitch held back, aware of Jason's sensitivity to nudity. Although he spread the surrexerunt petals at his feet, he did see Trix's nose twitch. To her credit, she backed off somewhat. Shique did not.

***! {You really don't have a tail!} Shique exclaimed when she got a glimpse of his backside. She paused. {And why do you have fur down there?}

"Avert your eyes, you pervert!" Jason snapped, quickly pulling on some underwear. He hastily dressed, ignoring Shique's questions about his body. He stuffed the surrexerunt petals into his clothes, and only then did Trix approach to observe him.

{You look just like one of these paintings,} Trix said with joy. She paused as she eyed his clothing. {Are Sapien's colour blind?} Jason's brow furrowed until he understood what she meant.

{No,} he said, pointing at some of the black and white photos. {These aren't paintings, they're...} he trailed off, unsure of how to explain photographic cameras. {Can I see what items you do have? You have so many artifacts here; you might have the machine we Sapiens use to make these paintings.} Trix's expression lit up at the prospect of having her picture taken. However, Jason wasn't sure how he was going to develop it. Finally, Glitch stepped in, quickly scooping him up and carrying him in her cupped hands. Trix led them over to the first row of shelves, and slowly, Glitch travelled down, allowing Jason to scan all the shelves methodically. 

He didn't find a camera, but he found something much better. Grinning, he turned to Trix and started explaining what he needed her to do.

+++

{I still don't understand how you're going to do this,} Trix said. Her servants had attached a large bed sheet to the wall back in the dining room, spreading it out until it was flat with no wrinkles. They had to secure it with pegs hammered into the wall, but Trix didn't mind. On the table, Jason was busy pouring the oil into the film projector. The machine was one of the brand new battery-powered ones that didn't require the operator to crank a handle.

{We call it the moving pictures; the "movies" for short,} Jason said, putting down the oil can. {It's like going to the amphitheatre.} Trix still looked dubious. Her servants finished covering up the windows and blacking out the room. Once the servants had completed their task, they resumed their positions against the wall while Cella and Mahx took their positions beside their mistress. With the entire room dark, Glitch had strategically positioned herself to protect Jason. She was more than aware that he had terrible night vision and insisted on protecting him.

Jason picked up the first reel can and opened it. There was no indication as to what was in it. He affixed it to the reel, fed the film into the machine, and powered it up. Everyone couldn't help but lean closer towards him as the machine lit up. Even the servants along the walls raised their heads to watch. {Alright!} Jason cried as he flipped the switch to start the film rolling before pointing dramatically towards the screen. "It's showtime!"

All heads turned to the bed sheet as the screen flickered to life; even the servants lining the walls looked up to watch. It was a newsreel. Jason's amusement started as the first story began by showing the highlights of a growing city that held lots of potential for future investments; New Kaleth City. The next bit of news was about some governor up for reelection in the province of West End. He made the usual promises; then his opponents made their pledges. West End was a significant aeronautics powerhouse, producing over a third of all airships. The third story was about engineers laying the groundwork for - of all things - a new class of exploration airship; the Leviathan. The fourth was about increasing Mammalian settlements near the Lindisfarne province and the local militia's precautions. The last article held the usual public message for the Militia service. They proudly displayed the bravery and strength of all those who trained and served to protect Sapiens from the voracious Mammalians.

Jason explained to everyone that music would accompany the film, but no one seemed to mind. Instead, the sight of real live Sapiens, as big as they were before their very eyes, enraptured everyone. When the first Sapiens appeared on the screen, Jason saw Glitch flinch. Shique reared back slightly while every Vulpes in the room subconsciously leaned in closer. He even saw one servant attempting to peer around the bedsheet. Only Shique asked how the machine worked. From the very beginning, everyone was dead silent as they beheld, for the first time, the wonders of motion pictures. 

The title cards that explained everything was difficult to translate, as Jason had to make up words on the fly. When the section about the upcoming election cropped up, Trix interrupted numerous times to ask about the election process. It left everyone a little worried that Sapiens selected leaders through a vote by all the people. Although she didn't say anything, Glitch's expression showed she didn't understand a thing. Like Tac, Shique believed that would only lead to a weak form of government, susceptible to corruption and constant infighting. Trix seemed alarmed that everyone could vote rather than leaving the vote in the capable hands of the educated elite. As all the Vulpes servants nodded in agreement with their mistress, Jason frowned. They weren't trying to curry favour with her; they were serious.

He decided to move on. He loaded up another reel and chuckled as everyone turned with excited heads towards the screen. None of the cans was marked, so Jason had no idea what he was loading. He could only hope it wasn't anything someone found too offensive. But, then again, what would be offensive to Mammalians?

This one was a cartoon. Militia Man Joe was a handsome looking man who protected people from all kinds of animal and mammalian dangers. Straight away, everyone noticed the difference between the news footage and the cartoon. Jason had to pause the film just to answer all the questions about animation. Finally, Trix put a stop to it, and the cartoon started rolling. 

Joe was carefully tip-toeing along, his gun out front as he scanned for threats. Jason got a personal kick out of everyone's reaction as Joe broke the fourth wall. Turning to the audience, he warned them to be quiet by putting a finger to his lips. Glitch reared back, ears folded. Shique, a worried look on her face, asked if Joe was talking to her. Mahx turned to Jason and told him that no one had spoken, let alone made a noise. All around, the Vulpes looked confused and a little worried. 

The antagonist for this cartoon was a fat, dumb Meles. He tried to capture all the Sapiens in the town Joe protected, but Joe always managed to outsmart him. This always resulted in the Meles' traps blowing up in his face. The audience laughed and laughed. Jason smiled as every Mammalian in the room seemed to enjoy the slapstick comedy of the cartoon. Shique nearly fell from her chair as a branch dropped and broke in two over the Meles' head. Glitch doubled over as, attempting to jab a spear into a tree hole, the weapon magically bent around, came out the bottom and stuck him in his big fat rear.

Everyone enjoyed themselves. They cheered on Joe while laughing at the misfortunes of the Meles hunter. When it came to an end, everyone yipped, growled and shouted their approval. Jason had to cover his ears until Glitch saw this and asked everyone to calm down.

The next film he loaded was part of a film serial, his favourite. A fictional Militia team called 'The Defenders.' They were a group of Sapiens, each with unique talents, while their personality revolved around it. Unfortunately, there wasn't much of a story, as each chapter was pretty much the group encountering all manner of dangers and resolving them, only for a new one to surface and act as a cliffhanger for the next chapter. 

Using their unique skills, weapons and equipment, the Defenders saved their fictional city, Kent Town, from the incursions of wild predators, natural disasters and Mammalian hunting parties. The serial was nine chapters long. The first six chapters dealt with a hurricane, damaging Kent Town, and reptilian predators attacking. As he translated the title cards, he was surprised that no one interrupted, asking for explanations. It soon became apparent. No one cared about what little story there was, as they were captivated by the action on the screen. He could see everyone tense during moments of tension and cheer as the Defenders resolved them. One such moment got a little out of hand. A scene where Rick, one of the Defenders, was helping a family to safety, was unaware that a large Araneae was stealthily climbing along a ledge towards him. Everyone in the whole room started pointing and shouting warnings out to him. Someone even tossed a goblet at the Insecta on the screen. 

Then to his horror, the final three chapters dealt with a Mammalian hunting party, a Vulpes hunting party. Carefully, he eyed the entire room and, to his surprise, saw no one was the slightest bit upset. Instead, when the first Vulpes appeared, they all laughed. The Vulpes' were figurines brought to life using stop motion animation. It brought the terror of real Vulpes' to the big screen, but the sight looked ridiculous to real Vulpes' themselves. Comments flew back and forth over every aspect of their design that was incorrect. The artist had constructed them to look monstrous and villainous, but it brought forth riotous laughter every time one appeared.

The laughter stopped once the Vulpes' started eating people. Now the look in their eyes was one of longing. He even caught a few licking their lips. Only Trix seemed different. It now seemed to dawn on her exactly how Sapiens saw the Vulpes. The excitement that had accompanied the beginning chapters was gone. Eventually, all five of the stop motion Vulpes were killed, one by one. When the last one ended up impaled on a broken bridge, every Vulpes' head was bowed. Some of the expressions Jason could see reminded him of when Shique had called them thieves. Gone was their enjoyment over watching the Meles suffer. He never really thought about how someone would see themselves portrayed as villains with no redeeming qualities. Not even the Vulpes. When the final chapter was over, he didn't bother letting the credits roll, instead of shutting off the projector, while 'The End' was still on display to look for another film.

Thankfully, the next one was a romantic comedy starring well-known actors, Sam Baldwin and Annie Reed; 'I've Got You.' While 'The Defenders' had focused on action, drama and excitement, 'I've Got You' showcased Sapien society. Now everyone leaned in closer as they saw Sapien's going about their daily lives. People were buying the morning paper from the paperboy on the street corner. A Family in the living room gathered around the wireless set. As he explained what the wireless was, everyone in the room looked stunned that Sapiens could project their voices into every house in the city.

The entire room was shocked the first time someone walked into a darkened room, only to flip a switch and light it up. Preparing food in a kitchen captivated more than a few, as they saw gas stoves, fridges and kitchen sinks with running water. Jason couldn't help but smile as Glitch gaped when Trix asked him to explain what a fridge was. People on their way to work in buses, motorbikes, bicycles and suspension trains. Trix grew excited, seeing how the trains worked. Roads packed with buses and motorbikes. The inside of office buildings with typewriters, homes and even a school. Shique squealed in delight, as she thought all the Sapien children were adorable, while Glitch appeared to be measuring his height, trying to judge the size of a Sapien child.

The fun came to an abrupt end during a scene set in a shopping centre. The camera pulled back to reveal how big the inside of the building was, displaying over fifty Sapiens on the screen. It was then that a loud shriek filled the air. Jason turned, just in time to see Cella leap for the bedsheet, claws out. A wall of fur slammed down around Jason, and he only relaxed when he saw Glitch's hands cupped around him. High above, he could see her ears pinned back against her skull as she bared her teeth at any Vulpes looking in their direction, even Shique. 

Looking through her fingers, Jason could see Cella snatch at the Sapiens on the screen, tearing the bed sheet in half, but even that didn't stop her. Instead, she snapped at the wall, trying to eat the sapiens that appeared to be everywhere at once.

Cella! *******! The Vulpes' rampage came to a sudden stop, frozen in a pose that would've been comical had she not been trying to eat Sapiens. A shred of bedsheet hung from her mouth. She rose, bowed her head and turned to leave the room. *****! Trix shouted as Cella stopped, turning to face her mistress with a horrified expression. Trix then went on a tirade, practically screaming at Cella and causing Jason to cover his ears from the volume; Even Glitch lost a little of her fierceness, while Shique looked like she wanted to be someplace else. The rest of the Vulpes kept their heads bowed while Trix yelled in anger.

When Trix finally finished, the room was deathly still. No one even uttered a sound. Then, Cella turned around with tears in her eyes and, with ears and tail lowered, left the room. Glitch stiffened, and her fingers tightened around Jason as Trix came towards them. Bowing, Trix said, {I must apologise, Mr Sank-kow-key, for Cella's behaviour. I don't know why she did that, as she has been my most trusted advisor ever since I first arrived in Megalopolis.} She was silent for ten seconds. {If you wish to leave, I will not stop you.}

Glitch loosened her fingers so that Jason could see through them. Jason looked up at Glitch, then back to Trix. {No,} he said. {It's almost night. While it would be the best time to leave, it would be dangerous. If it's true that the powerful Guilds know about Glitch, then they could very well be aware of our presence in this city, and the chances they'll scouring the city at night are too high to risk leaving now.} He grit his teeth. {As much as I hate to admit it, we have no choice but to rely on your hospitality until the heat dies down.} There was a slight flick of Trix's tail.

{Thank you, Mr Sank-kow-key.} Her voice almost trembled as she spoke. {Shall we put an end to the show?} Jason looked down at the projector. They weren't even halfway through the film.

{We can finish the "movie,"} Jason said. {I believe you should see Sapien culture to help with your project.} She grinned, and despite everything, Jason couldn't stop himself from flinching. Trix quickly masked her grin and ordered her servants to fetch a new bed sheet. Once they fixed it to the wall, the movie continued.

Thankfully, there were no more incidents. The rest of the Vulpes in the room was more subdued after Cella's outburst, though Jason could see them trying to contain their curiosity at everything on the screen. He still had to pause the movie to explain things, like typewriters and elevators. Little things he took for granted, like electricity and plumbing, left them amazed. The sight of every house with a bookshelf full of books caused Trix's mouth to go agape. 

As the movie neared its climax, both main characters attended a fancy ball. First, Trix commented on all the chandeliers and how they lit up such a large room. Then, all of a sudden, she froze in mid-speech, then shot to her feet. Jason followed her stunned gaze and saw actress Annie Reed descending the grand staircase towards Sam Baldwin.

However, it was the dress she was wearing that drew Trix's attention. Although different, it was almost a replica of her favourite Sapien Dress. Her hands shot to her open mouth; then she was rushing up to the screen, pausing just within arms reach. Glitch had moved closer to Jason, but he didn't feel any danger from the Vulpes Guild Member. Trix watched, mesmerised as the woman arrived at the ground floor and bowed to her partner. To Jason's surprise, Trix mimicked her movement. Holding out her hand, Annie rose and allowed Sam to lead her onto the dance floor. Again, Trix copied her, although she stayed in place.

The two actors began dancing, and as they did, Trix followed the woman's moves. The Vulpes kept her head angled towards the screen so that she could see what was going on. This was more so that she could replicate Annie's dancing. Jason kept switching his gaze between the screen and Trix, watching as she danced along with the Sapiens displayed on the bedsheet. It was then that he saw that every Vulpes in the room was no longer watching the movie but their mistress. Their eyes followed her every move with awe. Both Glitch and Shique were watching her as well.

When the dance concluded, Annie on the screen bowed to Sam, causing Trix to do the same. When it was apparent it was over, every Vulpes in the room erupted in excited yips, barks and howls. Trix turned to face her audience, tears in her eyes, before turning back to the screen. For the rest of the movie, She stayed where she was, watching as the man and woman on the screen professed their love for each other before getting married and living happily ever after.

By now, everyone was familiar with the 'The End' title card, even if they couldn't read Sapien words. When it came up, Trix turned about and moved back to her seat. As Jason turned off the projector, the staff moved to unseal the room and take down the bedsheet. Trix was still for a full minute.

{Mr Sank-kow-key,} Trix said. But, again, she was silent. Then she said, {I honestly don't know how to thank you. What you have done for me this evening has been more than any merchant has ever done in my entire life.} Silence reigned once more. 

One corner of Jason's mouth rose and replied with, {you're welcome.}

Trix wanted to talk some more, but Glitch cut her off with a yawn. What she was about to say sounded important but dismissed Jason's concerns, telling him it could wait until tomorrow. She advised that everyone should retire to bed, and they could continue in the morning. Glitch picked up Jason and cradled him to her chest as they walked down the rest of the corridor to their rooms. Jason never saw Shique's room, but she was positively delighted with what lay within and rushed inside, squealing with joy. Glitch carried Jason into their room and set him down on a table beside the bed. This room was the fanciest he'd ever seen. For starters, it was the first room he'd seen to have curtains. Second, a rug lay before the large bed, big enough to hold two Leo's, covered in blankets of different colours.

Glitch stared wide-eyed at it before jumping onto it and sinking into the fabrics with a contented sigh. Turning to look around him, Jason saw an oil lamp, a washbowl and rag and a Sapien bed. He gaped at it. He couldn't remember the last time he'd slept in a regular bed. He walked up to it and sat on the edge. It creaked but didn't collapse, thank Primus. {This is wonderful,} Glitch said from her bed. {In all my life, I've never had a bed this luxurious to sleep in.}

For the first time since the airship ride to New Kaleth City, Jason swung his legs up and lay down on a proper bed. "Oh Primus, I've forgotten how good this feels," he muttered. "The only thing that would top this is a shower."

{Jay-sun?} Opening his eyes, he saw Glitch's concerned face hovering above him. {After what happened back in the Moth-bee - with Cella, I still don't trust the Vulpes. Any of them could still lose control as she did.} Jason's joy was suddenly gone. With a heavy sigh, he sat up.

{If we leave, you'll be in grave danger, Glitch,} he said. {Here, we are safe; I won't risk it.}

{I am safe,} Glitch corrected. {You're in just as much danger here as I am out there.}

{That's a gamble I'm willing to take,} Jason answered. {Before I started this adventure, I would have agreed with you, but after everything I've seen and done...} He trailed off and shrugged. {I'm open to the idea of trusting Mammalians predators, even Vulpes'.} He held up a hand to stop her reply. {But just like with Shique, that doesn't mean I won't take precautions. If you wish to protect me while we sleep, I won't object.}

Glitch smiled. Then it vanished as she contemplated how she was going to protect Jason while she slept. Only elite Oryctolagus spies and soldiers could sleep with their eyes open. This was something her late mistress had planned on having her taught to do, but she perished before that could happen. So instead, Glitch came up with an idea that was just as foolhardy as Jason's idea to trust the Vulpes. Jason would spend the night sleeping inside her mouth. Though he wanted to protect her with his life, Jason still balked at the idea of being inside a Mammalian mouth, even a herbivore. 

It fired off a heated discussion. Glitch wasn't going to allow Jason to sleep on the bedside table, out in the open where some roving Vulpes could snatch him up and eat him while she slept, while Jason didn't want to spend the night inside her mouth, where she might swallow him by accident. Glitch had countered that she'd had practise, as she'd slept with objects - like coins - inside her mouth for days on end when she was in Tribus City, hiding them from the Herd she ran with. In the end, seeing how she wasn't going to budge, Jason reluctantly agreed. 

He was trembling slightly as he climbed into her palm and gently lifted him to her open mouth. He stared into its dark, moist interior. The continuously shifting tongue. The large teeth lining the sides of her mouth and the gaping black hole towards the back. Swallowing his fear, he gripped her bottom teeth and vaulted inside. Once past the teeth, they gently closed around him, encasing him in soggy darkness. It was cramped, and he had to curl up just to keep away from her throat. He could feel her moving as she lay down in the bed, sideways, so that she wouldn't tilt her head back.

He could not only hear but feel her breathing as it became slower before drifting off to sleep. Laying inside her mouth, back against her teeth, curled up against her tongue, Jason couldn't help but wonder just how the hell was he going to keep this up for however long the duration of their stay here would be.



First Chapter: Act I
Next Chapter: Act XVI
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