Ultimately, Zara and I only end up waiting in line outside the city for about ten more minutes. Not because that's how fast the line was moving, mind you. No, it's because that's how many minutes of the crowd's whispering and fearful glances at us it took for the guards' attention to be drawn.
But hey, nobody ran, nobody screamed, nobody attacked...nobody even looked at me like I murdered their childhood pet. That, to my severely abused self-confidence, is progress.
A fox-kin guard arrives in front of us, sporting a spear and dark colored robe that is clearly a uniform of some kind. He scans me lazily, his gaze wary but not openly hostile. Again, I can't stress how much this feels like progress.
"You human?"
I smother my impulse for sarcasm, just nodding instead. Inexplicably, my affirmation seems to elicit a flicker of amusement in the guard's expression. He glances at Zara, giving her a once-over that's more curious than wary.
"He with you?"
Zara nods politely.
"He is. I am Elder Zara Zuki, leader of the wolf-kin. It was my hope that I'd be able to have a diplomatic meeting with someone from your Council." (Zara)
The guard's eyes widen in genuine surprise. I'm guessing he wasn't expecting a teenager to be Elder, which is fair. Even America doesn't let anyone below 35 become president. Also, that's twice now that Zara has used the last name Zuki in an introduction...really not a fan of this trend spreading across borders.
"You're the leader of the wolf-kin?" (fox-kin guard)
If Zara is offended by his reaction, she doesn't show it.
"That's correct." (Zara)
The guard's eyes study Zara thoughtfully for a few seconds. Not incredulous or mocking, just curious.
"What is it you want to discuss with the Council?" (fox-kin guard)
Zara purses her lips, her words measured.
"We wolf-kin are in the process of modernizing and fortifying our settlements. To that end, I'd like to forge trade agreements and alliances with the other non-human races. I also bring news...about the human Empire." (Zara)
At the mention of the Empire, the guard's expression turns a little more serious. He tilts his head towards me while maintaining eye contact with Zara.
"And him? Why is he with you?"
Zara glances at me for a moment, considering her response.
"He is the reason that I have news about the Empire." (Zara)
The guard turns his attention to me, his expression contemplative.
"Is that so...hmm. Then, you want entry into our city as well?"
I nod.
"Yes, if that's allowed. We heard a rumor from the rabbit-kin that it was." (Mizuki)
The guard's lips slowly twist into a smirk that almost seems...excited.
"Oh yeah...we welcome human visitors, alright. They just have to be willing to follow some...special rules."
I eye the guard hesitantly, something about his smile and tone putting me on edge.
"What kinds of rules?" (Mizuki)
His smirk remains, but his tone becomes distinctly coy.
"Nothing that should be a problem for you. Follow the same laws as fox-kin, and have a demi-human escort. They can't be a slave, though...we kill any slaver owners who show up here."
I raise my eyebrows at the casual mention of them murdering slavers, but it's not like it bothers me. Also, I have no room to talk.
"Not a problem...that it?" (Mizuki)
The guard's smirk transitions into a pleased smile that only makes me more suspicious.
"Just one more thing. You'll have to wear some...symbolic jewelry. To make sure that everyone else knows how much we value your presence in our city, and to prove to the guards that you're a friendly human."
I raise my eyebrows. That's...very reasonable, actually. I guess I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions. Wearing a wristband or something to avoid having people scream and stab at me sounds way better than my receptions in other non-human cities. Hell, even the wolf-kin were more hostile the first time I showed up there.
I nod appreciatively.
"That's very thoughtful of you, thanks." (Mizuki)
The guard chuckles and shakes his head, then turns to Zara.
"Consider your visitation to the outer city approved. I don't have the authority to arrange a meeting with the Council on your behalf, though. But, travel to the Sanctum gates inside the city, and speak to the elite guards there – the Daima. If you tell them your situation, I'm sure they can arrange a meeting with someone from the Council."
Zara smiles with relief, and gives him a polite bow.
"Thank you...we will." (Zara)
So, we do. We make our way with the guard to the city's gate, get cleared for entry, and...
CLINK!
I glance down at the uncomfortable band of metal now fastened around my neck, then back up at the smirking wolf-kin guard. Seeing my deadpan expression, his smile widens in delight.
"Remember, esteemed guest, please wear this honored symbol of our respect and remain next to your own-...err, your escort, at all times. If you fail to do either, I'm afraid that the guards will have to assume that you're an unfriendly human and kill you on the spot."
I glance down at the 'jewelry' on my neck, noting the clunky, uncomfortable metal band, clearly engraved with the words 'Good Human'. I cut the smug-looking guard an annoyed glare.
"What exactly is respectful about making where a dog collar?" (Mizuki)
The guard's eyes widen in faux-confusion.
"What do you mean, esteemed guest? It's our understanding that this is how humans demonstrate their respect for other races. In human countries, every demi-human is given this same honor...we merely wish to make you feel at home.
"So, please, enjoy your visit! And pass along to all your human friends that they are all welcome anytime. We'd love to treat them to the same hospitality, and let them personally witness just how much the fox-kin have grown." (fox-kin guard)
Got it.
Translation:
"We're a force to be reckoned with now, and we aren't afraid to give you humans a personalized taste testing of your own bullshit, paired with a 'fuck around and find out' VIP tour. Screw you, your slavery, and your feelings. Sincerely, all fox-kin."
I swear internally, casting a look at Zara. To her credit, she is wearing a deeply apologetic expression, her apprehension over how I may react plainly telegraphed. Considering how Alto would probably...no, definitely tease me mercilessly in this situation, Zara's guilt softens my annoyance slightly.
I take a deep breath, calming myself. This is going to be a long trip...
¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬
Zara and I make our way through the city's outer sector, apparently called the Outer Court, towards the inner sector, which I now know is dubbed the Sanctum.
As we walk, I'm treated to a refreshing number of smiles from all the nearby fox-kin. No threats, no fear, no dirty looks...pure bliss. Of course, the smiles from these fox-kin are mocking, because...well, I'm wearing a FUCKING DOG COLLAR. But...
Progress. That's what matters. And if I can help it, progress of the variety that doesn't involve slaughtering half the fox-kin's incredibly smug-looking population.
Anyway...
Now that I'm finally seeing the fox-kin architecture up close, I'm left with the same impression as their robes. It looks kind of like Edo-period Japanese architecture, yet definitely not identical. I have to acknowledge that I'm not really qualified to determine whether one was influenced by the other.
That said, my suspicion that an Otherworlder's influence is at play in fox-kin culture has only grown stronger. What I'm seeing, while not a clear rip-off of Earth cultures, is most definitely alien to Azura.
As my mind searches for less...incendiary, lines of thought, I cast a curious glance at Zara. Like me, she's walking at a leisurely pace, soaking in the city around her. The smell of meats being grilled at nearby street vendors, the exotic wares being hocked from every corner, the street performers using elemental magic for artistic demonstrations that feel out of place on Azura. The city is, admittedly, breathtaking.
I ignore it all, focusing on what's important.
"So...Zara Zuki...anything that you and your mommy want to fill me in on?" (Mizuki)
Zara glances at me over her shoulder, a surprised expression on her face. Alas, you know what's not evident in her expression? Shame. Not a single morsel of shame.
"I believe the adoptive relationship is more akin to sisterhood than motherhood. And I'm not aware of Sister Alara or myself having anything we need to brief you on." (Zara)
I narrow my eyes, studying her completely placid face for several moments. I...honestly can't tell if that's a joke, and at this point, I'm not sure it's worth caring.
"Noted...but, uhm, since when are you two so close that you're formally taking her family name?" (Mizuki)
Zara gives me a small smile, her eyes drifting thoughtfully.
"I'm not sure...but it's nice, sharing a family name with her. I've never had one, so when she offered it to me, I saw no reason to decline. In fact, it's only good for my status and people. Perhaps you should consider taking it as well...it was your name first, after all." (Zara)
I scratch my cheek. That's actually cute and all, maybe even cute enough to snuff out my annoyance over the name plagiarism, but...
"Technically, my family name is Hakuto. Although, my family doesn't actually share...you know what, never mind. Point is, I already have a family name." (Mizuki)
I could already see this conversation spiraling out before me if I said anymore, and it ends with me explaining weebs to Zara. Not sure I'm ready for that.
Zara raises her eyebrows.
"You have a family name? I thought you weren't a noble on your home world." (Zara)
I shake my head.
"It's not like that where I'm from...everyone has a family name, even commoners." (Mizuki)
"Hmm...interesting. Which last name will you use once you marry Ilina, then? Is it not elven custom to adopt the wife's family name?" (Zara)
The question catches me so off guard that my steps halt for a moment. Zara's absolutely right...family names are super important in feudal societies like the ones on Azura, the Elven Kingdom included. And as future Queen of a matriarchy, Ilina's family and people almost certainly expect her husband to take her last name. Why have I not thought about this at all? More importantly...
What do I want to do about my last name when we get married?
Zara and I resume walking in silence, her patiently watching me with an amused expression, and me mulling over the question deeply. After a few minutes, I find that I...don't really care about my last name. The realization shocks me.
Naturally, I don't share a last name with my weeb parents or any other family, so a large part of the normal attachment one has doesn't exist for me. Still, though...it's my name. I've been answering to it all my life, beared it as a part of myself through every pleasant memory I have from Earth. Plus, men taking their wife's last name is very uncommon back home. So, shouldn't I feel some resistance to changing it?
And yet, I don't. Every memory it's tied to feels...irrelevant, detached. If I took time to investigate that sentiment, I'd realize that it's because all the 'pleasant' memories I'm associating with my past life and name don't actually feel pleasant to remember. I'm just didactically aware that they are pleasant, like the memories are just well-written movie scenes I'm summoning to dissect for meaning.
Awards ceremonies in grade school where they call out my name, girlfriends who said my name affectionately before kissing me, so-called bros who called me by last name playfully during pick-up games – pride, love, amusement – I recognize those emotions' places in these memories, but the emotions themselves aren't evoked by my reminiscing.
If I just paid a bit more attention to that fact, if I compared it to how viscerally I recall more recent memories – my first time with Nina, finally returning Ilina's feelings, reassuring Alto the night I received the Note. If I did any of that, maybe I'd realize just how...unnatural, my life on Earth seems. Maybe I'd save myself some suffering down the road. Maybe I'd be better prepared for the horrors waiting in dark places outside my frame of reference.
But...I don't dwell on any of that, as if my mind is fundamentally resistant to such reflection. Instead, I'm caught up in the 'what if' of taking Ilina's last name – of being Mizuki Ophelle. I find the possibility...appealing, to the point that warmth blooms through my chest and a smile I can't quite suppress tugs at the corners of my lips.
"Mizuki Ophelle, huh..." (Mizuki)
I break the silence between Zara and me, testing the sound of the name on my tongue, and realizing how much I enjoy it.
In this moment, I realize something else for the first time – I'm on the cusp of having a family. A real family, a family I choose, a family that actually means something to me. My wives Nina and Ilina, my likable in-laws Alara, Elira, and Dargo, my little sister Zara and fun uncle Percivil, and Alto, my closest companion in all of existence – the foundation is there, clear and reassuring.
The crystallization of these thoughts sets my nerves on edge, as much from satisfaction and anticipation as from a new and uncharacteristic possessiveness, a fear of losing something that matters to me.
Zara chooses this moment to shatter my blossoming feelings.
"Hmm...but what about Nina? I wonder how she'd feel about you taking Ilina's last name...marriage may prove quite dangerous for you." (Zara)